Minneapolis area
- The newly renovated Hyatt Regency Minneapolis (612.370.1234; www.minneapolis.hyatt.com), located on Nicollet Mall downtown, recently completed a $25 million transformation, including a new lobby, 533 new guest rooms and suites, and a new restaurant and marketplace.
- The former Coe Mansion, just two blocks from the Minneapolis Convention Center, will become the Minnesota African American Museum and Cultural Center (612.872.8119; www.maamcc.org) in August.
- This summer, the Minneapolis Convention Center (612.335.6000; www.minneapolis.org/minneapolis-convention-center) plans to begin the replacement of the exhibit hall domed roofs over halls C, D and E, making the 20-plus-year-old domes watertight. The center will also will begin renovations of its 32 oldest restrooms in July 2012 and replace the operable walls in meeting rooms 101, 102 and 103 later this year.
- With exterior renovations complete, the Northland Inn Hotel and Conference Center (763.536.8300; www.northlandinn.com) launched the second phase of its $24 million improvement initiative, including guest room and meeting space upgrades, before becoming the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest this summer.
- The Minneapolis Commons Hotel (612.379.8888; www.commonshotel.com) announced the rebranding and renovation of the former University Hotel Minneapolis. The hotel will invest $14.8 million on renovations to guest rooms, meeting and event space and the restaurant. The renovation is scheduled for completion by October, and the hotel will remain open for business during the project.
- Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West (763.559.6600; www.cpplymouth.com) recently completed a $5 million renovation. Lighting, audiovisual systems and other soft furnishings were included in the upgrade.
St. Paul
- The 251-room DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Paul Downtown (651.291.8800; www.doubletree.com), formerly the Hilton Garden Inn St. Paul City Center Hotel, opened in May with a refreshed, upscale design and 8,000 square feet of meeting space.
Bloomington
- Radisson Blu Mall of America (www.radissonblu.com), connected via skyway to the Mall of America, is on track to open in spring 2013 with 501 guest rooms and more than 23,000 square feet of meeting space.
- Sheraton Bloomington Hotel was reflagged as the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington Minneapolis South (952.835.7800; www.doubletree.com) in March. A $12 million transformation this year will include upgrades to public space, meeting facilities and guest rooms.
Lake of the Woods Area
- Sunset Lodge Resort (218.223.8211; www.sunsetlodgeresort.com) is scheduled to open in August with a brand-new lodge, four newly renovated cabins and eight condos, a new banquet hall that seats up to 50 people, and a new bar and restaurant.
- Sportsman’s Lodges (218.634.1342; www.sportsmanslodges.com) in Baudette recently completed a new log cabin home called the Villa that sleeps up to 13. In addition, the lodge added a new campground and playground.
- Zippel Bay Resort (800.222.2537; www.zippelbay.com) in Williams recently added new decks. The resort’s second six-bedroom log cabin overlooking the water will be finished in September.
Duluth
- The 103-room Hampton Inn Duluth (218.720.3000; www.hampton.com/hi/duluth) completed guest room renovations last year. A lobby renovation is scheduled for completion later this year. Recent upgrades also include a faster high-speed Internet network and new HD television programming.
Mankato Area
- Mankato’s first LEED-certified hotel is currently under construction next to the River Hills Mall. The 93-room Courtyard by Marriott Mankato (507.388.1234; www.courtyardmankato.com), which will feature a banquet hall to accommodate up to 400 people, is scheduled for completion in September.
- The Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery (507.931.0089; www.chankaskawines.com), which accommodates group gatherings, opened in May in Kasota.