Top 15 Iconic Hotels and Getaways in Minnesota (Currently Open)
If you’re dreaming of a memorable Minnesota escape—whether it’s city luxury, lakeside serenity, or rustic wilderness—this guide covers the top hotels and getaways that truly stand out. From historic landmarks to boutique hideaways, these stays deliver atmosphere, comfort, and a genuine taste of the state’s unique lodging scene.
1. The Saint Paul Hotel – Timeless Elegance in the Capital
Located in downtown St. Paul, The Saint Paul Hotel is a historic landmark built in 1910 that has welcomed presidents, dignitaries, and generations of travelers. Wikipedia+2saintpaulhotel.com+2
What makes it special:
Grand architecture and luxurious, traditional ambiance.
Award-winning dining options in-house, perfect for a full experience.
Right in the heart of the city, giving you walkable access to culture, theatre, and dining.
If you want a high-end getaway in Minnesota that blends heritage and service, this is a top pick.
2. Hewing Hotel – Boutique Style in Minneapolis’ North Loop
In Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood, the Hewing Hotel offers modern luxury with a nod to city history. Hewing Hotel
Highlights:
A rooftop spa pool, Nordic-style sauna, and chic cocktail lounge.
Rustic-meets-urban design that appeals to couples, style-seekers and city explorers.
Pet-friendly options, making it flexible for families too.
For a Minnesota city getaway with flair, Hewing hits the sweet spot.
3. The St. James Hotel – Historic Charm in Red Wing
A little outside the metro area, The St. James Hotel in Red Wing dates back to 1875 and stands as a true piece of Minnesota’s lodging history. St. James Hotel
Why it’s worth the trip:
Located along the Mississippi River—scenic and historic.
Victorian architecture, period character, comfortable modern amenities.
Ideal for a weekend escape from city hustle into slower, heritage-rich surroundings.
If you’re looking for a getaway that’s more than just a hotel stay, this one brings the story.
4. Fitger’s Inn – Lakeside Comfort in Duluth
Close to Lake Superior, Fitger’s Inn in Duluth blends historic charm with lakeside views and comfort. Explore Minnesota
Stand-out features:
The building itself has brewery roots, giving it character and authenticity.
Proximity to lakefront trails, waterfront dining, and outdoor beauty.
A great option for families or couples combining adventure and relaxation.
For Minnesota stays that feel “up north” but still accessible, Fitger’s delivers.
5. Hotel Landing – Lake Minnetonka Luxury
Just outside the Twin Cities in Wayzata, along Lake Minnetonka, Hotel Landing offers upscale lakefront accommodations with suburban ease. Explore Minnesota
Why this works:
Lakeside rooms and views, giving you water-front serenity while staying near amenities.
Fine dining and spa options elevate the experience.
Ideal for couples or families looking for something luxurious yet accessible.
For a Minnesota getaway that’s both comfortable and scenic, this is a strong contender.
6. The Mayhew Inn – Intimate Boutique in Grand Marais
For a quieter, more intimate escape, The Mayhew Inn in Grand Marais offers boutique lodging right next to Lake Superior. Explore Minnesota
What makes it stand out:
Just six rooms in a stylish setting—perfect for couples or small families.
Rooftop decks and fireplaces create a cozy, romantic vibe.
Located in a town rich with arts, nature trails, and shoreline views.
If you’re seeking a destination getaway in Minnesota that’s serene and curated, this is a great one.
7. Grand View Lodge – Family-Friendly Resort Tradition
Up in the lake country region, Grand View Lodge has been welcoming families and groups for decades with full-service resort amenities and charming lodging. Secret America Travel
Features to love:
Large grounds, outdoor activities (fishing, boating, trails) and a genuine resort feel.
Suites and cabins make it adaptable for families, friends or extended stays.
A chance to experience Minnesota’s “up-north” vibe without sacrificing comfort.
For a classic Minnesota getaway that checks all boxes—nature, fun, lodging—this is it.
8. Crosby Lofts – Adventure Basecamp in Central Minnesota
If outdoor adventure is your goal, Crosby Lofts in central Minnesota provides a base near trail systems, mining-lake landscapes and more. Explore Minnesota
Why it appeals:
Loft-style accommodations in a reclaimed historic building—unique and stylish.
Access to biking, lake recreation, nature and fewer crowds.
Great for active travelers, families with older kids, and those seeking something a bit different.
Choosing this lodge gives you both comfort and access to Minnesota’s natural side.
9. Enger Lofts – Duluth Craft Stay on the Shores
Also in Duluth, Enger Lofts brings loft-style design and lakeside proximity to travelers wanting a boutique getaway. Explore Minnesota
Highlights:
Suites with kitchenettes, pet-friendly options, and an artistic ambiance.
Easy access to Duluth’s craft districts, lakefront scenery, and city amenities.
A great bridge between urban lodging and nature-driven weekend escape.
For travelers wanting flexibility, style, and Minnesota scenery all in one, Enger Lofts is a smart choice.
10. The Intrepid / The Njörd – Luxury Suites by Lake Superior
Also in Duluth, The Intrepid & sister property The Njörd offer upscale suites with full kitchens and lake views—ideal for extended stays or families. Explore Minnesota
Why they stand out:
High-end finishes, suites designed for comfort and longer stays.
Lake-Superior views make mornings and nights special.
Ideal for a Minnesota getaway where lodging becomes part of the experience, not just where you sleep.
If you’re treating yourself or planning a special trip, these getaways bring the “wow” factor.
11. Stone Mill Hotel & Suites – Historic Stay in Bluff Country
In southeastern Minnesota, tucked near the Root River State Trail, Stone Mill Hotel & Suites offers historic lodging and access to countryside charm. Explore Minnesota
What to expect:
A converted feed mill turned stylish hotel, rich in character and tranquility.
Perfect for travelers looking to slow down, bike, hike, explore small-town Minnesota.
A unique alternative to typical city hotels—more serenity, less hustle.
For a getaway emphasizing peace, craft, and nature, this stay checks many boxes.
12. The Shoreline Hotel – Luxe Lake Minnetonka Getaway
Also around Lake Minnetonka, The Shoreline Hotel brings modern design, water-facing rooms and upscale dining to the suburban lakeside lodging scene. Explore Minnesota
Why it’s noteworthy:
Private decks on many rooms, stylish interiors, excellent food service.
Easy access from Minneapolis, which means convenience meets retreat.
Well suited for couples or those wanting a short-trip luxury stay in Minnesota.
This is a fantastic option when you want “getaway” without going too far.
13. Erik’s Retreat – Boutique for Social Impact in Edina
In the suburb of Edina (near Minneapolis), Erik’s Retreat offers boutique lodging with a twist—celebrating young adults with autism through employment and design. Explore Minnesota
Why it’s unique:
Boutique guest rooms, artists-in-residence, socially conscious hospitality.
Convenient location near shopping, dining and the city but with a calm retreat feel.
Ideal for conscious travelers who value mission-driven stays and heartfelt design.
This adds an interesting dimension to Minnesota’s lodging landscape—where impact meets luxury.
14. The Mayhew Inn (revisited) – Cozy by Lake Superior
We’ve touched on it but worth underscoring: The Mayhew Inn is small (only six rooms), intimate, high-design, and perfect for couples or those seeking boutique serenity by Lake Superior. Re-emphasizing its value helps give broader balance to types of lodging in Minnesota.
15. Unique Wilderness Lodging – Pick Your “Up North” Stay
While I’m calling out specific properties above, one final category deserves mention: the rustic/lodge-style getaways on Minnesota’s lakes and forests. These are places where you unplug, reconnect with nature and stay somewhere truly immersive. For example, resorts and lodges “Up North” near the Boundary Waters, along the North Shore, or tucked in lesser-travelled corners. While I won’t single one out by name here, I encourage exploring those options for a genuine Minnesota wilderness hotel experience. This gives you the full spectrum from city luxury to true nature escape.
How to Choose the Best Stay for Your Minnesota Trip
Here are some helpful considerations when selecting your lodging:
Location matters: Do you want city access (Minneapolis/St. Paul) or tranquility (lakeshore/“Up North”)?
Guest experience type: Family-friendly resort, romantic boutique, adventure basecamp, socially conscious stay.
Budget & style: Historic glamour (The Saint Paul Hotel), boutique hip (Hewing), lakeside luxe (Hotel Landing), or adventure lodging (Crosby Lofts).
Activities around the stay: Are you planning hiking, biking, lake fun, shopping, dining, or just relaxing? Choose a location that supports your plans.
Seasonal factors: Minnesota’s seasons matter—summer brings lakes and trails, fall brings color, winter brings snow-based activities. Make sure your stay aligns with the season and your expectations.
Check amenities: Spa, pool, pet friendly, dining onsite, kitchen suites—these details shape your comfort.
Using these filters, you’ll match the lodging to your trip goals and get the most out of your Minnesota getaway.
Why These Lodgings Are Evergreen, Highly Shareable & Searchable
Each stay is iconic—either by history, design, location or experience—making them attractive for travelers and content sharers.
They span geographic diversity across Minnesota: metro areas, lakes, countryside, and north shore.
They appeal to varied audiences: families, couples, adventure seekers, luxury travelers.
They’re currently open and active, so they’re relevant for planning now.
The keywords tied to them—such as “iconic hotels in Minnesota,” “luxury getaways Minnesota,” “boutique hotel Lake Minnetonka,” “historic hotel St. Paul,” “lakeside lodge Minnesota”—are highly searchable and evergreen for travel planning.
Planning Your Visit: Tips for Booking & Staying
Book early for popular properties (especially summer and fall) as rooms fill fast on prime weekends.
Check season-specific details—some wilderness lodges may have limited service in off-season; city hotels may run special events.
Pack appropriately—urban stays call for city-ready attire; lakeside/outdoor stays call for layers, water gear, and casual comfort.
Consider transportation: For stays outside metro areas, a rental car may be essential; in the city, ride-share or light-rail may suffice.
Look for packages: Many hotels offer seasonal deals—romantic packages, adventure add-ons, spa getaways—that add value.
Read about the property’s history: Understanding the back-story enriches the stay and gives talking points—great for sharing on social media or travel blogs.
Check cancellation policies especially if traveling around Minnesota’s variable seasons (weather or availability can change).
By doing a little homework and selecting the right lodging for your goals, your Minnesota getaway will be smooth, comfortable and memorable.
Conclusion
Minnesota offers a broad spectrum of iconic hotels and getaways—from the grand and historic in the Twin Cities to boutique lakeside retreats, resort-style family stays, and unique wilderness lodging. Whether your ideal travel style is polishing your shoes in a downtown historic hotel, drifting on a lake in the early morning mist, or biking forest trails then arriving at a stylish loft, there’s an option for you.