Although this is a clean, affordable hostel in a prime Duluth location, we will NOT be staying in the Annex again. Pros: We felt safe, the place seemed clean, check-in was easy, and the staff were friendly. Also loved the free coffee in the morning! We love the shared community space and amenities that hostels provide, and how it encourages interaction among travelers. Hostel du Nord has two buildings. We stayed in “The Annex”, which has “semi-private” rooms and group bunk rooms. The online description and pictures did not explain exactly what that meant (simply sharing a bathroom?), and we discovered upon arrival that it was essentially an extra large cubicle made of drywall, same as the other rooms in the annex. Our room didn't have its own ceiling, instead it was open to the larger room, sharing a ceiling with all of the other rooms. Not a deal breaker, but there is no sound or light dampening between all of the rooms! The “walls” gave guests the illusion of sound dampening, but it actually made it worse. The sound bounced and echoed off of the ceiling and into our room. We wore earplugs to bed, but still were able to clearly hear the conversation in the room next to us in the middle of the night. To top it all off, the doors had no door closers on them that prevented slamming. When other guests returned at 1 and 2 in the morning, the doors were so loud that it sounded like the door to OUR room was opening and closing. Every time someone got up to go to the bathroom, the door slammed when they left their room, went into the bathroom, left the bathroom, and again when they re-entered their room. We were startled awake every time because it was so loud. We have stayed at many hostels in the past, and understand that sometimes people come in late without respecting quiet hours. However, the design of the building really exacerbated the problem. We only got a few hours of sleep, despite the fact that we were wearing earplugs the whole time. We are guessing that the rooms all share a ceiling to improve ventilation. We can imagine a few relatively cheap ways to reduce noise, including adding door closers to the doors to prevent slamming, and adding sound absorption to the ceiling (and maybe walls too). We really wish the hostel had told us that our room would be sharing a ceiling with other rooms. This was not made clear at all during the booking process. At the very least, these rooms should have had better pictures so guests know what they're getting into. Next time, if we need an affordable place to sleep in Duluth, we’ll reserve beds in the bunkhouse in the main building instead. Or skip it entirely and go camping.

I was super excited to find a hostel in MN as I love staying in hostels in Europe. The beds are in little “cubbies” with a privacy curtain, that makes it feel like your own little room. Each has a private locker, a little light and electrical outlet. Mine even had a little private fan. It was pretty quiet. Location close to canal park. It was a little pricey compared to hostels in Europe. But cheaper than the hotels in Duluth.

This place was so cute! I was recommended by one of my friends to stay at the hostel. I’ve never been to Duluth, my boyfriend and I stayed for two nights and visited the sights. I’ve never been in a hostel and I was a bit worried there would be no privacy. However everyone was respectful of space and privacy, even thought everyone is in close spaces it is also quiet all the time for people to sleep which is amazing due to close proximity. Bathrooms were very clean as well. Staff was very helpful in showing us were to park and very friendly as well. The little kitties are also so sweet and love to cuddle!!! This place was awesome and the staff let us check in and out at any time with no hassle, very laid back and welcoming place!

Hostel Du Nord is a funky home away from home for traveler kids and all those balling on a budget who still want to experience a touch of luxury on their vacations. Housed in a historic building right in the heart of downtown, make sure to do some hot yoga in the sauna to get the full experience. The staff is fantastic and goes above and beyond, they're old soul hippie types who are known for mailing back your wallets (with the money still in them!!) and expensive watches if you forget them. This is my go to Duluth spot.

I absolutely adore this place! I was in town working the festivals for the weekend and didn't want to splurge on a hotel costing 5x as much as a bed here. The staff were super helpful, friendly and chill. The single bunk I had was perfect and adorable. I was concerned about a hostel over a busy weekend and getting enough sleep, but it was very quiet and cozy. There is a large locker next to the bed to keep things safe while away. In the bunk were comfy linens, a small fan, small lamp and an outlet. I'm not in my 20's or even my 30's anymore and I was worried I would feel like an old person, but it made me feel like a traveller in my youth again! I will definitely come back and take my son with. I didn't have time to use the rest of the space much, but look forward to going back and spending time on the patio and checking out the sauna. It is also perfect walking distance to all of the great downtown restaurants and shops. Pizza Luce and Flame Night Club are within 2-3 blocks of walking as well as Canal Park and Bayfront within about 15 minutes of walking. Absolutely check this place out.

Absolutely the coolest experience! Stayed for the weekend and couldn't possibly have had a better time. Good people, great accommodations, and a new experience under the belt. I'd recommend this hostel to anyone looking for more than a dry, sad, typical "hotel" stay.

I was pretty nervous about this, but everything about this experience was OK. Each bunk was in its own little cubby so you weren't in an open room with a bunch of bunk beds like at some hostels. The bathrooms were really pretty good with private showers. Once I found the place, everything was easy. I recommend traveling lite. No need for extra stuff!

Amazing place to stay. I met some great people here and the staff is amazing. Super clean, no bugs, no dirt, nothing! I felt safe as a solo woman traveler too. I loved it so much I came back up and stayed another weekend! Definitely will be coming back :) and great price. Also close to some fun bars/restaurants. Overall ideal place to stay!

I had never even heard of this place before and I have lived in Duluth 20 years!!!! First off the STAFF ARE AMAZING HERE!! Super friendly and attentive! They make the whole experience that much better! Secondly I was expecting to have no privacy but it's always quite and laid back! Beds r super comfy! Always very clean!!! This place beats out any motel or hotel I have ever stayed at! Come check it out for yourselves!

This inviting place was just as advertised, and just as noted in other reviews. Bunks were well kept, with hospitable staff and clean, available spaces. Since this was my first time in a hostel in two decades, I was a little uncomfortable going in, but I have no regrets in the slightest. I appreciated the fans for air circulation and background noise. Great place.

I've never stayed at a hostel before, and I was pleasantly surprised! The staff was incredible and we met some fun people. I loved the Sauna and the ability to do an ice bath. The bunk itself was in need of a bit of up keep. You could see hairs on the pillows from someone before and I noticed a lot of dust and dirt around the base of the bed. That being said I actually slept really well and felt well rested. I would recommend if you want to meet fun people and have a new or different experience in duluth.

Not sure how this place has so many high reviews… maybe those stayed in the nicer half of the hostel and not the annex? I cannot stress this enough: do not stay in the annex. Rooms were so ungodly hot I woke up every hour covered in sweat. The air is so incredibly dry (not helped by the lady who works there burning incense a few rooms down all the time) that I woke up with a bloody nose and literally went out and buy a humidifier just to make my second night more bearable. Asked them to turn the heat down - they said they would but definitely did not. Maybe this place is better in the summer? Or it’s just the annex that sucks? I dunno but I’d highly advise against this place.

This was my first experience staying at a hostel. I have to say, it was nothing as I had imagined a hostel to be. I have seen the movies and my imagination...well, it was surprisingly fantastic! I called to inquire about rates for a week and was invited to come take a tour and check the Hostel Du Nord out. The owner was super polite, helpful, and welcoming via phone and texts. I was given a code to get inside the secure door and immediately welcomed by one of the friendliest front desk staff that I've ever encountered. I immediately knew I'd like being there. The decor itself is unique, artwork displayed everywhere, a chessboard set up waiting to be played, and... you would have to see this place. The rate I was given for the week was about what I'd pay for a weekend at a motel. If the two staff that welcomed me upon arrival, one went to find a bed for me, great choice she made. They both hauled my heavy luggage up the stairs and were so polite, professional, helpful, even letting me use an extra storage locker (w/key). The bed was comfortable with a cubby hole (fan/lamp included) and enough space to put shoes or other items inside of my curtained area. It was like a capsule hotel. My own little cacoon. I loved it. Downstairs there is a kitchen area with fridge, freezer, and cupboard space where I was able to keep my food, plenty of space to prepare and cook meals (all necessary equipment provided by the Hostel Du Nord. There's ice, cold/hot spring water, seasonings, they really go above and beyond in all the details. There were travelers from around the world, strangers, but it seemed like a community. I was blown away by the cleanliness of the establishment, the private bathrooms were immaculate always stocked with toilet paper and paper towels, there was always easy access to extra clean towels, extra pillows, and blankets. There's a 24/7 sauna, a deck, and more. It's an absolutely amazing establishment and I now know that not all hostels are what is portrayed in movies. I highly recommend this place to any one wanting a quiet, clean, comfortable, extremely affordable place to stay. The location couldn't get any better. It's located right on the Skywalk system, downtown Duluth, blocks away from Canal Park with the Ariel Lift Bridge, minutes from the Glensheen mansion, UMD, etc. There isn't a motel or hotel in all of Duluth that could outshine the Hostel Du Nord, it's genuine and welcoming. Best staff ever!

Really enjoyed our stay at this cute hostel in downtown - staff were friendly and there's a cozy common area in the main building which includes a full kitchen. We stayed in the annex building where the multi-person rooms are, and it looked a bit run down. Regardless, would definitely stay here again!

This place kind of saved me, I was meeting someone 3 hours away and they ended up cancelling. I was able to get a bunk here instantly for around $80. I am from north Minneapolis and the environment was a little scary even for me, lots of drunks that will approach you at night and gang graffiti (GDK, GD mostly) in this specific area. I had to walk with just my towel and stuff while looking for the place. The price was very fair though, and the rooms were alright, there are lots of bunks spaced fairly close together but there usually aren’t many people staying there so not a problem. The service was very good abt helping me find the entrance and getting me to my room. It got really cold so having the sauna was a nice addition.

The people and energy of this place are awesome, you walk in and can feel certain sense of creativity and liveliness. Bohemian style and lots of cool art/mind expanding conversations happening. Great place to recenter from pressures. Clean as well. Someone did something to my car while there and the owner even took time to help me fix the issue. Very thankful found this place and great escape

Cool place and a good price. The parking lot was a little questionable since there was the same car there and running every time we went out. Not sure what that was about. Staff was friendly, other guests seemed friendly but we were in and out pretty early/late. Definitely couldn't have gotten into the upper bunks though but that's my own giant feet's fault. Great option for a place to lay your head.

This place has a special magic. After 3 attempts to articulate the best review possible for my stay there at Hostel Du Nord, one must face that sometimes words aren’t enough, and Google doesn’t give enough space for adequate usage to describe this beautiful location. The place was spacious and clean, and had one of the most wonderful atmospheres. The staff present made for the best company during my 3 month stay. They were attentive, caring, and showed how much they wanted me to have a good experience while there. The owner, Bob, was so helpful and sweet numerous times during my stay for anything I either needed or expressed that I liked. I even had to change bunks temporarily (due to another reservation), and fell in love with the view I got to see out the window in the mornings from the new bunk. I expressed that I really liked it, and he let me remain there the rest of my stay. They hold really amazing events at the Art Annex part of the property, and I will always be humbled and grateful that I was asked to take part and enjoy the atmosphere. If there is an event at the Art Annex, it is very much recommended for anyone nearby to attend. They hold events there that can change lives. Google review is not long enough for all the good things that happened, and the amazing people I got to meet that are drawn there. I met some individuals while there that completely lit the place up, and it was palpable how much one could feel they helped the place shine whilst there, and how much of a positive and loving impact they really left when they departed. You will find really good people at Hostel Du Nord, and some I hope I am blessed to cross paths with again. While there are so many to list, here are some that contributed to making my stay wonderful: Alex, Caylie, David, Belen, Bob, Dillon, Preston, Grant, and a beautiful mermaid who would come visit by the name of Sara. I left Hostel Du Nord a richer person on the inside because of so many good things and people that passed through. It’s a good place, and the good people there made it something incredible and memorable. Bob picked some extraordinary people for his staff as well, and I hope life keeps sending people of that same caliber to help continue making Hostel Du Nord a wonderful place to stay.

Great hostel. Stayed three nights. Centrally located close to intercity and city transit. Very helpful host. Sleeping cubbyholes are comfortable with handy electrical plugs. Nice common area with kitchen facilities. Clean throughout. Pretty quiet. Sauna and ice bath in the lower level. Great alternative to what seemed to be overpriced standard lodging options in area. Duluth itself has lots to offer, especially if you like ports, parks, and hills. Locals seem passionate about coffee, beer, and outdoors activities.

I've stayed in hostels across the world and I have to say, Hostel du Nord is by far my favorite. The beds, while bunkbeds are uniquely designed with privacy and comfort in mind. The staff was superb and the atmosphere was relaxing and delightful. The hostel is located near some good eateries and is a short distance to the lake, absolutely stunning. If ever in the Duluth area and searching for a relaxing, affordable, charming place to stay - I recommend Hostel du Nord.

Friendly staff. Great central location. Comfortable bed in cozy room. Secure and parking next to the building. Nice kitchen and dining/communal area. Bathrooms were clean. We had the building to ourselves. Highly recommended!

Hostel du Nord provides a comfortable, no frills lodging experience all the while elevating the quality of the hostel experience in a lively city like Duluth. Upon my arrival, the staff (including one David) proved to be quite gracious in discussing hostel amenities such as the personal lock boxes, private bathrooms, back patio, cooling plunge basin, and sauna among other features. Then, when I found my single bunk, the sheets were clean, the lighting was functional, and nearby bunk neighbors that August afternoon were more than respectful. Gratefully, after soaking in a night of live music performances between Duluth and nearby Superior, Wisconsin, I returned back to the Hostel to find a gratefully tranquil space and an available sauna to relax my muscles before making use of the Wi-Fi for emails and then heading to sleep. I found myself refreshed the following morning. I took a shower in a more private bathroom and with check out a simple process, I had ample time to enjoy breakfast at the Duluth Grill on my way back to the Twin Cities. To be clear, Hostel du Nord is undeniably a hostel. If you want cable television as part of your lodging experience, then Hostel du Nord may not be the best match. Yet, between their single and double mattress accommodations and all of their amenities, I found exactly what I was looking for in a one-night stay in Duluth AND I paid significantly less than for any other hotel/motel chain room in the area. Plus, when I noticed an erroneous charge on my final invoice, Hostel du Nord staff quickly responded to my observation and removed the erroneous charge promptly. I would not hesitate to reserve another night or two or more back at Hostel du Nord in the future given my August 2022 experience. Who knows, maybe I'll try the cooling plunge basin next time. Merci, Hostel du Nord!

Had a swell time. Quiet, clean, convenient with tons of kitchen amenities. Great warm vibe all round. Personable staff added to the experience. Thanks so much!

I had an incredible experience with both the hostel staff and the guests - the staff was incredibly helpful and friendly, helping me with directions and making phone calls after my own phone broke during the beginning of my stay in Duluth, which made me feel very welcome and looked out for. The hostel was clean with really interesting (abstract?) decorations, and was overall very cozy and welcoming.

We had a large group of us go down to Duluth for the ASCE competition mid April 2023 for 3 days. Since there was enough of us it made great since to rent out an entire floor (the first floor for us). Since we were renting out all of the rooms on the first floor we were able to get a great discount which made it way cheaper than going to a hotel (especially at an excellent location right downtown). The atmosphere was awesome as well. We had plenty of room to socialize and talk with other travelers exchanging stories. There is a kitchen there with all the basics so you can also cook your meals there which made the cost even more appealing than constantly having to go out (also a large BBQ which was great for cooking for everyone). This experience made it feel like a relaxed camp/homely vibe which removed a lot of the nerves for the students competing in the competitions. Looking forward to visiting again. PS, the sauna and cold plunge were refreshing :)

For the price, Hostel du Nord is of considerable quality. The staff at the hostel are people oriented, caring, considerate, helpful, and insightful. They helped me out a great deal to say the least, as I lost a key to the locker near my bed. The manager of the hostel is very personable, and gave great recommendations of things to do in the area. He is a very friendly, easy to talk to man. The sleeping arrangements were fantastic. The beds were cozy, and spacious. The way the cubby’s were laid out made a lot of sense, and I felt very comfortable sleeping there. There is a cut out in the wall with a couple sockets for charging electronics. There is a fan that comes in all of these little cut outs, creating some white noise in the background to block out other sounds, as well as keep you cool. I would note that the bed only comes with one sheet, so if you get cold easy it’s a good idea to bring extra blankets with you. The temperature in the upstairs area is very warm, so I do not think an extra blanket would be very comfortable. To be honest, the warmth was a bit much at times. Perhaps this is to compensate for the lack of sheets, I’m not sure. Either way, I slept well, and that is coming from someone who sleeps extremely lightly. There are three (maybe four) bathrooms on the level, so I never felt that I needed to worry about not being able to go when I needed to. They all had showers in them. All were very sanitary. I would note that the upstairs area where you sleep has a bit of a heavier smell to it. I would not say it was bad per say, because it wasn’t. It was just very present, and I’d imagine could present difficulties to people with sensitivities to this sort of thing. The smell was of incense. I will note that in the bottom portion of the building, there is a sauna, an ice bath, and red lights for red light therapy. This was amazing, and I encourage anyone to try it out. I personally very much enjoyed it. The atmosphere of the hostel is very welcoming. Everyone there was extremely friendly. I always felt welcome and safe. Again, for the value of your dollar, this is an exceptional place to stay for anyone with a more adventurous side to them. All other places in Duluth are very expensive, and I don’t think they would provide nearly the same value whatsoever. In all, I would absolutely return to Hostel Du Nord again. Thank you for everyone who made our stay welcoming, and accommodating. I look forward to seeing you all someday again!

It’s a hostel not a hotel. but ngl you can find cheaper places in Duluth that will give you your own room instead of a lil mat with a curtain with a guy coughing the whole night right by you. But it’s a good location and worth the experience

Beautiful restored (antique and modern at the same time) buildings, friendly, caring and personable staff, cozy private cubby bunks to sleep in – clean and include small light and your own outlet, fantastic kitchens (with everything from fresh coffee, lots of cookware, dish washer, etc) and other amenities (sauna, cold dip made out of freezer - very cool, dance area, martial arts, area, cuddle area, and much more). Close to Canal Street and the lake. Progressive, interesting and welcoming people. I had a wonderful experience there, and definitely will go back!

Hostel du nord is the place to be! Wonderfully welcoming employees. These guys smile the brightest and hug the warmest. Always know which direction to point you in for good food. Rooms are always clean. And workers are always in the mood for a great conversation. From my first conversation with the owner to the first night there, I've been made to feel like part of the family. Hopefully soon I'll be lucky enough to work here as well. Always stop by and say hi.

Really enjoyed my stay at this hostel. Plenty of spacious communal spaces, lovely & welcoming staff, and I really enjoyed having my own private room that locked, as a solo traveler. Neighborhood felt a little gritty, but I never felt unsafe. Easy access by foot and bike to everything I wanted to do while in Duluth.

The place is very clean. It was more a Saturday evening so the staffing was not optimal, but still not crucial at the time. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere and lots of room for conversation with global travelers with a back alley patio area with an open fireplace at its center. You can warm and prep your own purchased items, but note that there is not a full stove and range top so it’s needs to be use the available boiled water source or be microwaveable. The is are refrigerators for cold storage, though. A very nice low cost and hip hostel option with DT Duluth at your fingertips!

The people who are working are so nice! It’s a great alternative for a less expensive stay overnight and for a new experience. Beds are not the most comfortable and after removing the sheets in the morning I noticed that the mattress protector was absolutely filthy. I hate to be picky but they need to clean or replace them. The building was very warm and the fan helped but could be more comfortable if cooler. People in the a.m. were very noisy but I can’t blame the hostel for that!! I would recommend staying overnight for an overnight and I would most likely do it again. I can’t say enough how nice the workers were! They were probably my favorite part.