The former Holiday Inn Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis will be reborn this weekend as a Courtyard by Marriott that will showcase some of the brand's latest innovations in lobby and room design.
What's new? The traditional front desk will be replaced with individual "welcome pedestals," and there will be more flexible seating options, including a communal, private media booths with high-definition televisions and a semi-enclosed lounge area.
The 14-story hotel will also feature a revamped version of "GoBoard 4.0," a 55-inch LCD touch screen that will display maps, weather and headline news, but also allow guests to connect their mobile devices to download flight information, etc.
"The Courtyard lobby invites guests to get out of their rooms to work, socialize or be entertained, whether traveling alone or with colleagues," said Janis Milham, vice president and global brand manager for Courtyard.
The 265-room hotel, at 1500 Washington Av. S. in Minneapolis, is between downtown's central business district and the University of Minnesota campus. It will be operated as a Marriott franchise and is owned by Heartland Realty Investors. It will be managed by Minnetonka-based Wischermann Partners Inc. The official reopening is Sunday.
