Hyatt Regency Minneapolis

The Hyatt Regency Minneapolis -- the second largest hotel in Minneapolis -- offers upscale, contemporary decor with a rustic air, thanks in part to a $50 million renovation of the lobby and guest rooms, completed in 2013. In the reception area, dark gray granite floors from local quarries lead up to a row of stone check-in desks. The same material is used in the cavernous lobby, where a huge two-story granite wall is accented with columns of cut logs and finished with a narrow gas fireplace. While it's a massive chain property, plaid-like carpeting and decorative touches, like logs converted into seats, manage to lend a homey, local feel. Dozens of comfortable chairs are arranged in ways to allow privacy and space for meetings, and the openness of the lobby helps the busy hotel handle the almost constant schedule of events hosted in its 105,000 square feet of meeting space without feeling crowded or cramped. On the downside, rates can get pricey during conventions. The Hyatt is particularly popular with business travelers, in part because of the skyway that connects directly to the convention center. 

This Hyatt Regency is on the southern end of the city’s climate-controlled skyway system that connects most of downtown’s major buildings, including the Minneapolis Convention Center, just a warm, weather-free six-minute walk. While the hotel is located right on Nicollet Mall Avenue, it's slightly south of the action -- about a 10-minute walk will take guests to the heart of the area, which is full of shops and restaurants. Target Field is accessible on foot in about 18 minutes. On weekdays, the hotel offers free downtown shuttle services, which runs to the light rail and other downtown stops within a mile radius. Parking and airport shuttles are available, but cost extra fees.

• Four-minute walk to the Minneapolis Orchestra
• Seven-minute walk to Loring Park
• 16-minute walk to the Walker Art Center
• 11-minute drive to the University of Minnesota (25 minutes via public transit)
• 14-minute drive to the Mall of America (one hour via public transit)
• 20-minute drive to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (40 minutes via public transit)

Rooms received a top-to-bottom revamp in 2013, and they continue to earn high marks from guests for being clean, comfortable, spacious, and well maintained. The decor is simple yet tastefully modern, though there's little question this is a chain property. Beige walls and light blue striped carpet contrast nicely with butterscotch, padded headboards framed by medium-brown wood. Gray office chairs, slate-gray blackout drapes, crisp white bedding, and contemporary art of cityscapes or pixilated portraits complete the look. Bathrooms are a highlight, with stylish black and gray tiling, combo showers and tubs, granite sinks, and separate vanities.  

Rooms are air-conditioned and include work desks, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, iHome stereos, media ports, and laptop safes, plus irons, ironing boards, and hairdryers. Wi-Fi is free, though some guests note spotty service or an extra charge for high-speed service. In-room coffeemakers are stocked with Starbucks coffee, but some guests are disappointed that neither mini-fridges or microwaves are standard. Regency Club-level rooms include robes and access to the club room that offers a free continental breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres. Other upgraded rooms might add sleeper sofas, separate dining areas, hardwood floors, or wet bars. Some 10th-floor rooms have scenic downtown views, but not all views are stellar -- some rooms face the indoor pool.

The hotel offers the sort of amenities guests expect from a massive chain property, including many tailored to business travelers. The fitness center is a highlight, receiving high praise from guests. A former private club, the 32,000-square-foot facility features a full range of cardio and weight-training machines, free weights, basketball and racquetball courts, a yoga studio, and a lounge area. A fitness concierge can help guests obtain everything from fitness apparel to swimming goggles. There's an indoor heated pool, though it's small and somewhat bland, oddly situated in an internal courtyard with guest room balconies. 

The Prairie Kitchen Restaurant and Bar offers a charming upmarket-rustic atmosphere and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as daily happy hour specials at its bar, which is open into the evening. The hotel also has a well-stocked Market, with gifts, sundries, deli sandwiches, Starbucks coffee, and other grab-and-go items.  Breakfast is not typically included in the room rate, and guests sometimes complain that the market and restaurant are overpriced. Room service is available as well.

Business travelers can take advantage of 105,000 square feet of meeting space and an on-site FedEx office. Wi-Fi is free, though some guests note spotty service or an extra charge for high-speed connections. Other services include concierge service, currency exchange, dry cleaning, and laundry services. Self- and valet-parking are available in a covered garage, but valet parking is especially pricey (both cost extra fees). The hotel operates a free shuttle service throughout downtown, but only on weekdays. Pets are allowed for an extra fee.