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.

Nicollet Island Inn has old school charm. We went to for a wedding and chose to stay there for the convenience to be where the reception was. The service was wonderful - Jenny was spectacular; so friendly and helpful. We hope to go back when it is warmer.

A beautiful vintage inn! We dined at the restaurant New Years Eve, then brought the remaining wine to our room. The staff was friendly & efficient, parking free on site, rooms nicely appointed. Lovely views of the city. We will most definitely visit this place again.

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

I have known the Nicollet Island Inn since I was a teenager....which was a long time ago. During my recent 5-day stay, over Thanksgiving, Minneapolis fell into a cold spell....5 degrees! With such a sudden dip in temp, there were a lot of heat problems throughout. The staff could not have been more wonderful! Moving me twice, to find a room with sufficient heat and eventually putting me in a King Suite. These moves happened late at night. The staff was so kind and helpful! So thank you!

Super comfortable bed with a ton of soft pillows, room was extra clean and spacious. We had a corner room with lots of windows. Lobby was clean, hostess was friendly and answered all our questions. We had a couple of hours to kill before our dinner reservation so we each had a glass of wine and these delicious deviled eggs as an appetizer. Bar area was decorated well. Later on we had dinner in the dining room, White linen table cloth and napkins... food was excellent, not the cheapest but well prepared and we thoroughly enjoyed our leisurely meal it their beautifully decorated dinning room. Our server was very attentive. We consumed the complimentary coffee, juice, yogurt and rolls on the front patio in the AM. The only negative would be they should have at least 2 side chairs and a small table to play cards on or...? We will be back.