Whether you’re heading to Minnesota for a lakeside escape, a Twin Cities adventure, or a cozy winter getaway, where you stay matters. I’ve handpicked the top 15 best hotels in Minnesota for 2025 – from luxurious retreats to budget-friendly gems. These are places I’d personally recommend to friends and readers alike. This guide is built on real traveler reviews, local insights, and everything you’d want to know before you book. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a family trip, here are the best hotels in Minnesota right now.
1. Hewing Hotel – Minneapolis (Best Luxury Stay with a Local Touch)
📍 Location: North Loop, Minneapolis.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 (Google Reviews).
🌟 Best For: Couples, business travelers, foodies.
If you’re craving boutique luxury with personality, the Hewing Hotel delivers big time. Housed in a century-old brick-and-timber warehouse, this hotel seamlessly blends rustic Midwest charm with modern design. It’s got exposed beams, Nordic-inspired décor, and a rooftop that’s become the spot for locals and visitors alike.
What sets it apart:
Rooftop pool and sauna (yes, even in winter)
Award-winning on-site restaurant Tullibee
Walkable to great restaurants, breweries, and Target Field
2. Grand View Lodge – Nisswa (Best Resort Experience in the Northwoods)
📍 Location: Brainerd Lakes Area.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5.
🌟 Best For: Families, golfers, lake lovers.
Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and Grand View Lodge captures that spirit better than anywhere else. This historic resort (est. 1916!) offers a full experience — think lake views, golf, a world-class spa, and cozy cabins.
Highlights:
Glacial Waters Spa – consistently ranked one of the best in the Midwest
On-site golf and beach access
Tons of family-friendly activities year-round
3. Loews Minneapolis Hotel (Best for Business & Sports Fans)
📍 Location: Downtown Minneapolis.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5.
🌟 Best For: Business travelers, concert-goers, sports fans.
Directly across the street from Target Center and just steps from U.S. Bank Stadium, Loews Minneapolis Hotel is perfect if you want to be in the heart of the action. The hotel is sleek, modern, and surprisingly quiet for being so central.
Why it’s a top pick:
Tech-friendly rooms with smart controls and skyline views
Fantastic on-site dining and craft cocktails at Apothecary Bar & Lounge
Walkable to Nicollet Mall and the Mississippi Riverfront
4. Canal Park Lodge – Duluth (Best Lakeside Stay on a Budget)
📍 Location: Lake Superior waterfront, Duluth.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5.
🌟 Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, nature lovers, couples.
Duluth’s waterfront is a hidden gem in the Midwest, and Canal Park Lodge puts you right on the lake without breaking the bank. It’s cozy, clean, and you get those magical Lake Superior views from your balcony.
Notable features:
Free hot breakfast
Indoor pool and hot tub
Steps away from the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge and Lakewalk Trail
5. The Oliver Inn – St. Paul (Best Boutique Budget Stay)
📍 Location: Cathedral Hill, St. Paul.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5.
🌟 Best For: Solo travelers, couples, culture buffs.
If you want charm, affordability, and a neighborhood feel, The Oliver Inn is a must-book. This boutique hotel sits in one of St. Paul’s most beautiful historic neighborhoods and is walking distance to cafes, the Cathedral of St. Paul, and Summit Avenue.
Why I love it:
Restored mansion with beautiful period details
Complimentary coffee and snacks
Small, quiet, and feels like a home away from home
6. Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Minneapolis (Best Upscale Wellness Stay)
📍 Location: Downtown Minneapolis.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5.
🌟 Best For: Luxury travelers, wellness enthusiasts, romantic getaways.
If you’re after five-star treatment with a wellness twist, Hotel Ivy is one of Minneapolis’s most elegant hotels. It’s part of the Luxury Collection by Marriott, offering sophisticated interiors, a full-service spa, and exceptional service. The Ivy Spa Club is one of the best in the Midwest, featuring body treatments, steam rooms, and a fitness center.
Standout features:
Spacious rooms with deep soaking tubs
On-site restaurant Monello serves coastal Italian cuisine
Private access to the Minneapolis Skyway System
7. The Fitz – Saint Paul (Best Historic Boutique Hotel)
📍 Location: Cathedral Hill, St. Paul.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5.
🌟 Best For: History buffs, solo travelers, business trips.
Once known as The Commodore, The Fitz is a newly refreshed historic hotel with Art Deco flair. It’s in the heart of one of St. Paul’s most walkable neighborhoods and has a local charm you can’t fake.
Why it’s unique:
Vintage-style rooms with modern touches
Connected to a jazz lounge with a speakeasy vibe
Minutes from the Xcel Energy Center and Summit Avenue
8. Lora Hotel – Stillwater (Best for Riverfront Charm & Couples)
📍 Location: Stillwater, MN.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5.
🌟 Best For: Romantic escapes, small weddings, wine weekends.
Perched along the St. Croix River in the picturesque town of Stillwater, the Lora Hotel is artsy, romantic, and totally unforgettable. It’s built into a former brewery cave and showcases local art, historic stone walls, and thoughtful design details throughout.
What you’ll love:
Pet-friendly rooms with unique layouts
On-site restaurant and wine bar Feller
Steps from Stillwater’s boutiques, river walks, and paddlewheel cruises
9. AmericInn by Wyndham – Bemidji (Best for Budget & Outdoor Access)
📍 Location: Bemidji, MN.
⭐ Rating: 4.4/5.
🌟 Best For: Families, nature lovers, road trippers.
Planning to explore the headwaters of the Mississippi River or Itasca State Park? The AmericInn Bemidji is a reliable, comfortable base with great rates.
Why it’s worth booking:
Indoor pool and complimentary breakfast
Close to Bemidji State University and Lake Bemidji
Clean, quiet rooms with good Wi-Fi and friendly service
10. The Lodge on Lake Detroit (Best Lake View Stay in Western Minnesota)
📍 Location: Detroit Lakes, MN.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5.
🌟 Best For: Relaxation, lake lovers, small-town charm.
Overlooking Big Detroit Lake, The Lodge on Lake Detroit is an eco-chic hotel with unbeatable sunset views and a warm, welcoming vibe. Every room comes with a lake-facing balcony or patio — and it’s pet-friendly too.
Notable amenities:
On-site spa and wine bar
Fire pits and private beach area
Live music nights and weekend specials
11. Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior (Best for North Shore Adventures)
📍 Location: Lutsen, MN.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5.
🌟 Best For: Outdoor lovers, hikers, couples, and North Shore road trippers.
Lutsen Resort is one of Minnesota’s most iconic lakeside lodges, nestled on a dramatic stretch of Lake Superior shoreline. It offers cozy Scandinavian-style rooms and log cabins, perfect for unplugging while still enjoying upscale comfort.
Top features:
Direct access to hiking, kayaking, and the Superior Hiking Trail
On-site dining at Strand Waterfront Dining Room
Indoor pool, hot tub, and spa services
12. Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort – Deerwood (Best for Family Lake Vacations)
📍 Location: Deerwood, MN.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5.
🌟 Best For: Families, fishing trips, golf weekends.
A true Minnesota tradition since 1898, Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort delivers that classic “Up North” family vacation vibe with updated comforts. Expect cabins, lodge rooms, and townhomes surrounded by forest and water.
Highlights:
18-hole championship golf course
Family activities like bonfires, pontoon cruises, and fishing
Excellent value with seasonal packages
13. Pier B Resort Hotel – Duluth (Best Waterfront Stay with Marina Views)
📍 Location: Duluth, MN.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5.
🌟 Best For: Couples, Great Lakes explorers, and scenic getaways.
Pier B Resort Hotel sits directly on the Duluth harbor, offering panoramic views of Lake Superior, the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, and ships gliding in and out of the port. It’s one of the few hotels in the region with its own private marina, giving it a resort-style feel in an urban setting.
Why guests love it:
Lakeside patio with fire pits, live music, and unbeatable sunset views
Indoor pool, hot tub, and complimentary bike rentals
On-site restaurant Silos, featuring local ingredients and craft cocktails
14. Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters – Grand Marais (Best for Remote Wilderness Stays)
📍 Location: Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5.
🌟 Best For: Remote retreats, couples, dog sledding, and wildlife watching.
Gunflint Lodge is the ultimate escape for those seeking quiet, nature, and adventure — deep in Minnesota’s boreal forest. Located near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, it offers rustic yet luxurious cabins with fireplaces, lake views, and hot tubs.
Why go here:
Guided canoe trips, moose safaris, and dog sledding
Private beach and northern lights viewing
Gourmet lodge dining and wine list
15. Hotel Crosby – Stillwater (Best Boutique Stay in a Historic River Town)
📍 Location: Stillwater, MN.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5.
🌟 Best For: Romantic getaways, weekend escapes, wine & dine travelers.
Hotel Crosby is a luxury boutique hotel located right in the heart of Stillwater — one of Minnesota’s most charming historic towns along the St. Croix River. It strikes the perfect balance between rustic elegance and modern amenities, making it a top choice for couples and travelers looking for a unique experience.
Why it stands out:
Stylish, industrial-inspired rooms with fireplaces and spa-like bathrooms
Rooftop hot tub and cozy fire pits with downtown views
Steps away from local wine bars, river cruises, antique shops, and scenic trails
Final Thoughts: Where Will You Stay in Minnesota?
Minnesota is more than just cold winters and hot dish (although both are worth experiencing). From luxury rooftops in Minneapolis to cozy cabins by the lake, these top 5 hotels for 2025 offer something for every kind of traveler.
All the hotels in this list were selected for their:
High guest satisfaction
Unique value or experience
Location convenience
Cleanliness and service quality
Strong online reputation and credibility
If you’ve stayed at any of these hotels — or have a hidden gem in Minnesota you’d recommend — let me know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best time to visit Minnesota?
A: Summer (June–August) is ideal for lake trips and outdoor festivals. Fall offers stunning foliage, and winter is great if you love snow sports or cozy vibes.
Q: Are these hotels pet-friendly?
Many are! For example, Hewing Hotel and Grand View Lodge offer pet-friendly options — but always check in advance for fees or breed restrictions.
Q: Which is best for a honeymoon or romantic getaway?
The Hewing Hotel and Grand View Lodge are perfect for couples looking for a memorable, romantic stay.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
