InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport
Make it Minnesotan
Design a hotel with soul. A place grounded in the local community that welcomes international travelers. A sophisticated, modern design with a distinctly residential, Minnesota feel. That was the direction Graves Hospitality leadership provided our team charged with creating the first and only hotel at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. And we translated that into a new, 12-story structure that seamlessly blends international flair with Midwest style.
Honoring the brand design guidelines of InterContinental Hotels, the RSP design team found plenty of ways to make the hotel uniquely Minnesota. The exterior is wrapped in folded curtain glass that is lit with shimmering blue LED lights to mimic the state’s 10,000 lakes. From the inside, the large panes of glass frame dramatic, expansive views to the surrounding nature reserve, the Mississippi River, and both downtowns. Guests arrive at the hotel either via the front entrance or a skyway connection to the airport with its own TSA checkpoint. An art garden softens the front edge of the site while supporting the Minnesota connection by featuring sculptures made by local artists. A dramatic, two-story lobby features Minnesota-mined Kasota stone, wood and leather. A custom designed light fixture flows throughout the lobby space adding movement and intimacy.
As expected of a five-star hotel, guest rooms are luxurious with modern finishes. Warm neutral colors, stone and wood veneer mix with metals to create a sophisticated, residential vibe. A spa-like bathroom, integrated work spaces and in-room bar and coffee amenities complete each well-appointed room. Guests and travelers with longer lay-overs can relax in the hotel spa, grotto and thermal pool. Or visit one of the hotel’s distinctive dining options, including an observation deck bar on the top floor that boasts the best views of the Twin Cities and the airport’s busy runways. Each element has unique design features while aligning under the InterContinental brand.
Read the feature story by Great Lakes By Design, a magazine highlighting the architecture, arts, destinations, fashion, products, and people behind them throughout the Great Lakes region.
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