I recently was in Minneapolis for a few days, and I decided to explore several of the newer Starwood properties that I haven’t stayed in before. I was in town for 4 nights, so I wanted to try a few places. This was both to see what’s out there as well as to get more stays toward requalification. What can I say, like many frequent travelers, I’m driven by elite qualifying.
Minnesota Nice at the W-Minneapolis
I booked nights at both the Aloft-Minneapolis and the W Minneapolis-The Foshay. The central downtown location of the W wasn’t as convenient to where I was working as the Aloft. Plus, the rates were a bit more expensive, but I wanted to try them both out. As expected, the W is more of a full service hotel. This includes 24 hour room service, and multiple dining options. I covered the Aloft-Minneapolis in another post.
W Minneapolis Fantastic Suite
My work went a bit late, and I had met a friend who was also visiting the Twin Cities for dinner, so my check in was around 9pm. At check in I was warmly greeted and thanks to my status, upgraded to a Fantastic Suite on the 25th floor. Like many W hotels, the design is quite trendy with bold colors. I rode the elevator to my floor where I discovered that the floor only has 4 guest rooms, each of them, L-shaped, corner rooms.
Despite the cheesy name, the room was an excellent space. There is a large living room with a couch, desk, and dining table. The bedroom has a large-ish closet with a king size bed and the bathroom has separate bath and walk in shower. Being tall, I appreciate a shower head that doesn’t hit me mid-chest when using it, although I can see the ceiling mounted configuration being less ideal for a much shorter person. The living room and bedroom have floor to ceiling windows.
Prohibition
While my room was nice, I figured I’d explore my options to explore the property a bit and have a drink. As at all W properties, there is a lobby bar, but they are often loud. With this in mind, I also noticed that there is a bar on the top floor, so I figured I’d give that a try. Prohibition is a nod to the history of the Foshay tower. I often like to try unique foods and drinks, and I noticed the menu showed a margarita made with jalapeno and pineapple infused tequila. Maybe its a midwest thing, since it included a Coronita chaser. Maybe I was wishing I was on a beach in Mexico and not in a high-rise tower in chilly Minneapolis, but, I had to try it. While not the best margarita I’ve had, it was an interesting take on a classic drink. The menu also offered hot and cold starters, and pretty decent selection of wines by the glass.
Like most W hotels, there is both a gym and a spa available. Unfortunately, due to my late arrival and early departure the next morning, I didn’t explore the gym. Parking is available by valet, but not surprisingly, it is pricey. There is also much cheaper self parking available in the TCF Bank lot on the same block as the hotel.
I’ve felt out-of-place due the overly trendy vibe of some W hotels, but not so at the this property. The W Minneapolis does a good job using a historic art-deco building as a backdrop for a modern urban hotel. The staff I encountered is pleasant and unobtrusive. The free suite upgrade was a nice touch as well. I’d be happy to return to the W the next time I’m in the Twin Cities.
