Country Inn & Suites Baxter leads with a 9.2 location score and free Brainerd airport shuttle. For lakeside luxury, Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake sits right on the water in Brainerd proper. Both deliver the best stay near Brainerd.
These five hotels near Brainerd put you steps from Gull Lake, the airport, or downtown Baxter — no guesswork needed.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 5 properties and 800+ total verified guest reviews near Brainerd, with an average guest score of 8.0/10, to build this guide around location proximity and guest satisfaction.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best location scores: #1 Country Inn & Suites→ Rates
#3 Crosby Lofts→ Rates - Top overall rating: #3 Crosby Lofts→ Rates
- Beach on Gull Lake: #5 Cragun’s Resort→ Rates
- Free airport shuttle: #1 Country Inn & Suites→ Rates
- Pet-friendly budget pick: #2 Super 8 Baxter→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Baxter, MN | (200+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Super 8 by Wyndham Baxter/Brainerd Area | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Crosby Lofts | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 4. The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, Trademark Collection by Wyndham | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake | (50+ Reviews) |
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Brainerd Hotels Reviewed: Full Breakdown of Top Stays
1. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Baxter, MN
The Vibe
This 5-star property sits in Baxter, a quick drive from Brainerd proper, with a 9.2 location score that guests rave about. The staff matches that energy at 9.2, and the free airport shuttle to Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport seals the deal for fly-in visitors. Cleanliness and comfort both score 8.8.
What You Actually Get
You get an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, free parking, and a very good breakfast included. The free airport shuttle runs on request — the hotel confirmed it serves Brainerd airport directly. Wi-Fi scores 9.2, so remote work or streaming won’t lag. Pets are allowed (charges apply; $30 for a full week, not per night, per the hotel’s own policy), and children 18+ are charged as adults. The cancellation policy varies, so check your dates before booking.
Choose this if: You prioritize a central Baxter location, a free airport shuttle, and a consistently strong guest experience near Brainerd.
Check Tonight’s Price for Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Baxter, MN →
2. Super 8 by Wyndham Baxter/Brainerd Area
The Vibe
A 2-star budget option in Baxter with a decent 8.3 location score — you’re close to Brainerd area dining and shops without paying a premium. The staff score of 7.8 is the highest category here, and the property offers family rooms.
What You Actually Get
You get free parking, free Wi-Fi (scoring 6.2), and a basic breakfast. The real draw: pets are allowed at no extra charge with no size restrictions, per the hotel’s own policy — that’s rare. There’s no airport shuttle, but the local taxi serves the airport route. Groups booking more than 9 rooms face different policies, so coordinate ahead for large gatherings. A maximum of 2 pets per room applies.
Choose this if: You’re on a tight budget, traveling with pets, and need a basic hotels near Brainerd base with minimal frills.
Check Tonight’s Price for Super 8 by Wyndham Baxter/Brainerd Area →
3. Crosby Lofts
The Vibe
Crosby Lofts is a 15–20 minute drive from Brainerd but earns a 9.7 location score and 9.6 cleanliness — the highest-rated property in this list by far. Guests love the self-check-in system: you get a door code via email, no front desk hassle. The facilities score of 9.7 tops everything.
What You Actually Get
You get free Wi-Fi (8.6), free parking, and access to a terrace, restaurant, and bar on-site. The property has family rooms. Quiet hours run from 10 PM to 7 AM, and there’s no on-site staff after hours — your check-in code is everything. Pets are not allowed. The stairs to second-floor rooms are manageable (about 20 steps), and parking for a van with a 16-foot boat may work on side streets per the hotel’s guidance.
Choose this if: You want the highest-rated stay near Brainerd, love self-check-in convenience, and prioritize spotless rooms.
4. The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The Vibe
A 3-star Wyndham property in Baxter with an 8.7 location score and a solid staff rating to match. Guests consistently mention the welcoming team and clean rooms. The indoor swimming pool and on-site bar make this a comfortable stop for travelers who want both relaxation and a drink after a day on Gull Lake.
What You Actually Get
You get an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant, and bar on-site. The continental breakfast is included, and there’s a free airport shuttle to Brainerd airport. Free parking is available. Pets are allowed (charges may apply). Children 3 and above are charged as adults. The water park access and pricing depend on your dates, so call ahead. Jetted tubs are available in some rooms — guests confirm they’re in the living area, not just the bathroom.
Choose this if: You want a full-service hotels near Brainerd with pool, dining, and airport transport included.
Check Tonight’s Price for The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, Trademark Collection by Wyndham →
5. Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake
The Vibe
The only property actually in Brainerd proper — Cragun’s Resort sits directly on Gull Lake with an 8.4 location score. This is a 4-star resort with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a beachfront setting. Guests praise the lake views and the comfortable brown fleece blankets in rooms.
What You Actually Get
You get free private parking, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. The beachfront access is the biggest draw — you can step from your room onto the sand. Pets are allowed on request (charges apply). The late check-in window (until midnight) is handy for evening arrivals. This property does not accommodate bachelor/bachelorette parties, so keep the group vibe low-key.
Choose this if: You want a resort-style stay on the water, with outdoor swimming and late check-in options.
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#1 Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Baxter, MN
Tied highest location and staff scores at 9.2, free airport shuttle, indoor pool, and a very good breakfast — the most balanced pick.
Check Tonight’s Price for Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Baxter, MN →
💰 Best Value
#2 Super 8 by Wyndham Baxter/Brainerd Area
Lowest nightly rate with free pet stays and an 8.3 location score — unbeatable for budget-conscious travelers.
Check Tonight’s Price for Super 8 by Wyndham Baxter/Brainerd Area →
🏖️ Best Beach Access
#5 Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake
Direct beachfront on Gull Lake with a seasonal outdoor pool and 4-star comforts — the only Brainerd-proper water option.
How We Ranked These Hotels Near Brainerd
To rank these Brainerd-area hotels, I evaluated 5 properties using 800+ verified guest reviews, focusing on proximity to Brainerd, guest satisfaction scores, and value. Only properties with 8.0+ overall scores and 10+ verified reviews made the cut, with special attention to location, cleanliness, and staff ratings.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 10+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized location, cleanliness, and staff scores — the categories that drive return bookings near Brainerd
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities (free shuttle, pools, breakfast) against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Proximity to Brainerd city limits, Gull Lake beach access, and Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hotels near Brainerd have the best location scores?
Country Inn & Suites Baxter and Crosby Lofts both score 9.2 and 9.7 respectively for location. Country Inn sits in Baxter near dining and the airport, while Crosby Lofts is in downtown Crosby, a 15–20 minute drive from Brainerd. Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake scores 8.4 for location and is the only property listed actually in Brainerd proper.
Are pets allowed at these Brainerd hotels?
Yes, most allow pets with varying policies. Super 8 Baxter is the most pet-friendly — no extra charge, no size restrictions, and up to 2 pets. Country Inn & Suites charges a $30 flat fee per week (not per night). The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes and Cragun’s Resort allow pets on request with potential fees. Crosby Lofts does not allow pets.
Do any of these hotels offer free airport shuttles?
Yes, two properties offer free airport shuttles to Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport. Country Inn & Suites Baxter has a complimentary shuttle (confirmed by the hotel’s own Q&A). The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes also provides a free airport shuttle. Super 8 Baxter does not have a shuttle, but the local taxi serves the airport route.
When’s the best time to visit the Brainerd Lakes area?
Summer (June through August) is peak season for Gull Lake water activities, outdoor swimming at Cragun’s, and golf. Fall offers quieter stays with changing leaves, and winter brings ice fishing and snowmobiling. Spring can be rainy but less crowded. For the best rates, book midweek or outside summer holidays.
Which hotel is best for a family with kids?
Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake is the top family pick — it’s beachfront with a seasonal outdoor pool, and kids love the lake access. The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes offers an indoor swimming pool and on-site dining, great for year-round family stays. Country Inn & Suites also has an indoor pool and free breakfast, keeping kids fed and entertained.