MN Minneapolis-St Paul Marriott West (southwest zone)

[char540]

Hi,

I'm back from my stay and here is quick review of the hotel:

Holiday Inn West, St. Louis Park, MN - 3* rating on Priceline - This was a nice 7-story hotel, located in between highway 169 and interstate 394. We wanted to go downtown and found that is was a quick drive there. The Mall of America was only about 15 minutes away and less crowded shopping experience was available at the Ridgedale Mall. There is a restaurant/bar on site and pool area (which was a bit dirty, but not too bad). We frequent the cities often, but it was still an adjustment to get used to not being on 494. This hotel also does not have much in walking distance, but there is a gas station just up the road. Overall, I would say this is a nice 3* for the $42 we paid for it.

(edit by thereuare: this property is now a Marriott)

[uaspouse]

This Marriott was formerly a Holiday Inn, but has been totally updated to reflect the more upscale Marriott brand. You would never guess it had a former life! There was no mention of Priceline, and all the staff went out of their way to be helpful and welcoming. I paid $75.00 for a weekday stay during a high occupancy period.

The beds were very comfortable, pillowtop with 7 pillows, many of them down. There was a down comforter wrapped in a cotton duvet. Large flat screen television, wireless internet (extra fee), comfortable work desk with cozy chair. Light between the 2 queen beds had a dimmer switch. The housekeeping was immaculate.

The bathroom featured upscale cabinetry, granite counter top, plush cotton towels, ceramic floor and tub walls. Bath products were made by Neutrogena. The fixtures were replaced, even the door hinges were a new brushed nickel.

The pool was small, and had a whirlpool. Next door was an exercise room with 8-10 pieces of nice equipment. There is a business center available for guests, fees vary. There is also a Caribou Coffee cafe in the lobby, open for breakfast, closing hours vary.

The hotel is still putting on the finishing touches - for example the Grand Opening of Kip's, their restaurant, occured during our visit, but the accomodations are marvelous.

The main drawback is the location. First, it is really isolated in a unusual area with apartments and office space. There is a nearby gas station with a mini-mart, but I did not see any other restaurants or stores nearby. The hotel restaurant is inspired by an Irish pub - perhaps not to everyone's liking. There is a very small onsite pantry selling aspirin, bandaids, snacks (ie $8.00 for a pint of Haagen-dazs). While it took us only 20 minutes to return to the hotel from MOA, the two trips there took 45 and 60 minutes due to traffic and road construction. I would have to think again about bidding here if my main purpose was MOA. Also, directions from Mapquest are inaccurate. Call the hotel and get directions. We finally found it though old-fashioned means (looking up.)

[sage]

There is a good Greek restaurant east of the hotel (5 min walk), and a good Chinese restaurant north (10 min walk) across from the movie theatre. A decent steakhouse is along the access road west of the hotel (15 min walk). Save up your money for great food / atmosphere and go to the hip spot behind Ridgedale Mall called "Redstone American Grill", about a 5-10 drive west (exit for the Sheraton, drive past it about 1 block).