Pros
- Unique French architecture makes this chain property stand out
- Excellent value for downtown Minneapolis
- Cozy restaurant and bar that’s popular with locals and guests
- Large, renovated rooms with comfortable beds
- Inexpensive indoor parking
- Free Wi-Fi is spotty
- Indoor pool in a bright space
- On-site fitness center
- Range of meeting and event spaces
Bottom Line
This Best Western looks more like an old-fashioned French ski chalet than a chain hotel. Along with the unique design, it’s in the middle of downtown Minneapolis, and thus close to the Target Center and Minneapolis Convention Center. The property also has an on-site restaurant and bar that’s popular with locals. Comfortable rooms range from Standard Kings to Double Suites, though the couches in the suites are drab. With a small indoor pool and fitness center, it’s a worthwhile value for the location, though travelers looking for a more contemporary vibe might want to compare rates with the nearby Hilton Garden Inn.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Fitness Center
- Internet
- Pets Allowed
- Pool
Scene
Old-fashioned, warm, and cozy style
Though billed as The Normandy, the architecture of this hotel has more of a Tudor style, set in an old-fashioned building transplanted in the middle of downtown Minneapolis. The decor can feel either warm and cozy or gimmicky depending on your tastes, but it’s definitely different. The lobby has the look of a ski lodge, with high wood-beamed ceilings, stone floors, and large arched windows. Leather armchairs surround a stone fireplace. The Normandy Kitchen has lovely hardwood floors and red leather-topped barstools, while the rest of the restaurant has the casual feel of an upscale diner. The pool is located in a windowed, sky-lit indoor courtyard surrounded by what looks like the outside of a French home, complete with exposed brick. The carpeting in the event spaces looks a little dated, but other details, including walls of stained glass and wood-beamed and coffered ceilings, make up for it.
Location
In downtown Minneapolis, an easy walk to major attractions
The Normandy sits on a quiet street in downtown Minneapolis. There aren’t too many local restaurants around, and the one in the hotel is probably the best option for guests. The property is conveniently located for business travelers, with the Minneapolis Convention Center a 10-minute walk southwest. And the Target Center, a popular spot for concerts, is about a 15-minute walk northwest. The Mall of America and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport are about a 20- to 25-minute drive south, and it’s a few blocks from the train station that provides both airport and mall access.
Rooms
Comfortable rooms with simple decor, though suites offer dated furniture
There are 199 rooms and 35 suites here, offering guests plush, comfortable beds and a decor that’s unassuming with gray and brown fabrics and slightly contemporary wood furniture. Suites have small kitchenettes and sitting areas with couches upholstered in somewhat drab green floral fabric. Medium-sized bathrooms include large vanities with plenty of storage space and shower/tub combos, along with spacious stone-walled stall showers in the suites. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and hairdryers. Filtered water machines can be found on each floor as well. Wi-Fi is free in the rooms.
Features
Restaurant and bar, indoor pool, and a plethora of meeting spaces
The Normandy Kitchen serves American and bistro-style fare and cocktails for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an old-fashioned-looking but updated space. Room service is available as well. Guests can take advantage of the small kidney-shaped indoor pool with a hot tub and the fairly large gym with cardio equipment and free weights. For business travelers and special events, the Best Western has 5,900 square feet of meeting space that can hold up to 500 people, with food/drink and audiovisual service available. Free Wi-Fi is provided too, though service can be spotty. Covered parking is available for a small fee.
Related Hotels
Scene
Old-fashioned, warm, and cozy style
Though billed as The Normandy, the architecture of this hotel has more of a Tudor style, set in an old-fashioned building transplanted in the middle of downtown Minneapolis. The decor can feel either warm and cozy or gimmicky depending on your tastes, but it’s definitely different. The lobby has the look of a ski lodge, with high wood-beamed ceilings, stone floors, and large arched windows. Leather armchairs surround a stone fireplace. The Normandy Kitchen has lovely hardwood floors and red leather-topped barstools, while the rest of the restaurant has the casual feel of an upscale diner. The pool is located in a windowed, sky-lit indoor courtyard surrounded by what looks like the outside of a French home, complete with exposed brick. The carpeting in the event spaces looks a little dated, but other details, including walls of stained glass and wood-beamed and coffered ceilings, make up for it.
Location
In downtown Minneapolis, an easy walk to major attractions
The Normandy sits on a quiet street in downtown Minneapolis. There aren’t too many local restaurants around, and the one in the hotel is probably the best option for guests. The property is conveniently located for business travelers, with the Minneapolis Convention Center a 10-minute walk southwest. And the Target Center, a popular spot for concerts, is about a 15-minute walk northwest. The Mall of America and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport are about a 20- to 25-minute drive south, and it’s a few blocks from the train station that provides both airport and mall access.
Rooms
Comfortable rooms with simple decor, though suites offer dated furniture
There are 199 rooms and 35 suites here, offering guests plush, comfortable beds and a decor that’s unassuming with gray and brown fabrics and slightly contemporary wood furniture. Suites have small kitchenettes and sitting areas with couches upholstered in somewhat drab green floral fabric. Medium-sized bathrooms include large vanities with plenty of storage space and shower/tub combos, along with spacious stone-walled stall showers in the suites. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and hairdryers. Filtered water machines can be found on each floor as well. Wi-Fi is free in the rooms.
Features
Restaurant and bar, indoor pool, and a plethora of meeting spaces
The Normandy Kitchen serves American and bistro-style fare and cocktails for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an old-fashioned-looking but updated space. Room service is available as well. Guests can take advantage of the small kidney-shaped indoor pool with a hot tub and the fairly large gym with cardio equipment and free weights. For business travelers and special events, the Best Western has 5,900 square feet of meeting space that can hold up to 500 people, with food/drink and audiovisual service available. Free Wi-Fi is provided too, though service can be spotty. Covered parking is available for a small fee.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Best Rates
Amenities
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Business Center
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Cable
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Dry Cleaning
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Fitness Center
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Full Kitchen
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Internet
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Kids Allowed
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Meeting / Conference Rooms
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Pets Allowed
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Pool
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Rental Car Service Desk Onsite
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Room Service
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Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space
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Swim-Up Bar
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
