The 10 best hotels in Minneapolis and St Paul

The Twin Cities’ top address simply oozes sophistication, from its elegant rooms with king-sized beds and plush chenille chairs to the wood-paneled bar lined with black and white portraits of local stars. This is where St Paul’s great and good come to have afternoon tea – or even to get married – and the hotel has hosted everyone from JFK to Charles Lindberg. The location is unbeatable for St Paul too, right across from Landmark Center cultural center and within easy walking distance of the river.

If you’d rather be in Minneapolis, The Chambers is the top choice – for its rooms scattered with contemporary art, its hip Mercy Bar and Dining Room and its location across two historic buildings in the heart of Downtown. There are theaters and restaurants aplenty within walking distance, and it’s just under a mile to the Walker Art Center, where guests are treated to free admission. There’s also a gym, in-room massages and bikes you can borrow free of charge.

Of any hotel in Minneapolis, the Hyatt Centric Downtown has arguable the best location. Close to all three stadiums, several museums, restaurants and theaters and the light rail station, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere more central. The Hyatt’s chic rooms are decked-out with plenty of wood and leather, while guests also gain access to the swish gym next door. For nosh and bevs, the SIX15 bar and restaurant serves up locally-sourced craft beers, fancy signature cocktails and a huge range of Nordic-inspired dishes.

Rather not be surrounded by the city? Stay just outside Downtown on Nicolett Island and you’ll be surrounded by water instead. That water is the Mississippi River and many of the rooms here have views of it, as well as the parks that line it and the city beyond. The style here is classic, with wrought iron bedsteads, drapes and plush carpets, and there’s a dining room serving afternoon tea, romantic dinners and five-course Sunday brunches. With its river views and intimate atmosphere, it’s no wonder this is often voted the most romantic dining experience in the Twin Cities.

Although business travelers love Loews for its easy access by Skyway to many of the city’s top companies, the hotel also goes the extra mile for kids and for pets. There’s a “kids closet” of toys, car seats, strollers and other useful items for families to borrow, while pets get their own room service menu. Rooms are elegant and spacious, and there are three bars and restaurants to choose from. Top pick is Releve, where customised cocktails are served with small plates designed to match.

The iconic Foshay Tower – modelled on the Washington Monument – is now home to the W hotel, which has blended its Art Deco style with contemporary cool design. Rooms go from “Wonderful” to “WOW”, with each category featuring luxurious bed linens and a TV and DVD player with well-stocked media library. The Fit gym is open 24/7, while Manny’s Steakhouse serves up some of the city’s best prime cuts. Being in the Foshay Tower means a central location too, with all of Downtown’s attractions on the doorstep.

Another of the city’s eye-catching towers, the Ivy Tower, is also now home to one of the city’s top hotels. Hotel Ivy offers understated pet-friendly rooms with window-filling city views, a Fitness Club and a spa with 14 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy, steam and sauna. The on-site restaurant Monello serves Italian dishes, mostly from the Campania region, while the decadent Constantine bar mixes a mean cocktail. Right on the doorstep here is the Minnesota Orchestra, and it’s less than a mile to Target Center for basketball or live music.

Close to the river and on the edge of Downtown, this Marriott hotel has a great location for those looking to explore on two feet. You can walk to the US Bank Stadium for one of the Vikings’ football games or to the Guthrie Theater for a show, and the Riverfront district is right on your doorstep. The hotel itself occupies the historic Milwaukee Road Depot building and has sleek rooms, a relaxed restaurant serving classic dishes and a fitness center with indoor pool.

Another well-located Downtown Minneapolis hotel, the Marquette is part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. The hotel is linked to the Minneapolis Skyway for easy access to many of the city’s offices, restaurants and shops and you can also walk to the US Bank Stadium for football, Target Center for basketball and the Hennepin Theatre District for a performance. Rooms are bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows, while Jacques restaurant serves Northern Italian cuisine and classic cocktails. There’s also a small gym.

In the Mill District, budget-friendly stay aloft sits between the US Bank Stadium and the riverfront Gold Medal Park. And aloft doesn’t just have a phenomenal location: the rooms here are teeming with amenities, from high-tech features like fast Wi-Fi and huge TVs to a 24/7 café, a swanky indoor pool and a solid gym. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any hipper, the WXYZ bar is on-site and hosts DJs and live music, while the Re:mix Lounge offers a great chill-out space for drinks and a game of pool.