Minneapolis-Edina, Minnesota / Residence Inn by Marriott

June 2018, Weekday, 2-nights, King studio #616

Gold perks and check-in

I did not receive an upgrade, or any status recognition. My keys were ready when I arrived, and the check-in process was efficient. 

Sunset from bedroom in suite 616.
Building in photo is Centennial Lakes Office Park

Guestroom 616

There are seven floors in this hotel, and this guestroom is located on floor six. The view overlooks Edinborough Park toward the northwest. The guestroom was comfortable, spacious, and clean, although the room scent had a strong perfumed odor. Fortunately, the bedroom window opened a few inches to allow some fresh air in.

Suite 616

The kitchen area was sufficient for one or two people, and everything worked. There is a small two-burner range top next to the full size fridge. The ice maker in the freezer made ice right away after I turned it on. Coffee with condiments, popcorn, and dishwashing products were provided upon arrival. The only item not replenished during stayover was the popcorn.

Suite 616

The desk work area was comfortable, and the Internet connection speed was good. There were two TVs in the suite; one in the living room, and one in the bedroom. The suite had a sliding door between the bedroom and living room, and there was not a door between the bedroom and bathroom vanity area.

View from living room; suite 616

The bathroom was accessible from the kitchen and the bedroom. The toilet and tub/shower were behind a door next to the vanity.

The floors and walls appeared to be well-soundproofed, as I did not hear any activity overhead or from the rooms next door. I could, however, hear hallway noise through the guestroom door. Although there was a sliding door at the foot of the bed, the area between the bed and walkway through the vanity area was open.

Monday evening social

Food & Beverage

I had been provided with a card at check-in, which was good for three alcoholic beverages per evening. Choices included: red (Cab, a bit too sweet for me) and white wine, and two beer choices. The beer choices were Bud Light, and a brand I do not recall, which tasted similar to Blue Moon. Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages were also provided. I thought the food choices were very good. Thin crust pizza the first evening, and chicken skewers and tossed salad the second evening. Chips were provided, as well. Breakfast included scrambled eggs, oatmeal, breads, yogurt, and fruits. I only had breakfast one morning, as I had to leave early in the morning on my last day.

Patio behind social room at Residence Inn

It was easy to walk across the street to Ciao Bella, and the food was good. My phone map showed a couple of other locations that would have been within walking distance, too. 

Photo of Eninborough Park taken after entering from Residence Inn

Fitness center

There is not a fitness center inside this hotel, which I had not noticed when I made my reservation. The facilities in Edinborough Park are accessible to hotel guests. This includes a lap pool, track, weights, and a few elliptical machines. This is connected to the hotel, so you do not need to go outside to access the fitness area. You need to get a pass from the front desk, and then stop at the desk inside the park to have the door to the fitness center or pool opened. The open time printed on the door from the Residence Inn said 9:00 AM; however, the fitness area opened before that. It opened at 6:00 or 6:30 AM; the time was printed on the pass I was given.

Hertz rental and hotel shuttle

One reason I chose this hotel is because there is a Hertz location onsite, and the hotel has an airport shuttle. When I arrived at the airport, I waited just over 20 minutes for the shuttle bus, and someone else had already called for the bus before me. I do not know long before me the first call had been placed. In the morning, the airport shuttle starts at 6:30 AM. I had to change my departure to an earlier time after planning this trip, so I was not able to use the hotel shuttle in the morning. Hotel employees suggested I use Uber, so I did. The driver arrived immediately, and the cost before tip was $17.49. When I had arrived at the Minneapolis airport two days earlier, I observed signs that said when to call Uber as heading toward the exit.

My Hertz rental experience was good, although I thought it was difficult to find a gas station on my way back to the hotel. I returned on France Ave from the north, and the stations in that direction are located by 66th St and York Ave. Thank goodness for cell phones and GPS!

Let me know if you have any questions ~