Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown

This upscale chain hotel reopened as the Radisson Blu in the summer of 2014 after a $30 million renovation. The updates are impressive, and the lobby has slick modern design with mid-century modern influences: dark paneled walls, sleek white-and-mirrored tables, Eames-style red chairs, and large white domed light fixtures. There are also a lot of reflective materials and walls, as well as a large screen, so, while the hotel suits on-the-go business travelers, kids will also find it visually appealing.

The lobby attracts those who need to use its many computers or work at one of its many tables, while the Business Class Lounge -- accessible with some rates -- is especially popular with business travelers for its free breakfast and other perks. The FireLake restaurant is a popular downtown dining spot throughout the day, from breakfast meetings to after-work happy hours.

The Radisson Blu Minneapolis is located in the city's downtown and is within walking distance of many attractions, including Hennepin Avenue, the Target Center, and Target Field. Macy’s is just next door and the Mall of America is a 20-minute drive away. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is 12 miles -- about a 25-minute drive -- away. The main Nicollet Mall, with its shops and restaurants, and the 5th Street light rail station are just two blocks away from the hotel entrance.

All categories of the large, modern rooms at the Radisson Blue Minneapolis cater to a tech-savvy crowd. Rooms include iHome radios and flat-screen TVs, as well as Lavazza coffee and Rishi tea. Wi-Fi is free. In terms of decor, the rooms have a stylish take on the modern high-end chain look, with a neutral color palette (grey striped walls and carpets) accented by local artwork and lime-green lounge chairs. The desk, table, and dresser are sleek and compact, in keeping with the minimalist design. Business Class Rooms and suites also have extra sitting areas, including a dining table and a living area, for either meetings or extra work space; Business Class Rooms also give you access to the Business Class Lounge, which serves free breakfast and evening drinks. The sleek, grey-and-white bathrooms are spacious and modern, and have walk-in rainfall showers, designer fixtures, high-end bath products, and black-and-white art deco wall designs on one side. All rooms also have mini-fridges and bathrobes.

The facilities at the design-conscious Radisson Blu Minneapolis are aimed primarily at business travelers, from the three-hour express laundry services to the 24-hour business center. The state-of-the-art fitness center is strategically located on the 17th floor, overlooks the Minneapolis skyline, and has both a yoga studio and a locker room with showers. The renowned FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar is open from breakfast through dinner, and serves farm-to-table dishes with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients to both locals and guests. Light-wood paneled walls and minimalist furnishings give off an urban-warehouse feel, while bright orange chairs and dangling light fixtures warm up the space. Guests in Business Class Rooms have access to the Business Class Lounge, with free breakfast and evening drinks. The hotel also has 29,000 square feet of meeting space and offers express check-in and check-out. Note there is no spa or pool; if those features are important, visitors should consider the Loews for its spa or the Westin for its pool.