Hotel Donaldson

I booked this hotel because of the convenient downtown location. Little did I know what an absolute TREAT I was in for! My room is huge with the most comfortable bed ever AND a jacuzzi tub in the bathroom complete with its own separate TV. There’s turndown service, a wine and cheese hour and breakfast delivered to my room. Well done Fargo!

Nice concept in downtown Fargo!

Stayed on Valentine’s Day in room 10 that faces Broadway and 1st Ave, huge room felt more like a house, comfy. Bed was comfortable but no sheet and heat was on but felt cold air on my face all night. Pocket door of bathroom does not latch due to half off track, some sewer smell over sink trap. Hot tub great, nit much water pressure in shower. Expect some noise from people outside. No way keep window blinds up.

Got a room when we were going to a concert at the dome. My cousin and her husband recommended this place since there wasn't any vacancy closer to where the event was. Very pleasantly surprised. Very nice, updated rooms. One of the most comfortable hotels I've ever stayed at. Right downtown. If I need to stay in Fargo again this will be my first call.

Incredible service and a spacious comfortable room. Hotel is right in the middle of downtown Fargo in walking distance to good restaurants. Plus the bar on the first floor was very lively the Friday night I was there.

Stay here! Simply the best! Great staff, large rooms, happy hour, turn down service, check out at 12pm and the history! Such a wonderful experience!

Hands down the best hotel in the area. Staff was friendly and accommodating. Our bartender/server Sydney was very sweet too!

A Disappointing Return. I’m genuinely sad to be updating my review from 5 stars-->1 star because my stay here last year was one of the best hotel experiences I’ve ever had. I praised Hotel Donaldson publicly, recommended it without hesitation, returned this year intentionally, and even purchased their merchandise. That context matters because this comes from a former fan. Unfortunately, this year’s stay was a dramatic step backward. The biggest issue started immediately with parking. I arrived during a blizzard, with snow piled to the curb and no visible valet staff despite valet parking being advertised. I had to self-park and then go inside to find staff, which defeats the purpose of offering valet, especially in severe weather. The following day, I asked the reception about the consequences of not moving my car due to snow accumulation and was told it would be a $30 citation (less than the cost of parking, so I rolled the dice). The next day, I returned to find my car had been towed. To be clear, I accept responsibility for ignoring posted signage. My frustration is not about being towed. It’s about the lack of warning or proactive guidance from the hotel, particularly when this is clearly a known issue. When I later mentioned it downstairs at the restaurant, staff and patrons openly acknowledged that this happens often. That disconnect is avoidable and disappointing. Beyond parking, the lack of basic guest amenities became impossible to ignore. There is no microwave in the room or reliably available at all. I called reception to see if they could rewarm some soup, and was told: “Sorry, no, our only microwave has been loaned out to a long-term guest.” There is also no ice machine, requiring a call to reception and a trip to the desk. “Room service” is limited to the downstairs restaurant’s hours, which do not always include breakfast. The in-room technology is outdated and feels out of place in a boutique hotel charging premium rates. Last year, these were minor quirks overshadowed by exceptional hospitality. This year, they compounded into a frustrating experience, especially during a winter storm when guests are spending more time in their rooms. I’m writing this publicly not to pile on, but in the hope that it reaches someone empowered to make changes. Hotel Donaldson used to be something special. I know it can be again. Right now, though, the experience no longer matches the reputation that once made it a highlight of my travels.

Amazing location and extremely friendly staff!