There are a ton of ways you can spend the night while traveling on the Great River Road. To help with planning your own epic road trip, I’ve put together a list of thirteen fantastic hotels along the Great River Road that you should consider spending at least a night at. These hotels run the gamut from rustic resorts to high class luxury, and everything in-between. I’ve also worked to pick ones from the entire length of the trip, so you’ll never find yourself without a wonderful Great River Road hotel at the end of a long day on the road.
This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on them costs you nothing, but it does help support my blog. I promise to never recommend a product or service that I haven’t tried or done plenty of research on. Thanks for reading and supporting!
Norway Beach Resort, Cass Lake, MN
The northernmost of the hotels along the Great River Road that you should consider staying at is Norway Beach Resort. Which it should be said right away, that this certainly isn’t a typical “hotel” experience. However, it’s definitely a unique and wonderful destination right on the Great River Road and with fantastic lake access. Like, you’re literally staying feet from the lake!
Norway Beach Resort offers up 11 cabins for rental throughout the year. These cabins get booked well in advance during the summer months, so if you’re wanting to stay make sure you book far ahead of your trip. Each cabin has a large amount of space with multiple bedrooms and a fully furnished kitchen. It might be a bit more than you need on your road trip, but I’d say it’s a fantastic place to spend a couple days at the start or end of your trip!
Nicollet Island Inn, Minneapolis, MN
The Nicollet Island Inn is among the hotels along the Great River Road with the longest history, though not all of that history has been spent as a hotel. The building that the Inn occupies has been home to many tenants, but fortunately for all of us that history now gets to be appreciated by everyone who gets a chance to stay here.
The hotel is located on the eponymous Nicollet Island which sits in the middle of the Mississippi River as it flows through Minneapolis. Situated on the southern end of the island, this gorgeous limestone brick building provides great access to downtown while not being quite as caught up in the hustle and bustle. The rooms are beautifully acquainted, but as they fully admit, tradition not trendy is what they go for.
If you’re planning on stopping in Minneapolis during your drive down the Great River Road in Minnesota, then the Nicollet Island Inn would make a great choice. It also features an amazing restaurant as well, so if you’re just looking for a quiet night it is a fantastic option. You could even make it a full weekend in Minneapolis with a stay here while on your Great River Road journey!
St. James Hotel, Red Wing, MN
For travelers down the Great River Road who’d prefer to not stay in Minneapolis, then the St. James Hotel is a world-class option for you in Red Wing. The hotel opened it’s doors way back in 1875, making it one of the longest operating hotels in the entire state of Minnesota and the oldest of the Great River Road hotels on this list!
When it comes to room options, the St. James has a wide variety. Which is awesome considering many older hotels lack this variety (or quantity) for visitors. There are rooms on the smaller side, traditional of old hotels, but also large suites that let you spread out a bit after your cramped car ride. All of the rooms are wonderfully furnished, giving a great cozy vibe to your stay in Red Wing.
However, what I think is the coolest part of staying at the St. James is The Port. Located on the lower level of the hotel, The Port is a gorgeous, speak easy style bar. It’s exactly the kind of place you can picture yourself enjoying a slow drink, chatting with friends or strangers, and letting the worries of the day (or your trip) to fade away. Honestly, even if you don’t stay at the St. James on your road trip, you’ve got to stop in for a cocktail at The Port.
The Charmant Hotel, La Crosse, WI
As your trip winds down the Great River Road in Wisconsin, a stop in La Crosse can let you visit the largest six pack in the world. It’ll also let you stay at the gorgeous Charmant Hotel. The hotel is surrounded and a part of the history of the city by first being on the site of the first settlement, and later occupying the FUNKE candy factory building there today.
There are quite a variety of rooms that you can choose from, all of which are fantastically decorated. I’d highly recommend getting a river view room if one is available. The hotel sits on the east bank of the Mississippi River, so facing the river gives you an amazing way to watch sunset over the river below.
If you don’t want to watch the sunset from your room, then you could easily head up to the rooftop. Their rooftop terrace offers a casual place to relax from your trip while enjoying a slice of pizza or a nice cocktail. If you’re looking for something more filling, the restaurant offers a taste of France which is fitting in a city bearing a French name.
For those who skipped out on stopping at any of the hotels before the Charmant, then this is a great opportunity to enjoy a bit of luxury before continuing. Unique hotels become less frequent over the next 500 miles to St. Louis, with only two places to stop on this list.
Goldmoor Inn, Galena, IL
If you stayed the night in La Crosse, then the Goldmoor Inn will be at just the right distance away for a nice day along the Great River Road through Iowa. While this is on the Illinois side of the river, you’ll drive down the other bank most of the day. Staying at the Goldmoor is certainly a high quality experience when traveling down the Great River Road and would make a wonderful weekend stop if you’ve got the time to relax.
The Goldmoor Inn is a beautiful estate with spectacular rooms. We’re talking jacuzzi tubs just steps from the bed, or stellar wood framed four poster beds. The grounds of the inn are also a wonderful way to enjoy a nice stroll at the end of a long day on the road. Even better you can schedule a massage or enjoy some time at their spa! When you’re staying at the Goldmoor Inn, expected to be treated well and finding it difficult to get on with your road trip down the Great River Road in Illinois.
The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine, IA
The Merrill Hotel is one of those hotels you find in places you’d least expect it. Situated in the river pearl capital of America, Muscatine, this four-start hotel is the #2 rated hotel in the entire state of Iowa. It’s situated right downtown, overlooking Riverside Park and the Mississippi River just feet away.
I’d classify the Merrill as a very modern hotel. All of the rooms and suites have a crisp, modern wood finish to them and would make it easy to relax after a day on the road. That styling extends to the lobby and other common areas, creating a modern and inviting place to stay while on your journey down the Great River Road.
The hotel is also home to Maxwell’s on the River, which serves up modern takes on American classics. If you want a truly unique experience, you can even put in requests ahead of time with Executive Chef Tessa Crookshanks. It’s not an option I’ve ever seen before, so definitely consider reaching out if you’re staying at the Merrill on your trip!
The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza, St. Louis, MO
The two St. Louis hotels on this list are battling it out for who has the better location for exploring the city when you stop in for a weekend in St. Louis. The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza has the advantage of being next to one of the best city parks in the country, Forest Park. You can easily walk into the park and explore for hours on foot, or drive across the expansive park to places like the St. Louis Zoo or St. Louis Art Museum.
Staying at the Royal Sonesta, is like stepping into a part of history. It’s been home to musical stars and presidents, reflecting it’s appeal to visitors of all kinds. However, the inside of the hotel is a wonderful blend of classic touches and modern highlights.
The rooms at the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza are plenty spacious if you plan on spending your time in them. However, beyond exploring everything St. Louis has to offer, you should certainly take in the dining options at the hotel as well. I’d especially recommend grabbing a steak at The Tenderloin Room, one of the best steakhouses in St. Louis.
The Royal Sonesta is the Great River Road hotel option for staying in St. Louis that gives you more luxury, easier access to Forest Park, and a touch of history as well.
Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch, St. Louis, MO
Now, if you’re not wanting to stay near Forest Park or are looking for a bit cheaper option then you’re in luck. The Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch is located exactly where it says it is: The Gateway Arch. While the rooms don’t have a view, you can enjoy some views of the arch and surrounding park from their 8th floor terrace.
The rooms at the Drury Plaza Hotel are pretty standard hotel fare, so nothing to write home there. However, what this hotel does offer is access to everything within a nice short walk. You could see a game at Busch Stadium, visit the Arch or Old Courthouse, check out the St. Louis Aquarium, or simply stroll along Market Street. For a quick stay when travelling the Great River Road in Missouri, it’s hard to beat the Drury Plaza Hotel.
With two St. Louis hotels on my list of Great River Road hotels, you can’t really stay at both. I recommend the Drury for those on a tighter budget, a shorter stay, and who want to be near the Arch.
The Louis Hotel, Wilson, AR
While making your way down the Great River Road in Arkansas, you’ll pass through the small town of Wilson. Here in Wilson, you’ll find one of the most surprising hotels along the Great River Road: The Louis Hotel. Nestled right against the town square, you’ll find a luxury stay with small town charm.
The Louis Hotel has a very limited number of rooms, allowing it to maintain a very B&B feel while still providing plenty of space for visitors to not feel like you’re on top of one another. Each of the room features king beds, made up with linens crafted from cotton grown right outside of town. You’ll also have the option of staying in one of their cottages located around the town center.
While on your road trip down the Great River Road, if you’ve been working to avoid big chains or big towns, then this is the last great hotel you’ll find. The Louis Hotel prides itself on creating an individualized experience for every visitor, something you don’t find everywhere.
Big Cypress Lodge, Memphis, TN
While there are plenty of unique hotels along the Great River Road, the Big Cypress Lodge might be top of that list. You see, it isn’t just any fancy hotel; it’s a hotel inside a pyramid. Yet, it isn’t just any ol’ pyramid either; it’s the Memphis Pyramid in Downtown Memphis. Which just so happens to be home to the coolest Bass Pro Shops in the country. That’s right, one of the most unique retail locations in the country also has an entire hotel located above it!
I had the pleasure of visiting the Bass Pro Shops in Memphis during my trip down the Great River Road in Tennessee, but didn’t even know the hotel existed ’til we got there. While I’d have loved to stay in any of these Great River Road hotels, Big Cypress Lodge might be the one I feel I missed out on the most.
The Big Cypress Lodge 100% lives up to exactly the theming you’d expect. You’ll find lots of rustic, wooden charm in the furniture and styling of the rooms. There is also plenty of outdoor or wilderness lodge touches like the mounted deer or moose in some rooms. If you’ve brought the family, then their suites offer room to spread out for multiple days in Memphis. Heck, even their regular rooms are the largest in the Memphis area.
Staying at the Big Cypress Lodge is an excellent way to spend a weekend in Memphis while on your road trip, or to simply have a fun and unique night before continuing further south!
Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens, Natchez, MS
Traveling down the Great River Road in Mississippi will present you with your choice of staying in either Vicksburg or Natchez. In my opinion, if you’re looking for a hotels along the Great River Road for this stretch of the trip, I’d check out the Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens in Natchez.
This restored 19th century home is like a peaceful oasis where you can simply forget any troubles you’ve had on your trip down the Mississippi River. It’s located right off the Great River Road route through Mississippi and has easy access to the historic town of Natchez. However, if you’re staying here you’ll want to make sure to take some time to walk the masterfully manicured gardens that make this hotel such a draw.
Visitors have a large number of options for rooms at the Monmouth Historic Inn. These rooms are spread between the main house or one of seven different outbuildings across the property. In practically every room you’ll find period authentic furniture, art work, and stylings. If you’ve enjoyed exploring history while on your Great River Road trip, then you’ll love a stay at Monmouth!
Place d’Armes, New Orleans, LA
A trip down the Great River Road must always end (or begin) in New Orleans. No visit to New Orleans is complete without at least spending a little time in the French Quarter. There’s really no better place to stay in the French Quarter than the Place d’Armes. It’s located just steps from Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Cafe du Monde, and everything Bourbon Street has to offer.
This is the hotel to pick if you’re searching for that authentic New Orleans experience full of fabulous food, deep history, and a touch of night life. The Place d’Armes offers visitors a chance to unwind in their courtyard, or on a balcony overlooking St. Ann Street. The rooms are all modern and stylish, meaning you aren’t sacrificing anything by staying at this historic property.
Visitors to the Place d’Armes will also appreciate that they aren’t paying an arm and a leg for their stay here either. For such a prime location, you’re regularly looking at under $200 a night. Which means you can enjoy spending that money living it up on Bourbon Street or anywhere else in town that your heart desires. This is hands down the Great River Road hotel I wish I’d have stayed at when we made our trip back in 2022!
Park View Historic Hotel, New Orleans, LA
If your trip down the Great River Road has been on the quieter side of excitement, then this would be the best Great River Road hotel for you. Situated along the historic St. Charles Avenue (one of the many GRR routes through New Orleans), the Park View Historic Hotel keeps you away from the hustle of the French Quarter. However, thanks to the street car line running just outside the hotel, you can stay connected with a quick trip on the iconic street car!
This wonderfully restored hotel has a long history stretching back to the late 1800s. With Audubon Park located directly next door, you can easily take a walk around the park or visit the Audubon Zoo without much fuss. It’s also possible to simply enjoy the view of the park from the hotel porch or your room balcony.
The inside of the Park View Historic Hotel is stunning both inside and out. The rooms are definitely on the smaller side, owing to it’s status as a historic venue when rooms weren’t built to be huge. That doesn’t make them any less gorgeous, especially if you get a room with a balcony for some extra space. When you’re visiting, you’ll also want to take advantage of the Gilded Perch bar since you get a free drink during your stay!
Of all the hotels along the Great River Road, you couldn’t do much better than wrapping up your road trip with a relaxing stay at the Park View Historic Hotel!
Wrapping up the Best Great River Road Hotels
Hopefully you’ve found a great place to stay among these hotels along the Great River Road. Each of them offers something unique for every traveler seeking adventure on this All-American road trip. However, if none of these solved your problem then simply hop onto Hotels.com and find a place that fits your needs. I’m constantly booking with them thanks to their all in, up front pricing, great deals, and flexible booking options.
If hotels aren’t what you’re looking for during your road trip, then I’ve still got you covered. There are loads of fun and interesting campgrounds along the Great River Road that you can stay at during your trip. In fact, during much of our trip we simply camped in the back of our Subaru Forester to cut down on time and costs! No matter what you choose to do, I hope your trip along the Great River Road is one full of epic adventure. If you want to learn more about my own journey, check out my full recap!
If this post has helped you plan your next trip and you’d like to help me continue writing and travelling I’d greatly appreciate your support. Following me on social media will help you stay in touch, or you can get a free custom itinerary by signing up for my newsletter!
Don’t Forget to Pin by Using the Images Below!
Leave a Reply