Standing tall within downtown’s legendary Foshay Tower, an iconic art deco building dating back close to a century lies the W Minneapolis – The Forshay. This luxury hotel opened in 2008 and quickly cemented itself as downtown’s premier experience for the discerning traveler. 229 guest rooms (including 18 suites) fused modern urban chic with the building’s original art deco style, cherry-topped by a 30th-floor observation deck/museum with 360-degree views over Minneapolis. Over the last decade, we’ve seen luxury hotels add to the city skyline, but few are parallel. Here’s why the W remains Minneapolis’ most luxurious stay.
Suites that are ‘Fantastic’
Literally. On the 28th floor you’ll find just four suites; aptly named Fantastic. The feel is almost penthouse, not least because chances of interacting with other level guests are low. The suite wraps halfway around the building, meaning a double set of views. Upon entry, a glamorous chaise lounge sits adjacent to a W MixBar and dining area, ideal for taking advantage of the hotel’s exciting in-room dining experiences from breakfast pastries to evening bubbles. From there, a separated bedroom boudoir features a signature king pillow-top bed with goose-down comforters, mirrored walls that accentuate space, and blackout curtains for deep and restful sleep. The Fantastic Suite saves the best for last: a twinkling bathroom with an oversized bathtub perched under two large windows overlooking downtown. This is a fine soak worthy of capturing on camera as you get pampered using the W’s signature product line. Also in the bathroom stands a separate shower and a lighted makeup mirror atop the sink. Alternative suite options within the W include Magnificent Suites, WOW, and Extreme WOW Suites.
Observation Deck access
No need to travel to an observation deck when it’s right where you are. The W is home to the Foshay Museum and Observation Deck, among the most recognizable landmarks in town and one of the very few open-air observation decks in the nation. Here, you can experience 360-degree views on the 31st floor (steps up from the 30th-floor museum) and discover the history of the Foshay Tower, a crown jewel of Minnesota architecture and one of the most prominent obelisk-shaped skyscrapers, built-in 1929. It’s open daily from 9 am to 9 pm, weather permitting, and is complimentary to hotel guests.
Five-star dining
The hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, Manny’s Steakhouse, was named one of America’s top ten steakhouses by Zagat, offering visitors and hotel guests a place to indulge in USDA-Certified, dry-aged, center-cut beef and a 300-bottle wine list. The meat is sourced from their own herds. Every cut, every bite, of their 100% genetically verified, hormone-free beef offers the ultimate in flavor and tenderness. Options include the New York Strip Steak, the Filet Mignon, and Porterhouse Steak. In true W fashion, there’s a Posh Living Room Bar on the lobby level. This swanky living room is one of the town’s premier cocktail destinations: with multiple spots to lounge and an indoor fire pit. In addition, on the 27th floor, is the Prohibition Bar. The speakeasy echoes the decor of the historic building and to boasts 360-degree views of downtown Minneapolis.
A stone’s throw from it all
Steps from the neon W sign, are some of the city’s most famed attractions. You have art museums in your footsteps such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art, plus cultural spots like the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra and Orpheum Theatre. Nearby, Nicolette Mall is the place to shop. Although the city is largely walkable and has excellent public transport, it’s advised to book a Turo to navigate in and around it—especially if you want to hit up a lake or see Minnesota’s natural wonders. Turo is the world’s largest peer-to-peer car sharing platform, offering a huge selection of makes and models (including luxury vehicles like the Porsche 911 GT3, Aston Martin DB11, and Lucid Air Dream Edition). They can be booked in over 7,500 cities across the US, UK, and Canada and the process is simple: browse the app which displays vehicles available in a given location, book (sometimes the host needs to approve) and you’re good to go – either by contactless pickup or now many hosts offer delivery. Insurance is also included, making it one of the most simple ways to access a car when you’re traveling. The Turo we used had all the modern tech one could hope for, including USB ports to plug premium Nomad charging gear in (highly recommended, especially the Base Stations which allow you to power up more than one device at once). Tip: Make use of the W’s Whatever/Whenever service which connects guests with insider events and places to experience the city like a native.
Tips: dress the Midwest
When it comes to Minneapolis, know that it will always be colder than you think. The best times to visit are between June and September when conditions are far milder. Dress the midwest with Minnetonka, a family-owned business headquartered in Minneapolis, best known for its slippers and moc-style footwear. The moosehide plus is water-resistant and perfect for wandering downtown. In more extreme conditions, Florsheim is your best bet for boots. The lodge plain toe gore boot, for example, features an incredible horse-type leather upper, soft Suedetec linings, and durable rubber soles, for a stellar performance against the elements. Overall, the dress code is casual in most of Minneapolis’ attractions and dining scene, so those chic and comfy Devil Dog Dungarees should more than suffice as you explore the city (especially the denim that are all-day versatile). While in town, don’t forget to take your Turo up to their famed Mall of America for additional shopping and entertainment needs.