Minneapolis is a relatively frequent destination for my business travels. I’ve previously talked about my stays at the W Minneapolis and the Aloft near the Metrodome. As I was preparing for another trip back in Minneapolis, I was expecting to stay at the Aloft, which has become my go-to place there, for its convenient location and typically reasonable rates. I’m always open to trying other options, particular with the various Starwood options in the area. I’ve often found rates to often be pretty expensive during the week in downtown Minneapolis, but I’m still hoping to try the Le Meridien or the Ivy. On this trip, I managed to find a $99 rate at the Westin, so I jumped on it. It must have been some brief sale, since some other searches showed a rate for the Westin of more than $275.
lobby of the Westin Minneapolis
Westin Minneapolis
The hotel is in the former home of the Farmers and Mechanic’s Bank building on 6th Street in downtown Minneapolis. The lobby is a somewhat unique layout, with the Bank restaurant taking up most of the space, and a small reception desk near the back.
The old bank vault is used for wine storage for the restaurant, which is a nice way to take advantage of the existing architecture.
Once I found the reception desk, I checked in, where I was told I would be getting a nice upgrade. Not bad for a $99 rate. I’ve heard that upgrades are common for platinum guests at this hotel, but usually to a renewal suite, which I believe is a normal room with a spa shower. I think I did better than usual, as my room was a large corner suite.
While the room was very nice, the view from the bedroom was a bit lacking:
Thankfully, the parlor faced the downtown area, making for a better view:
Westin Minneapolis Corner Suite
Once in the room, I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of space. Here is the basic photo tour:
entry hallway
views of the parlor and desk
bathroom views with seperate bathtub and shower.
The Westin is a nice location in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Its less than a block from the shops and restaurants along Nicolet Mall. Also nearby is a stop for the Hiawatha Light Rail that runs to the airport and Mall of America. Target Field and the Target Center sporting venues are a few blocks away. It is close to the Mississippi River with some nice running/biking paths, which I enjoyed during my summertime stay.
I’d say my favorite Starwood property in the Twin Cities is still the W, but the Westin is pretty nice itself, particularly at a $99 rate.
