The Cliff Dweller

 

10

109

Bruce Daniel K.

Madison, WI

9/10/2008 3 photos

Rarely do I get to stay at upper-tier hotels when I travel on business.  I usually look for convenience in selecting, going with whatever is closest to my destination the next morning.  Usually I'm at some Interstate motel, getting in late and leaving early.  This makes for uninteresting stays, but I suppose I'm not getting paid to have a good time.  And this was the case until I pulled a site in Lutsen, MN.  A quick internet search turned up the Cliff Dweller, which was a Best Western affiliate at the time (now independent).  I didn't look into the hotel other than seeing it was a mile and a half from the site, and the price wasn't outrageous.  Even though the name is "Cliff Dweller" I didn't think anything of it - just another hotel.  I was entirely wrong.  

The Cliff Dweller marked the first time in over four years of business travel throughout the Upper Midwest that I was blown away by a hotel.  It was a hot summer day last year, and I had worked my way up from Madison on US 53 to Duluth/Superior during the day.  I started up Hwy 61 and was making quick time as evening started to come on, and coming around a slight bend the hotel is suddenly there, screened by a stand of pine.  I turned into the parking lot altogether too quickly and after gathering my wits noticed, "Hey, this place looks pretty nice."  I walked into the lobby and was greeted by the desk clerk, the first person I had spoken with since lunch.  She pulled up my reservation and pointed out my room.  It was going on 8:00 PM and I asked about dinner options in the area.  She directed me to back toward Tofte, saying that there was a selection of restaurants and cafes there.  I walked over to my room to drop off my bags, and I was awestruck.  I didn't even realize when booking my room that this hotel overlooked Lake Superior.  It was beautiful.  The patio door had been opened and a oscillating fan had been set to low.  Air conditioning was definitely not required.  

I took the advice and drove down to Tofte for dinner, which was a great experience in itself.  Coming back I thought I'd maybe check my email or watch a little television before bed.  I did neither.  I sat out on the balcony and waited for the sun to set, then went to bed with the patio door still open, the sound of the waves lapping against the cliff filling the room.  I briefly turned on the television but quickly turned it off, realizing that a full moon was rising over the lake.  I fell asleep to the moonlight reflecting off the waves.  It was perfect.

Several months ago I needed to make a return trip to my site in Lutsen, and I was excited about the prospect of staying at the Cliff Dweller again.  The weather was not as cooperative this time, as it was gray and cloudy with a shower or two.  However, any disappointment brought on by the weather was more than overshadowed by the friendliness of the staff.  After dinner in Tofte again I returned and spent a good half hour talking with the manager, who said he was just interested in other people.  The next morning was foggy, in fact unacceptable conditions for the purpose of my trip.  I was upset, but not entirely.  It only means that I'll have to return to Lutsen again.

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