We will be staying in Minneapolis in June as part of a car-travel vacation. We already have our tickets for the orchestra and the Guthrie theater.

We would like to stay in a convenient location, but the prices of the well-known hotels are all way over $200 a night, not counting tax and parking.
I would like someplace nice, and don't mind spending close to the $200 if necessary. How is Residence Inn by Marriott, does anyone know? Would it be convenient? (The price is a little under $200.)
Any other suggestions? My husband doesn't like B&B's; he says "no quaint and charming."
Thanks for any help.

Sylvia in Philly

I don't know what these places charge, but the ones I like in Minneapolis are:

Graves 601
Grand Hotel
Marquette (by Hilton)

All would be convenient. If you need to cut some costs, you can always look in the suburbs of St. Louis Park or Minnetonka (near the Ridgedale mall region). Those areas are 10 minutes from downtown via a fast freeway (394) and might give you a big price break.

Thanks for your reply.
I just found a good price for the Graves 601, better than I had previously found on Orbitz, Travelocity, hotels.com, etc.
Now if only the parking weren't so expensive . . .

Sylvia

If you found a good rate at Graves 601, take it!!! You might have to pay a little extra for parking, but let yourself splurge. It is a very nice hotel and you'll feel like you're treating yourself.

Plus, there are several parking ramps within 2 blocks that might offer cheaper parking. I myself would park right at the hotel for convenience, but if you want to save a few bucks, I'm sure you could.

Weave in a meal at the Capitol Grille or D'Amico Cucina, and you'll have yourself quite an evening.

I would weave in a meal at Chambers Kitchen; the hottest new hotel and dining spot in Mpls - probably the midwest. Lots of fun. www.chambersminneapolis.com.

I locked in that good rate at Graves 601 - thanks for the advice.
By the way, the website that was the best was minneapolis.org - better than all those other discount sites.
And the restaurants sound great, too! I looked at the menu for Chambers Kitchen, and I'll reserve when it gets closer. We have Capital Grille in Philly - we like it, but we'd rather try something different.
Thanks again!

My favorite restaurant in Mpls used to be Levain, but it's been about 18 months since we lived there. If it's still open and maintaining its high standard, it is fabulous food.

Unfortunately Levain is closed now; like a lot of other unique restaurants with good food.
Other great restaurants include 20-21 in the Walker Art Center; 112 Eatery (voted best in Mpls 2005 or 6)--it is great. I also love Ike's for a fun bar, good and reasonable food.

Has anyone eaten at the new restaurant at the Guthrie? I've heard the food is very creative.

Oh, jbass, that IS sad! I can't recall the chef's name, but do you know if he's still in Mpls, still chef-ing somewhere??

128 Cafe in St. Paul, across from the University of St. Thomas campus is fantastic also.

Hi NewbE: I understand the chef or owner is opening a new place; less expensive. Said they were always busy on weekends but the rest of the week was dead. I've seen the names Steven Brown & Stewart Woodman mentioned?

You can stay anywhere in the near suburbs or St. Paul and be fine. I like the Holiday Inn, downtown St. Paul. See if you can get to the Highland Grill for breakfast. Very casual and you may have to wait, but the food is great. http://www.highlandgrill.com/
Are you going up through Chicago?