Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Minneapolis 2023

The more creative part of the ‘Twin Cities” bisected by the Mississippi River in Minnesota, the Midwest metropolis is known for its friendly locals, its outdoor culture (even in the winter), affordable prices, and its safe and welcoming atmosphere.

It’s also a progressive city with a good handful of organic eateries, lively nightlife (rock clubs are quite a thing here), cool art museums, edgy theaters, and a hip Warehouse District which is filled with trendy converted industrial-chic warehouses and a youthful, creative vibe.

There’s also quite a collection of unique places to stay, from intimate boutiques to swish upscale hotels here are our Top 15 cool and unusual hotels in Minneapolis (in no particular order)...

1. Graduate Minneapolis – a hip, trendy retro-chic design hotel housed in a striking redbrick building

Located in the heart of Stadium Village on the very green and pleasant University of Minnesota campus is the appropriately named Graduate Minneapolis hotel; a stone’s throw from the iconic Huntington Bank Stadium and just across the river from everything the city center has to offer.

Looking very much a major campus dorm from the outside, the inside is somewhere between log cabin meets masters’ study with dollops of kitsch-chic thrown in – it sounds terrible, but it’s amazing!

This hotel is calm, grand, and amusing all at the same time. It’s like nostalgia went on a date with geeky and they couldn’t stop giggling.

There’s the usual restaurant, bar, and fitness center, but the real joy is in the guest rooms and public spaces all designed to create a warm, friendly ambiance.

• To book, check prices or availability for Graduate Minneapolis

2. W Minneapolis – The Foshay – a funky, fun and very Instagrammable hotel perfect for partying Millenials and Gen Zs

The Downtown West district of Minneapolis is crammed full of hotels battling for attention. The W Minneapolis easily rises above the competition with the enormous 30 story art deco Foshay Tower in its midst – once the tallest building in Minneapolis.

This stunning building has been worshipped internally with a design that pays massive homage to the art deco structure without wallowing in fusty antiques; it’s decadent, exciting, elegant, and incredibly stylish with masterful colors, furnishings, and lighting all used to dramatic effect.

An art deco lift whisks guests to a 360-degree observation deck at the top of the tower with the most beautiful views, especially at sunset, and a small museum about the Twin Cities in the 1930s.

• To book, check prices or availability for W Minneapolis

3. Hewing Hotel, North Loop – a hip and unique upscale boutique hotel housed in a historic and trendy Warehouse District

A few blocks from the Mississippi River, in a converted warehouse dating from 1897, is the upscale Hewing Hotel in the buzzing Warehouse District of North Loop Minneapolis – a new hub for the local art scene.

Reimagined using natural materials and Native American art influences this powerful red-brick building now plays host to a thoughtful, peaceful ambiance created from the fabulous design.

There are two great restaurants, one on the rooftop with beautiful city skyline views, a good fitness center, and a wonderful sauna, spa, and heated rooftop pool.

Hewing Hotel’s 124 rooms and 14 suites provide just the right mix of historic architectural detail with luxurious modern amenities, providing a truly unique Minneapolis experience.

• To book, check prices or availability for Hewing Hotel, North Loop

4. Moxy Minneapolis Uptown – for a fun, upbeat atmosphere, parties, and cool modern decor

There are two Moxy Hotels in Minneapolis; one Downtown close to the Mississippi River and the other Uptown near the famous lakes. Moxy Minneapolis Uptown is a slate cubist block decked out inside in a colorful, comfortable, unpretentious style that is rapidly becoming a Moxy trademark around the world.

The guest rooms are European style, with everything you need for a good sleep sorted. The shared areas are superb, informal relaxing spaces where strangers chat and friends gossip.

Moxy crams a lot into their small spaces with precision and joy. It’s almost impossible not to enjoy a stay here: Meet me in the lovely ground-floor bar and I’ll tell you all about it!

• To book, check prices or availability for Moxy Hotels in Minneapolis

5. Element – a trendy, contemporary and must-stay hotel that provides complimentary breakfast, located in the lively North Loop district 

Right in the heart of the buzzy North Loop and the Warehouse District, this eco-friendly hotel will make you feel at home right away. The rooms all come with a small kitchen area, and the comfortable signature Heavenly Beds and workstations make sure you’ll be well-rested and productive.

The design with clean, modern lines and sleek decor recall the area’s Scandinavian heritage, and you’ll get a generous helping of midwestern hospitality with the complimentary breakfast every morning. There’s also a Grab and Go option with the Restore Pantry and a well-equipped gym.

Out the door, there are all kinds of shopping, dining and entertainment options, as well as sports and concert venues nearby. Visitors tend to return and have voted the Element to win a 2022 Travelers’ Choice award from TripAdvisor.

• To book, check prices or availability for Element

6. Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis – a hip, unique and contemporary upscale design hotel with an onsite spa

Hotel Ivy, on the edge of Downtown adjacent to the Minneapolis Convention Center, is the official hotel of every NHL, NBA, MLB, and NFL team that plays in the Twin Cities.

It’s a luxurious landmark hotel in a mildly desolate zone but fully connected to the city Skyway system making it incredibly easy to visit all the delights of central Minneapolis.

Part of the hotel dates back to 1930 with a 25-floor ziggurat tower, known as the Ivy Tower. At the very top, there’s a magnificent penthouse guest room spread over two floors with a panoramic private rooftop balcony. A further 135 rooms are below, all styled in crisp luxurious tones.

On the ground, there’s a top-class Italian restaurant, a fine cocktail bar in the cellar, and possibly the best spa in Minneapolis! 

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Ivy, Minneapolis

7. Hotel Indigo – a cool urban retreat downtown lifestyle hotel set in the heart of trendy Minneapolis 

Perfectly capturing the open, friendly mid-western vibe, Hotel Indigo in downtown Minneapolis puts you in the heart of this vibrant city.

Famous for its creativity as well as industrial innovation, the area is home to legendary venues like the Orpheum Theatre, State Theatre, Pantages Theatre, and The Armory and First Avenue, forever connected with Prince and Purple Rain. Sports fans and museum lovers will be happy to find their destinations are nearby as well.

Simple, modern decor and quirky artwork make the rooms comfortable places to settle, whether it’s a short stay or a longer visit. You’re within walking distance of all kinds of dining and shopping options, and a complimentary breakfast is served every morning with local bites.

(Note: there’s a bar and bistro as well, which will be reopening in May 2023.)

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Indigo

8. Chambers – a stylish and laid-back boutique hotel that is near Minneapolis’ vibrant nightlife on the corner of 9th and Hennepin

This historic 1908 building has been part of the Theatre District from the time of the Marx Brothers to Prince and Purple Rain. It’s right next to all the theaters, and close to the Target Center, Target Field, U.S. Bank Stadium and the Mississippi River, reached by the famous Minneapolis Skyway.

With modernist decor and over 200 artworks by contemporary artists, the hotel could double as an art gallery.

The reading nooks with comfy chairs, premium linens, heated bathroom floors and walk-in rain showers make the rooms a welcome haven after a long day. Many of the 60 rooms have downtown or courtyard views and some suites have dramatic deep soaking tubs.

Guests can relax in the courtyard garden beside the fire pit, and watch the world go by on the revitalized Hennepin Avenue. There’s also a fitness center and a buffet breakfast is served every morning.

• To book, check prices or availability for Chambers

9. Moxy Minneapolis Downtown – a fun hip party hotel with a youthful vibe located in upscale Downtown East

There are two Moxy Hotels in Minneapolis; one Uptown close to the lakes and the other Downtown near the Mississippi. Moxy Minneapolis Downtown is just two blocks from the wonderfully scenic Gold Medal Park and Riverfront with its historic Stone Arch Bridge and St Anthony Falls. Moxy Minneapolis Downtown is big and airy, bright, fun, and quirky.

The guest rooms are compact, colorful and cleverly designed to make the best use of every available space – some even have balconies.

The shared spaces are perfect for gathering with friends or chatting with strangers before heading out to explore the Twin Cities. The Moxy-style is evident everywhere with creative art and unusual furnishings giving plenty of those Instagram moments.

• To book, check prices or availability for Moxy Minneapolis Downtown

10. Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel – a luxury boutique hotel with the wow-factor set in a 1920s Art Deco building in Downtown

Downtown Minneapolis loves its old skyscrapers. The Rand Tower is probably the most beautiful and most Gothamesque of them all.

A genuine icon in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis, Rand Tower Hotel celebrates the historic grandeur and art deco elegance of the 1920s.

This boutique retreat pays tribute to Rufus Rand, the industrialist, and aviator who commissioned the building.

Savor craft cocktails and creative light fare in the lobby bar, gaze at skyline views from the glamorous rooftop garden and lounge, or simply relax at the end of the day in a beautifully crafted room or suite delicately styled with hints towards this building’s exquisite legacy.

• To book, check prices or availability for Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis

11. Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis, Mill District – a trendy, chic and stylish hotel housed in a 1900s red-brick building in the Downtown East district

In Minneapolis Downtown East district, less than 100 yards from the US Bank Stadium – home to the Minnesota Vikings NFL team – is Canopy by Hilton.

Housed in a very beautiful former industrial building the high ceilings, brick walls, and ironwork have been preserved and incorporated into this fabulously styled hotel.

Canopy by Hilton consistently delights the senses with unique designs complementing their surroundings – this hotel strikes with bold art and repeated lattice imagery running a cohesive theme through public areas and rooms.

There’s the usual fitness center, meeting rooms and an excellent restaurant and bar and the location is perfect for both the event spaces and central Minneapolis.

• To book, check prices or availability for Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis

12. Emery Hotel – an elegant and sophisticated hotel centrally located hotel housed in a historic former Midland Bank Building

The historic 1906 building in downtown Minneapolis combines the best of the old and the new, with its Art Deco marble lobby with a fireplace, pillars and lush greenery, and guest rooms with sleek, modern design and high end amenities.

The rooms have a restful neutral palette highlighted with bright pillows and artisanal throws, while custom art and lighting adds a quirky modern touch.

The warehouse district and sports stadiums are walking distance, and you can get the light rail to other destinations to explore the cultural and historic riches of the city. You have two dining options, the award-winning Giulia serving a North Italian with seasonal ingredients, and the Spyhouse Coffee Lounge in the lobby.

• To book, check prices or availability for Emery Hotel

13. AC Hotel by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown – a modern and refined hotel housed in a lustrous building that is very close to top attractions such as St. Anthony Falls and Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Downtown sophistication and sleek decor make for a comfortable stay whether you’re traveling for work, to catch a game or to check out the hip theater and the dining scene. Speaking of which, the famous Bob Dylan mural in the Hennepin Theater District nearby should be on your “do not miss” list.

Rooms come with all tech and comforts, so you can use the free high-speed internet to stream your own media to the Smart TV. There is also a mini-fridge and workstation, and comfortable leather chairs or couches.

You’ll find all the signature AC hotels amenities which are thoughtfully designed for experienced travelers – the AC Kitchen which serves a healthy and delicious breakfast, drinks and tapas at the AC Lounge, and a gym to stay on track with your fitness routine.

• To book, check prices or availability for AC Hotel by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown

14. 300 Clifton, Loring Park – a unique and quirky-chic upscale boutique B&B set in a beautiful historic 1887 Queen Anne–revival house

300 Clifton, the Eugene J. Carpenter Mansion in Loring Park is a historic, elegant, bed and breakfast located conveniently between the lakes and Downtown Minneapolis.

This beautiful Georgian mansion has a choice of six rooms superbly decorated with invocations of its great history, and a separate two-story Carriage House for bigger parties.

There are roaring log fires in the winter and a beautiful small Dutch garden for the summertime. 300 Clifton with its Persian rugs, leather Chesterfields, four-posters, and oak paneling is exactly how you’d imagine an early mansion to be. If all this elegance and history isn’t enough – there’s a hot tub and in-room massages.

• To book, check prices or availability for 300 Clifton, Loring Park

15. Sonder at MAX, Prospect Park – a cool, modern and stylish aparthotel with a rooftop terrace great for longer stays

Sonder at MAX is a modern aparthotel with bright, clean, beautifully designed two-bed, one-bed, and studio apartments close to the Twin Cities and the University of Minnesota campus.

It’s designed in a refreshingly cool warehouse-style with contemporary casual furnishings some exposed brickwork and plenty of pale wood.

Rooms are fully equipped with everything you could need for a short or a long stay, and Sonder at MAX has the added bonus of a small on-site fitness center and a very pleasant rooftop terrace with broad views. Unusually, there’s plenty of free car parking here – it’s not centrally located, so you will need that car.

• To book, check prices or availability for Sonder at MAX, Prospect Park

16. Elliot Park Hotel, Autograph Collection – a unique and stylish luxury place to stay in Minneapolis

Thoughtfully themed à la bouclé-meets-office block the Elliot Park Hotel in the Elliot Park district of Minneapolis oozes clean, sharp almost Scandi-style accommodation.

This is a textbook hotel with everything where it should be; there is a choice of different-sized guest rooms and suites, a good Italian restaurant, various meeting rooms, a well-equipped fitness center, a comfortable lounge lobby, and a nice bar.

All kitted out to create a reassuringly smart ambiance which doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a very good hotel. Elliot Park Hotel is a pristine example of an excellent place to stay that supports guests, rather than swamping them.

• To book, check prices or availability for Elliot Park Hotel

17. The Marquette Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton – an upscale unmarked boutique hotel set within the IDS Center skyscraper in Downtown

In the absolute naval of Downtown Minneapolis is this leviathan of a hotel. With over 20 floors of event and accommodation space.

The Marquette Hotel – named after explorer and missionary Jacques Marquette who came here in the 1680s – is bedecked in contemporary grey and beige themes throughout with the sleek, modern shapes and styles you would expect in a large Hilton.

The guest rooms are big, bright, and thoughtful. Try, if you can, to get a room on the higher floors where you might grab some grand corner-window views of the city center, particularly beautiful in the evening as the sun sets and lights sparkle into view.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Marquette Hotel Minneapolis

18. Mint House CBD Minneapolis – a trendy self-catering accommodation with  bright, eclectic decor perfect for longer stays

Mint House in the Central Business District (CBD – to avoid any misunderstanding) is an aparthotel with balconies – unusual for Minneapolis.

The public areas are eclectic, cheerful, bright and youthful; the apartments modern, simple, spacious, comfortable and tastefully furnished with all the kit you need. This is a perfectly located, practical venue to stay whilst exploring the Twin Cities.

After a hard day downtown, you can work out in the well-equipped state-of-the-art fitness center, or unwind in the Sky Lounge with impressive views of the Mississippi River.

• To book, check prices or availability for Mint House CBD Minneapolis

19. Aloft Minneapolis, Mill District – a funky and fun hotel with colorful creative decor

Aloft W Hotel Minneapolis is a bold hotel featuring recently renovated loft-inspired rooms for an easy breezy Twin Cities stay.

Located between Gold Medal Park and US Bank Stadium it’s a short stroll to explore trendy East Downtown, rich in history and culture and abuzz with lively urban energy.

There’s a friendly bar to meet and mingle with friends; a snack station for sweet and savory bites and a good lounge for chilling.

The rooms are simple and comfortable in a European style with splashes of color and little fuss. Aloft knows it’s a welcoming crash-pad for guests who are busy out and about and doesn’t pretend to be anything else.

• To book, check prices or availability for Aloft Minneapolis, Mill District

20. Sonder at SECOND + SECOND, North Loop – a stylish and modern space located in the trendy and vibrant neighborhood of North Loop

In the up-and-coming North Loop district of Minneapolis, Sonder at SECOND + SECOND aparthotel is a new, modern, grey block on the outside disguising delightful brightly furnished apartments on the inside.

Located within a short walk of the Hennepin Avenue Bridge across the Mississippi River to Nicollet Island and only 3-4 blocks from Downtown, it is surprisingly well situated for real exploration of this vibrant city.

The apartments are well proportioned, many have balconies above the street, and all are furnished in a refreshing Scandi-style to accentuate the bright and airy rooms. An exceedingly good base for travelers who want to spend a few days in Minneapolis and St Pauls.

• To book, check prices or availability for Sonder at SECOND + SECOND

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