Best Hotels near University of Minnesota--Twin Cities

Class and comfort have a permanent home at the Grand Hotel Minneapolis. Recent guests commend the hotel's historic exterior and its contrast to the modern furnishings inside. Rooms are luxurious (boasting wood and leather furnishings and 55-inch TVs and minifridges), while the fitness center is extensive and even houses an indoor six-lane lap pool. After working up a sweat, you can head to the on-site spa for a massage or a facial. And to quench your thirst, you can grab a refreshing cocktail and dinner at The SIX15 Lounge. You'll find this hotel in downtown Minneapolis, less than a mile from the Guthrie Theater. And because it falls under the Hyatt brand umbrella, members of the World of Hyatt loyalty program can use their points for perks here.

Just up the street from Target Field (home to the Minnesota Twins) and surrounded by a bevy of big-name department stores, The Marquette Hotel is perfect for fans who have come to the Twin Cities for a baseball game, business, or pleasure. The area has numerous eateries and bars to mingle with locals, though if you're not feeling up to a night out, you can satisfy your appetite at the hotel's Basil's Restaurant. Guests note that the nightly rate at this hotel is quite fair, unlike other downtown properties. The hotel's friendly staff and roomy accommodations, complete with Egyptian cotton linens and coffee and tea makers, also earn a thumbs-up. The biggest downside, according to recent visitors, is the fee for in-room Wi-Fi; the hotel is a Hilton property, though, so Honors members receive complimentary Wi-Fi and can use points for upgrades and free stays.

The Hotel Minneapolis impresses the eye with rich furnishings and sleek decor. Guest rooms are fairly simple, decked out in neutral tones, but feature high-tech amenities like 42-inch high-definition TVs, wireless internet access and docking stations. Meanwhile, common areas like the lobby and Restaurant Max feature bold accents and modern fixtures. But the hotel's locale really sets it over the top: It's connected to the city's indoor, heated skyway system, so you can walk to Nicollet Mall, the U.S. Bank Stadium and many other downtown Minneapolis attractions without weathering the often frigid temperatures. One area where guests offer mixed reviews is the food: Some travelers experienced helpful and quick waiters while others said the service was slow and overpriced. As a property in the Autograph Collection, The Hotel Minneapolis is part of the Marriott family, so Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points here.

Though it may look old on the outside – after all, it is housed in the historic Farmers & Mechanics Bank building – The Westin Minneapolis provides fresh, contemporary digs in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Blanketed in beige and green hues, guest rooms offer a relaxed, natural respite from the bustling city streets, while in-room amenities (like 42-inch LED TVs, minibars and Westin's signature Heavenly Beds) are designed for comfort. When you do decide to leave your digs, you'll find a variety of on-site facilities, including a heated indoor pool, a fitness center and a fully loaded business center. And the in-house restaurant, B.A.N.K., receives high praise from previous guests for its swanky atmosphere and inventive American cuisine. The biggest complaint, however, is that the hotel seems a bit understaffed, especially at the front desk and at the bar. But whether you're here for business or pleasure, recent visitors do say that The Westin Minneapolis' downtown location is ideal, especially since the hotel is directly connected to the city's indoor skywalk. Because this property bears the Westin name (and ultimately falls under the Marriott umbrella), Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.