Minneapolis
- Westin Minneapolis (612.333.4006; www.westin.com/minneapolis) opened in the historic Farmers and Mechanics Bank building in May 2007. Showcasing the architecture and unique characteristics of the historic building, the hotel features 214 guest rooms; B.A.N.K., a 100-seat upscale restaurant with six private dining rooms; and 8,000 square feet of meeting space.
- Minneapolis Marriott City Center (612.349.4000; www.marriott.com) recently unveiled a $25 million renovation of its lobby, restaurant, guest rooms, and lounge. The property has more than 33,000 square feet of meeting space.
- The Depot (612.375.1700; www.thedepotminneapolis.com), a circa-1899 structure that offers 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space, a waterpark, an ice rink, and two hotels, rebranded its Courtyard by Marriott property as The Depot, A Renaissance Hotel in May 2007.
- At press time, Hotel Ivy (612.746.4600; www.starwoodhotels.com), a Starwood Luxury Hotel Collection property, was scheduled to open in February with 136 guest rooms; 4,000 square feet of function space; and the 17,000-square-foot Ivy Spa Club.
- Starwood is slated to unveil W Minneapolis (612.215.3720; www.starwoodhotels.com) in the revived Foshay Tower in July. The hotel will offer 229 guest rooms and meeting space. The largest function room will measure 3,100 square feet.
- aloft Minneapolis (612.332.3000; www.starwoodhotels.com), a Starwood property, is scheduled to open in August with 155 guest rooms and meeting facilities.
- The Midland Bank Building will be transformed into the 224-room Hotel Minneapolis (800.222.TREE; www.doubletree.com), a Doubletree property scheduled for completion in August. The property will feature a conference center accommodating up to 230 attendees.
Bloomington
- Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington (952.893.9500; www.hilton.com), an 11-story, 256-room hotel with four meeting rooms and a 5,000-square-foot ballroom, opened in January.
- The six-story, 150-room Hampton Inn & Suites (952.854.7600; www.hamptoninn.com) opened in October.
- Cambria Suites (952.854.0300; www.cambriasuites.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo?hotel=MN089), a five-story, 113-room hotel with a Wolfgang Puck restaurant, debuted in November.
- The seven-acre Nickelodeon Universe (952.883.8800; www.mallofamerica.com), the first-ever Nickelodeon theme park, is scheduled to open this spring in the center of Mall of America. Nickelodeon Universe will have 24 rides.