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The Hotel Donaldson: Traveller Reviews

101 Broadway, Fargo, ND 58102
Hotel amenities
The Hotel Donaldson
Ranked #11 of 40 hotels in Fargo
4.5 of 5 stars 47 Reviews
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47 reviews from our community

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Traveller rating
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    1
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Date Rating
Golden, Colorado
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
“Remote Gem”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 January 2012

Seasoned travelers generally know what to expect when traveling to destinations in the outer reaches of sparsely populated states...sparsely "decorated" rooms, few if any amenities and dreadful dining.

Check into the Donaldson in downtown Fargo and prepare to be shocked. This boutique hotel in the heart of Fargo would be at home in New York, on the Mile in Chicago or on the Hill in San Francisco. The courteous. warm and efficient staff welcomes guests with a quiet professionalism. The all-suite property is modern, exceptionally clean and exudes comfort and charm.

The entrance is slightly confusing as registration is on the second floor, and that is not immediately apparent when entering from the street. The hotel bar and restaurant are on ground level and registration is up one floor in an elevator that is dimly lit. be aware there is no sign indicating where one registers. Those are the only negatives.

The bar is energetic without impairing conversation, high bar tables, couches and a well-done bar give guests plenty of options. The bar menu has a variety of choices from light fare to full dinners -- the items we selected were tasty and delivered hot.

Each suite is singular in design and decoration, mine was light wood, creatively lit and quite comfortable, the bed was exceptional. Cost for the room was less than $200 and dinner and cocktails in the bar for three came to $80. Valet parking was $15.

Should you find yourself in Fargo, ND, stay at the Hotel Donaldson!

  • Stayed January 2012, travelled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask anasoll about The Hotel Donaldson
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Fargo
1 review
“Expensive and available parking”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 January 2012

The hotel is nice. You will pay a lot for your room. There is no parking lot, you will need to find a spot to park on the street. Rooms are very nice. The building smells old.

Room Tip: Be prepared to move your car often so it doesn't get towed.
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  • Stayed December 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 1 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Brian H about The Hotel Donaldson
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“Still love it”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 January 2012

Hubby and I have been to the Hotel Donaldson a handful of times. Love the road trip from Mpls, not too close, not too far. It's still one our all time favs although it looked a little neglected this trip around. Arrived at 10:10 just after room service had closed. But this is the HoDo where over the top amazing service reigns supreme, so of course they said it wouldn't be a problem and we could go ahead and order after we had gotten situated in our room. 10:30 we order, 11:00 pm they deliver two mini bottles of champagne; two bowls of lobster bisque; bread plate with five kinds of bread, two kinds of butter and olive tapenade; three small plates: mushroom risotto, sea scallop on celery root puree and seafood ravioli; one gorgeous fresh spinach salad and a cup of green tea.... $109.13 with delivery charge and tip. Think I paid that for a burger last time I was in Vegas.

Everything we love about the HoDo is still there... Edgy, artsy, upscale urban warehouse design, heated towel rack, rain showerhead, heated floors in the bathroom, custom bed, fabulous art, perfect, creative, beautiful small details like the blown glass key chains... Nowhere else in the world like this place.

Front desk guy opened the rooftop hot tub for us at midnight. Heaven, heaven, heaven. Wrapped in our luxurious bathrobes we walked ten feet through the 8 degree Fargo air to submerge ourselves in steaming hot water and gaze through the purple Christmas lights at the night sky. Hung out for half an hour soaking and relaxing and talking about life and kids and the year to come.

Noise from revelers on the street below reminded us so much of Paris. :)

Sadly, our HoDo seems to be a bit neglected... One light fixture didn't work, handle on the shower door broken, sink drained slowly... Made me sad. This gorgeous, one of a kind gem of a boutique hotel deserves better.

Here's hoping the maintenance guy is just out on vacation... We will be back, still love love love it, but hope it's shining more brightly next time around.

  • Stayed January 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask marriedtenplusyrs about The Hotel Donaldson
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Fargo, North Dakota
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
“the Ho Do”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 January 2012

Ho Do is incredible. Each room different and awesome. All the little details like thread count that my wife notices set it apart for her. For me, its the other things like service, electronics, atmosphere. Went here for an anniversary. Started in the restaurant and had a fantastic duck combination and an escolar/buffalo tenderloin. Winter menu is new and not to be missed!

Stayed January 2012, travelled as a couple
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Ask rburdmd about The Hotel Donaldson
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Brooklyn, New York
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Artistic, smart, luxurious.”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 December 2011

Had a terrific visit to Fargo that included staying at the Hotel Donaldson. Each room is unique designed and adorned with the work of a local artist. The rooms large, comfortable, well appointed, and sleek. The conversion of a historic building into this boutique hotel is extraordinarily well done. And as an added bonus, there had been a special art installation of hundreds (thousands?) of bras tethered together on the facade of the hotel in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Had a terrific, relaxed meal at the HoDo Lounge with live music. All in all, a memorable experience that was my treat to myself as I completed a lifelong quest to visit all 50 states.

  • Stayed October 2011, travelled solo
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about The Hotel Donaldson

  • Donaldson Hotel Fargo
Address: 101 Broadway, Fargo, ND 58102
Price range (per night):* 173 AUD - 173 AUD

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