11 Best Spa Hotels in Minneapolis

Unwinding in a plush robe, indulging in a hot stone massage, or relaxing in a sauna can soothe the soul, no matter the weather. When we were visiting Minneapolis, the City of Lakes, a spa retreat was never too far away from us. The best spa hotels in Minneapolis were peppered throughout the towns of both Minneapolis and St Paul, as well as tucked slightly away from the city to make it a spa retreat in the true sense of the word. What’s more, we had a ton of choices as well, whether it was a spa in a posh downtown hotel or whether it was a zen spa at a lakeside resort.

No matter the location or the vibe, these inviting escapes were perfect for our relaxing weekend in the city. So, whether you’re looking for some much-needed “me” time, a romantic weekend for the both of you or even for your next girlfriend’s getaway, why not unwind at a Minneapolis spa? Plan your next relaxing weekend getaway at one of these top spa stays in Minneapolis/St Paul.

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

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We begin with the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, which sits about 30 minutes south of Downtown Minneapolis. Surrounded by verdure and multiple lakes, it was the perfect retreat away from the bustle of the city, while still staying close to it. The Spa at Mystic Lake was amazing and allowed guests having booked any spa service to use the slippers, robes, steam room, and the nine-jetted European showers. Aside from massages and body treatments, the spa also doubled as a salon, offering facials, waxing, and other beauty treatments.

For those who are looking to soothe the stress of their everyday life, the neck, back, and shoulder massage is excellent. We chose the River Rock Stone Massage with our choice of aromatic essential oil. There are even amazing choices for couples massages, including 60 and 90-minute ones. For the ultimate body treatment, try the Desert Heat Wrap, which uses Arizona desert mud and rich red seaweed to relax your body completely.

The spa is open Tuesdays-Fridays between 10 am and 6 pm, Saturdays between 9 am and 7 pm, and Sundays between 9 am and 4 pm. It’s shut on Mondays.

Grand View Lodge Golf Resort and Spa

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Best resort spa. We were looking for a relaxing spa getaway in the Twin Cities region, but not in the middle of all the bustle. That’s why we chose the Grand View Lodge Golf Resort and Spa, home to the Glacial Waters Spa. This award-winning spa largely features water in its treatments, which is the one thing Minnesota does so well, hence the name. It’s tucked amidst the Northwoods Pines, making for a sanctuary where mineral-rich waters and ancient glacial lakes converge for revitalization.

“We’ve always wanted to enjoy a getaway at a resort spa, and the serene setting of the Glacial Waters Spa was superb, besides their treatments, of course.”

WOW Travel

The spa boasts treatment rooms, a year-round hot tub, a sauna, and a steam room to make it a complete wellness journey. We indulged in the holistic healing benefits of rejuvenating soaks, body treatments, skincare, relaxing massages, and even halotherapy. We enjoyed the relaxing Autumn Grand Reset Couples Massage for 60 minutes since we were on a romantic getaway. What’s more, we’d highly recommend the Calming Waters body treatment, which begins with a traditional massage followed by a high-pressure Scots hose hydrotherapy massage and a Vichy shower cascade. Sigh.

The spa is open Mondays-Wednesdays between 8:30 am and 5 pm, Thursdays-Saturdays between 8:30 am and 7 pm, and between 8:30 am and 4 pm on Sundays. We loved the rest of this historic 1916-opened resort too, which sits on the Gull Lake shoreline and felt like the quintessential Midwestern escape.

Treasure Island Resort & Casino

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We rediscovered our best selves at the Wave Spa at the Treasure Island Resort & Casino. The spa provided endless tranquility in a serene and modern environment. We loved the entire menu of nail rituals, massages, skin treatments, and more that they had on offer. What’s more, we also loved the fact that they used products from Eminence Organic Skin Care, Moroccanoi, CND, and more.

Since we were looking for complete relaxation and rejuvenation, we went in for the soothing full-body hot stone massages that melted away all our stress in 90 minutes. Moreover, we were impressed by the fact that the spa also provided a massage treatment for mothers-to-be, as not many places offer the same. The spa is open from noon to 6 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 am to 6 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 am to 5 pm on Sundays. It’s shut on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West

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Best chain hotel spa. Sitting less than 10 minutes from the city center is the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West. We chose this Crowne Plaza outpost because we were looking for a reliable chain hotel with a fantastic onsite spa, and this hotel was perfect. That’s because it boasted a 3-storied, 21,000-sq-ft huge athletic club and spa. It was complimentary for us hotel guests and included everything from a saline pool, saunas, and whirlpool to weight and cardio rooms, group fitness classes, and even a spa.

The spa was quite spacious with many treatment rooms, including a couples treatment room. What’s more, the certified massage therapists were skilled at offering the most soothing treatments ever that rejuvenated our mind, body, and spirit. We walked out as totally different people! What was even better was that we were easily able to book massages easily by appointment. The spa is open from 6 am to 10 pm between Mondays and Fridays and from 8 am to 10 pm on the weekends.

The Hotel Landing

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Just 15 minutes from the city center of Minneapolis sits The Hotel Landing on Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata. The Nordic-inspired Läka Spa is Lake Minnetonka’s most relaxing retreat and we made sure that we spent a good amount of time unwinding. We loved the many choices of spa treatments that featured earth-friendly ingredients and incorporated methods to better the well-being of the mind, body, and soul.

Since we were staying during the middle of the week, we took advantage of their Wellness Wednesdays. For just USD 155, we enjoyed a 30-minute shoulder and neck massage, which was followed by a 20-minute scalp and facial massage. The best bit? Our services even included refreshing spritzers and healthy bites for complete and well-rounded rejuvenation. There are even Harmonic Couples Packages and even spa packages that you could gift others. Check out the complete details of all spa services offered at the Läka Spa.

Omni Viking Lakes Hotel

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20 minutes from the city center of Minneapolis in Eagen sits the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel. It’s home to the full-service Nordic Idlewild Spa. Indulging in the thermotherapy-focused Nordic spa experience here was like undergoing a modern version of an ancestral ritual that originated in Finland. Since the focus is on complete well-being, we were encouraged to cycle between hot treatments, like the sauna/steam room, and cold ones, like the invigorating deluge shower or ice fountain. We felt like we’d stepped into Nordic Bliss with their Signature Nordic retreat with a 50-minute Nordic Bliss body scrub, followed by a 50-minute fully customized massage. Wrapping up this package is a 50-minute Nordic foot ritual.

What was great was that we were even able to enjoy the many relaxation spaces, including a Himalayan salt relaxation room, fire pits and lounge seating, an outdoor lounge with a hot tub, and even a cozy indoor one with a fireplace.

The spa is open on Tuesdays between 11:30 am and 5 pm, Wednesdays-Fridays between 9:30 am and 7 pm, and between 8:30 am and 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Maddens On Gull Lake

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Most romantic. Just two hours from the city center of Minneapolis sits Maddens On Gull Lake, an award-winning spa resort perfect for a romantic and relaxing getaway. What was even better was that it was home to The Spa at Madden’s, where rejuvenation and relaxation blended in the most amazing and scenic way. Not only did the spa have a complete range of luxurious personalized treatments, but also had a very tranquil ambiance and a very warm and friendly staff.

We indulged in the Deep Tissue Massage, which completely relaxed every inch of our body. The Stress-Less and Himalayan Salt Massages also come highly recommended. No matter which massage or treatment you choose, you can follow it up with an unwinding session in the relaxation room with panoramic views of Gull Lake and the scenery around. The spa is open between 9 am and 5 pm between Sundays and Thursdays and between 9 am and 6 pm between Fridays and Sundays.

Did you know that you could join the Spa Club? Not only is it free to join, but also members get 10% off on all spa services as well as 5% discounts on spa merchandise. Finally, the members are also given advance notice about exclusive deals, last-minute openings, and specials.

Hewing Hotel

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Imagine having access to a rooftop spa pool and sauna — that’s what The Hewing Hotel was all about. The chic and amazing rooftop allows guests 21 years of age or older to let off some steam with a soak in their rooftop spa pool and gorgeous Nordic-inspired sauna. We loved swimming in the temperature-controlled pool, followed by a lounge on the daybeds. What’s more, we were even able to order drinks from the rooftop bar/cocktail lounge while lounging at our daybeds, and that too with scenic views of the Minneapolis skyline. During winters, this very pool turns into a large hot tub!

Later on, we retreated to the luxurious indoor 20-person Helo custom sauna made from western red cedar wood in the finest Nordic tradition. Moreover, the sauna had three tiers of benches for lying down or sitting, along with a two-bar backrest and two windows with lovely Minneapolis views. 

The spa pool and sauna are open all days of the year between 7 am and midnight, with the last pool entry being at 11:30 pm. Please note that the spa pool is shut between 7 am and noon on Thursdays for routine maintenance and cleaning.

Radisson Blu Hotel Mall of America

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We wanted to shop at the Mall of America, one of the world’s most amazing shopping malls. And trust us when we say that shopping is a seriously tiring business! So, what better way to take a break than to stay right next door at the Radisson Blu Hotel Mall of America? The reason is the Laughing Waters Spa, which sat on the third floor of the hotel and was the perfect place for us to unwind in between our endless shopping sprees.

The Laughing Waters Spa offers a complete suite of relaxing spa services, including massages, body treatments, steam rooms, and even beauty treatments like nails, waxing, and more. One of their most recommended treatments is the Swedish Massage, which is a restorative deep-tissue massage. We, however, chose the couples massage and treatment, which certainly soothed our sore muscles after all that walking through the mall and lifting shopping bags!

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The spa is open all days of the week, from 10 am to 9 pm from Mondays to Saturdays, and between 11 am and 7 pm on Sundays.

Hotel Ivy

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Just because we stayed in Downtown Minneapolis didn’t mean that we had to sacrifice wellness. Case in point: the plush Hotel Ivy, where we stayed, is home to the Anda Spa, which is the largest destination spa in all of Minneapolis! This new 17,000-sq-ft huge urban retreat focuses on crystal-based healing and holistic rituals, featuring multiple steam showers and saunas, as well as an entirely new service menu. The name is Swedish and translates to “spirit,” and although it specializes in crystal healing therapies, we loved the classic facials, massages, and body treatment options, too.

Since Minnesota is famed for its many water bodies (it’s not called the “State of 10,000 Lakes” for nothing), the rivers are equally famous. They lend local stones for the ultimate Minnesota River Rock Massage, a must-try spa treatment that we indulged in. Since we were weary from all the exploring and shopping, what better way to unwind in Minneapolis, right?

If you go for the Anda Spa Experience, it comes with a USD 150 credit as well as luxurious accommodations at the hotel.

Four Seasons Minneapolis

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The Four Seasons Minneapolis is, without a doubt, the best spa getaway in the city. As befitting as it is being a Four Seasons, the wellness offerings here are a tranquil and comprehensive full-floor facility. So, as guests, we not only had access to the spa and its varied treatments, but also the seven treatment rooms, a cold plunge, a steam room, a sauna, a generous relaxation lounge, and a 24-hour fitness center. Also, it has an important feature that’s rather critical for Minneapolis — a large indoor pool and hot tub, complete with sweeping urban views.

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While they have a complete bevy of massages, treatments, and more, we were looking for something special to celebrate our anniversary. So, we indulged in the Four Seasons’ “Starry Night” spa experience. It allowed us exclusive use of the indoor pool and access to all the thermal facilities. Moreover, it also included the signature Four Seasons massages in their Songbird Suite. Did we mention indulging in bubbles and delights bubbles while floating in the whirlpool? Yep.

The spa is open between Mondays and Saturdays from 10 am to 8 pm and on Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all spa hotels on the list, the ones below are quite special for their specialized features.

• Most romantic: Maddens On Gull Lake
• Best overall: Four Seasons Minneapolis
• Best chain hotel spa: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West
• Best resort spa: Grand View Lodge Golf Resort and Spa

Where to Stay in Minneapolis?

Since Minneapolis has nearly 200 sunny days in the year, it’s an absolute delight to explore. After all, it’s also one of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities. Plus, it’s famously home to one of the U.S.’ top tourist attractions, the Mall Of America in Bloomington. After all that cycling and walking and shopping, who wouldn’t want a dip in the pool, right? So, which is the best Minneapolis neighborhood to stay in?

We begin with our absolute favorite neighborhood, Uptown, which is also great for first-time visitors to the city. Sitting between Downtown and the suburbs, it’s home to excellent museums, parks, and cafes. Secondly, there’s Downtown, Minneapolis’ central business district. What’s more, it’s also home to most of the city’s museums, historic attractions, parks, and more. Next, there’s the Warehouse District, which has a completely different vibe despite technically being part of Downtown due to its rocking nightlife.

For those who want to stay away from the bustle of the city center, there’s Southern Minneapolis, a respite that felt like a world away. Finally, there’s Northeast, the hippest neighborhood-turned-gentrified district in the city with indie boutiques, restaurants, and bars.

What is the best Minneapolis Downtown stay to have a spa?

Two fantastic Minneapolis Downtown hotels with spas are the Hotel Ivy and the Grand Hotel.

Which hotel spa has a pool?

The Crowne Plaza, the Hewing Hotel, and the Four Seasons have access to a spa pool.