Family-owned waterfront hotel earns national recognition in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Traveler Rankings.
DULUTH, MN — Duluth’s South Pier Inn has been named the #1 traveler-ranked hotel in Minnesota and one of the top 50 hotels in the United States, according to Tripadvisor’s 2025 rankings. It currently holds the #45 spot nationwide.
Tripadvisor’s rankings are based on the quality, quantity, and recency of guest reviews. South Pier Inn, located at the foot of the Aerial Lift Bridge on Park Point, has received more than 1,000 guest reviews and maintains an average rating near five stars.
The hotel is also ranked #1 in Duluth, a city known for its strong tourism industry and high number of annual overnight stays.
A Front-Row Seat to the Harbor
Positioned directly alongside the Duluth Ship Canal, South Pier Inn offers an unmatched vantage point for watching Great Lakes freighters, Coast Guard vessels, and sailboats pass just yards from the property. The location provides a rare, immersive harbor experience that has earned the inn its reputation as “The Shipwatcher’s Destination.”
Rooms include private balconies, and the property is within walking distance of Canal Park, the Lakewalk, and several Duluth attractions.
Views Guests Remember
Recent Tripadvisor reviews consistently praise the hotel’s location, cleanliness, and customer service. For many, it’s become a go-to destination for relaxation and shipwatching.
“The view of the bridge was awesome,” wrote one guest. “We sat on our balcony and watched the ships come in.”
“Perfect for shipwatching,” said another. “This was my husband’s dream stay. We booked again for next summer before we even left.”
“By far one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in,” noted a reviewer in April 2025, praising the views from the Jacuzzi suite.
Locally Owned, Nationally Recognized
South Pier Inn is a 29-room, family-owned property that has earned a loyal following. Guests often highlight the personal touches and thoughtful amenities, including fireplace suites, a complimentary continental breakfast, and direct access to the Park Point sandbar and Duluth’s waterfront trail system.
Its inclusion among the top-ranked hotels in the country is a notable achievement for a small, independent property — and another point of pride for Duluth’s tourism economy.
For reservations or more information, go to southpierinn.com
