Lora is a boutique hotel in the centre of Stillwater, built into the historic bluffs on the site of the Joseph Wolf Brewery, which many locals remember later as Vittorio’s Italian Restaurant. It has 40 rooms and suites, and windows that look out over Main Street and the St. Croix River. The hotel has three dining concepts under one roof: Made, a coffee and juice bar; Feller, a full-service restaurant; and The Long Goodbye, a craft cocktail bar. Design writers describe partly exposed stone, pastel walls and contemporary art, and the overall feel is of a heritage building brought up to date. The hotel opened in 2018 and has become one of the most photographed places to stay in town.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on South Main Street in central Stillwater, close to the riverfront, the lift bridge and the historic courthouse, and many of the town’s main attractions are within walking distance. Shops, bookstores and restaurants are on the doorstep. The trolley departs from the downtown area, and the paddlewheel cruises board near the riverfront. Because the hotel is built into the bluff, some entrances and corridors involve stairs or slopes, so ask about accessible rooms if you need them.
Rooms
The rooms and suites are compact but stylish, with varying shapes because of the historic building. River-facing rooms are a favourite, especially in autumn, while Main Street rooms can be livelier at weekends. The hotel runs a Green for Green programme that gives a five-dollar daily honour-bar credit to guests who stay more than two nights and decline housekeeping, which is a nice touch for longer stays. Ask about parking when you reserve, since downtown parking is shared.
Who it suits
Couples, design lovers and travellers who want a distinctive, walkable base with good food and drink downstairs. Families with older children can enjoy the lively setting, though the cocktail bar is adult-focused. Good to know: October and summer weekends book out, so reserve early, and consider a weekday stay for lower rates and a quieter downtown. The restaurant and bars are popular with non-guests, so reserve a table for dinner.
Why stay here
- ✓40 rooms and suites
- ✓Feller restaurant
- ✓The Long Goodbye cocktail bar
- ✓Made coffee and juice bar
- ✓River and Main Street views
- ✓Historic brewery site
- ✓Green for Green honour-bar credit
- ✓Walkable downtown location
Good questions
What is the Lora building?+
The hotel sits on the site of the Joseph Wolf Brewery, built into the bluffs in downtown Stillwater.
What food and drink does Lora have?+
Made is a coffee and juice bar, Feller is a full-service restaurant and The Long Goodbye is a craft cocktail bar.
How many rooms does Lora have?+
There are 40 rooms and suites.