Nicollet Island Inn

First off, I was charged an extra “historic building” fee when I checked in. When I questioned it, I was told it was because I didn’t use their website to book. The room was ok, no hairdryer. There was an almost constant loud him coming from the bathroom wall. Nice view of the river but awakened at 4 am by people yelling and fighting somewhere. Restaurant only serves breakfast on weekends and we were unable to find any open places for breakfast within walking distance. Wasn’t a terrible stay but I wouldn’t go back.

After eating in the restaurant and visiting the bar periodically over many years, I decided to stay overnight to get the full experience of this property. The overall ambiance is indescribable! EVERY staff person I encountered was friendly, welcoming, sincere, and compassionate. I was thrilled to see that the holiday decor remains on display throughout the month of January! The food NEVER disappoints here, and the servers/bartenders are the best in their profession, trust me...My beautiful corner room was LITERALLY warm and cozy (despite subzero temps outside), and it had such a "warm feeling" (decor-wise). Because the Inn was so quiet and my bed was so comfortable, I slept as well as I do at home - this was amazing and unprecedented for me! I especially enjoyed the DELICIOUS, classy, and complimentary coffee/continental breakfast service available at 6AM on each floor. I highly recommend selecting the brunch or other meal package to savor the peaceful view of the river in the wraparound dining room. The entire value of this experience exceeded my expectations. I'll definitely stay again and recommend Nicollet Island Inn to friends and family!

In an age where hospitality increasingly gravitates toward the casual and contemporary, it is refreshing—indeed, rather heartening—to discover an establishment that maintains the highest standards of traditional service excellence. Such is the case with Minneapolis's Nicollet Island Inn, a bastion of gracious dining that has been delighting discerning patrons for more than four decades. Situated in a historic setting, the Inn presents itself splendidly during the festive season. The Christmas decorations, while abundant, demonstrate admirable restraint: multiple trees adorned with tasteful ornaments, and wreaths releasing the most divine fragrance of fresh pine—precisely the sort of seasonal embellishment one hopes to encounter in a fine establishment. While the Inn offers a formal dining room of considerable elegance, I found myself drawn to the more intimate bar area, where I encountered service that would not be out of place in London's finest establishments. The bartender, Brad—a gentleman whose expertise and attention to detail warrant specific mention—exemplified the increasingly rare art of genuine hospitality. His command of the menu and intuitive understanding of guests' preferences proved nothing short of extraordinary, particularly impressive given this was Boxing Day. The culinary offerings, while firmly rooted in American classics, display moments of inspired creativity. Consider their interpretation of that humble favorite, the grilled cheese sandwich: elevated with cottage bacon, premium cheddar, and fresh tomato, served on pillowy challah bread. It arrives accompanied by a tomato soup that, when enhanced with their carefully curated selection of condiments (Melinda's ghost pepper sauce being a particularly inspired choice), transforms into something quite remarkable. The beverage program deserves special commendation. Their signature Island Fashioned, crafted with Buffalo Trace bourbon and an ingenious combination of cranberry and peach bitters, demonstrates sophisticated mixology. The wine list, too, shows careful consideration, with selections like a particularly good Spanish Rioja that proved the perfect complement to a frosty Minnesota day. Observation of dishes being served to fellow diners revealed consistently high standards across the menu, with the salad preparations showing particular finesse. The Inn also offers special events, including afternoon tea services that any anglophile would surely appreciate. In conclusion, the Nicollet Island Inn represents that increasingly rare combination of historical charm, impeccable service, and culinary excellence. It stands as a reminder that proper hospitality need not be confined to coastal establishments or European capitals. For visitors to Minneapolis seeking a dining experience of genuine refinement, this establishment is, quite simply, essential. One final note: in an era where exceptional service often goes unremarked, the professionalism displayed by Brad and his co