We are thinking of booking the Marriott TownePlace Suites on North 2nd St in Minneapolis for a weekend in October. Most of the business hotels downtown are booked for the dates we plan to travel.

I am not concerned about the hotel itself, I am sure it will be fine. However, I would like to know what the area is like. Are there shopping/restaurants nearby? Is it convienient to the downtown area?

Thanks..

That's "Minneapolis Warehouse District Hotel" of course..

Butasan, we thought it was a new hotel for "ninn(i)es!"

The Warehouse district has become a very popular area in the past ten years. It Is the downtown area and is within the Nicollet Mall area and the best restaurats and shops in downtown Mpls. It is all within walking distance and also connected by Sky Walks to 64 square blocks of hotels, shopping, restaurants, and bars.

You will find many good restaurants offering many different kinds of food in that area or close to it. Many of the restaurants are located on Nicollet Avenue (not far from you) and there are some very good ones.
You are also close to loads of shopping...Marshall Fields Department Store, Nieman Marcus, just lots of stores.
October is also a very beautiful time in Minnesota-the trees will be changing colors and the weather cool.
Have fun.

I live about a block away from that Hotel. I'ts nice, homey place, good location. Athough you're in a residential area surrounded by condos, lofts, ect. still easy walking distance to restauraunts and a nice park by the river. It's a safe neighborhood.

You are not officially in bustling downtown per se, but I imagine that would be nice. Just take a cab- short trip.

And stop into J.D Hoyt's- a neighborhood steak house- for dinner. Tell them Melissa sent you. Have fun. Mpls is nice in October.

Thanks to all who responded. Part of the purpose of my trip will be to evaluate the Twin Cities as a possible relocation destinantion (that's another thread). I enjoyed my only other visit, which was too brief.

And Melissa: I will definitely visit J.D. Hoyt's and drop your name!

Without meaning to rain on your parade, I hope you have visited or will visit in the dead of winter. Mpls is a great place, but the winters aren't for everyone; and someone visiting in May, or October, would be in serious danger of falling in love and underestimating winter here entirely. Good luck!

E is so correct. You didn't say anything about moving to Minneapolis. I know of an architect who accepted a job in Mpls. several years ago based on his visit in the fall. He arrived in the dead of winter to start his job and moved back home ASAP because of the extreme cold weather. Not trying to scare you off. If you are born in this extreme climate its just a part of life. Mpls. is Beautiful.....and very cold in winter!

The main reason for my visit is to see friends who have lived in St. Paul for a decade. They are from the same part of the country as I am (NYC) and love it in Minnesota. I realize that the winters can be brutal and am certainly not going to make any snap decisions based on a four day trip in October.

Thanks again to all.