405 S 8th St, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States | (888) 504-8633
Unique French architecture makes this chain property stand out
Excellent value for downtown Minneapolis
Cozy restaurant and bar that’s popular with locals and guests
Large, renovated rooms with comfortable beds
Inexpensive indoor parking
Free Wi-Fi is spotty
Indoor pool in a bright space
On-site fitness center
Range of meeting and event spaces
Wi-Fi is spotty
Suite furniture and carpeting in certain spaces is somewhat dated
This Best Western looks more like an
old-fashioned French ski chalet than a chain hotel. Along with the unique
design, it’s in the middle of downtown Minneapolis, and thus close to the
Target Center and Minneapolis Convention Center. The property also has an
on-site restaurant and bar that’s popular with locals. Comfortable rooms range
from Standard Kings to Double Suites, though the couches in the suites are
drab. With a small indoor pool and fitness center, it’s a worthwhile value for
the location, though travelers looking for a more contemporary vibe might want
to compare rates with the nearby Hilton Garden Inn.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Old-fashioned, warm, and cozy style
Though billed as The Normandy, the
architecture of this hotel has more of a Tudor style, set in an old-fashioned
building transplanted in the middle of downtown Minneapolis. The decor can feel
either warm and cozy or gimmicky depending on your tastes, but it’s definitely different. The lobby has
the look of a ski lodge, with high wood-beamed ceilings, stone floors, and
large arched windows. Leather armchairs surround a stone fireplace. The
Normandy Kitchen has lovely hardwood floors and red leather-topped barstools,
while the rest of the restaurant has the casual feel of an upscale diner. The pool
is located in a windowed, sky-lit indoor courtyard surrounded by what looks
like the outside of a French home, complete with exposed brick. The carpeting
in the event spaces looks a little dated, but other details, including walls of
stained glass and wood-beamed and coffered ceilings, make up for it.
Location
In downtown Minneapolis, an easy walk to major attractions
The Normandy sits on a quiet street in
downtown Minneapolis. There aren’t too many local restaurants around, and the
one in the hotel is probably the best option for guests. The property is
conveniently located for business travelers, with the Minneapolis Convention
Center a 10-minute walk southwest. And the Target Center, a popular spot for
concerts, is about a 15-minute walk northwest. The Mall of America and the
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport are about a 20- to 25-minute drive
south, and it’s a few blocks from the train station that provides both airport
and mall access.
Rooms
Comfortable rooms with simple decor, though suites offer dated furniture
There
are 199 rooms and 35 suites here, offering guests plush, comfortable beds and a
decor that’s unassuming with gray and brown fabrics and slightly
contemporary wood furniture. Suites have small kitchenettes and sitting areas
with couches upholstered in somewhat drab green floral fabric. Medium-sized
bathrooms include large vanities with plenty of storage space and shower/tub
combos, along with spacious stone-walled stall showers in the suites. Amenities
include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and
hairdryers. Filtered water machines can be found on each floor as well. Wi-Fi is free in the rooms.
Features
Restaurant and bar, indoor pool, and a plethora of meeting spaces
The Normandy Kitchen serves American and bistro-style fare and
cocktails for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an old-fashioned-looking but updated space. Room service is available as well. Guests
can take advantage of the small kidney-shaped indoor pool with a hot tub and
the fairly large gym with cardio equipment and free weights. For business
travelers and special events, the Best Western has 5,900 square feet of meeting
space that can hold up to 500 people, with food/drink and audiovisual service available. Free Wi-Fi is provided too, though service can be spotty. Covered
parking is available for a small fee.
