The following article appeared in the New York Post on September 3, 2002:

The latest addition to Duluth's surging waterfront scene offers an eyeful.  The South Pier Inn, sitting on Park Point just off the Aerial Lift Bridge, was specifically designed to offer panoramoric views of the canal and harbor.  Most of the 29 rooms have a whirlpool, gas fireplace and private balcony.  Decor is spare and uncluttered.  While the hotel does not have a restaurant, it offers a complimentary breakfast in the lounge. 

Suzanne Ausnit... Travel Writer, New York Post

May 27, 2002

Dear Solas

Thank you so much for sharing your new Inn for us to clean up for the next leg of our journey around Lake Superior... You place is beautiful & special. We will stop in on our return to Duluth some day. Thanks to your whole family.

Warm wishes,

Ann Bancroft

We love staying here! It has become the first place we check for rooms available when we are going to visit Duluth.

Denise Hampton
Sauk Rapids, MN

The gentleman at the desk was friendly and wonderful! Comfortable and affordable accommodations!

Guest

The personal attention is exceptional. I have stayed here several times on a ‘girls get-away” and another time for my anniversary with my husband. I have always found the hotel soothing, calming, rejuvenating. I have consistently been amazed at the personal service and special touches that your Inn offers. At the most recent stay, the desk clerk (Jamie) met us with warmth and efficiency. She quickly checked us in. The next day, we had miscommunicated that we needed 2 nights. She quickly worked her magic and rebooked us for another night. She personally brought our new key cards to our room. Impressive!

We also met Ben. We asked for directions to Bayfield. He wasn’t able to find a brochure. We left to go out to dinner. When we returned, Ben had printed directions for us and had placed the directions under our door.

We ran into your housekeeper – Pam.  Her wide smile and great laugh was delightful to see. You don’t often see a member of housekeeping have such a positive, sunny attitude.

I love the slate rocks in the bathroom. Yes, the setting of your inn is magnificent, but it is your staff that truly makes the South Pier Inn shine!

Ann Hughes
Coon Rapids, MN

It was a wonderful experience. The view was amazing and your service was great…especially the ship watchers service. The front desk was great help.

Carolyn Ly
New York, New York

We had a fabulous time here. The room was beautiful, the staff friendly, the view of the harbor fantastic. You exceeded our expectations!

Amanda Robokoff
St. Cloud, MN

It’s so nice to stay in a unique place. SPI really made our trip to Duluth a wonder. This is the best hotel we’ve ever stayed in.  We will definitely come back here!

Aaron Rickenberg
Minneapolis, MN

What a wonderful location. At night we could turn off the lights and enjoy the beautiful Duluth skyline - the ships going right past the window only added to the experience.

SPI Guest

Great - no way to improve units. Cute touch - binoculars. Will mention this in our article. Ducky washcloth - memorable.

South Pier Inn Guest

Romantic setting - ultra clean- comfortable bed. Staff thoughtful and helpful. GOOD coffee, appreciate the hot chocolate and newspaper.

South Pier Inn Guest

The room was amazingly crisp and fresh. The view was remarkable - spent hours watching the lights and passing ships.

Jordan and Laura White
Bigfork, Montana

Susan and Dale Abram
Invergrove Heights, MN

Beautiful room with a beautiful view. We loved it and would definitely stay agaihn. We didn't want to leave!

Shane and Kris Bastil
Park Falls, WI

I just visited your inn on Monday/Tuesday of this week. What a wonderful place...your attention to detail was wonderful! Our car even had the snow brushed off. It was quite the get away from the city. Thank you SO much for your great staff and your great inn!

Melissa H
Minneapolis

Hello.

Each year our family makes it's annual trip from Colorado to MN, during the State Fair. We have always wanted to visit Duluth and this year we finally made it to the shores of Lake Superior. No other hotel could have given us the wonderful experience South Pier Inn delivered. The location, staff, VIEW and the evening parade of ships keep our children talking about it and wanting to return--NOW.

Thanks for providing us a family-friendly and perfect journey. We look forward to seeing you next fall.

Mark and Melissa C.

My wife and I stayed overnight at your Inn the night of the 6th of March. When we arrived, we were told of an overbooking situation. The Manager on Duty was more than gracious. We stayed in a smaller room than booked and were invited back compliments of the Inn. The main goal of our trip was relaxation and we did achieve that goal with your help. My wife and I travel for business and have stayed in some exceptional hotels. I have once in my life to date received similar service as we did from the South Pier Inn. My compliments to the staff! You made my wife’s birthday getaway a positive and truly enjoyable experience. I must also thank you for recommending the Boathouse restaurant. I rarely get to enjoy such exquisite food. Your employees are the kind who create a felling of welcome ness, which is rare. We will be back and I am certain we will enjoy our stay again. Thank you for the positive experience!!

Best Regards!

Thanks for all of your help. We enjoyed staying at your Inn. We will be back soon!!!!

Absolutely wonderful.

Those are the two words I would use to describe my overnight stay at the South Pier Inn. There is nothing like soaking in your own whirlpool... by the glow of the fireplace...while a 1,000 foot ore boat glides by the window. Your place captures the best of Duluth.

My wife and I will be back.

Our compliments to your staff & keep up your high standards.

Best Wishes,
Duluth, MN

We recently stayed this weekend and would like to tell you how much we enjoyed staying at your hotel. The room was beautiful and the view left us in awe! I would definitely stay here again and will tell all my friends about the South Pier Inn. I loved the panoramic view of the bay and the warmth of the fireplace. I was very impressed having a radio with a CD player, Great idea! The only thing I would complain about is the bed. It’s a little on the firm side but didn't lose any sleep over it. Everything was 1st class.

Thanks for everything!
Fargo, North Dakota

Thank you to the South Pier Inn staff for making us feel so welcome and right at home! We had never visited Duluth before so we really didn't know what to expect. It was truly amazing...the Inn, and the surrounding area! Our room overlooked the canal, and we were blown away by the sights and sounds of the lift bridge and the boats passing right by our window...literally right by our window! We even kept the blinds open in our room just so we wouldn't miss any of the boats. Our one night stay in Duluth at the South Pier Inn was the highlight of our honeymoon weekend getaway in Minnesota. Thank you for being a part of it! We will definitely be back to visit!

Ishpeming, MI

We spent the weekend in Duluth recently. We stayed in your hotel and I want to commend you on your excellent facility.

Not only was everyone very friendly and courteous, but we found the South Pier to be very unique. It is not over-decorated and the furnishings in the room we had were outstanding. We especially like the use of Scandinavian type light woods and brushed metals.

Excellent, and we will be back

Rice Lake, WI

My husband and I came to Duluth for the first time after being referred by my sister and her husband who stayed at the South Pier Inn and had nothing but good to say about their stay.  We stayed in Room 701 and we just can't get over how nice the owners were, the staff, everyone at the Inn was WONDERFUL. We have been telling many friends and family about the great business you have...  We told them the next time they come visit Duluth they should stay the the South Pier Inn.

Also,  the fireworks were UNBELIEVABLE it was like they were meant to be just for us with the great view. Needless to say we will be coming back again next year. Thank you so much for the great opportunity in letting us visit the South Pier Inn. We will also continue to spread the word of the wonderful business and staff you have. 

Sincerely,

Heidi and Chris F.
Hastings, MN

To the Manager,
My husband & stayed in 301 last night, what a wonderful place.

Thank you so much.

Ethel R.

Brooklyn Park

Dear Solas,

Dale and I wanted to compliment you on your wonderful new hotel!  We have watched, with anticipation, as your building was built.  While in town, on business, last week we finally had the opportunity to stay with you. 

What we found was a hotel with a cozy room and a wonderful view of the harbor and Lift Bridge.  The fireplace is a nice addition to the room.  We enjoyed a very relaxing evening and morning.  While checking out we applied for a Corporate Card, which arrived in the mail the very next day.  We are sure to be staying at South Pier Inn again.

It is wonderful to see that the free enterprise system is still alive and well in the Duluth area.  Your new hotel must have been an exciting project to complete. 

Once again, thank you for an enjoyable stay and a fantastic new hotel! 

Sincerely, 

Dale and Kari J.
Deer River, MN

Dear Rand, 

…thanks so much for your great service – it was a pleasure to stay at the South Pier Inn – We’ll be back!”

Sally J.
Northome, MN
Extended Stay Guest