I was in Minneapolis recently for some meetings at a customer’s offices in a suburban area. While there I stayed at the Hyatt Place. It was my first trip to the area, but those I was traveling with had been there before and said that they wanted to stay at the Hyatt Place. I was not familiar with Hyatt Place, but went along with their recommendation. From the outside it looked pretty much like the myriad of other small hotels that locate around offices in suburban areas.

Walking into the lobby, however, was a unique experience.

Just inside the front door we were greeted by the friendly staff wearing coordinating sweaters instead of formal uniforms. There was no large registration desk that separated us from the staff, just a small counter. As we came in a couple of staffers stepped to the counter and checked us in. The computer monitor was build into the counter top, which was waist high. The whole experience was open, inviting, friendly. Not formal, stuffy, or separating.

Stepping into my room was likewise a pleasant surprise. Instead of a narrow passage between a closet and a bathroom, I was greeted by the view of a large room with a sectional couch! My first impression of the room wasn’t small and cramped, but open and spacious. As I stepped into the room I then saw the 42 inch flat screen HDTV that swiveled so it could be viewed either from the couch or the bed. The things that were visible from the main areas of the room (desk, couch, bed) were all very nice. The sinks were set in a granite counter that was next to the closet, across from the bed. The bathroom was in the far corner of the room and was nice, but fairly plain. The attention to detail was in those area that would be seen, and used, the most. Very nice.

I highly recommend Hyatt Place, especially if you are going to be there more than one night. It was a great experience.