With its recent AAA Four Diamond ranking, the newest Radisson Blu Minneapolis in the heart of the city, is proof positive that the benefits of “Minnesota Nice” service–a “100% guest Satisfaction Guarantee”–pay off. A multi-million dollar re-design project transformed what was the original downtown’s Radisson Plaza Hotel into this stylish Scandinavian inspired and now award-winning mid-century beauty.
Ideally located just a half block from Nicollet Mall (the street where those of a certain age may remember Mary Tyler Moore tossed her hat in the air), it’s also within walking distance of the city’s bustling theater action, shopping and restaurants, along with Target Field and the business district.
I felt a genuinely warm welcome the moment I drove up and the friendly doorman came to the car to take my bags and park my vehicle. You can use valet he told me, but it’ll cost $36 versus $6 if you park your car yourself. And it’s close by. I thought: How nice is that? Someone actually wanting to help me save money??
Stepping inside the lobby, the first thing I noticed were the cherry red funky cool chairs and the giant wall screen showing various cityscapes from around Minneapolis. What a great and fun way for a visitor (or even a resident like myself) to see some of the city’s highlights projected on the big screen. Sometimes it’s a good thing to be a tourist in your own city!
Captivated by the scenes, I didn’t bother looking up, but when I did, I realized a soaring atrium sweeps some 18 floors high above the lobby.
Looking from the atrium down onto the Radisson Blu Minneapolis lobby
Check-in was quick, easy and with an authentic Midwestern openness and charm. Part of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, the Radisson Blu hotel brand, is much more prevalent in other countries (62 to be exact) than the USA. In fact, this Radisson Blu is only the fourth in North America and the second in Minnesota. (Radisson Blu Mall of America opened in 2013.)
There are 360 guestrooms in the hotel, all fully renovated with a Scandinavian simplicity. My room was considered an “Executive”—with a king-sized bed and a separate spacious sitting room.
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While the hotel is perfectly situated for a tourist visiting the city, during the week, it also caters to a big business clientele: event space and some 22 public meeting rooms are located on the second and third floors—connecting to other downtown buildings via the “skyways”. If you’ve never been to Minneapolis, you really owe it to yourself to check out these climate-controlled and enclosed walkway “bridges” (some eight miles worth!) that connect various buildings above the streets. Yep, this means in the winter when it’s occasionally brisk (okay, cold) no one has to walk outside.
My room was done in muted and calming natural colors—subdued but with interesting wall artwork and a perfect splash of lime green (the bedroom’s easy chair) that kept the room from being boring.
Photo by Donna Tabbert Long
There was a huge bathroom with an equally gi-normous walk-in shower (I could have had a party in there!) and a lovely rainfall shower. Still, with all that bathroom space, there was only one sink –I would have expected two.
Details in my room included a Nespresso (I always love), real cups and glasses, plus complimentary bottled waters, robes and slippers, and a popular current local magazine (I subscribe to this one at home—all hotels should do this.) There’s no charge for wi-fi.
Room design surprises included the ingeniously mounted t.v.; the flat-screen was on a swing-around wallboard. This meant that I could choose whether I wanted to watch “Downton Abbey” in the sitting area, or with an easy push, I could view from my comfy bed.
However, since it was a Friday night, I didn’t watch any t.v., but went out on the town, stopping for a specialty cocktail (try the Sage+Vice) at the hotel’s FireLake bar on my way back to my room.
In the morning, I highly recommend breakfast at the FireLake Grill. I also advise dinner or lunch: their Blue Ox Burger has been featured on Food Network for a good reason. If you’re not a Minnesotan (or even if you are) order the walleye hash (walleye is the fish of choice in this land of 10,000 lakes), and if you’re feeling decadent, a side order of ricotta beignets is always another lovely morning choice. Coffee is rich and strong– the way good Scandinavians prefer. And service doesn’t get any nicer.
Room rates start at $199 for a Superior Room and go up to $259 for a Luxury Suite. With its great downtown location, excellent service and comfortable digs, it’s definitely a Minnesota-nice deal.
For more information or reservations, check the website. You can also compare rates and book through Booking.com or Expedia.
Review by Donna Tabbert Long who was a guest of the Radisson Blu Minneapolis. Photos courtesy of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, except where noted.
