| |
|
|

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
|
November 2006
The staff at South Pier Inn anticipated our every need
from the plush towels to the binoculars for capturing
life aboard the ships.
Dianne Hamann
Eden Prairie, MN
|
September 2006
Can’t say enough about the great views and awesome
windows in the room. Let’s not tell everyone about this
great place, so we can always get a room when we want to
come to Duluth.
Karen Rock
Stratford, WI
|
June 2006
Perfect – clean well kept rooms. Beautiful views from
every window – Perfect place for our 43rd wedding
anniversary.
Jeanne Harper
Cottage Grove, MN
|
June
2006
Wonderful…beautiful...very clean and comfortable
Skoges, MN
|
June
2006
Our stay was a treat - which is always the norm when we
are your guests. The people, from the owners to the desk
staff to the housekeeping staff, are the friendliest
group of people – always make you feel welcome and glad
to see you.
Bruce and Kathy Dorning
Darwin, MN
|
June
2006
Wow, this room was perfect! Sleeping so close to the
bridge and the canal had us keeping the shades open all
night, so we could see what we could see. The room is
furnished so nicely and was very clean.
Derrek and Tiffany White
Marquette, MI
|
June
2006
Love the beautiful flowers here. It's been very
comfortable…like coming to my second home. Staying here
has felt like being part of the harbor, the lake, the
beach. It makes my spirit soar. The people at the front
desk are so sweet and helpful and always with a smile.
They often go out of their way to help more.
Joan Gilfillan
St. Louis Park, MN
|
June
2006
South Pier Inn far exceeded our expectations! Friendly
staff – who go out of their way and an absolutely
beautiful Inn.
Bill and Miki Atkins
Hastings, MN
|
June
2006
Four stays in four years – Grades:
Location A+…Service A+…Ambiance A+…breakfast D-.
Mr. Mrs. Dwight Browning
Lancaster PA
|
June
2006
Unique, wonderful and beautiful. What a beautifully
designed Inn that provides privacy and personal touches
for the guests.
Nancy Rabe
Cable, WI
|
June
2006
It was peaceful and rejuvenating. Staff at the daytime
and Ben were super nice and helpful and real genuine -
not fake.
Tyrone and Princess Nelson
MN
|
June
2006
Second time we stayed here and both times were excellent
in experience and customer service.
Dale Drevlor
Eau Claire, WI
|
June
2006
Very comfortable, clean, friendly staff.
Lynn Anderson
|
June
2006
We loved everything - the room, fireplace, Jacuzzi,
porch and breakfast. This was a Christmas gift from our
children.
Pat and Virginia Ryan
Burnsville, MN
|
June
2006
We thoroughly enjoyed it. The convenience of walking
everywhere was wonderful. The details of binoculars,
towns in all of the right places, etc showed your
attention to making the stay here memorable.
The Todd Nelson family
|
June
2006
We enjoy it here and come several times a year – this
was our 50th anniversary. Our children gave us this
visit for our anniversary. We send them here now and
then also!
Jordon's
|
June
2006
The most comfortable and relaxing ‘home’ away from home
ever. Friendly and helpful staff-excellent. We love the
private atmosphere.
Kenneth Moser
Falcon Heights, MN
|
June
2006
South Pier Inn is a great place to stay year round. The
views are awe-inspiring, service is great and did I
mention the awesome view?
Bryan and Karen Freed
St. Cloud, MN
|
May 2006
Glad we discovered you! The South Pier Inn will be our
first choice the next time we visit Duluth.
Greg and Jan McDougall
Thunderbay, ON
|
May 2006
We have been here a few times and like it very very
much.
Art Lundgren
St. Paul, MN
|
May 2006
INCREDIBLE! Where do I begin. I feel all the care that
goes into making my stay more than pleasant. I
appreciate all the extra touches. Katie and Melissa are
really sweet, professional and smart employees. They do
your Inn justice.
Kathleen Skalberg
Richfield, MN
|
May 2006
We absolutely love everything. We were here for our
anniversary and the Inn was the perfect blend of quaint,
romantic and beautiful. The Inn is the perfect place to
get away from your kids – and everyone else’s.
Nichole and Alan Borg
Proctor, MN
|
May 2006
Our room was very clean and bright. We will be back.
Wendy and Jerry Weise
Stillwater, MN
|
May 2006
This is our second stay at the South Pier Inn. We love
the quiet and peaceful atmosphere and will be back in
the fall.
Dave Harmon
Fargo, ND
|
May 2006
Our stay in the Panoramic Suite was amazing and made a
great honeymoon. Love the whilrlpool!
Christine and Bryson Collins
Ft. Collins, CO
|
| May 2006
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
|
May 2006
I hope management values the housekeeping crew here, as
it appears they take pride in the work they do, as
evidenced by the spotless room and grounds they provide
for the guests.
Guest
|
May 2006
I absolutely love it here –
my favorite hotel in Duluth, and I have stayed at every
hotel in town.
Peggy Running
Burnsville, MN
|
May 2006
Relaxing, prime views of canal. Quiet and very clean. We
look forward to our next visit.
|
May 2006
I can’t imagine a cooler place to stay or ‘feel’ Duluth.
I loved it!
Angela Frucia
Daly City, CA
|
May 2006
Absolutely enjoyable stay. Cleanest, most up-to-date
room we’ve had in a long time. Very friendly and
accommodating staff.
Summer Streets
|
May 2006
Clean room, great staff, beautiful view.
Margie Richardson
Walker, MN
|
May 2006
As always, my only regret is that I have to leave.
C. Foos
|
May 2006
Very quiet, clean, great location. We loved the view of
the lake and bridge. It was very enjoyable and we will
return again. It is a great getaway and great prices.
Wayne and Jana Steinkraws
Baxter, MN
|
| May 2006
The gentleman at the desk
was friendly and wonderful! Comfortable and affordable
accommodations!
Guest
|
| May 2006
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
|
May 2006
Friendly, cheerful staff at lobby desk, great canal
water view and nice and quiet.
Debra Johnson
Wyoming, MN
|
May 2006
Very nice. Small touches like binoculars, boat hotline
and very friendly staff all make the stay enjoyable.
Ann Weiman
Oakdale, MN
|
| May 2006
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
|
May 2006
Wonderful receptionist, great view of the lake, great
location, nice furniture, clean, quiet.
John Crowley
MN
|
| May 2006
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
|
May 2006
South Pier Inn makes you feel so welcome. We love coming
to Duluth and staying in the suites, plus watching the
ships is awesome! They even have a late night call.
Keith and June Mueller
Watertown, MN
|
| May 2006
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
|
March,
2006
The hot tub was great and as well as the fireplace. Very
romantic. Good value for our money. You will see us next
year.
Nelson Ward
Minneapolis, MN
|
March,
2006
Wonderful as always. We have become regulars. I work in
the hotel business and these rooms are some the cleanest
and newest I’ve seen. Love the specials you email out.
We love it here.
Rob and Sara Schreiber
St. Paul, MN
|
March,
2006
Spectacular from beginning to end. The employees were
super-friendly and our room was divine.
Pat and Branda Geiken
Steward, MN
|
March,
2006
We love this place. We stay here twice a year…and we
love this town!!
Steve Jonland, Proctor, MN
|
March,
2006
We would stay here again. We love this hotel.
Shannon and Kyle Brekke
Owatonna, MN
|
February, 2006
The room and staff were great from booking to checkout.
Ben – in the lobby – was so helpful-great guy.
Brain and Andrea Salter
|
February, 2006
This was a very romantic way to spend Valentines Day
K. Sheffer
|
February, 2006
We enjoyed the room – it was perfect. -19 degrees and
the fireplace warmed us up.
The Janaszaks
Apple Valley, MN
|
January 2006
Perfect! My husband and I always stay here. We live 2
hours away – it’s our little getaway. We have been here
4 times since June.
Travis and Stephanie Gunther
Grand Marais, MN
|
January, 2006
I’ve been to Duluth 100 times or more but I have never
experienced it like this. Being this close to the bridge
and able to see the ships – up-close and personal- was
great. Can’t wait to come back during prime shipping
season…especially at night & just before sunrise. What a
beautiful site.
Kristine Mueller
St. Paul, MN
|
January, 2006,
Fun!! We liked it. The best stay we had in a long time.
Fun to be by the canal.
Guest
|
January, 2006
What a beautiful facility! You have thought of every
amenity & the windows, décor, view, etc were fantastic.
We loved our stay here. It is a charming quiet oasis –
close to all the Canal Park action.
Mary Beth Kelley-Lowe
|
January,
2006
South Pier Inn is a wonderful place for ship watchers to
come and watch the ships & all the traffic in the
harbor.
Bryan & Karen Freed
St. Cloud, MN
|
January,
2006
We were given suite 701. Very nice views. We enjoyed the
whirlpool and fireplace…since it was January. Very
relaxing and a very nice location.
Tammy Bruggeman
Rochester, MN
|
January,
2006
Beautiful view from our room. Nice clean crisp feeling
to room. Bed nice and firm…Very relaxing and enjoyable
stay. Thank you.
South Pier Inn guest
|
| January - 06
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
|
| January - 06
Great - no way to improve units. Cute touch - binoculars. Will mention this in our article. Ducky washcloth - memorable.
South Pier Inn Guest
|
| January - 06
Romantic setting - ultra clean- comfortable bed. Staff thoughtful and helpful. GOOD coffee, appreciate the hot chocolate and newspaper.
South Pier Inn Guest
|
| December - 05
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
|
December - 05
Wonderful!! Couldn't believe the view! The cleanest room we've ever stayed in. The staff was fantastic! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We will be back and so will our kids and friends.
Susan and Dale Abram
Invergrove Heights, MN
|
| December - 05
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
|
1/21/05
Hello
Each year our family makes its 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 kept our kids talking about it and wanting to
return—Now!
Thank you for providing us a family-friendly and perfect
journey. We look forward to seeing you next fall.
Mark and Melissa
September 2004
|
Housekeeping-
Thank you for your great, caring service.
Gil and Corinne
|
Thank you, we had a great
time and you were all wonderful hosts. We’ll tell all
our friends to stay here.
|
1/26/05
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 getaway from the city. Thank you so much for
your great staff and your great inn!
Melissa
Minneapolis
|
Thank you for the lovely
visit!
Dick and Pam
|
8/21/05
Thank you—Great place to stay.
Room 202
|
8/21/05
Thank you, We enjoyed our stay!
The Holmes’s
|
Thank you for making our
engagement just a little more special. Thank you for all
of your help, the room looked amazing.
Eric and Melanie
|
Housekeeping and Staff
Thank you so much for the wonderful stay! The room was
beautiful again this year! We’ll be back next year.
Nicole and Brandon
|
May 05, 2005
Dear Betty,
Just a quick note to say thank you for the wonderful
stay at the South Pier Inn. Everyone working at the
Hotel was extremely friendly and helpful. The room that
we stayed in (a waterfront suite) exceeded our
expectations. The Jacuzzi was a welcome feature after
our bike ride along the waterfront. Also, the view from
the balcony was spectacular! A special thanks for your
tour and for the 'special treat' that made our trip so
memorable. We really appreciate the time that you spent
with us. Congratulations on your first rate hotel! We
will most certainly return (for a third stay). Thanks
again Betty.
Jacki & Terry Morin
Thunder Bay, Ontario
|
| Jan 26, 2005
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
|
| September 2004
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.
|
| March 2004
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!
|
My husband, Jon, and I would
like to thank you for accommodating us on Wednesday
evening June 16. South Pier is a beautiful motel and the
view is fantastic. We know quite a few people that make
a yearly trip to Duluth and we have been recommending
South Pier to them. We are hoping to get up to Duluth
this fall when the leaves are changing colors.
THANK YOU AGAIN!
Chippewa Falls, WI
|
| March 31, 2004
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
|
Thank you
Nice room, nice building, nice view, and nice people!!
Minneapolis, MN
|
| January 19, 2004
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
|
| December 12, 2003
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
|
| November 7, 2003
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
|
October 13, 2003
We
recently had the opportunity to stay at your hotel.
We had a most fabulous time. Your hotel has the
perfect location. Everything is clean and neat.
And your staff are very friendly and helpful. It
was within walking distance to everything in Canal
Park so we could just leave our cars parked. And of
course being right on Lake Superior and watching the
ships going in and out of the harbor was a plus
too. We thank you for your hospitality. We most
definitely will make a return visit and will highly
recommend South Pier Inn to family and friends.
Jerry and Barb
Hampton, MN
|
| July
4, 2003
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
|
| April
14, 2003
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
|
| March
22, 2003
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
|
September
1, 2002
Dear Sola Family:
We enjoyed staying at the South Pier Inn and watching the boats pass through the canal. I love to fish and just after I arrived at the inn, I caught a 17” walleye fishing into the Superior Bay from the lawn of the hotel. I had a number of other bites, but didn’t bring them in. Also, our family caught 6 Lake Trout ranging from 3 – 6 # on a fishing charter with Captain Peter Dahl on the Happy Hooker, too.
P.S. We have already reserved two suites for next year!
Tom Gilligan Family
Minneapolis, MN
.
|
August 17, 2002
Dear Solas:
Thank you for a tour of the bay front rooms at the South Pier Inn. Thank you also for your hospitality and garden suggestions. I look forward to visiting you again and we wish you success.
Barb Hoene
St. Paul, MN
.
|
July 31, 2002
To: Owners, general managers and staff of the South Pier Inn
I wanted to send along a note of thanks and gratitude to everyone who made my stay at the South Pier Inn as wonderful as it could be. I was a guest during the weekend of June 20 -22 – Grandmas Marathon Weekend – and I cannot say enough good things about your staff or your inn. I stayed in the second floor, panoramic corner suite. The “best room in the inn” as I was told. It did live up to that billing. Everything was wonderful and I am looking forward to my stay next year.
After the marathon race, when it was rainy, cold and miserable, I made my way slowly back to the inn. My clothes were wet and I was shivering. When I came through the doors to the lobby – Randy, the manager - welcomed me by name and asked how I ran and they provided hot chocolate so I could warm up.
I don’t travel extensively for work, but I do know good service when I experience it. I wanted to, again, extend my thanks to all of your staff for the wonderful weekend at your inn.
Sincerely,
Matt Hawkins
Minneapolis, MN
.
|