Hot Hotel Trends — What’s Cool, Contemporary and Classic in MN

Long gone are the days of lumpy double beds, hideous artwork bolted to the wall, and air conditioning units that turned a hotel stay into an arctic expedition. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, hoteliers are recognizing that their guests are interested in more than just a bed for the night. They want to be comfortable, indulged and made to feel like their business matters. Fortunately, that’s what we’re seeing now in this year’s hotel trends.

Green is trending big time in hotels all across the country, but we’re not talking furniture or wall colors. More and more hotels are considering the carbon footprint they leave behind. For many frequent travelers, a hotel that practices sustainability and eco-friendly policies is a must.

And because busy business travelers are saying “no thanks” to the cold cereal/lukewarm coffee “continental breakfast” many hotel chains offered in the past (and even giving the cold shoulder to a hot breakfast at on-site restaurants,) hotels have had to come up with a new snack attack solution. As such, they’re giving guests the goods on the go.

That’s why there’s big buzz in the metro about Aloft Minneapolis. It’s not just the cool loft-style rooms, 2,000 square feet of “tactic” meeting space and urban location that’s got us talking. It’s their fuel station that features 24/7 grab and go gourmet snacks and even cappuccinos to hungry guests with a hankering. Of course, their 24/7 business center, mix lounge with pool tables, 24/7 gym, and splash pool has got us gossiping too.

By the same token, the Shooting Star Casino, Hotel + Event Center offers a sure bet for food on the fly. In addition to their two fine dining restaurants and home style traditions buffet, guests can now get the goods at the Mino Wiisini Café. Ojibwe for “Eat Well,” the new 24/7 eatery offers guests a quick, delicious option whether they’re craving breakfast, burgers or just a late night snack.

Of course, most of us know business travel is for the birds. The same old/same old hotel rooms, restaurant fare and crabby front desk clerk in every city feel more than a bit unwelcoming. That’s why more and more often, hotels are striving to make their frequent flier guests feel like visiting royalty rather than a royal pain.

For those who join Club Mystic at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, the benefits are quite majestic. Perks like priority check in, VIP parties, free valet parking, restaurant, showroom and gift shop discounts, plus discounts on the golf course can suddenly make a trip about business more about pleasure.

The folks at the newly renovated Country Inn + Suites by Carlson Saint Paul East and recently built Country Inn + Suites by Carlson Roseville know a thing or two about pampering too. Guests enjoy spacious rooms and suites, fitness center with pool, on-site bar and restaurant, breakfast buffet, plus a Read It & Return Lending Library that offers a wide range of titles that can be returned after your stay or the next time you visit any Country Inn + Suites. Of course, frequent travelers will want to take advantage of Club Carlson too, the loyalty program that offers free stays, complimentary room upgrades, early check in and late check out, plus more.

The staff at the newly renovated Radisson Blu Minneapolis take spoiling their guests rather personally. Recognizing that not every guest has the same taste, they now offer three different styles of rooms. An Urban Room combines bold colors with premium bedding, while Mansion Rooms are a “clubby” retreat with rich timber finishes and chrome accents, and Naturally Cool Rooms feature pale neutral palettes with warm dashes of color as complements.

While every meeting takes some planning, some require less than others. For those times when nothing but simplicity will do, the nearly completed renovation of the Embassy Suites Bloomington offers another new trend, Meetings Simplified™. Planning is a snap with a pre-determined package that includes a comfortable meeting room, full-service catering, LCD projector, hot buffet lunch, high speed internet and all day beverage service.

Naturally, every good thing must come to an end, even business meetings. Recognizing that their business guests might be more than a bit stressed and exhausted, some hotels have taken to offering rejuvenating services like expansive spas or relaxing picturesque settings. Loews Minneapolis Hotel invites guests to a world of tranquility in their luxury spa, offering facials, massages, body wraps and scrubs, and even make up application, waxing, and eyebrow/eyelash tinting. The newly renovated Minneapolis Marriott Southwest is surrounded by serene outdoor walking paths and graced with a scenic outdoor patio, while inside, guests revel in the luxury of plush Revive bedding, a heated indoor pool and beautifully furnished rooms and suites.

Fewer and fewer business travelers are flying solo these days. As traveling for business increasingly becomes a family affair, hotels are offering packages that cater to the kin. Residence Inn Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Eagan welcomes the whole household with spacious suites that boast full kitchen facilities, sitting rooms, fireplaces and private entrances.

No matter where you book your bunch, the hottest trends in hotels this year are all focused on enhancing the guest experience. In our book, that’s a trend that should always stay in style. For a free complete list of hotels in Minnesota, visit our meeting and event hotel guide. Not sure where you to host your next meeting, conference or event? Check out our free Minnesota meeting and event destination guide.