Ask the Locals: Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown is our region’s premier place to stay and dine
It’s a combination of location, hospitality, amenities and smart pricing that makes the Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown the first place locals recommend when friends, family, or out-of-town clients ask where they should book.
By HOWIE HANSON
Editor & Publisher
DULUTH — Know what longtime Duluthians and visitors know: if you’re coming to town — whether it’s for a weekend getaway, a youth hockey tournament, a key business meeting, or important medical care — there’s one clear lodging choice that checks all the boxes. The Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown stands as the gold standard for where to stay in the Northland.
Start with the location, which is second to none. Situated squarely in the heart of downtown Duluth, the hotel puts you steps away from nearly everything this vibrant port city has to offer. Guests have direct access to the enclosed, heated skywalk system that connects them effortlessly to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, AMSOIL Arena, and an array of popular shops and businesses.
It’s also the ideal base for families or individuals traveling for care at Essentia Health or St. Luke’s, eliminating the stress of parking or weather since you can walk directly to appointments via skywalk without ever stepping outdoors. That alone is peace of mind that’s hard to put a price on.
Vacationers will find this prime downtown launch point perfect for exploring Canal Park, Lakewalk, and the Aerial Lift Bridge — all within a comfortable stroll. Meanwhile, the hotel’s proximity to local offices, banks, and courthouses makes it a first-choice hub for business travelers.
Then there’s the hotel itself, which continues to earn praise for clean, spacious rooms, modern furnishings, and an unmistakable commitment to hospitality that’s evident from the front desk staff to the meticulous housekeeping team. This is a full-service hotel with nearly 340 guest rooms and suites, designed to serve everyone from solo travelers to entire sports teams.
The hotel’s large inventory makes group stays seamless — a major reason you’ll spot busloads of high school athletes and college teams making this their headquarters during tournaments at AMSOIL and throughout the city, during all sports seasons.
Amenities are where the Holiday Inn Duluth truly separates itself. Guests can unwind in not one, but two, inviting indoor swimming pools, plus a children’s wading pool that’s perfect for young families. A whirlpool hot tub and sauna offer welcome relaxation after a day of sightseeing, skating or surgery follow-ups. It’s not unusual to see parents enjoying the whirlpool while kids splash away under the warm indoor lights.
And if you’re up early, the 24-hour fitness center ensures your workout routine stays on track.
Hungry? The hotel makes it easy. Inside the property you’ll find The Greenery Café & Bakery for a casual bite or coffee, and just off the lobby, the highly regarded Lyric Kitchen • Bar, one of downtown Duluth’s standout dining spots. From breakfast meetings to late-night snacks, guests never have to brave the cold to enjoy a quality meal.
Parking — a perpetual concern in downtown areas — is handled smartly here. The Holiday Inn offers ample on-site parking, including a large ramp, and complimentary parking is standard with most stays. That’s a rarity in many metro areas and a huge savings, especially for families or teams arriving in multiple vehicles.
Room rates themselves are competitive, often undercutting boutique properties nearby while offering more robust amenities. Free Wi-Fi, a complimentary airport shuttle, business services and electric car charging stations add even more value to a stay.
It’s this combination of location, hospitality, amenities and smart pricing that makes the Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown the first place locals recommend when friends, family, or out-of-town clients ask where they should book. It’s also why you see so many repeat guests — people coming back for grandma’s heart surgery follow-ups, or fans returning each winter for another big hockey series at AMSOIL, a ski weekend at Spirit Mountain, to compete in Grandma's Marathon, attend a concert at the DECC or Bayfront Festival Park, and for a major youth hockey or basketball tournament.
At the end of the day, the Holiday Inn’s reputation is built on the simple things done right: friendly staff who remember your name, spotless rooms ready when promised, easy access to the very best of Duluth, and the confidence that comes from staying at a place that’s been welcoming guests to the Zenith City for decades.
So whether you’re arriving with a soccer roster in tow, celebrating a Lake Superior wedding, attending a downtown conference, or simply chasing the sound of crashing waves along the shore, remember what locals have long known: for all-around convenience, comfort and Northland hospitality, the Holiday Inn Duluth is the obvious choice.
In this city on a hill, it sets the standard for how a hotel stay should feel — welcoming, easy and entirely worry-free.
