Minneapolis is a city where historic mills sit alongside modern skyscrapers, and the Four Seasons Hotel fits right in. As the city’s only five-star hotel, it offers both luxury and convenience in the heart of downtown.

As part of my tour of Minneapolis, the Four Seasons Hotel invited me to see firsthand what makes it the city’s top destination for luxury and comfort. I traveled with my husband and our youngest daughter and can share what it’s like to experience the Four Seasons as a family.

We enjoyed everything you’d expect from a top-tier hotel, from fantastic dining experiences to wonderfully attentive service. It’s easy to see why the Four Seasons is a standout in Minneapolis hospitality.

Join me as I take you through our stay.

Room Enough For Everyone

We stayed in a lovely Riverview Executive Corner Suite that had all the comforts you would expect in a five-star hotel. The bedding and pillows were extra comfy, my daughter slept like a champ on the fold-out couch, and the view of the city was phenomenal. We also learned to set a wake-up alarm because the black-out curtains had us all snoozing in!

With nearly 800 sq. feet to move about, we made ourselves right at home, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offered spectacular views of the Mississippi River and beyond.

Soak In the Luxury

I’m not saying there’s never a reason to stay elsewhere, but if it fits your time and budget, why would you stay in a hotel with a cramped, cookie-cutter design for a bathroom?

Our bathroom was impressive the moment we opened the door. You can lower the blinds for privacy, although nothing says you have to keep them closed once you hop in the tub. And no matter what the weather is, city lights and a hot bubble bath go a long way toward relaxing in luxury.

The marble floors and counters at the Four Seasons add to the beauty and make it a treat to get ready for the day or unwind at night. I’m all for feeling pampered when I get back to my hotel room, and it’s easy to do in such beautiful surroundings.

Enjoy a Guided Sauna Experience

During my stay, I was treated to the Guided Sauna Experience on the rooftop terrace. The session was personalized to my needs, with an option for aromatherapy, which I really enjoyed. The staff stayed nearby in case I needed anything at all during my session.

Whenever I heated up to the point I needed a break, I stepped out to cool off and enjoy the herbal tea waiting for me just outside the sauna. It was so nice to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and a view of the skyline. Othertimes, I stayed inside and cooled off with real snowballs my guide brought me. (How cool is that? Pun intended.)

Spend Time at the Pool

After my session, I spent time in the pool with my daughter while my husband took his turn in the sauna. The pool is absolutely lovely and we had fun playing together, then lounging in the chairs overlooking the cityscape. We both enjoyed the one-on-one time together in such a relaxing atmosphere.

Chill Out in the Relaxation Lounge

We wrapped up our time in the spa with a visit to the Relaxation Lounge for a light snack and more time together just hanging out and feeling pampered. Although we had a busy itinerary exploring Minneapolis, the time at the spa felt worlds away, and I wouldn’t hesitate to book a stay at the Four Seasons for no other reason than to spend the day at their spa!

Make Reservations for Dinner at the Nordic Village

This experience was one of our favorites! From November through March, the Four Seasons Minneapolis offers a unique dining experience where guests can reserve a quaint, private cabin to dine in. There are eight available, each with room for either four or eight guests. It may be cold out on the fourth-floor terrace, but inside, each cabin is warm and toasty.

We happened to be there over our anniversary, and it was the perfect atmosphere for the occasion—even if we did have our ten-year-old with us! It was cozy as well as adorable, and the wait staff made us feel as if we were the most important guests in the restaurant.

More About the Nordic Village Experience

The four-course meal was not only delicious but unique and downright fun. It even included our own cheese fondue pots and ended with Minnesota-shaped graham crackers and homemade marshmallows we roasted right at our table. You’ll need to make reservations in advance because it sells out quickly.

Shout out to the kitchen staff, who made sure our gluten-sensitive daughter had the perfect alternatives to make her dinner just as special as ours.

Dine at the Mara Restaurant and Bar

Guided by James Beard Award-winning Chef Gavin Kaysen, the Mara Restaurant and Bar is a hopping place all evening. We enjoyed the open kitchen concept, where we could see the kitchen staff at work, and simply put, their work is amazing.

Don’t skip the appetizers and definitely save room for dessert. You’ll leave full but not of regrets, so make your reservations when you book your hotel room and plan on enjoying a lovely evening there.

Celebrate Special Occasions

We were absolutely spoiled by our wait staff who knew we were celebrating our anniversary that night. See the gold leaves on the desserts? Every dish they create, from the appetizer to the dessert, has a mostly lovely presentation. Everything was perfectly delicious, right down to the truffles our waiter delivered in the red box. Even if you don’t stay the night, you can not go wrong celebrating a special occasion at Mara.

Indulge in the Perfect Piece of Chocolate

While touring the hotel, I had the chance to visit the chocolatier room where they make all their chocolates from scratch. This is where the magic happens and the chocolatiers create intricate designs like it’s their own mini chocolate factory. It was a fun glimpse into how much care goes into making the treats you find throughout the hotel!

Overall Impression of the Four Seasons Minneapolis Hotel

We had an early flight out the next day, so we stopped by the Socca Cafe in the hotel’s atrium for a quick bite to eat and a latte to go. What was our overall impression of the Four Seasons in Minneapolis?

Excellent.

It has all you would expect in a luxury hotel and is in a perfect location in the heart of the city. Minneapolis has a lot going for it, and having a Four Seasons is a pretty great feather in its cap!