Welcome Rand Tower
Keep your head in the clouds at this new Minneapolis hotel.
Whether you’re new to Minneapolis or a local who seeks an exciting staycation, anchor your adventure in a place as unique and surprising as the city itself: Rand Tower Hotel, a dazzling Marriott Tribute Portfolio property inspired by an adventure-loving Minnesota legend, Rufus Rand, Jr.
ABOUT RAND TOWER
To fully appreciate today’s Rand Tower Hotel, look first to its storied namesake. Rufus Rand was known as a daring airman, brilliant engineer, and relentlessly curious inventor. In the 1920s, after returning home from a heroic tenure with the Lafayette Flying Corps – a name given to American volunteer pilots who flew in the French Air Force during World War I – he commissioned his Art Deco office building in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.
True to self, Rand was deeply involved in construction and design, and, at his request, aviation-inspired iconography was weaved in from top to bottom, even etched onto the ceiling and marble floors. Almost 100 years later, these little details and Rand’s bold vision were meticulously restored and reimagined for the building’s next chapter as Rand Tower Hotel.
Blending contemporary luxury with historical ambiance, Rand Tower is no ordinary Minneapolis hotel. First make your way to Bar Rufus, the hotel’s lobby bar and restaurant, and you’ll start to see why. This glamorous space draws inspiration from the multi-faceted patriarch of the Rand Tower Hotel, Rufus Rand, an accomplished pilot in the Lafayette Flying Corps in World War I, innovator in American aviation, and the man who built the Deco-era Rand Tower Hotel.
The Rand Tower Hotel features three unique culinary and beverage experiences concepted by acclaimed Minneapolis chef and restaurateur, Daniel del Prado. Infusing a distinct points of view on French cuisine, these outlets will take guests on a journey from traditional French bistro dishes and cocktails in the lobby restaurant and bar, Bar Rufus, to innovative cocktails inspired by French island rhums in the playful cocktail lounge, Miaou Miaou. While Blondette features classic French dishes using Pacific Northwest ingredients. Set on the backdrop of the masterfully restored Rand Tower Hotel, these concepts welcome guests to lounge in the chic art deco bar of Bar Rufus, cuddle into sexy corners in Miaou Miaou, and take in stars over the city in the one-of-a-kind dining room of Blondette beneath a retractable roof.
As you ascend Rand Tower Hotel to its 270 rooms and suites, you’ll notice the design feels lighter and brighter, like you’re soaring into the clouds. These luxurious accommodations have everything you need to feel right at home, from linen bedding and Turkish robes to a Lavazza coffee station and spacious work desk. The hotel also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center and dry cleaning service for anything else needed for a peaceful sleep.
Trust us, you’ll need it ahead of tomorrow’s adventures.
MEET THE LOCALS
Unlike some of its Midwest neighbors, Minneapolis is a fascinating melting pot of cultures and communities. In addition to native Dakota people, the Twin Cities are home to numerous indigenous nations as well as large communities of Mexican, Somali, Chinese, and Scandinavian descent, among many others.
During your stay, immerse yourself in the unfamiliar. Experience Native American culture at a ceremonial powwow or visit one of many heritage sites across Minnesota. For a different kind of cultural immersion, plan a trip to Ingebretsen’s Nordic Marketplace, a 100-year-old, family-run, Nordic marketplace that sells everything from home goods to butcher cuts to tiny troll statues.
A TASTE OF THE TWIN CITIES
Like its unique cultural DNA, Minneapolis’ restaurant scene is a welcomed surprise. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here: Asian delicacies, tater tot “hotdishes,” deep-fried walleye, upscale dining by James Beard-winning chefs, and everything in between.
Hop along “Eat Street” for an affordable food tour of international flavors, or visit the Midtown Global Market to shop stalls of groceries and crafts from around the world. Similarly, the new Market at Malcolm Yards offers global treats like Nepalese dumplings and Japanese sandwiches in a modern food hall.
Minnesota has the largest Scandinavian American population in the U.S., a tempting reason to visit Fika Café for its seasonal New Nordic cuisine. Foodies should also plan in advance for Owamni, a new restaurant by celebrated Sioux Chef founder and James Beard Award winner, Sean Sherman, which aims to educate guests on true Native American cuisine through indigenous cooking techniques and ingredients.
Of course, a trip to Minneapolis would be incomplete without sampling its unofficial dish: the cheese-filled “Juicy Lucy.” Where to find the best is a hotly contested topic among locals; consider this guide a helpful start.
Wherever you go, you’re bound to stumble upon one of Minneapolis’ local craft breweries. (There are over 80 between the Twin Cities!) Pop into Surly, one of the region’s biggest names in beer, or kick back at Bauhaus Brew Labs’ colorful tap room. Fair State is another local favorite with award-winning pours. For the ultimate sampling, plan your Minneapolis staycation around the Autumn Brew Review or Summer Beer Dabbler Festival.
GET OUTDOORS...
Of the many reasons to visit Minneapolis, gorgeous scenery and outdoor activities rank at the top. And the fun doesn’t stop when the snow comes down!
During warmer months, take advantage of the city’s Nice Ride bike share program and cruise through the city at your leisure. (Fun fact: Minneapolis is consistently ranked among America’s most bike-friendly cities!) Bike along the Mississippi River across the Stone Arch Bridge and Chain of Lakes, or visit Minnehaha Regional Park, one of the city’s oldest and most popular parks known for its 53-foot waterfall and beautiful fall foliage.
Fishing is a year-round sport in Minnesota. Plan your day on the lake with a private charter, or find a lakeside dock to catch walleye, bass, northern pike, and the ever elusive muskie. If you’re visiting with time to spare, consider a day trip to Lake Superior for daytime fishing and nighttime camping under the Northern Lights.
Cross-country skiing, ice skating, and ice hockey are also popular among locals who’ve grown accustomed to Minnesota’s perennial cold.
...OR STAY INSIDE
Whenever you’re traveling, rest assured you’ll be able to get around smoothly. Rand Tower Hotel is conveniently connected to the Minneapolis Skyway System, a 9.5-mile network of indoor pedestrian bridges and pathways that connect downtown restaurants, shops, theaters, and more.
If the weather demands a day indoors, plan to visit one of Minneapolis’ (heated) world-class cultural institutions like the Walker Art Center, Guthrie Theater, or Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Rand Tower Hotel encourages locals and travelers to stay curious and look up – not only at the city views above, but “the limitless possibilities of the heavens,” just like Rufus Rand once did.
Book your staycation at Rand Tower Hotel, get parking on us and get ready to explore! Discover more and plan your Minneapolis experience here.