W Minneapolis - Foshay Tower: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the glitter and glam (and maybe a little bit of grit) of the W Minneapolis - Foshay Tower. Forget those sterile, perfectly-polished reviews. This is the real deal. I'm talkin' honest opinions, quirky observations, and the kind of messy, human experience you can actually relate to. So, let's get this party started…
First Impressions & Accessibility (Or, "Can I Actually Get In Here?")
Okay, the Foshay Tower itself? Breathtaking. Seriously. It's a gorgeous, historic building and the W has absolutely nailed that "luxury with a twist" vibe. Finding the entrance was a breeze (good start!). And on the Accessibility front? They seem to have put some thought into it. The elevator situation is a must (thank goodness!), but I didn't get a chance to check every single nook and cranny. Still, it's a solid initial impression. More on navigating with mobility issues later, if I can find more details.
Rooms - My Personal Sanctuary (…Or Not?)
So the room itself… The "Available in all rooms" items are great, of course, like the air conditioning (phew, Minnesota summers are brutal), the alarm clock (I need that!), and the coffee/tea maker (essential!). But, and it's a big BUT, the real magic is in the details:
- The Bed! Oh. My. God. The bed. Extra long bed? Yes, please! I'm six feet tall, and actually being able to spread out without my feet dangling off the edge is a luxury I didn't realize I craved so badly. The linens? Divine. Seriously, I wanted to wrap myself in them and sleep for a year.
- The Bathroom: Separate shower/bathtub? Score! Bathrobes? Yep! The toiletries were top-notch. Seriously. And the fluffy, thick towels… chef's kiss.
- The View: I'm talking High floor and a Window that opens! Fresh air is key! But note, blackout curtains are your new best friend!
- The Tech: Alright, the Wi-Fi [free] is a lifesaver. Internet access – wireless as well! Let's not kid ourselves - in this day and age that Wi-Fi is everything!
The "Things to Do" (aka, "Where's the Party?")
Okay, so you've checked in, you're blissfully splayed on that king-sized bed…Now what?
- The Spa: I might have gotten a Massage (hint, hint). And let me tell you, it was necessary. The spa itself felt like a zen oasis. The therapists were incredibly skilled, and I left feeling like a brand-new human.
- The Pool with View: So yes, there's a Swimming pool [outdoor]. It's stunning.
- The Gym/Fitness: Always a great thing!
- Ways to relax: Steamroom, Sauna, The spa is perfect for relaxation.
- The Food Game (Or, "Feed Me, Seymour!")
This is where things get really interesting. The W takes its dining seriously. I'm a foodie, a real foodie, and I was ready to put them to the test.
- The Restaurants: There are several Restaurants, and each one had its own unique vibe. International cuisine is a big thing here.
- The Bar: The Bar is a must-visit. They make a mean cocktail. That's just a fact. Poolside bar is cool too.
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] was… look, let's be honest, buffets can be a bit hit or miss. This one was a hit. The Asian breakfast options were a delightful surprise. They had the Western breakfast basics down pat. Breakfast in room is a beautiful idea. Breakfast Takeaway Service is a great option to go to.
- Dining Details Room service is available 24-hour, a Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop are a must. A la carte in Restaurant options are abundant.
Cleanliness and Safety - Because, You Know, We're Still Humans
Okay, let's get practical. Cleanliness is huge right now, right? The W scores major points here. They're clearly taking things seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Anti-viral cleaning products, check. Rooms sanitized between stays, DOUBLE check. I felt genuinely safe, and that's a huge relief. I saw hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff was trained in safety protocol. I appreciate the Safer dining setup.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
This is where the W really flexes its muscles, and is where it makes the ordinary, special.
- The Concierge. Knowledgeable, friendly, and ready to solve any problem. Need a restaurant recommendation? Bam. Need a last-minute flower delivery? Done.
- The Laundry Service I really appreciate having these available.
- Cashless payment service is convenient, and Contactless check-in/out is amazing!
- The Elevator is nice.
- Facilities for disabled guests. Still, Facilities for disabled guests.
- The Luggage storage is a life saver.
The "Getting Around" Stuff
- Airport transfer is available, and the Taxi service should always be available. The car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge] are awesome.
For the Kids (or, “Can I Bring My Tiny Human?”)
- Babysitting service and Family/child friendly - I can't speak to personal experience so I'll take their word for it!
Overall Vibe & My Unsolicited Opinion
Look, the W Minneapolis - Foshay Tower is a luxury hotel, make no mistake. It's not cheap. But, for the quality of the rooms, the service, the spa, the food… it's worth it. It's got a cool, contemporary vibe, but it still retains that historic charm. It's a place where you can actually relax (thanks, massage!), but it's also a place where you can have a blast.
Quirks & Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
- Pricey: Let's be honest, it's not the place to go for a budget vacation.
- Parking: Getting a spot can be a slight challenge, especially with valet.
- Lack of information: Some details were missing!
The Offer I’m Dropping Right Now (Because You Deserve It!)
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Foshan's Hidden Gem: Pingzhou Yuqi Street's BEST Comfort Inn!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to the W Minneapolis - The Foshay. And by "we," I mean me, and you, vicariously, through the glorious mess I'm about to unleash. This is going to be real, raw, and probably involve a few awkward elevator rides.
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude, and All That Jazz…Or Was It?
1:00 PM: Land at MSP. Okay, so the plan was a smooth landing. Ha! More like a 'slightly bumpy, almost-didn't-make-it-because-of-the-turbulence' landing. I swear I saw a baby projectile vomit into the aisle. Never a good sign. Anyways, taxi time! Trying to remember how to actually tip in a ride-sharing situation post-pandemic is a whole other beast.
1:45 PM: Check-in at The Foshay. The lobby is…stunning. Seriously, art deco overload. I'm talking serious 'Great Gatsby' vibes. I'm already regretting not bringing more sequins. The room is nice enough, a tad on the small side, honestly. I mean, where am I supposed to spread out all my shoes? First world problems, I guess.
3:00 PM: Explore the hotel. The elevators… Oh, the elevators! They're like tiny, beautifully-appointed time capsules, but they're constantly full. The wait times! I swear, I aged a year in the time it took me to get from the lobby to the 12th floor. And I'm already winded. Apparently, Minnesota air is DIFFERENT. I've always thought of myself as an athlete, but I was huffing and puffing my way to the bathroom. What is happening?!
4:00 PM: Head up to the Prohibition Bar. This is what I came for. The views from the top of the Foshay are supposed to be spectacular. And…they are. Seriously, the city sprawls out below you like a glittering tapestry. But I forgot my sunglasses. And it's windy. And I'm already thinking about dinner. Is that just me? It's cocktail time! The drinks are good, strong and maybe a little too strong. The jazz singer is…well, let's just say his voice isn't as smooth as my rum and coke and move on.
6:00 PM: Stumble out of the prohibition bar slightly tipsy and hungry. Realize I have NO idea where dinner is. Get back to my room.
6:30 PM: Order room service. The menu is super limited and I find myself just staring at the TV that is 1/3 the size of the wall.
7:30 PM: The food arrives! So, okay, the burger is solid. But I'm already feeling a little bit…lost. I'm alone in a fancy hotel room, a little bit drunk, and staring at a mediocre TV. Is this my life now?
9:00 PM: Attempt to watch a movie. Fail. Fall asleep.
Day 2: The Minneapolis Hustle (and a Lot of Coffee)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, bleary-eyed and questioning all my life choices. Where's the coffee? Turns out the in-room coffee is pathetic, I swear it tastes like hot dirt water. Scramble.
- 8:30 AM: Find a coffee shop. The 'Mill City Market' - the name is promising. Grab a latte and a pastry. Decide I'm going to be a real tourist today.
- 9:30 AM: Head out to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and see that infamous spoon thingy. Honestly, it's cool. Super cliché, though. Everyone's taking selfies. I judge them silently. Then I take a selfie. Whatever.
- 11:00 AM: Walker Art Center. I wander around vaguely confused by some of the art. Okay, maybe very confused. But I enjoy the architecture. And I overhear some people talking about it and feel like I should have gotten a degree in Art History.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch is a scramble of eating a burger at a hipster cafe somewhere. It's fine, I guess.
- 2:00 PM: Decide to go to the Mall of America. Because, hey, why not? I end up getting lost about 10 times because the place is massive and I get overwhelmed. It's a sensory overload.
- 4:00 PM: Retreat back to the hotel, completely exhausted.
- 6:00 PM: Decide to go out to eat at the hotel restaurant but discover it's really fancy.
- 6:05 PM: Change my mind.
- 6:15 PM: Change my clothes and end up at a dive bar down the street. Order a hotdog and a beer. Talk to a local about the weather.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Start packing.
Day 3: Departure, with a Side of Existential Dread
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Coffee. Pack. Check out.
- 9:00 AM: Depart from MSP.
- The Verdict: The Foshay is beautiful, the staff is lovely, and the drinks are good (and strong!) It's a grand old hotel, and you feel like you are in a historic spot. But the world is a stressful place. Maybe I should have stayed home. But hey, at least I tried. And that's all anyone can really do, right? Even if that someone almost vomited on a plane, got lost in a mall, and barely understood any art. Farewell, Minneapolis. Until next time, and maybe, just maybe, next time I'll emerge a slightly less frazzled human.
W Minneapolis - Foshay Tower: You *Need* to Know This Stuff (Seriously)
Okay, spill. Is this place REALLY as fancy as it looks? I saw the pictures...
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because YES. It's fancy. Like, "I should probably brush my hair before I check-in" fancy. The Foshay Tower is just… *grand*. Think Gatsby, but in Minneapolis. The lobby? Gleaming marble, soaring ceilings, and enough gold leaf to make Midas blush. My jaw actually *dropped* the first time I walked in. I swear, some of the staff looked like they'd been plucked straight from a Hollywood movie, all impeccably dressed and ridiculously polite.
But… and this is important…fancy isn't always perfect, right? I once saw a guy, I swear, tripping over the grand staircase (maybe *slightly* embellished for effect, but you get the idea). So, yeah, glitz and glamour, but also a smidge of real life. And who doesn't love a little imperfection?
The History! Tell me about the history of this place. Is it spooky?
Oh, the history! Okay, the Foshay Tower itself is a total Art Deco masterpiece. Built in the roaring 20s by that fascinatingly ambitious Wilbur Foshay. He wanted his own little empire, and he built this…well, monument to it. It’s seen it all! But here's the thing... the rumors, the stories…they're EVERYWHERE. Some say it's haunted! I wouldn’t say I’m a believer in ghosts, BUT, I did feel an undeniable *vibe* up in the observation deck late one night. It was…quiet. Eerily so. The wind whistling past, the city lights twinkling below… it felt, well, *poignant* maybe?
The building went through some tough times after Foshay's empire crumbled (he went to jail, yikes!). Now, it's been beautifully restored. The hotel's done a fantastic job of preserving the history. I've heard whispers, but the ghost thing? I'm on the fence. Though, if I felt something, maybe I did. Maybe not. It's all part of the experience for me!
The Rooms: Are they worth the price tag?
Alright, let's talk rooms. Are they amazing? Yes. Are they expensive? Also, yes. Look, it boils down to this: if you're used to budget motels, prepare for sticker shock. But if you appreciate a plush bed, a ridiculously spacious bathroom (with, I kid you not, a *huge* soaking tub), and city views that'll make you swoon, then… maybe, just maybe, it's worth it?
I'm a sucker for a good view. And from the rooms at the W, especially if you can get a corner suite, you get a pretty good one! The little details – the fancy toiletries, the cozy robes, the ridiculously comfortable pillows…they add up. I spent hours just staring out the window, feeling like I was in my own little world. The little things always make up for it, and the prices.
But… and this is important. They're not perfect. My TV remote *died* once. And the mini-bar is a total rip-off (seriously, who pays $10 for a water bottle?). Small imperfections. But the view…damn. The view is worth it.
Let's talk about the food and drinks. Is it any good?
Oh, the food and drinks. This is where it gets a little…well, inconsistent. The restaurant, Manny's Steakhouse (not actually *in* the W, but connected to it), is fantastic, if you like your steaks ridiculously expensive and perfectly cooked. I went there once, and I swear it cost me more than my mortgage payment. But the steak was *divine.* Seriously, melt-in-your-mouth amazing. The service was impeccable. My god, now I'm hungry!
The hotel bars? Okay, they're good. The cocktails are creative (and strong!), the bartenders know their stuff, and the atmosphere is buzzing. But sometimes… sometimes it can feel a bit…stuffy. Like, you're expected to know the proper way to hold a martini glass or something. The snacks can be a bit… underwhelming, and prices are astronomical as always. I once spent $20 on a tiny plate of olives. Twenty dollars! I needed a snack, what can I say?! If there's a happy hour, definitely take advantage.
Honestly? I'd probably grab dinner elsewhere (unless you’re feeling flush and you're doing it for Manny's). But the bars are perfect for pre-dinner drinks. So, yes, *mostly* good. But be prepared to pay for the privilege. But you're at The W. That should be expected, right?
What about that observation deck? Is it worth the hype?
The observation deck. Oh. My. God. It’s the crown jewel, the reason you'll tell your friends about this hotel. It’s not *just* an observation deck; it's an *experience*. Views, I'm talking about views for miles. You get a 360-degree panorama of the city. And, the staff will often come and give you personalized service. The sunsets are…well, they’re pretty much legendary. I went up there on a clear evening last summer and almost burst into tears. It was just… breathtaking.
You can see everything! And on a crisp, clear day, you can see forever! I once watched a proposal up there. It was so romantic! The couple looked so happy. And the cocktails! The cocktails are really good, and for the price, you're paying for the experience. It's a bit like you're on top of the world, literally. The best part? It's a bit like the best-kept secret of the hotel. So go! Go there! Go now! It is worth every single penny. Don't miss it! You will regret it!
Anything else I should know about the Foshay Tower experience?
Okay, a few random things… The pool is… well, it’s a bit small. Good for a quick dip, but don’t expect to do laps. The spa is nice, but pricey. Think about what you're willing to spend. But, the location is fantastic to explore downtown. You're right in the heart of everything. From the hotel, you can even get to the sports stadiums, the theatres, all of that within a 10-minute walk.
One more thing! Don't be afraid to ask questions. The staff is generally very helpful and they have stories! Don't be intimidated by the fancy facade. It *is* a luxury hotel, and it’s a special escape. It's not just about the pretty pictures. It's about soaking in the history, taking in the view, getting a little bit of yourself lost in the magic. Just go! And enjoy yourself. You deserve it!
