Radisson Duluth Harborview: Your Dream Duluth Getaway Awaits!
Radisson Duluth Harborview: My Duluth Getaway – The Good, The… Interesting, and the View That Stole My Soul (SEO & Metadata Included!)
Alright, let's be honest. Writing a review of a hotel can be such a chore. You're supposed to be objective, right? Analyze the thread count of the sheets and the angle of the elevator music's vibe. Nah. I’m going full-on, unfiltered experience. And, let me tell you, my stay at the Radisson Duluth Harborview? It was… something.
(SEO & Metadata Begins)
- Title: Radisson Duluth Harborview Review: Your Dream Duluth Getaway – Maybe (But the View!)
- Keywords: Radisson Duluth, Duluth Hotel, Harborview, Lake Superior, Minnesota, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Dining, View, Pool, Sauna, Free Wi-Fi, Wheelchair Accessible, Family-Friendly, Duluth Lodging, Travel Duluth, North Shore, [Insert Specific Amenities, e.g., "pool with a view," "accessible rooms," "spa services"]
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Radisson Duluth Harborview! From breathtaking lake views to the quirks of the service, I break down my experience, including accessibility, dining, spa, and everything in between. Is it a dream getaway? Read on…
(SEO & Metadata Ends)
First Impressions: That View… Seriously.
Okay, let's get the obvious out of the way. THAT VIEW. Seriously. From up high, the vastness of Lake Superior just slaps you in the face. It’s like… a giant, blue, slightly moody painting. I’m talking floor-to-ceiling windows, people. You could practically live in the view. I think I actually spent my first hour just staring out the window, completely mesmerized. Forget the daily grind, I was basically a lake-gazing lizard.
(My rambling on the view is the highlight, let’s double down on it)
I’m a sucker for scenic views, but this was something else. Pictures, honestly, just don’t do it justice. The ever-changing light, the gulls circling… it was almost spiritual. At sunrise, the way the sun hit the water…oh man. Forget your fancy spa treatments; that view is the spa treatment. It's the kind of view that makes you forgive a multitude of sins, and trust me, this place had a few. I would, and I probably will go back for that view. That’s the takeaway here. It was that good.
Accessibility: Trying to be Inclusive
Now, on the accessibility front. The Radisson seems to try. They claim to offer accessible rooms (and they do), and there's an elevator (thank goodness!). I’ve noticed that the term “accessibility” is often thrown around rather loosely. I cannot personally vouch for how well the accessible rooms accommodate those with mobility issues, but am impressed they exist (let’s hope they're up to par). There's also a fair amount of general ease of navigation. The hallways are wide enough, and there are ramps if you actually need them.
The Room: Functional, But…
My room was… fine. It was clean, in a vaguely institutional, hotel-y kind of way. The bed was comfortable enough, which is always a win. I was thankful for the free Wi-Fi and the mini-fridge for my late-night snacks (because, let's be real, who doesn't need a midnight cheese and cracker situation?). The lack of any major wow-factors means the room can be deemed "fine", and the air conditioning worked; a solid baseline.
- [Available in all rooms:] Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Mixed Bag (and a Missing Dessert!)
Let's talk food. They have a few restaurants, and a poolside bar.
- [Dining, drinking, and snacking:] A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The breakfast buffet was the expected hotel fare. The food was decent, and for the price, I can't complain. The most memorable thing – and this is a good thing – was the coffee. It was actually good coffee. Strong, and full of caffeine goodness to power my lake-gazing sessions. One night, I ordered room service (because, hello, vacation!). It was prompt and the food was edible.
- Room service [24-hour] - Which, let’s be real, is a lifesaver.
The biggest disappointment? No dessert. I asked the server, "What’s the best dessert?" and then was told the kitchen was out. I would have liked some better planning given I was the only patron dining at 9 pm.
Relaxation Station: Spa-larious
- [Ways to relax:] Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
Okay, the spa situation. I didn’t have a body scrub, wrap, or foot bath, but I did hit up the pool. The pool does have a view, though it is a little less impressive than the view from the rooms! So, that gets a plus in my books. The sauna and steam room were available, but I didn't have a chance to use them.
Cleanliness and Safety: These Guys Are Trying
- [Cleanliness and safety:] Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Like most hotels, the Radisson Duluth Harborview seems to be putting an effort into keeping things clean with all of their Covid-related offerings. Sanitizer stations are everywhere, and the staff seemed masked, which, you know, is a comforting sign.
Services and Conveniences: A Mix of Good and… Interesting
- [Services and conveniences:] Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The hotel offers a ton of services. I am glad I took advantage of the daily housekeeping, and the elevators. The hotel seems to have some business facilities, which is great.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, But…
- [For the kids:] Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
This hotel seems to be family-friendly.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
- [Getting around:] Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Getting around was easy, thanks to the free parking and the options for getting to the airport.
The Verdict: Worth It… For the View!
Okay, time for the final verdict. Is the Radisson Duluth Harborview a perfect hotel? Nope. Is it without its quirks and imperfections? Absolutely not. But, and this is a big but, that view. That breathtaking, soul-stirring, Lake Superior-drenched view? It makes it all worthwhile. If you're looking for a comfortable base to explore Duluth and, most importantly, soak in
Escape to Baltimore: TownePlace Suites BWI Airport Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! We're diving headfirst into a weekend at the Radisson Hotel Duluth-Harborview. Forget the pristine brochures and perfectly manicured itineraries. This is gonna be a trip.
The Radisson Rumble: A Duluth Disaster (and Delight?) in 72 Messy Hours
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude, and Almost Airing Some Dirty Laundry
- 14:00 - Arrival & "Rooms?! Seriously?!"
- Okay, first impression: the Radisson. Okay, not bad. The lobby is… well, it's a lobby. I can dig it. More importantly, WHERE'S THE DAMN COFFEE? Travel is exhausting, people. Apparently, they have some fancy Starbucks thing, but I just want a regular, strong, no-frills cup of joe.
- The check-in process? Let's just say it involved a minor existential crisis while staring at a woman's perfectly sculpted brows. They looked like they'd been sculpted by a damn god. (Mine, on the other hand, resemble two caterpillars that had a fight).
- And then… the room. The view was incredible. Lake Superior shimmering, the Lift Bridge rising and falling… Until I walked into the room and realized my suitcase was not there! Panic set in, like really, a sweaty panic. Then I realized they are delivering it to the room, and breathed a sigh of relief of feeling like I could breath again.
- Pro-tip: Pack a small emergency kit in your carry-on with all the essentials. Trust me. Especially if you're prone to emotional breakdowns like me.
- 15:00 - Lake Superior & Serious Breath-Taking Views + Accidentally Becoming a Photographer
- Post-suitcase-salvation, I had to get outside. That lake beckoned.
- Walking along the Lakewalk was a mind-blower. The sheer size of Lake Superior is humbling. Seriously, it's like an ocean that's decided to hang out in a slightly smaller, but still damn epic, location.
- I'm not a "nature person," really. More of a "Netflix and snacks" kinda gal, but damn I felt something. A tug, maybe. The sky was that perfect blue, the air crisp and clean… and suddenly I found myself taking more pictures than a tourist on a mission.
- Confession: I almost fell off the rocks trying to get the "perfect shot" of the Lift Bridge. My dignity took a serious hit. But the picture? Totally worth it.
- 18:00 - Dining Disaster Avoided…By the Skin of My Teeth
- Dinner reservations? Ha! I tried. Every restaurant, every place, was either booked up weeks in advance, or "didn't take reservations".
- So, after circling the block like a lost puppy, I ended up at Canal Park Brewing Company… And it was crowded, but, thankfully, I managed to snag a seat at the bar. The food? Decent. The beer? Even better. The people watching? Gold. I swear, I saw a couple holding hands and thought, "Ugh. Gross. But happy for them".
- Side note: Avoid the Reuben sandwich at all costs. I've had better sandwiches made from shoe leather.
- 20:00 - Nightcap & Existential Dread
- Back at the Radisson. Drinks in the bar, I was a bit worn out by the day so I was talking to myself. And I'm a sucker for a good hotel bar vibe. The bartender was friendly, the whiskey was smooth. But then… the existential dread crept in.
- "What am I doing with my life?" "Should I have tried that fancy restaurant?" "Did I pack enough snacks? (The answer is always no).
- Ended up staring out the window at the twinkling lights of the city. Honestly, it was kind of beautiful. And then I remembered the mini-snickers in my purse. Everything was alright.
Day 2: A Harbor Full of Headaches (and Hope)
- 08:00 - Breakfast of Champions (or, More Accurately, Breakfast of Mediocrity)
- The hotel breakfast buffet. Bleak. The scrambled eggs looked vaguely like a science experiment gone wrong, the coffee was… well, it was coffee. Ate some toast. Regretted it.
- Pro-tip: Pack your own protein bars. Seriously. You'll thank me later.
- 09:00 - That Damn Lift Bridge… Again
- I had to see the Lift Bridge go up. It's Duluth's thing, right? So I stood there, freezing my butt off, waiting for it to do its thing.
- It rose. It fell. It was… a bridge lifting and lowering, but still cool. I am not going to act like a hard-core fan, but it was cool.
- Quirky Observation: The amount of people taking selfies in front of the bridge was astounding. Everyone has to make sure their online presence says "I'm here! I'm cool!". The selfie-epidemic struck again.
- 11:00 - Ship Watching Mania (Plus a Near-Disaster)
- I spent hours at the water front, watching ships come and go. The sheer size of these things is insane. I saw a freighter that looked like it could swallow a small town and still be hungry for more!
- An incident: I spotted a gorgeous ship and tried to get a picture of its whole body in one photo, my phone battery was at 1% -- I knew I needed to get the shot NOW. I was so close to the water and I was stretching, and then I felt my foot slide on the wet rocks! I almost fell into the lake. Thankfully, I did manage to save myself while scrambling on the rocks. It was like in the movies and I was the star.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated terror followed by a giddy wave of triumph. I'm still shaking!
- 14:00 - The Escape Room Apocalypse
- A friend recommended the Escape Room in Duluth. I. LOVE. ESCAPE ROOMS.
- The theme was, I believe, some sort of space-time continuum. I have no idea where I was, really. The puzzles were seriously challenging. We stumbled around for an hour, screaming and panicking, until we finally gave up with 20 mins to spare.
- Confession: I may have overreacted when we failed. Someone may have heard me screaming with despair.
- Opinionated Language: That escape room was hard! I usually have to leave with my ego in shambles.
- 18:00 - Fish Again!
- I still thought about that Reuben sandwich when I was ordering dinner. But, I did not make the same mistakes as the day before and ordered something different. I ordered fish and chips. And some beer. And some more fries.
- 20:00 - Hotel Horror Stories & Sweet Dreams
- Back in the bar, again. Talked with two people. One was a woman who's husband was snoring in their room "like a chainsaw". One went on a rant about a terrible hotel experience near the border.
- Emotional Reaction: I felt a wave of sympathy for her. I was also relieved that I wasn't in her situation. I'm sure my snoring partner may have been her husband.
Day 3: Farewell & the Sweet Taste of Freedom
- 08:00 - Breakfast? More like a Trauma Revisited
- Avoiding the buffet at all costs. I went out.
- Grabbed a pastry and a coffee from a local shop. Much better. I always love a strong coffee.
- 09:00 - Last Glimpse & Goodbye
- One last walk along the Lakewalk. One last look at that damn Lake Superior. The weather was gorgeous, and the sun was shining.
- Duluth really is beautiful. Even with its flaws.
- 11:00 - Check Out & The Long Road Home
- Check out was easy. The front desk was friendly. I was out of there.
- Emotional Reaction: A definite split of relief and a yearning for the next adventure.
- Final Thoughts: Duluth, you were interesting. You were beautiful. You definitely tested my patience – I'll be back. Maybe.
The Radisson Rumble: A Messy Success!
Tucson Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Travelodge Marana!
Radisson Duluth Harborview: Before You Go, Let's Get Real!
So, Duluth's Calling... Why This Radisson Specifically? Spill the Tea!
But seriously, the location is decent. Walking distance to some stuff, close to the Aerial Lift Bridge spectacle. It's not the *sexiest* hotel in Duluth, let's put it that way. Think "solid, dependable minivan" not "sleek sports car." But hey, dependable can be, you know, *comforting* when you just want a break.
Parking: A Necessary Evil or a Highway Robbery?
But – *and this is important* – Duluth parking in general can range from “meh” to “utterly insane.” Figure it into your budget. Maybe check before you go… ask them. (Or just call and secretly ask about the parking situation, which could easily be a huge factor.)
Those Rooms, Though... Clean? Comfortable? Prison-Chic?
Comfortable? Yeah, the beds were… well, they were beds. Not the cloud-like perfection I dream of, but not the rock-hard planks I've unfortunately encountered in budget motels. Think “perfectly acceptable for a night or two”. It all depends on your standards. I'm picky, admittedly. But I managed to sleep.
One very minor detail: something about the walls felt a bit thin. I could *maybe* hear the neighbors. I always get a kick out of hearing people's morning routines, and now I can't tell if I *want* to or not!
Breakfast Buffets: A Glorious Feast or a Sad Excuse for Eggs?
And the coffee... Oh, the coffee. It isn't *bad*, exactly, it's just… generic. Stock up on your favorite Starbucks before you leave your house, or make an early morning run for a decent cup somewhere nearby. I did.
But – and this is important – even the most disappointing breakfast can be redeemed by a good view. And hey! The view from the breakfast room? Not bad.
Let's Talk Amenities! Pool? Gym? Is There Even a Place to Breathe?
* **Pool?** Yup. I didn't use it, but it looked… like a pool. Indoor. Probably chlorine-y. Kids were happy, which is a good sign.
* **Gym?** *Technically*, yes. I peeked in once. Not exactly a high-end fitness center, but it had treadmills and some weights. Okay, so I'm not an expert on these things.
* **Place to Breathe?** Absolutely! That view, remember? Go outside and take a deep breath of that fresh lake air. It's good for the soul.
What I *loved* was the big lobby. And the big windows (obviously). So yes, I found a place to breathe.
The Harborview Restaurant & Lounge. Yay or Nay?
But here's my real story: I *wanted* to have a fancy dinner with a nice cocktail, looking at the lake. I did not book a table until the last minute, and *that* might have been a mistake. It was packed, and I was seated at one of those tiny tables that's barely big enough for a single plate, let alone a full meal and a drink. And right next to a screaming child. Now, I love children, but not when I want to have a quiet night.
So, I did what any sane person would do. I *left*. I got a pizza delivered to my room instead. And honestly? I had a better night. Pizza in bed, with the lights dimmed, watching the sunset over Lake Superior. It was perfect. Was it the ideal romantic dinner I’d envisioned? Nope. But it was *my* perfect.
Staff: Are They Friendly or Just Robotically Polite?
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