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Nicollet Island Inn

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<p>Visitors return to the 24-room Nicollet Island Inn year after year for its romantic setting on a miniature island in the middle of the Mississippi. Dark wood doors, Colonial revival furniture, and real keys lend an old-world feel rarely captured in newer hotels. The recently remodeled rooms make up for occasionally small bathrooms with Sleep Number beds, 400-thread-count sheets, and tasteful décor: four-poster beds, velvet-covered rolled-arm upholstered chairs, and silk drapes. The inn's five-course champagne brunch draws locals, who come for the banana pancakes with honey rum syrup, butternut squash flan, short ribs, and triple chocolate brownies with cognac foam.</p> <p><strong>Tip:</strong> It's worth a call to room service for a delivery of the $12 Petit Four Tray: six mini confections, such as the lemon mascarpone cheesecake and Bailey's chocolate truffle lollipop, all whipped up by the on-site pastry chef.</p> <p><strong>Room to Book:</strong> No. 309, an extra-large deluxe corner room with a grand view of the river.</p>