10 Coolest Hotels in Minneapolis that Go Beyond Expectations

The Le Meridien Chambers, named 2017’s Best Hotel in Minneapolis by Travel + Leisure, offers an immersive, artistic experience in the city’s celebrated and vital theatre district. Located in two landmark revival buildings renovated and designed by David Rockwell, the 60 room-hotel is intimate and unique. More than 200 original pieces of artwork are on display throughout the contemporary hotel, with additional installations adorning the shining lobby and public areas.

Accommodations at the Le Meridien Chambers range from a Classic Queen Room, to a truly stunning Penthouse Suite that overlooks all of Downtown Minneapolis. Each artist-designed guest key card brings free access to the nearby Walker Art Center, with a special Unlock Art card partnership. With the complimentary bike program, guests can easily enjoy an excursion to the art center—including the stunning museum restaurant, Esker Grove, and neighboring Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home of the conspicuous Spoonbridge and Cherry—a nod to the city’s charming breed of kitsch.

At Le Meridien’s Mercy Restaurant and Bar, Chef Mike Rakun relishes in sourcing the best local ingredients for a whimsical take on Midwestern dining. A full oyster bar, wood burning oven, wine cellar, and plush library lounge bar are just a few of the delights waiting to be discovered.

If you dream of waking up in Paris, to sun streaming in and the smell of fresh pastries wafting to your room, Hotel Alma will leave you feeling transported without the pricey plane ticket. Designed by James Dayton and Spring Finn & Co., Alma is actually three-in-one; they offer boutique accommodations above the restaurant and café, which are considered among the best in the city. (You can smell the baked goods made fresh in-house daily.) With a nod to the European elegance of blending old and new, the seven light and airy guest rooms offer a peaceful city retreat.

Thoughtful hospitality is on display throughout the hotel and restaurant, from the carefully curated artwork and antiques chosen specifically for each guest room, to the extreme helpfulness of the talented staff. With a chef-driven menu created by Alma’s owner/chef Alex Roberts, a gorgeous dining room, and a celebrated wine list, guests will want to book advance dinner reservations when securing a room.

For a special treat, order pastries and coffee to your suite and have a lazy breakfast in bed before heading out to explore the beautiful Mississippi Riverfront by bike or foot. Some of the rooms enjoy a private balcony, perfect for soaking in the breezy days that make Minnesota a favorite destination in the temperate months.

Situated in Minneapolis’ trendy North Loop neighborhood, Hewing Hotel is a buzzy boutique example of the modern Minnesotan aesthetic. The sleek Nordic design on display in the lobby is artfully warmed with northern accents like Faribault wool flannel pillows, bespoke wallpapers, exposed brick walls, and rough-hewn details; a theme which is continued in each of the upstairs guest suites. The rooftop bar boasts a jacuzzi, unmatched downtown views, and might just be the best place in town to try an aquavit cocktail, in keeping with the regions’ Scandinavian roots.

The hotel lobby bar takes things to the next level, with cocktails handcrafted using award-winning local spirits, and tasty appetizers like charcuterie boards and duck fat fries. This neighborhood is heavy hitting in the culinary department with James Beard award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen’s Spoon and Stable, as well as 112 Eatery, The Bachelor Farmer, and more all within walking distance. If you feel like staying in, the hotel brunch can hold its own with favorites like Nordic waffles, savory thick bacon, and local coffee brews.

You might be so lucky as to run into some of the celebrity guests who frequent the hotel and enjoy the top-notch, tailored services they offer. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your furry best friend! Hewing likes to pamper you, and your pet.

The Mall of America is by no means a new attraction, but a wave of recent restaurant openings, installations, and brand partnerships have ensured that MOA is still the prime place for a shopping getaway. With its convenient location just minutes from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, you can jump on the light rail in the terminal and head straight to the JW Marriott Mall of America, located on the newly renovated north wing of the mall. With accommodations right in the heart of America’s largest shopping center, you can explore and browse the more than 500 shops or dine at one of more than 50 restaurants.

The hotel restaurant, Cedar + Stone Urban table has a well-rounded menu, and its cozy cocktail lounge is the perfect quiet corner to enjoy a drink, such as the Paisley Park–named after The Purple One’s famous local digs–after a busy day of exploring miles of the mall. The Marriott brands loyal customers will find all of the same hospitality hallmarks they expect in this sleek new rendition, so when you plan that next business trip, book here and be sure to bring along the family, too. In addition to a full theme park and the newly opened modern movie theater, there are many unique entertainment options to please all ages without ever having to leave the building.

The hotel is flanked by brands like Zara, Anthropologie, H&M, and the RAAS local market, where one-of-a-kind Minnesotan brands are on display and where you will undoubtedly want to stock up on souvenirs for the trip home.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing spa retreat, a romantic getaway, or just a peaceful place to rest during business travel, the Hotel Ivy offers a luxurious downtown experience. The hotel occupies the reimagined Ivy tower, a National Register of Historic Places, Ziggurat-style building completed in 1930. Each of the modern suites is finished with plush carpets, limestone bathrooms, leather, and wood accents, blending well with the timeless elegance of the building.

The Ivy has a robust amenities package, making it easy to treat yourself or someone special during their stay; you can choose from several local delicacies to be delivered to the room. The Hotel Ivy spa offers signature services including facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures, each featuring their own label of spa products.

With a downtown Minneapolis address, the Hotel Ivy offers convenient access to the many events hosted at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Locals and guests alike enjoy frequenting the in-house Italian restaurant, Monello; the fresh seafood dishes are the highlight of the abundant menu. Constantine, the moody basement lounge, has a veteran barkeeper at the helm, helping to craft memorable drinks for each guest.

With a central downtown location, the Grand Hotel Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers who enjoy comfortable beds and spacious living spaces. The hotel lobby is a playful juxtaposition of colorful furniture and dark wood paneling, hinting at the creative ways the Kimpton brand likes to shake up the typical hotel experience. A spa, business center, and lounge are just a few of the refined amenities offered at The Grand.

The Grand Hotel Minneapolis is a great choice for the fit traveler. In addition to the yoga mats in each room and complimentary bike program to enjoy America’s most bike-friendly city, guests are able to access the 60,000 square foot Minneapolis Lifetime Athletic Club. The indoor hotel pool has an ethereal expanse of the cloudy blue sky painted in a mural above. The Kimpton also offers pet-friendly accommodations for no extra charge, and the friendly team will go out of its way to make helpful arrangements for a special stay

The East end of Downtown Minneapolis is having its moment. With the impressive US Bank Stadium, home to the Minnesota Vikings, Super Bowl 52, and various concerts and events nearby, the Radisson Red is just one of the many interesting enterprises to call this vibrant neighborhood home.

Popular with trendsetters and millennial guests, the Red offers uncommon lifestyle amenities like keyless entry, simple streaming of devices to the TV, and a Red App for easy room-service ordering. The neon hues in OUIbar + KTCHN, which serves up craft food and cocktails, is just one of the places you can find eye-catching contemporary design. Guest rooms have artistic bathroom tile, large-scale wall murals, and pops of bold color. Four-legged friends are very welcome at this hotel as well, so you can bring the family dog along to explore the city of lakes.

Guests have many entertainment options nearby, but a visit to the stunning Guthrie Theatre, a walk in Gold Medal Park, and a stop for Izzy’s ice cream are excursions that shouldn’t be missed.

While the sleek modern design might suggest a more reserved approach, the Loews Minneapolis hotel offers remarkable warmth and friendly service sure to make visitors feel right at home during their downtown stay. Perfect for a family vacation, the team at the Loews offers a Loews Loves Kids program that provides kid-friendly entertainment, a lending library, child-proofing kits, babysitting arrangements and more. Of course, there are amenities enticing for adults, too, like the Enbury spa and the 4th-floor Releve wine room.

Situated just across the street from Target Center, home of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, as well as a series of great concerts, The Loews is a popular spot for guests looking for a convenient home base in this bustling part of town. Access to Minneapolis’ famed skyway system is also available from the hotel, and downtown views are abundant.

Cross the street to the famous First Avenue and 7^th Street Entry music venue to enjoy an intimate concert and pay homage to hometown legend, Prince. In the balmy summer months, take in a Twins game at Target Field, which the full-service concierge can help arrange. The open-air stadium faces downtown and holds a diverse sampling of favorite local flavors. Grab a drink after the game at Fulton Brewery to celebrate the local way.

Rich gem tones set the mood from the minute you enter the historic 1920s tower that houses the W Minneapolis Foshay. A tiled, palm-lined lobby is illuminated in a bright pink hue that beckons guests to come in and explore. The lounge, appointed with the same mood lighting and creative seating vignettes, is often busy with a well-dressed urban crowd, and the bar stays busy all night. Located in a bustling part of downtown, the W is close to the many business headquarters nestled in this area, as well as the Dakota Jazz Club, and Target Center.

Upstairs, the guest rooms are much quieter and more relaxed. Simple black and white colored bed linens, cozy mattresses, and well-appointed living areas offer a nice respite from the buzz of downstairs. A business center, bar, valet parking, and fitness room round out the offerings for guests hoping to enjoy this downtown hot spot.

The staff is responsive and helpful in guiding guests to the many restaurants in the area. To enjoy a classic Midwestern steak dinner, visit the adjoining Manny’s steakhouse, a celebrated restaurant where you can choose your own cut of meat. For something lighter, Angel Food Bakery provides gluten-free donuts and baked goods so popular even Justin Timberlake ordered them to celebrate his birthday while visiting the town.

The AC Hotel is a wonderfully modern outpost in the historic Minneapolis Downtown region. Clean lines and cool marble elements continue throughout the hotel design, but the minimalism is warmed with brass elements, wood, and mirrors that make the space a more inviting retreat. In spite of the streamlined approach, rooms are spacious and comfortable.

The modern design is also applied to the AC’s updated take on a typical amenities offering. Similar to European buffets, the continental breakfast spread includes cold cuts, cheeses, fruit, fresh breads and cereals and is accompanied by strong espresso. Other food options also focus on modern conveniences, like a tapas and snack menu instead of a traditional room service menu. The small library area is stocked with design books, magazines, and fascinating reads for guests who might enjoy a more public hang out spot.

At the end of a block, a colorful mural featuring Minnesota’s own Bob Dylan is a popular spot to check off your travel bucket-list. The AC is also situated near Minneapolis’ pedestrian thoroughfare, Nicollet Mall. This 12-block vein runs through downtown, connecting corporate headquarters, restaurants, shops, art and more, and makes the hotel a smart choice for a savvy traveler looking to explore the city.