Cody A.
Yelp
5-star Market, 1-star Hotel.
Very torn as I write this as the shopping area is awesome! Was really looking forward to writing a five star review, however since the two are technically one business I can only award 2 stars overall.
So for those who are unaware Brewhalla serves as a melting pot or "Brew-Hall" encompassing 4 floors featuring many businesses including, Drekker Brewing as well as many local eateries, craft stores, pet stores, custom goods, pinball machines, and reservable event venues; with the top two floors being for the hotel.
Upon entering you'll quickly discover how pet friendly the location is, with multiple people and store owners having pets with them. However DO NOT be misled. Pets ARE ONLY ALLOWED in the building itself, and NOT in the hotel.
That's right folks, despite the pet friendly atmosphere, the hotel will not allow you to stay with them unless you have a service animal.
After attempting to book a room from the night I was turned away for having a dog. With the desk clerk even stating "just tell me he's a service animal" UNBELIEVABLE.
To add insult to injury, as I was exiting, (tail between my legs) I encountered another guest in the stairway approaching the hotel... I saw he had a dog so I let him know my experience... his reply "oh, yeah, just tell them you have a service animal and they will allow you to stay." WOW-I refuse to stoop to that level, talk about bad karma.
I've mentioned this story to multiple people in the market, all of whom were shocked to learn the pet policy of the hotel. Honestly not sure what they're trying to accomplish by banning pets in the hotel. The industrial design makes it near impossible for the pet to damage anything, and conflicts the entire atmosphere built by making the market area pet friendly...why allow them in one and not the other? Especially since the reviews of the hotel are already terrible due to the noise of the nearby train.
PRO Tip: Definitely visit Brewhalla and all the businesses inside, however if you have a pet don't bother with the hotel. Stay elsewhere
(I recommend Hotel Donaldson. They allow pets, are in prime downtown location and not far from Brewhalla)
Really hoping this review inspires a re-evaluation of the pet policy for the hotel. Would definitely stay next year when I make my annual Fargo visit.