MINNEAPOLIS–The Marquette Hotel will soon complete a $25 million transformation and conversion to Curio Collection by Hilton, marking the collection’s first hotel in Minnesota. The Marquette Hotel will join Hilton’s global portfolio of hotels handpicked for their unique character and personality, appealing to curious travelers seeking authentic experiences. Owned by JMI Realty and managed by HEI Hotels and Resorts, the hotel is slated to complete its renovations and make the transition to Curio Collection in June 2017.
Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis at 710 Marquette Avenue, the hotel’s redesign and conversion will be focused on showcasing the history of Minneapolis while paying homage to the explorer, Jacques Marquette. With proximity to Target Field, Target Center, Orpheum Theatre, and Orchestra Hall, the hotel’s neighborhood is central to the bustling tourism and business neighborhoods.
A full redesign by Mark Zeff Design will serve as the backdrop to the 282 updated guestrooms as well as a new lobby, food and beverage outlets, public spaces, and more.
“We are extremely excited to reveal the newly remodeled Marquette Hotel to the public,” stated Gregory Clay, President of JMI Realty. “The new modern look will update the hotel, but still retain the unique historic details which have made the hotel stand apart from the rest for over 40 years. While remaining in the Hilton Family, we are also excited to become part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, a brand that elevates our status and provides the guest with an even more personal experience.”
The lobby features the brand’s signature open-concept spaces and a carefully selected collection of inviting furnishings, modern designs, and textures that evoke the feeling of a well-curated art gallery. Ambient lighting and cozy seating invites travelers to relax in chic surroundings, while also creating an effortless space in which to conduct a business meeting or connect with friends over cocktails. Throughout the hotel, layers of deep gray, charcoal, and vibrant blue tones create a stylish look, showcasing a timeless design that is contemporary and sleek.
Every one of the 282-guestrooms and suites have been updated to incorporate monochromatic themes, with clean lines and hardwood floors with soft wood accents of marble and crisp white linens are used to craft a look that’s both refined and elegant. The guestrooms offer the guest a tranquil retreat with spacious facilities and amenities including a seating/lounge area, incredible views, large windows, grand bathroom, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf products, mini-fridge, robes, slippers, safes, Acca Kappa and Archive bath amenities as well as a unique entrance area with closet and dressing space. Room categories include: Standard, Junior Suite, One Bedroom Suite, Presidential Suite and the Foshay Suite that range in size between 450 and 1,200 square feet.
Signaling one of the biggest changes at the hotel will be the addition of Jacques, the new signature restaurant at the Marquette that will hold a street-level entrance on Marquette Avenue South for locals and visitors alike. The 2,000-square-foot space will seat 76 in the restaurant and 16 at the bar. A nod to Jacques Marquette, the restaurant will boast a seasonal menu with Italian-Mediterranean influences. Guests can expect seasonal pasta preparations and pizzette along with a variety of modern classics.
A creative cocktail program will pay tribute to Minneapolis and its cultural contributions to the world at large, and an atmosphere perfect for business lunches and special occasions. From sweet rhubarb in the Beebopareebop cocktail to the earthy, beet flavor of the Iron Range cocktail, guests will taste the flavor of the Northland while hearing the story that inspired the crafting of the drink. In addition, Jacque’s will feature classic French cocktails as a nod to Pere Marquette, the hotel’s namesake, and classic Italian cocktails to complement the restaurant’s Mediterranean inspired cuisine.
Replacing Basil’s will be Jolliet House, named after explorer Louis Jolliet, a native explorer of the Mississippi River alongside Jacques Marquette. Jolliet House will feature a tasteful breakfast menu, lounge, and flexible dining options for guests and larger groups.
The hotel will continue to offer amenities including a 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour room service, 24-hour business center, bicycle rentals, in-room massages, personal shoppers, and a sundry filled with snacks and toiletry items available for purchase. More than 25,000-square feet of flexible meeting and event space is available, including Windows on Minnesota—a 13,000-square foot space on the 50th floor with views of Minneapolis. Galaxy Ballroom, the largest of the four grand ballrooms, is a 4,416 square-foot-space, and has been updated to match the new modern look of the timeless hotel.
