After a year-long, $24 million renovation of the former Northland Inn in Brooklyn Park, the hotel transformation is now complete and officially open for business as the Marriott Minneapolis Northwest.
The prominent 23-year-old hotel along Interstate 94 & Boone Avenue underwent a complete overhaul beginning in July 2011. The substantial investment and new ownership as well as the hotel's significant expansion of meeting and event space is a competitive bid for the business and leisure traveler.
"We're the only all–suite hotel, conference center in the Midwest, so that differentiates us," said hotel general manager, Mike Brunkow.
The hotel expects to host more than 800 events annually, think conventions and conferences, for local and national businesses as well as wedding receptions and community gatherings.
The extensive renovation increased the facility's meeting and event space to 50,000 square feet, up from 33,000. It also converted all of the hotel's 230 rooms into two-room guest suites with a living room area and bedroom.
"They [guests] can have a separate meeting in the living room area and close off the bedroom for privacy," said director of sales, Dan Maurer. "It's also great for families, the weekend leisure definitely appreciates having the separate room."
While the hotel is celebrating and promoting its new renovations, the facility still pays tribute to its roots with the local names given to some of its spaces. For instance, there's the Elm Creek Amphitheatre, the Northland Ballroom, and Wadsworth restaurant, named after the local farmer who previously owned the land.
The hotel will hold its official grand opening in October.
Alexandra Renslo reporting
arenslo@twelve.tv