Emery Hotel, Autograph Collection

This 1906 building originally housed a bank and was converted into a hotel in 2008, while keeping the main floor's original layout of a stately entrance and rich lobby with high ceilings. The lobby has white marble floors, trimmed and accented with green marble, and wide halls punctuated by classical marble columns. Black-and-white period photographs of Minneapolis decorate the walls and hallways, and the some of the original vault doors -- with their intricate locking mechanisms -- are on display in several common areas. One of the main vaults is still set into a section of the original brick wall within the lobby lounge, amid antique decor such as vintage metal toy cars and fire engines. This hotel is a popular pick for business travelers, wedding parties, and vacationing couples. 

This hotel is located in downtown Minneapolis, in the heart of the business district, surrounded by corporate offices. It's also connected to the city's Skyway System -- heated indoor walkways that connect businesses, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Attractions such as the Minneapolis Convention Center, the State Theater, and the Target Center, home of the Minnesota Timberwolves, are all within a 20-minute walk of the hotel. The hotel is also well-positioned for public transport, and the tram to the Mall of America is a four-minute walk away at the sprawling Nicollet Mall. The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

The hotel's 222 rooms feature none of the historic building's period details that are so striking in the lobby -- save for the small windows, which have lackluster views. Decor is contemporary with a retro touch, seen in the warm earth-tone furnishings and 70s-inspired bathroom wallpaper. The patterned carpets add some design flair, but many show visible wear. All rooms have large 42-inch flat-screen TVs, work desks with ergonomic chairs, and sitting areas with armchairs or couches; mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and iPod docks also come standard. Bathrooms have large glass walk-in showers, while upgraded rooms add rainfall showerheads. There is a fee for Wi-Fi, except for Marriott members. Concierge rooms and suites have access to the Concierge Lounge, which has a free continental breakfast and afternoon snacks.

The all-day restaurant Max serves American standards including fish, steaks, and pasta, alongside beer, wine, and cocktails. Room service is also available during select hours. Guests can access the city's Skyway System from the hotel's second floor, for easy access to nearby restaurants (and everything else downtown). There's a small 24-hour fitness center with cardio machines and weight-training equipment on-site, as well as a 24-hour business center. The four meeting rooms and one boardroom are housed in the building's former vault level, totaling 3,000 square feet of flexible event space. Wi-Fi is only free in the lobby, unless guests are Marriott members.