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What makes a good boutique hotel? Different people will come up with different answers but in general terms the answer would be 'something out of the ordinary'; an establishment which takes the guest beyond the mainstream hospitality provided by the large hotel chains. What creates this kind of environment is a combination of factors. There is the style of the hotel itself, and of its location and immediate environment. Then there is the levels of personal service and the distinct cultural influences of the surrounds. In this respect, Minneapolis boutique hotels do not offer something out of the ordinary but rather something truly extraordinary.
The great Mississippi River cuts its way through the entire Midwest but where it starts is Minnesota and at its largest waterfall, Saint Anthony Falls, lies the city of Minneapolis. It is the largest city in the state but the title of state capital goes to its neighbour Saint Paul with which it forms a contiguous urban area known as the Twin Cities. The city was built from the power of the river and, known as the the 'City of Lakes' it is perhaps the great natural attractions of Minneapolis and superb city parks which most define the city as distinct from others of a similar size and status.
It is an environment which is perfectly suited to the boutique hotel philosophy, with many such establishments set against terrific natural backdrops and with easy access to an incredible range of outdoor activities. For those who prefer the city buzz there are Minneapolis boutique hotels which deliver on that score too. It is a very multi-cultural city, more so than many others of the northern Midwest, and has a youthful artistic vibe and cosmopolitan air, particularly within the riverside developments. Where once it was the force of the Mississippi which attracted people for work, in the modern city it is the riverside cafes, bars and restaurants which draw the visitors and residents alike.
Boutique style hotels have always drawn on distinct and stylish architectural features as defining characteristics and the Minneapolis boutique hotels are no exception. There are some great old buildings for sure and while those of the down town area were largely redeveloped in the 60s, their replacements retain a true sense of style and individuality. This is perhaps best shown by the Wells Fargo Center, a little over 20 years old but with its roots most definitely in the Art Deco skyscraper designs so typical of America's greatest cities.
The boutique accommodation option attracts a certain clientèle; those with a passion for aesthetics, for the arts and for a sense of authentic cultural dynamics. The city delivers on these aspects for Minneapolis boutique hotels, and then some. Only New York has more theatres per capita than Minneapolis, with all performance arts well represented. There are numerous outstanding art galleries too, the largest of which is the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, a stunning 1915 building housing a collection in excess of 100,000 permanent exhibits. If this reflects some of the history of the city and of its classical art pieces then the Walker Art Centre is the counterpoint, one of the top five modern art museums in the country.
For music lovers the city has a very definite appeal. The Minnesota Orchestra was recently reviewed as 'the greatest orchestra in the world', which is high and worthy praise but the city's most famous musical export is undoubtedly the international pop and rock star Prince, who attended the Minnesota Dance Theater and made famous the live venues of the city such as First Avenue and 7th Street Entry. His legacy to the city is a vibrant and eclectic music scene which attracts fans and artists from all over America and the world. Minneapolis boutique hotels can certainly claim an authentic grounding in all aspects of art and culture.
Often the hotel itself will be a part of that culture, providing fashionable spaces in which to enjoy drinks, accompanied by live music or the latest DJ sets. Boutique hotels may lack the extensive leisure facilities of the grand luxury hotels in the city but what they offer is the real vibe of Minneapolis as reflected in its talents, style and people. The city attracts young professionals, who come for work and for the leisure opportunities on offer. It ranks high in many lifestyle objectives as a result, in literacy and education, in new technologies, in open green spaces, and in cultural expression. It is a cool city and the Minneapolis boutique hotels find a natural home within it.
Enjoying superb food and drinks in style may be the main feature of leisure and social time spent within such hotel establishments but the rooms and suites will be pretty special too. Often each room is individually designed and furnished but they will have common features which define the very highest standards of contemporary hospitality. Features such as the latest in-room television and telephone technologies are to be expected but it is often the added extras which raise these accommodations above that of the standard luxury hotel, such as iPod docking stations, original artwork and high speed internet access on demand.
On top of all this, what Minneapolis boutique hotels provide is not just a window to the city but a welcome and all the assistance and services which allow guests their own unique take on a truly special city.
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