Duluth's Hidden Gem: Lift Bridge Lodge's Unbelievable Views!
Duluth's Hidden Gem: Lift Bridge Lodge's Unbelievable Views! - A Review That's Actually Real
Okay, folks. Let's be honest. Hotel reviews can be… slick. Polished. Full of the same-ol’, same-ol’. But this review? This is different. This is about my actual experience at the Lift Bridge Lodge in Duluth, that supposed hidden gem. Prepare for some real talk - the good, the slightly less good, and the moments that made me question my sanity (in a good way, mostly).
First Impressions: Views That Punch You in the Face (in a Good Way!)
The first thing? The views. Seriously, they’re unreal. Like, take-your-breath-away, insta-worthy unreal. From my room (a high-floor, non-smoking one, thank heavens – although, let's be honest, that pre-stay cigarette craving almost got me), the panorama of Lake Superior and the iconic Lift Bridge was, well, unbelievable. I just stood there, mouth agape, for a solid five minutes. Okay, maybe ten. Okay, maybe I forgot to unpack for a while. The panoramic views are one of the reasons why this lodge is a hidden gem.
Accessibility (And a Tiny, Humble Brag About My Own Mobility)
Now, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I did notice the lodge has excellent accessibility. Wheelchair accessible: Check. Elevator: Check. Facilities for disabled guests: Seemed pretty spot-on. The hallways weren't cramped, and there was plenty of space to maneuver in my room. (Okay, fine, my room. I booked an accessible room. Don't judge my forward planning!). This is a HUGE plus, and something I always appreciate seeing.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized to the Max!
Look, the pandemic has changed everything. And I was impressed. They're taking anti-viral cleaning products seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, room sanitization between stays, and even individually-wrapped food options at breakfast (more on that later). There were hand sanitizers everywhere. The staff was clearly trained in safety protocol. I even thought I saw a sterilizing equipment or two lurking in the background. Makes you feel safe, right? The Cashless payment service was also handy.
Rooms: Cozy, Comfy, and… Wait, Is That a Bathtub?
My room was a little bit… luxurious. We’re talking bathrobes, slippers, and a separate shower/bathtub. (I may have taken a bath. Don't judge. Bathrobes are a gift from the gods, after all.) The blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping in, although the alarm clock's tiny light drove me nuts. Annoying, yet effective. It had a desk that I actually ended up using for some work (the dreaded reality of a "vacation"). There was a refrigerator and coffee/tea maker and also a complimentary tea and free bottled water. Gotta stay hydrated, you know.
Internet: Wi-Fi in All Rooms! (Hallelujah!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless. Thank you, sweet baby Jesus. And it actually worked! The Internet access – LAN was available too. The dreaded "no Wi-Fi" nightmare is, thankfully, avoided. The audio-visual equipment for special events was present.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast, Buffets, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Coffee
Okay, let's talk food. Breakfast [buffet] was available, with a good selection, although, the Asian breakfast was a tad… adventurous. You can order from an a la carte in restaurant menu. The coffee/tea in restaurant was a must. I'm a coffee snob, and it met my standards. There's a snack bar with some quick choices and a poolside bar to boot.
More Details of the breakfast [buffet] It was fine. Decent. I would probably recommend the Breakfast takeaway service and bring it with you, where you can experience the majestic views of the city, from the heights of the lodge.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Sensations and Fitness Failures (for Me, Anyway)
Alright, I'll be honest. I envisioned myself spending hours luxuriously in the spa, getting a body wrap and a massage. The things I imagined are all available. Sigh. I only managed the sauna and the majestic pool with view. Look, I tried the fitness center, but after ten minutes, I realised I'm more of a "contemplate-the-lake-with-a-cup-of-coffee" kind of person. There's also a steamroom, so you have choices! The swimming pool was delightful, and you can swim in the swimming pool [outdoor and indoor].
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
There was daily housekeeping. Huge win. The concierge was helpful. The laundry service saved me from a suitcase full of dirty clothes. Concierge and front desk [24-hour] were always present, ready to help. There's also a convenience store tucked away for those emergency chocolate cravings, a gift/souvenir shop for the obligatory cheesy postcard, and the ability to do cash withdrawal.
For the Kids: Family Fun!
I'm a solo traveler, but I saw what I was pretty sure was a babysitting service. The website suggests, in general, the Lodge is Family/child friendly, so if you're traveling with kids, it's a good choice. There are Kids Meal options too, if you want them.
Getting Around: Car Park [Free of Charge]
The best part? Car park [free of charge]. The lodge also offers airport transfer and taxi service.
The Imperfections, the Quirks, and the Honest Truths
Okay, real talk time. The walls may have been a little thin. I might have heard my neighbors' late-night conversations. (Mostly about the amazing views, thankfully). And the elevators, while present, were a bit slow during peak times. One time, I had a minor emotional breakdown over a stubbornly stuck room key. That's when my actual adventure began.
The Adventure: Double Down on a Single Experience (and Almost Lose It)
This is the part where the review gets messy. I spent the bulk of my trip trying not to work. Instead, I spent my time near the window that opens. The wind blasted into my face as I tried to get the perfect photo. The goal was to capture the magic of the Lift Bridge Lodge. This simple task turned into an epic saga of near disaster.
First Day: Epic Fails. The weather was brutal. I tried multiple angles, all resulting in blurry photos. My phone died. My coffee grew cold. I took a quick nap, and the process began again.
The next day, I almost got it. The light was perfect, the bridge was in view, but then… A rogue seagull bombed dropped a gift right in the frame. I yelped. I erased the photo.
Day Three: The Breakthrough. It was glorious. The sun, the bridge, the lodge. I was in photography heaven.
Day Four: The Meltdown. The fog rolled in, obscuring everything. I paced the room, gnawing on my lip. I was so close. And then, I gave up. I sat on the edge of my bed, defeated. I stared hopelessly at the magnificent view.
The Emotional Aftermath and the Verdict:
I started laugh-crying. The sheer ridiculousness of it all cracked me up. Here I was, obsessing over a photo while missing the point. The lodge wasn't just about the perfect photo. It was about the experience. The view. The spa. The comfy bed. And, of course, the unbelievable view.
So, is Lift Bridge Lodge a Hidden Gem?
Absolutely. Yes. Unequivocally, YES. Despite the minor imperfections, the slightly wonky elevators, and my own personal photo-related meltdown, this place is special. It is the perfect place to get away from the world while enjoying the wonderfulness that is Duluth's beauty. I'd go back in a heartbeat. You should go too. Just… maybe don't try to take the "perfect" photo. Just enjoy the view. It's far more important than what you can get on camera.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, corporate-approved itinerary. This is my Duluth adventure, raw and unfiltered, and happening at the Lift Bridge Lodge. Prepare for a ride.
Day 1: Duluth, I’m Here (and Probably Hungry)
- 1:00 PM: Landed in Duluth. Holy moly, it’s… well, it's Duluth. The air smells like… well, I'm not sure what it smells like, but it's different. Exciting different. Maybe lake and vaguely… pine? Anyway, hit the road and found the Lift Bridge Lodge. (Side note: "Ascend Hotel Collection" sounds fancy, but the lobby smelled suspiciously of chlorine. Not a dealbreaker, though, I'm a budget traveler.)
- 1:30 PM: Checked in. The front desk guy, bless his heart, looked like he'd seen a ghost of a winter storm. Efficient enough, though. Found my room. It has two queen beds. Score! (I'm traveling solo, but hey, extra space for… uh… my stuff?)
- 2:00 PM: The Great Lake Superior Discovery: Walked the (slightly slushy) path to the lift bridge. Okay, the lake is HUGE. Seriously, it's got an ocean vibe. Took about 10 million pictures. (I may have tripped over a rogue chunk of ice. Don't judge.) The bridge is impressive, but when the cars line up, there's more drama than a Bravo reality series.
- 3:00 PM: Food Coma Incoming: Found a diner called “The Shack.” It was… rustic. Let's just say that. The coffee was so strong, I think I could power the lift bridge with it. Had a burger (needed some serious fuel), and the waitress, bless her heart, kept calling everyone "Hon." Total charm.
- 4:00 PM: Staggered back to the hotel. My feet are killing me. Contemplating a nap before the evening's shenanigans. (Shenanigans being a euphemism for "potentially getting lost.")
- 7:00 PM: Seeking the Northern Lights (Or a Decent IPA): Headed out. Okay, let's be honest, I'm not sure if I'll see the Northern Lights. (Also, it's probably too cloudy.) But! There's a brewery I heard about called Fitger's Brewhouse in the old Fitger's Inn complex. Sounds promising since that's what Duluth is known for.
- 7:45 PM: Okay, this is what I'm talking about! Fitger's Brewhouse is pure Duluth. The atmosphere is cozy and loud. I got a flight of beers. (Don’t judge, it's research!). The red ale was a revelation. And the food… let's just say the pretzels went down a little too easy. Had an awesome conversation with a stranger named "Bev" (Bev, like, the perfect Duluth name, right?). She told me about the best places to go ice fishing. (Me? Ice fishing? Ha!)
- 9:30 PM: Back at the Lift Bridge Lodge. My brain is pleasantly buzzed. Noticed a weird stain on my hotel room carpet (I choose to believe it's a mystery). Bedtime. Tomorrow, I tackle the Aerial Lift Bridge again.
Day 2: Adventures and (Potentially) Disasters
- 8:00 AM: Woke up. Surprised I actually slept. (Hotel coffee's gonna need a pick me up for this one.)
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. "Continental" breakfast. Translation: processed sugary carbs and lukewarm coffee. Took a piece of toast. Said goodbye.
- 9:30 AM: Bridge Mania, Take Two. Back to the lift bridge. This time, determined to witness the actual lift. After nearly freezing my fingers off while waiting for the actual bridge to lift, I captured the entire event in what I can only describe as a "masterpiece" photo series. (My phone is full.)
- 10:30 AM: Canal Park's Glory: I walked the canal park, where the bridge would later lower again. It was packed with people, but not too packed. Strolled through shops and watched the massive boats. It’s stunning.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a place called "Grandma's Saloon & Grill." Touristy? Yes. But the food was decent, and the people watching was epic. Saw a kid spill ketchup all over their mom’s white jacket. (Moms, am I right?)
- 2:00 PM: Obsession with the Scenic Route: Since I'm already on the Canal Park area, I saw the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. It was cool, but I didn't want to stay there for long since it was pretty stuffy.
- 3:00 PM: The Lake Superior Zoo: Decided on the zoo! How could I resist? (Mostly for the big cats, I admit.) It was… a zoo. The polar bear seemed a bit bored. And I think I saw a goat give me a side-eye.
- 5:00 PM: Hotel R&R. Showered (with the world's smallest bar of soap), watched some truly terrible TV, and judged my travel choices. (Questioned if Duluth was really "me.")
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Found a place called "Va Bene." Italian. (I needed a carb fix.) Pretty good. And the restaurant, despite being crowded felt relaxing and pretty.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Feeling the Duluth "vibe" now, in a weird way. The bridge looks pretty lit up at night. (Pun intended.)
Day 3: Farewell, Duluth (Maybe I’ll Be Back, Maybe Not)
- 8:00 AM: Another sad continental breakfast. Ate some muffins, anyway.
- 9:00 AM: Last walk along the lake. Contemplated buying a "Duluth" t-shirt. (Resisted temptation.)
- 10:00 AM: Checked out. The front desk guy gave me a half-hearted wave.
- 10:30 AM: Stopped by a coffee shop for one last caffeine jolt.
- 11:00 AM: Heading out of town. Duluth, you were… unique. I've seen some cool stuff, I met some okay people, ate way too much… and now, onto the next adventure. (or maybe, just my couch.)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived back home.
Lift Bridge Lodge: Unbelievable Views? Let's Dig In! (Because Honestly, I'm STILL Recovering)
Okay, Okay, Everyone's RAVING about the Views. Are They REALLY That Good? Spill the Tea!
What's the Vibe Like, Besides the Obvious "Jaw-Dropping Scenery"? Is It Just a Cozy Lodge?
Let's Get Real: Are There Any Downsides? Because Nothing's Perfect. (Except Maybe... The View)
The Rooms! What if I NEED a specific view (like, LITERALLY need it to survive)? What's the deal?
Is This Place Kid-Friendly? Or Is It All Romantic Getaways and Quiet Contemplation?
Okay, Let's Talk Food! Any Good Eats Nearby? Don't Leave Me Hangry!
So, The Big Question: Would You Go Back? Or Is It All Hype?
