Enjoy a 4.6-rated stay at Motel Ely in Ely, MN. Casual rooms with free Wi-Fi, parking, and easy access to the International Wolf Center and local attractions.
Guests appreciate the clean, cozy rooms and attentive, welcoming service in this family-run property. While the motel is older with a vintage feel, it provides good value in a convenient location near local attractions.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Located on State Highway 1 in Ely, Minnesota, Motel Ely offers casual, budget-friendly accommodations amid the natural setting of the Superior National Forest. This family-run motel provides straightforward rooms equipped with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, making it a practical choice for visitors seeking a comfortable, no-frills stay. Free continental breakfast and parking add to the convenience, while the property welcomes pets and children alike.
The motel's vintage atmosphere, noted by guests for its 1960s charm and well-maintained condition, blends with modern updates such as clean, comfortable beds and accessible facilities. Some reviews mention minor drawbacks like weaker water pressure and springy mattresses, yet overall feedback highlights attentive service and a clean environment. The owners' helpfulness and friendly approach have been specifically appreciated by travelers arriving at odd hours or requiring local recommendations.
Motel Ely is a practical base for exploring nearby attractions, including the International Wolf Center just a mile away, the North American Bear Center, and the Dorothy Molter Museum. Its proximity to downtown Ely makes it convenient for those interested in local history and nature, while guests can easily reach the Range Regional Airport within about an hour's drive. With no on-site restaurant or fitness facilities, the motel suits visitors prioritizing value and simplicity over extensive amenities.
Overall, this property suits travelers looking for a quiet, accessible, and affordable stay with easy access to wilderness activities and educational sites. The combination of a relaxed setting, family-friendly policies, and consistent guest praise for cleanliness and service makes Motel Ely a dependable option in the area’s lodging market.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Owner is super friendly and helpful. She helped suggesting us with few hikes which are good in the winter/snow and also gave us food suggestions. Rooms are pretty clean and sufficient for travel days. the internet speed was very good without any issues. It’s an old motel but well maintained.
We were a bit nervous when we couldn't find any rooms at other hotels, and we decided to give Motel Ely a chance. We were pleasantly surprised, and will be back. The good: rooms were very clean and tidy. Room scent was neutral and clean. The vibe is 60's vintage. Price is affordable. The not quite as good: water pressure was not as strong as we would have liked. Then bed was springy and not as supportive as we like. Parking was tight. We liked our stay.
Historic landmark hotel in Ely continues to deliver exceptional service! The rooms have been updated over the years and makes it comparable to the other hotels in the area. Beds were comfortable and the service was excellent! Will definitely be coming back!
Phenomenal service and room! I drove into town around 5am and got stuck there, desperately looking around for lodging I finally got an answer at this motel and I'm so happy I did. It was -20F outside that morning and I still woke up nice and cozy! The owner of this place really is a wonderful person, thank you so much.
Enjoyed a lovely stay here. Came to open cabins and worked hard but came to town for warm dry sleeping. My room had gorgeous high shine varnished vintage knotty pine, electric baseboard heat for May and AC for later. Immaculately clean. Super kind friendly helpful owners and staff.
Great motel!! And the only one open late! When our bunkhouse fell through late at night, motel ely was there for us. They had a sign on the door that said to call or text, within five minutes we had our keys! The service was amazing, very polite and nice and understanding. Cute cat too! The rooms were very clean, very clean. The sheets smelled amazing, like clean laundry. This will be our spot everytime we are in ely!!
Good place to stay after a Boundary Waters trip. Rooms and beds are fine for the price, service was good, and it's in walking distance to downtown. There's some noise from main street traffic, but every motel in town will have that. Great value and will stay again.
Awesome place to get away from the hustle/bustle of the city life. We came up here for work and stayed at Motel Ely and we were pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness, customer service and location of this motel. I'm giving them a review because I believe they deserve it as a motel in a small town. The prices were more than fair and allowed me to remember them for another trip I have planned for next year. I will be bringing more friends and family up here to Motel Ely. Great place, family owned and operated, very clean and accessible. Quiet and safe.
Surrounded by the Superior National Forest, this casual family-run motel on State Highway 1 is a mile from the International Wolf Center, and the Ely-Winton Historical Society.
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Minnesota. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
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