The thriving capital city of Minnesota Minneapolis is surrounded by three mighty rivers, the majestic Mississippi, Minnesota, and the Crow. Along with the neighboring St. Paul, it might make up the so-called “Twin Cities,” but Minneapolis’ is definitely the livelier of the pair. What’s more, it’s also more modern and regularly features on lists of the best places to live in the US. Aside from the gorgeous riverfront, you’ll also find dozens of lakes and parks that the city is famous for. Thus, it’s no surprise that the demand for excellent hotels in Minneapolis Minnesota (MN), especially around its buzzing Downtown, has gone up by leaps and bounds. The ‘City of Lakes’ offers a slew of choices when it comes to digs, right from charming inns and hostels to some of the swankiest hotels in the American Midwest.
Whether it’s good old Midwestern humility or the lore of a long winter, Minneapolis has remained under the radar as a travel destination – until now. Today, it’s being called one of the “hottest destinations in the world,” and for good measure. For one, it’s one of the World’s Most Bicycle-Friendly Cities, with miles of on and off-street bikeways. Secondly, it’s one of the Best US Winter Vacation spots and hosts a ton of winter festivals. If that wasn’t enough, critics rave about Minneapolis’ unmatched urban beauty, craft breweries, world-class dining scene, and more. Hence, there’s no denying that Minneapolis might just be the hottest place in the American Midwest to be right now. So, check out the 10 coolest hotels in Minneapolis Minnesota (MN), including Downtown ones, for a gorgeous city escape that surpasses expectations.
Where to Stay in Minneapolis?
Most large American cities are no cakewalk to get around, and Minneapolis is no exception. While it’s fairly better than the rest, it still helps to choose a neighborhood that suits your tastes and interests. To begin with, if you’re visiting the city for the first time, then there’s no place better than Uptown. More relaxing than bustling Downtown, it’s got a great set of bars and lounges, as opposed to the noisier clubs of Downtown. Next up is its most popular neighborhood, Downtown, which also has most of the city’s parks, museums, and historic attractions. Some of the best hotels in Minneapolis MN can be found Downtown. Are you in Minneapolis to party? The Warehouse District is your best bet. Aside from a few excellent galleries, it also boasts a distinct buzzing atmosphere and a huge collection of nightclubs.
If you’re visiting Minneapolis with your family, we’d suggest South Minneapolis. It also has old cinemas, record shops, and independent bookstores, making it a great place for a culture lover too. Young travelers, as well as those on a budget, will love Minneapolis’ Northeast region. One of the hippest neighborhoods in the city, this gentrified area is now home to a string of boutiques, restaurants, and independent bars. Winding up, we have Southeast and North Minneapolis, which are the least visited and oft-overlooked neighborhoods. Serene with lots of cultures, they’re the perfect place for culture vultures visiting the city.
Alma Hotel
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Mirroring Minneapolis’ hip side is Alma Hotel, one of the best hotels in Minneapolis Minnesota. Tucked on the serene eastern banks of the Mississippi River, the hotel belies its painted red brick façade. That’s because, on the inside, it’s thoroughly modern. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, painted walls, and exposed brick. Rustic-chic furniture only adds to the practical vibe, making it feel like a stylish hideaway. The service here is impeccable, with the staff eager to help with travel tips and advice. While it doesn’t have fitness or spa facilities, the hotel a tie-up with nearby health clubs such as Yoga Fit and Alchemy for those who seek a pool or an exercise space. Plus, the city’s bike-sharing scheme Nice Ride has a docking station right across the street.
When it comes to food, your day begins with an excellent complimentary continental breakfast in The Cafe – think peach or rhubarb galettes, scones, and buttery croissants. For a fee, you can upgrade breakfast to heartier fare such as baked egg strata or French toast. The restaurant, on the other hand, serves delicious ‘Nordic meets New York’ fare, all with in-house ingredients. Even the rooms, which were once offices, are exceptionally beautiful with large windows and soft white walls. While every room is different, all of them feature stuff such as antique Japanese calendars and blonde wood furniture. Slippers and robes aside, the tiled bathrooms have spacious showers and bespoke Body & Wellness products.
Hewing Hotel
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No hotel is more in-tune with the region and the state of Minnesota (MN) than Hewing Hotel, one of the best Minneapolis Downtown Hotels. The name refers to cutting wood in the endless forests of Minnesota, which is when the wooden pillars, furniture, and floors begin to make sense. An open-plan lobby with a lounge area with huge leather chairs and sofas welcomes you within. The pool table and the bar area beyond lead to the celebrated Tullibee restaurant. And right in the middle of it all sits a library with a fireplace – the perfect place to curl up and read a book. Adding to the whimsical ambiance is the eclectic curios referencing Minnesota. Think foot-long canoes, vintage Thermos flasks, and giant silver and purple shiny ‘raindrops’ in the atrium.
Do you know how much there is to do here? The fitness center has all kinds of modern equipment for fitness fanatics, as well as space for yoga. If you’re not an indoor person, then borrow bikes and ride along the Mississippi. The best feature is the rooftop ‘social club,’ complete with a 24-person sauna and a spa pool. It’s the best place to unwind on the property. The food here has a very Nordic ring to it and celebrates Minnestora’s Scandinavian heritage. In fact, the Tullibee restaurant takes its name from a fish from Minnesota’s lakes! Breakfast is a hearty affair with cured salmon toast, Norwegian waffles, eggs, and more, as are other meals. What’s more, the bar serves wine, cocktails, and local craft beers.
Choose from 124 rooms and suites, all of which come with either creamy white walls or exposed brick ones. Simple artwork, massive pinewood pillars, and slate-floored bathrooms make staying here as interesting as comfortable.
AC Hotel
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One of the best Minneapolis Downtown hotels is AC Hotel, which boasts wonderfully modern digs in the heart of the city. Cool marble elements exude minimalism, while mirrors, wood, and brass elements provide the warmth factor, making it one inviting retreat. The approach of the hotel might be streamlined, but the rooms are comfortable and extremely spacious. What’s more, all rooms boast sleek wooden floors, huge windows, seating areas next to them, and flat-screen smart TVs with Hulu and Netflix. Swish bathrooms make up the rest of the room.
The hotel’s modern design also continues in the amenities offerings by the hotel. A European buffet spread greets you in the morning, with cereals, bread, fruit, cheeses, cold cuts, and strong espresso. Plus, your traditional in-room service menu is replaced by a more interesting tapas and snack menu. The hotel even has a small library area that’s stocked with fascinating magazines and books. When you get out, a color Bob Dylan mural at the end of the block is a must-see on your travel bucket list. All in all, this is one of the best hotels in Minneapolis MN Downtown and an absolute minimalist’s dream.
W Minneapolis Foshay
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Rich jewel hues set the mood the minute you enter the historic 1920s tower housing the scintillating W Minneapolis Foshay. The pink-hued and palm-lined beckons you to explore, while the similarly decked-out lounge features creative seating vignettes and is very popular with locals. Two restaurants, a celebrated steakhouse, and a bakery take care of all food needs. In fact, they’re even popular with celebrities! The staff is extremely cheery and helpful, especially when it comes to dishing out travel advice and tips. A fitness center aside, you’ll love the Prohibition Bar too – it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. What’s more, the W is famously gay friendly, and this Minneapolis outpost is no exception and is one of the Top Gay-Friendly Hotels In Minneapolis. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular of Minneapolis’ Downtown hotels in MN.
Upstairs, the rooms and suites offer a wonderful respite from the buzzing downstairs. Relaxed and quieter, they’re decked out in serene monochrome linens, plush beds, cushy living areas. besides swanky mod-cons, you’ll love the bathrobes and spa toiletries in the bathrooms and the huge windows with excellent downtown views. Did we mention that there are in-room spa services on the roster? Yes!
Loews Minneapolis
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Well-situated warmth makes Loews Minneapolis one of the best hotels in Minneapolis Minnesota. Don’t be fooled by the sleek modern design, for the Loews’ approach is anything but reserved, Friendly and warm staff buzz around dishing out travel tips and taking care of bookings like it’s nobody’s business. What makes the hotel excellent for a family vacation is the fact that the hotel has a “Loews Loves Kids” program. They include babysitting arrangements, child-proofing kits, a lending library, and kid-friendly entertainment. When the kids are away, the adults can play, or rather relax at the fourth floor Releve wine room or with a massage at the Enbury spa. Access to Minneapolis’ famed skyway system is also available from the hotel, and downtown views are abundant. The star here is the Apothecary Bar & Lounge, which offers unique drink options and small plates.
Chic rooms are done up in shades of grey and offer stunning views of downtown Minneapolis. Plush headboards, carpeted floors, and swish bathrooms add to the luxury factor. You’ll also find decadent touches in the form of fully stocked minibars and bathtubs in bathrooms.
Radisson Red
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Tucked at the eastern end of Downtown Minneapolis is Radisson Red, which is one of the many interesting establishments that call this eclectic neighborhood home. It’s one of the best hotels in Minneapolis MN Downtown and is very popular with millennials and trendsetters. That’s because it offers a litany of uncommon but discerning lifestyle amenities such as a Red app for easy in-room orders, streaming devices with TVs, and keyless entry. Even the food here is well thought of. The neon-hued OUIbar + KTCHN serves delicious craft cocktails and food. What’s more, you’ll also find puzzles, board games, concierge service,s free Wi-Fi, and even table tennis set up on the property.
Did you know this property is pet-friendly too? Not only can your four-legged friends accompany you, but they also get a pet bowl when you check-in! Rooms feature wooden floors with zany graffiti-like highlighted wall murals, pops of bold and vivid shades, and artistic but chic bathrooms.
Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis
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Not only is the Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis one of the best hotels in Minneapolis Minnesota but it also has one of the Best Hotel Pools In Minneapolis! The indoor hotel pool area has an ethereal expanse of a wonderfully blue sky mural on the ceiling, which makes the place feel more serene. Soft yellow lights light the pool deck area, which has chairs and loungers to relax before you head to the spa for a massage or a facial.
You even have access to the Minneapolis Lifetime Athletic Club! Or you could head to the lounge where you can relax with a cuppa before heading to your room or out to explore the city’s nightlife. Thanks to its central downtown location, the hotel, which was earlier the Grand Hotel Minneapolis, is popular for those who want to explore the city. You’ll love dining at the SIX15 Bar and Restaurant which serves North American cuisine with a Nordic twist. Dark wood paneling and vibrant furniture make for a playful juxtaposition in the lobby.
The playfulness extends to the rooms, where you’ll find complimentary yoga mats as well as a complimentary invitation to join the city’s bike program. Besides the accommodations being pet-friendly, they all come with minibars and marble bathrooms with plush bathrobes and luxury bath amenities.
Hotel Ivy
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It’s hard to ignore the Ziggurat-shaped structure from 1930 that lies in the heart of Minneapolis’ Downtown. This is Hotel Ivy, a romantic, relaxing, and serene retreat right in the very heart of Minneapolis. Offering a luxurious downtown experience, the hotel sits in the reimagined Ivy tower, which sits on the National Register of Historic Places. Rooms and suites here are as special as the hotel. All are plushly carpeted with wood accents that blend well with the structure’s timeless elegance. The star of the limestone bathrooms is the deep-soaking tub, which is big enough for two people. Minibars, original artwork, and sweeping city views complete the picture of perfection.
What sets the Ivy apart is the robust amenities package. The pinnacle of its services is the Hotel Ivy Spa, which offers a host of signature services featuring its own line of spa products. Moreover, the in-house Italian restaurant is a favorite amongst travelers and locals. The best of them all is the moody basement lounge Constantine. Helmed by a veteran barkeep, the bar serves delicious craft drinks.
JW Marriott Mall of America
3
The JW Marriott Mall of America is one of the best hotels in Minneapolis Minnesota. It sits next to the Mall of America, one of the Top Tourist Attractions In The USA, and is a prime destination for shopping. What’s more, due to its proximity to the airport, the hotel even happens to be one of the Best Hotels Near Minneapolis St. Paul Airport! The hotel and its amenities were designed for a well-rounded family vacation. For instance, it has a newly opened movie theater and even a full theme park! So, if you’re traveling with children to Minneapolis, you know where to stay! There’s a lot more to do at this hotel, such as the heated indoor pool and hot tub. Aside from a fitness center, the on-site restaurant has a well-rounded menu. But it’s the cozy cocktail lounge that’s a great place for a quiet drink.
Even the rooms and suites here are very lavish in character, complete with flatscreen TVs, mini-fridges, and plush beds. The spacious rooms even have seating areas where you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee in peace. Bespoke toiletries in the immaculate bathrooms, which also have bathtubs, wrap up the place.
The Chambers Hotel
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One of the best Minneapolis MN Downtown hotels is the Chambers Hotel, which was named the best hotel in Minneapolis by Travel + Leisure magazine. Offering an artistic and immersive experience, it sits in the heart of Minneapolis’ vibrant and celebrated theater district. The 60-room hotel is set in two landmark revival buildings and is as unique as it is intimate. In fact, it features more than 200 original artwork pieces throughout, setting the tone for the rest of your stay.
The place has a lot of unique amenity offerings, such as the complimentary bike program in this bike-friendly city. The on-site restaurant offers Midwestern fare with a whimsical twist. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll find a plush library lounge, a wine cellar, and even a full oyster bar on the property. The show-stopper is the rooftop lounge and lush courtyard with a fire pit from where you can admire the city’s scenes.
Rooms at the Chambers hotel range from the classic king and queen rooms to the opulent Penthouse Suite that looks over all of Downtown Minneapolis. Moreover, they all operate with artist-designed guest key cards, which also enjoy free access to the nearby Walker Art Center. The best bit about the rooms is the spotless bathrooms, complete with freestanding deep-soaking tubs right in the middle.
Aloft Minneapolis
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Topping the list of best hotels in Minneapolis Minnesota is the design-centric Aloft, which sits right in the heart of the town. Despite being a budget-friendly stay, Aloft doesn’t scrimp when it comes to the location, or the amenities, for that matter. The rooms are stacked with technology and designed for the tech-savvy traveler, right from the speedy Wi-Fi and huge TVs to using an app for keyless entry. Since it’s also very pet friendly, the hotel even has an ARF program aiming to make your furry companion’s stay just as pleasant as yours – and that too free of charge!
The hotel has a plethora of amenities, despite being a budget one. These include a 24-hour gym, a 24/7 cafe, and a lovely indoor pool. The Re:mix lounge is a great place to chill out and enjoy a game of pool, while the hip WXYZ bar is perfect for listening to live music while enjoying drinks. However, the hotel scores in the fact that it has a special gourmet snack station for health-conscious guests. It serves a myriad of DIY cappuccinos and waist-friendly snacks so you can snack unfettered and unperturbed any time.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Minneapolis:
- Handsome Hog: Helmed by “Top Chef” star Justin Sutherland, this notable restaurant serves Southern cuisine with a contemporary twist. Paired with bourbon-forward beverages, dig into the “meat bar,” which has favorites such as smothered tomahawk pork chop and 24-hour smoked beef brisket.
- Historic Northeast Minneapolis Food Tour: Go on a walking food tour of Minneapolis’ Historic Northeast neighborhood and discover some of its best eateries. Aside from lots of good southern fare to taste, you’ll also learn about the city and Minnesota’s culture, architecture, and history.
Recommended Activities in Minneapolis:
- Walking Minneapolis Mississippi River, Falls & Historic Mills Private Tour: See the gushing waters of the Mississippi River up close on this fantastic 2-hour walking adventure around Minneapolis. Listen about the rich history of the river while watching the dramatic St. Anthony Falls, the famed Stone Arch Bridge, and the famous old flour mills.
- Mississippi Grand Carriage Ride: What’s a visit to Minnesota without a carriage ride? Hop on to this gorgeous horse-drawn carriage for an hour and listen to your knowledgeable and friendly local carriage driver tell you stories about Minneapolis. Listen to the horses’ hooves go clip-clop over the charming and cobblestoned Main Street while catching beautiful views of Minneapolis’ skyline.
