Minneapolis Downtown Getaway: TownePlace Suites North Loop Luxury!
Minneapolis Downtown Getaway: TownePlace Suites North Loop Luxury - Or, How I Learned to Love the North Loop (Sort Of)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to lay down some truth on the TownePlace Suites North Loop Luxury in Minneapolis. And trust me, it's going to be a journey. I'm not going to sugarcoat it, because, well, who has time for that?
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First Impressions & That North Loop Vibe (Rambling Start, You've Been Warned)
So, the North Loop. Picture this: I'd just landed in Minneapolis, fresh off a redeye, feeling like a crumpled napkin. The North Loop, in all its trendy, cobblestone glory, hit me like a perfectly curated Instagram feed. Lots of exposed brick, boutiques I could never afford, and enough millennials with man buns to populate a small village. And the TownePlace Suites? Well, it was… there. Not exactly a showstopper from the outside, but hey, it’s functional, right?
(Accessibility & The Good Stuff)
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. Because I'm going to level with you, it's important, and it's something I always check for when I'm reviewing anything. The wheelchair accessibility seemed pretty decent – ramps and elevators are your friends. Facilities for disabled guests were definitely available, a big win. I didn't need to use any of it, but I'm always glad to see it's there. Solid start on this front.
(Internet & Tech-y Shenanigans - Wi-Fi is Life, People!)
Okay, let's get real. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Seriously, in this day and age, it's non-negotiable. I need my Instagram fix, my emails, my… well, you get the picture. Internet access – wireless? You got it. Internet access – LAN? Also there, which is great if you're one of those über-techy types who likes a cable. Me? I'm a Wi-Fi whore. So, cheers to that.
(The Room & My Deepest Thoughts on Blackout Curtains)
My room (I think it was on a high floor) wasn’t palatial, but it was clean, and that, my friends, is a win. Air conditioning was a godsend because, even though Minnesota is known for its snow, summer in the city can be brutal. Blackout curtains? Oh, the blackout curtains. They were the unsung heroes of my stay. I'm talking full-on, no-sunlight-shall-penetrate levels of darkness. Bliss! I could have slept through a zombie apocalypse in those things. Extra long bed? Yes, please. Bathroom? Clean, functional, and with the all-important hair dryer. (Seriously, you know you need one after a long day of exploring). They even had a refrigerator. I love a refrigerator. I mean, the complimentary tea was also a plus. Okay, and the slippers. Okay, I have to admit, the little touches like that totally charmed me.
(Food, Glorious Food! - A Buffet Odyssey with a Side of Meltdown)
Alright, here's where things get a little… juicy. Breakfast. Breakfast [buffet]. This, my friends, is where the "luxury" part of the hotel’s name came into question. Don't get me wrong, the Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options were there. They were. But the quality? Let's just say the scrambled eggs had a certain… vibrancy to them. More than once I found myself staring at the questionable sausage with the kind of existential dread usually reserved for tax season. There were coffee/tea in restaurant and even a desserts in restaurant. Maybe I should have chosen those? I heard they had alternative meal arrangement. I might have had a better time.
(A Side-Rant on the "Hot Water Linen and Laundry Washing" - Because Germs are a Thing)
I did notice the Anti-viral cleaning products, and the Daily disinfection in common areas, and the Rooms sanitized between stays. This is important, folks, in a world where germs are… well, rampant. And, speaking of germs, the Hot water linen and laundry washing? Good. Very good. It makes me feel safer.
(Things to Do (or Not to Do) - Gym, Pool, and My Existential Dread)
Okay, let's talk about the amenities. The Fitness center? It existed. I peered in through the glass one morning, saw a bunch of extremely fit-looking people, and promptly retreated to the relative safety of the blackout curtains. Nope. Not for me. There was a swimming pool [outdoor], which, in summer, sounds divine. I didn't use it but I did peek at the pool with view and it looked beautiful for a picture at least!
(Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Oh My! – My Personal Spa Fiasco)
Now, here's where things get a little dramatic. The hotel boasts a Spa/sauna and Steamroom. I envisioned myself melting into a state of Zen, emerging refreshed and… well, less like a crumpled napkin. I made an appointment. (Don't judge me, even I need pampering sometimes).
I arrived, hopeful. The spa area was dimly lit, the air scented with… something. Lavender? Incense? Possibly old socks. Now, I don't usually go to spas. So maybe, I wasn't cut out for it, but I was offered a Body scrub and a Body wrap. I’m not going into any of that, but I will say the whole experience was awkward, a little too close for comfort with a stranger, and I left feeling more stressed than when I arrived. Let’s just say it was not the tranquil oasis I’d pictured. I skipped the Massage after that. Next time, I'm sticking to takeout and watching Netflix.
(Dining, Drinking, & Snacking - A Mixed Bag)
There's a Bar. There is also a Poolside bar, and, of course, Restaurants. There was a Coffee shop. But I only went to the snack bar once, and got a bag of chips the size of my head. The Room service [24-hour] was a tempting option after my spa fiasco I didn't try it. I will say, having a bottle of water in the room was a nice touch.
(Services and Conveniences - The Little Things Make a Difference)
The Daily housekeeping was consistent. The concierge was helpful. Contactless check-in/out was a breeze (yay for modern technology!). There are Facilities for disabled guests, which again, is great! They had a convenience store! Okay, great to grab a snack (again, those chips).
(For the Kids, or Not – My Assessment on Family Friendliness)
The hotel claims to be Family/child friendly. They do have Kids facilities and a Babysitting service. I didn't experience any of this first hand, but the overall vibe seemed slightly… adult-oriented.
(Getting Around - Parking, Transportation, and the Joys of Valet)
Now, Car park [on-site] is available. Valet parking is there, if you're feeling fancy. They have a Taxi service too. I opted to walk a lot, which is one of the best things you can do in the North Loop.
(Cleanliness and Safety - Important Stuff)
CCTV in common areas, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour]. You know, all the stuff you hope a hotel has. I felt relatively safe, which is always a plus.
(Overall Verdict - Would I Go Back?
Look, the TownePlace Suites North Loop Luxury isn't going to win any awards for its exciting breakfast buffet or its over-the-top spa experience. But it's a solid, functional hotel in a great location. Clean, accessible, with decent amenities and those glorious blackout curtains. I can definitely recommend it, even if the "luxury" aspect is a little… aspirational.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (would be 4 if that breakfast sausage ever got its act together!)
Escape to Luxury: Courtyard Morgantown Granville's Amazing Amenities!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking Minneapolis, baby, and we're doing it wrong. Or, you know, right, depending on how you define "sanity" after this trip. This is gonna be messy, honest, and probably full of me muttering obscenities under my breath when the light rail inevitably gets delayed. Here we go:
Home Base: TownePlace Suites Minneapolis Downtown/North Loop
- Why TownePlace? Because it's the kinda place where you can spill coffee on the carpet and no one bats an eye. Also, free breakfast. Crucial. My stomach grumbles just thinking about it.
Day 1: Arrival & "OMG I'M IN MINNEAPOLIS!"
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at MSP. Pray to the travel gods the flight isn't delayed. I'm convinced they actively enjoy messing with me.
- 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Pick up rental car. (Spoiler alert: it's probably an economy-sized rust bucket. My luck, it'll be named "Brenda" and have a personality of its own). The check-in process is always a nail-biter. "Do I have too much insurance?" "Am I really supposed to know what a 'premium upgrade' gets me?".
- 3:00 PM: Check into TownePlace. Immediately assess the room. Is the bed lumpy? Are there enough power outlets for my million devices? Most importantly: is there a decent view? If I see the iconic Minneapolis skyline -- swoon. If I see the dumpster… well, that's just life, innit?
- 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Unpack (or, more realistically, haphazardly throw clothes into various corners of the room). Commence the internal debate: "Should I nap? Or should I EXPLORE?!" (Answer: nap, always nap. Jet lag is a beast).
- 4:30 PM: Venture out! Walk around the North Loop. This is where the "cool" people hang. I’ll probably feel like a lost puppy, but I have to try.
- 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Pre-dinner drinks at a brewery. Ideally one that serves a decent IPA and a good people-watching opportunity. I'm envisioning a charming patio filled with hipsters and their tiny dogs. Prepare to be severely judged for my lack of trendy attire.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner somewhere in North Loop. I'm thinking something trendy, but not too trendy. Like, where the food is Instagrammable, but I don't need to take out a second mortgage to pay the bill. Pray it isn't "small plates." I hate small plates. I’m a big plate kinda person.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse in bed. Realize I forgot to buy snacks. Curse my life choices.
Day 2: Art, History & Deep Fried Everything (Probably)
- 9:00 AM: Free breakfast at the hotel. Scramble for waffles and coffee. Judge everyone else's choices.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore the Walker Art Center. I'm not gonna lie, modern art often leaves me scratching my head. But the Sculpture Garden is amazing, and I can pretend to be intellectual for a few hours. Maybe I’ll even get something. (Probably not).
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a nearby diner. Aiming for something greasy and comforting. Embrace the American experience. We are in America, after all.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit the Mill City Museum. Learn about Minneapolis's flour milling history. It’s actually fascinating, I swear! And if I don’t end up loving a good museum, at least I can tell people I found a museum “interesting.”
- 4:30 PM: Stroll along the Stone Arch Bridge. Majestic views! Breathe in the crisp Midwestern air and pretend I'm in a romantic movie.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. This is where it gets tricky. Do I risk deep-fried cheese curds? The inevitable food coma will ruin the night, but I also cannot not try them. These things are legendary. Ugh. The struggle is real. Maybe I’ll just say yes to the cheese curds and the consequences be damned.
- 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM If I can stay awake. Probably a movie night in my room.
Day 3: Lake Life & Departure (With a Heavy Heart)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast again. It’s working out, I guess.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit a lake! Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet? I'm not picky. I want to smell the fresh air and maybe see someone fall off a paddleboard. (Just kidding! Mostly).
- 12:30 PM: Last lunch in Minneapolis. Need to find a place with amazing sandwiches. Must. Have. Amazing. SANDWICHES!
- 2:00 PM: Final walk around the North Loop, buying souvenirs, and wishing I could stay longer.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Pack. (This is the worst part. I always overpack). Contemplate buying a bigger suitcase to accommodate all the things I didn’t know I needed.
- 4:30 PM: Return rental car. Pray "Brenda" doesn't break down on me.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Head to the airport. Security will be a nightmare. I'll probably forget something crucial.
- 7:00 PM: Flight. Reflect on the trip. Miss Minneapolis already. Promise myself I'll come back, even though my wallet is screaming.
Important Notes:
- Weather: Prepare for everything. Minneapolis weather is legendary for its volatility. Layers are your best friend.
- Transportation: If you're feeling brave, try the light rail. Otherwise, Uber/Lyft or rent a car.
- Pace: This is ambitious, even for me. Be prepared to adjust on the fly.
- Imperfections: This itinerary is absolutely subject to change. Spontaneity is key. And naps. Don't forget the naps. I didn't know I loved naps so much.
There you have it. My utterly predictable and utterly enjoyable trip to Minneapolis. Wish me luck! (I'll probably need it). Wish me luck! (I'll probably need it).
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Minneapolis Downtown Getaway: TownePlace Suites North Loop – Let's Get Real, Okay? FAQs
Seriously, Is This 'Luxury' Thing Just Marketing Hype?
Okay, let's be honest. "Luxury" is thrown around more than a baseball at Target Field (which, yes, is also downtown, get your bearings!). The TownePlace Suites North Loop? It's... nice. Really. Like, REALLY nice for a TownePlace Suites. Think elevated comfort.
Luxury? Nah. Not in a "butler polishing your silverware" kind of way. More like, "Hey, *this* breakfast actually has decent options" kind of nice. The suites are spacious – finally, room to *breathe*! I remember once booking a shoebox in New York City because the pictures looked AMAZING. Turns out, the photographer used some serious wide-angle magic. This? No magic needed. Just ROOM. I could *almost* do yoga in the living room (almost is the key word – I've got the grace of a baby giraffe).
The Breakfast: Tell Me the Truth. Is it… edible?
Alright, let's talk breakfast. Hotel breakfast is a gamble, a total crapshoot. You could get cardboard eggs and suspiciously orange "juice," or… actually, that's usually what you get. But! At the TownePlace Suites North Loop, I'd actually eat it. There's the standard fare – the scrambled eggs (which, praise the heavens, weren't swimming in grease), the make-your-own waffles (always a win), the toast (duh), and... I think they had bagels.
Okay, look, I'm not promising Michelin-star quality. But it's *good enough*. It's fuel for exploring the city. And the coffee? Acceptable. I survived. And, more importantly, I didn't need to spend 30 minutes hunting for a decent coffee shop first thing in the morning, which, in my book, is a MAJOR win. I'm not a morning person. Coffee is life. Breakfast that doesn't require a hazmat suit to consume is even better.
Parking... Is it a soul-crushing ordeal?
Ah, parking. The bane of every city-dweller's existence. I’m telling you, I've circled the block for what felt like an eternity searching for a parking spot in *every* major city. The good news? Parking at the TownePlace Suites *isn't* a total nightmare. They have their own garage.
Now, it's not like, free. Nothing is free downtown, let's be real. But it's *convenient*. And convenience is worth it in this case. Think of it as paying a small tax for your sanity. Because the alternative? Trying to find street parking, especially on a game day, is… well, let's just say it's not worth the stress. I'd rather pay the money, park, and get on with the fun. Plus, not having to wander around the streets at 11 pm, wondering if your car is going to get towed is a major plus.
The North Loop... Is it actually cool, or just pretending?
The North Loop? Dude, it's cool. Seriously cool. It's like a hipster's grown-up playground, but without the pretension (mostly). Think trendy boutiques, craft breweries (which, yes, I frequented), amazing restaurants, and murals that make you stop and say, "Whoa, that's beautiful!"
I spent an afternoon wandering around, and I swear I felt twenty years younger. I felt like I was on a movie set. Once, I saw a lady wearing a hat with a giant, fluffy pom-pom walk past, and I thought, "This is my kind of neighborhood." Okay, maybe I *am* a little bit of a hipster wanna-be. Don't judge me! But seriously, the North Loop is a vibe. It's exactly what you want in a getaway: something new, something exciting, and a whole lot of Instagram opportunities. Just, you know, don't be *that* person who Instagrams every single thing. Be cool. Be subtle.
The Staff: Are they friendly, or just trained to *appear* friendly? (The all-important question.)
Okay, this is a big one. The staff *can* make or break your experience. And at the TownePlace Suites North Loop? They were genuinely friendly. I'm talking, "Hey, how *can* I help you?" friendly, not "Have a nice day (even though I don't mean it)" friendly.
The person at the front desk even helped me figure out how to get to a particular brewery I was *very* interested in. (Let's be honest, that's a crucial service.) I've stayed in hotels where the staff acted like I was inconveniencing them simply by existing. Not here. I felt *welcome*. And after a long day of exploring the city, that kind of genuine warmth goes a long, long way. Plus, they smiled. Real smiles. That's always a good sign, right?
Location, Location, Location! Is it actually *convenient* for seeing the sights?
The North Loop is GOLDEN for location. Seriously you can walk to a lot of places around the neighborhood. Plus a quick Uber ride to other spots around the city, like the arts district or the riverfront? Easy peasy. I mean, there's so much to do within a few blocks of the hotel. From shops to breweries to restaurants. It's perfect!
Okay, spill it. What was the *one* thing you'd change? (Be brutally honest.)
Alright, I'll be honest. The elevators. There were two elevators. *Maybe* three. And it felt like every single person in the hotel also wanted to be on the elevator *at the same time* as me. I'm not claiming to be perfect; patience isn't exactly my strongest suit. Waiting for the elevator, after a long day, is a real buzzkill. I'm not saying it was a complete disaster, but... well, let's just say I considered taking the stairs a few times (even though I was on the 10th floor). It's not the end of the world, but an extra elevator or two? Yes, please.
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