We had a wonderful experience at the Hawthorn. Expectations were low as we frequently are disappointed. The service was great from the start when we made the reservation. When we checked in the gal behind the desk was very friendly and gave us all the information we asked for with total professionalism. The main lobby was beautiful. Our room was very spacious, very clean and the bed comfy. It also came with a cute balcony. Wish we could have stayed longer to use the pool etc. What a deal, as they give AARP and AAA discounts plus a hot breakfast. The breakfast was I'd say better than a restaurant. Scambled eggs, great sausage links, pancakes, juice, toast, cereal coffee there and in the room. A terrific value for the money! The staff was just kept filling the pans. The parking lot was very well lite.
Wasn't crazy about the placement of the elevator. Too many blind corners. The elevator was fast, not a wait forever type.

During the Fourth of July, our family had a "Girls Night Out" at this property. Left the children and men at the cabin and headed into town. The staff was professional, rooms clean and spacious, beds comfortable, nice sauna, hot tub and pool. The breakfast was fine and the lobby had a nice ambiance and pleasant atmosphere. This was also a good value and we would stay again. I heard that this property may be changed to a Quality Inn so if you look at staying here, check out that name.

Great hotel - Clean, very roomy rooms! We traveled with a 3 year old and had a Queen with a sofa bed. The room was large with plenty of room to move around. Staff at the front desk were very pleasant and friendly. Hotel had a pool with a small kiddie pool which was great for our little one, it was all he needed. They even offer towels and have a small store on-site to buy beach balls, deodorant, etc... you can even purchas a Heggies Pizza and cook it in the pizza oven and take back to your room! winter parking was a little difficult as the guests didn't know how to appropriately space themselves and if you got in later in the night you had to figure out where to park. The morning breakfast was awesome. Pancakes, French toast, bacon or sausage, yogurt, cereal, juice... nice treat from having to "eat out" and you could bring it back to your room if you wanted or sit in the eating area.

A few years ago we found ourselves stranded in Brainerd because the resort we were to stay at originally had been closed down with no notice to us. Us and another family drove down to Brainerd for the races so not only did we not have a place to stay at race week, we were also holding 7 tickets for the races. Luckly with the help of the Chamber of Commerce the Hawthorne Inn was able to accommodate us and my two puppies. The staff, the overall atmosphere of the Hotel was absolutely terrific. So much so that we stayed they last year and have again booked for this year and will in no doubt book for as long as we travel to the Races.