Hotel Donaldson occupies a historic 1910 building at 101 Broadway N in the heart of downtown Fargo, placing guests within easy walking distance of the Fargo Theatre, the Broadway commercial strip, and the Red River corridor. The building was reimagined as a boutique hotel with an emphasis on Northern Plains art: each of the 17 guest rooms was individually curated by a different regional artist, making the interiors feel more like a gallery than a conventional hotel. Room categories include King, Queen, and Suites; all are furnished with original artwork and locally sourced design elements rather than standard chain décor.
The ground-floor Restaurant HoDo is one of Fargo's most consistently praised dining destinations, drawing both hotel guests and locals with its New American menu that features seasonal ingredients from regional producers. The rooftop lounge offers views across downtown and serves cocktails in a relaxed setting on summer evenings. There is no spa or dedicated pool, so guests prioritizing those amenities may want to look elsewhere, but the gym is sufficient for a morning workout.
Service at the Donaldson runs toward boutique attentiveness: staff know the local restaurant and arts scene well and can point guests toward current exhibitions at the Plains Art Museum (a short walk away) or events at the nearby Fargo-Moorhead arts corridor. Business travelers will find the location central and the rooms quiet despite being on Broadway. The hotel is particularly well-suited to travelers interested in regional culture, arts, and cuisine, and it books up quickly during Fargo events and festivals. Reservations 6–8 weeks ahead are advisable for any summer weekend stay.
Room types
- King
- Queen
- Suite
Amenities
- Rooftop lounge
- Art gallery
- Restaurant HoDo
- Free WiFi
- Bar
- Locally curated design rooms
Location
101 Broadway N, Fargo, ND 58102
46.8772, -96.7903 View on map
Highlights
- Each of the 17 rooms was individually curated by a different regional artist — no two rooms share the same aesthetic
- Restaurant HoDo is one of Fargo's most acclaimed dining destinations, with a New American farm-to-table menu drawing both guests and locals
- Rooftop lounge with downtown Fargo views — a rare amenity in the city's hotel landscape
- Walking distance to the Plains Art Museum, Fargo Theatre, and the Broadway arts corridor
- Boutique-scale personalized service with staff deeply knowledgeable about the local arts and dining scene
Tips for visiting
- Reserve Restaurant HoDo separately even as a hotel guest — it books up on weekends with locals and walk-ins
- The rooftop lounge is seasonal and typically closes in colder months; confirm availability before booking a shoulder-season stay
- Request an upper-floor room for better insulation from Broadway street activity below
- Fargo events and festivals fill the hotel quickly; aim to book at least 6–8 weeks ahead for summer weekend dates
- The hotel has no pool; guests who need a swim should factor that into their property decision