Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis

Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis: A Comprehensive Review

Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis, stands as a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, consistently praised for its blend of historic charm and modern luxury in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional service, sophisticated design, and prime location as key differentiators.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Ivy is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "wonderful" and "perfect." It achieves high scores for cleanliness (9.4), comfort (9.6), and staff performance (9.5), reflecting a superior guest experience. The sentiment is one of appreciation for a well-modernized, beautiful hotel with caring and attentive staff.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Hotel Ivy:

• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "phenomenal," "caring," "friendly," "welcoming," and "accommodating," often going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel, housed in a historic 1930s high-rise, offers a warm, inviting, and contemporary design with a boutique hotel feel, while maintaining the amenities of a luxury Starwood chain property.
• Amenities: The large, well-equipped gym (a 4,000-square-foot health club with Technogym, Peloton, and Concept 2 equipment) and the expansive 17,000-square-foot Anda Spa are major draws.
• Location & Accessibility: Its downtown location, coupled with direct access to Minneapolis's extensive skyway system, is a significant advantage, allowing guests to reach attractions and the convention center without braving the elements.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Hotel Ivy are consistently described as "very clean and beautiful," "well modernized," and "comfortable." Guests appreciate the "cozy bedding," "amazing water pressure," "endless hot water," and the cleanliness of the baths. A notable design feature is the 10-foot floating ceilings found in every room, adding to a sense of spaciousness. Standard amenities include air conditioning, private bathrooms, a work desk, mini-bar, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi. Some guests have specifically praised the "exceptionally cozy beds."

4. Dining Experience

Hotel Ivy offers several distinct dining and bar experiences. Monello provides a Southern Italian dining experience, while Constantine is noted for its great drinks in a dimly lit, subterranean lounge with unique decor. The hotel also features "The Bar," another option for drinks. While the food and drinks generally receive positive feedback, with one guest praising the "fantastic" brick chicken, some guests have found the breakfast to be occasionally disappointing.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hotel Ivy is a standout feature, frequently highlighted by guests as "phenomenal and caring." Staff members are described as "incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive," with instances of proactive service like checking in via text and providing complimentary drinks, wine, and cake for special occasions. The personalized and accommodating nature of the staff contributes significantly to the overall positive experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Situated in historic downtown Minneapolis, Hotel Ivy boasts an "excellent location," making it convenient for both business and leisure travelers. Its direct connection to the city's skyway system is a major benefit, allowing easy access to Orchestra Hall, the convention center, and other downtown attractions, including the arts, sports, music, and culinary scenes, without having to go outside. The hotel is approximately 8.7 miles from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.

7. Value & Pricing

While acknowledged as "a little pricey," guests often conclude that the experience at Hotel Ivy is "well worth it." Typical rates can start from around $173, though prices for luxury hotels can vary significantly based on season and room type. Guests should be mindful of additional costs, as some amenities, particularly spa services and parking (especially self-parking), can be relatively high.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the high praise, a few recurring minor criticisms have been noted:

• Parking Costs: The expense of parking, particularly self-parking, is a common point of contention for some guests, leading to recommendations for using the valet service despite its cost.
• Breakfast Inconsistency: While overall dining is well-regarded, some guests have found the breakfast experience to be less impressive compared to other meals.
• Minor Maintenance/Cleanliness Issues: A very small number of reviews mentioned isolated issues such as a "funny smell" in a room or "wet bedsheets," and general maintenance concerns.
• Lack of Jacuzzi/Hot Tub: One guest expressed a wish for a jacuzzi or hot tub facility.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. luxurylink.com
3. marriott.com
4. forbestravelguide.com
5. fivestaralliance.com
6. marriott.com
7. kayak.com