Great Le Meridien in MSP

Just checked in last night for a weekend stay. FD agent working the night shift was very friendly (I arrived around midnight, while travel companions arrived around 5:00pm and checked in before me). 

As an aside, when I stepped out of the Uber from MSP (which was only $20!!! Pleasant surprise being from Seattle), the FD agent ran out and told me I needed to be reaccommdated at the W since they were sold out. I explained to him my companions already checked in and it was fine. Seems since they only have 60 rooms they sell out often (which is odd since many rooms still seem to be available online...?) 

The agent explained that the W is their "sister property" (that is, I assume being managed and owned by the same company) and that it's more dark and edgy (more nightlife focused) while the LM is more artsy and quiet. I think I prefer the LM based on my initial looks at the W from reading reviews online.

No rollaway bed was sent up as per noted in the reservation, but FD agent had one sent up quickly. Additionally, since we had three people he graciously extended the Platinum breakfast benefit ($18 voucher at Mercy) to three of us ($54 total), more on that later.

Overall, check-in was quick and efficient and with friendly service, though not much in terms of explaining hotel amenities (wifi, fitness, etc.) which is fine -- I normally can figure these out myself

My SNA request was approved to a Luxury Suite (second highest category room, with the Penthouse being the top), which was definitely needed with three of us. Room is very nicely appointed -- mostly whites and blacks, very modern design which is in line with my style, and very spacious at 830 square feet.

Luxury suites have Illy espresso machines (new Illy capsules) which are fantastic, as well as an Eames lounge chair and spacious design. The room is definitely showing signs of wear and tear, though still has been kept up nicely. I'm surprised they can manage to keep all of this white furniture so clean. 

Floors are heated in both bathrooms which is a nice touch. Definitely not needed in the summer but still nice to not step onto cold tile.

Bathrooms are stocked with Malin + Goetz toiletries (which are among my favorite, and I've even purchased them online for my bathroom at home). The initial sizes seem large, but upon further inspection while the tube has tripled in size, the net content has only gone up from 1oz (as is standard hotel toiletry size and what DL Skyclubs have) to 1.35oz.... So take that as you will.

The rain shower in the bathroom (not sure if other rooms besides suites have this) is AMAZING, and POWERFUL. There are 4 sets of jets which probably cover a 5 squarefoot area in the large shower. Water pressure is also amazing. 

Lighting in the room seems to be customizable by up to 4 levels depending on the brightness you want. 

Initially the server declined our "3-person voucher" but checked with her manager and covered our breakfast saying since the FD agent had extended it, they would honor it (as they should). 

Breakfast at Mercy is fine, nothing spectactular but nice to sit down and be served. 

We'll see if we encounter the same issues tomorrow. The prices are Mercy are reasonable for breakfast. $13-$14 for a substantial huevos rancheros. I ordered steel cut oats (cooked very, very well-- chewy with texture but not overdone) with bananas and peanut butter. Third companion got yogurt/granola as is his standard. We all had coffees and the total was $56.06 after tax but was all comped based on the vouchers. We still left a tip on the original price. 

Mercy was deserted on this Friday morning, but I imagine perhaps it's more busy on the weekends when they have full brunch service (we also ate later than is normal for a weekday, around 8:30am). 

With only 60 rooms/suites at this property I don't think there would ever be a sufficient number of guests dining (even with Plats) where the restaurant would feel full. 

Location is about 20 minutes from MSP. Again the Uber was only $20 which surprised me as in SEA the rates from the city to and from the airport are at least $35-$40. Lots of nightlife in the area it seems, which can be a hindrance to light sleepers, but the hotel does provide white noise machines. Even so, there were times where I was disrupted by drunkards in the street. Nothing to be angry at, but just a note for light sleepers. 

Wi-fi is limited to 3 devices per room. Not sure if it's free but generally as a Plat I never encounter issues with this. I do appreciate their system is intuitive enough where if you connect a new device and confirm, it will kick off the oldest device if you've reached your maximum. 

Haven't interacted much with the service staff but the front desk agents and bellmen have been friendly and always greeted me. 

Overall very pleased with our stay so far. Top-notch design, room amenities, and space. I'm still curious though why they mentioned they were sold out when there were still many room types available online to purchase. 

Staff tell me the hotel generally sells out during the week (business travel), and also during the weekend too... Apologies for the lack of photos -- I checked in late and my companions had already tusseled the room :) 

Either way, a solid choice for Minneapolis (first time visiting, even though I've flown through here 100+ times). I'm sort of surprised Minneapolis has an LM and we can't even support one in the Seattle market, though I do suppose MSP has a more art-focused mindset which the LM brand fits.