Residence Inn by Marriott Minneapolis Edina

This hotel is particularly noted for its spacious, suite-style accommodations that often include full kitchens, providing a comfortable, home-like environment for guests, especially those on extended stays or medical travel. Its complimentary breakfast is also a significant highlight, frequently praised for its variety and quality. The hotel's convenient location near parks, shops, and medical facilities makes it an appealing choice for families and leisure travelers exploring the area, as well as business travelers seeking a comfortable base. While many guests commend the friendly and helpful staff, some recent reviews indicate a decline in overall cleanliness and maintenance. To ensure a smooth experience, guests are advised to confirm the specific hours and availability of the attached community pool and to be aware of the daily parking fee, which is not always clearly communicated upfront.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers well-equipped kitchens or kitchenettes in its suites, complete with full-sized refrigerators and microwaves, which guests find highly convenient for longer stays or family needs. While the hotel itself does not have a dedicated swimming pool, it provides access to a community lap pool located next door. However, guests should be aware that this pool has restricted hours due to local swim team use and park member access, which can limit availability. A fitness center is available, though some guests describe the gym equipment as bare minimum. Free Wi-Fi is consistently praised for being fast and reliable, suitable for both work and leisure. Some guests have noted a lack of sufficient plugs and USB ports near the nightstands, and the main ice machine is inconveniently located on a single floor. Overall, while the property is older, many guests find it well-maintained, though some suggest it is in need of a general refresh and renovation.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed. Many guests commend the rooms for being very clean, spotless, and comfortable, highlighting the spacious suites and large room sizes that are ideal for families or extended stays. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, and noise levels are generally reported as low, contributing to a quiet environment. However, a significant number of recent reviews express strong concerns about declining cleanliness standards, citing issues such as mold around drains, visible stains on furniture, hairs in various areas, and general dust or grime. Furthermore, several guests reported maintenance issues within the rooms, including non-functioning toilets, showers with drainage problems, damaged doors, and worn furnishings. Some also noted a lack of basic amenities like bar soap or fully stocked toilet paper.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a consistent highlight for most guests, frequently praised for its good quality and wide variety of options. Many appreciate that the menu offers different hot items daily, including excellent eggs, potatoes, and meat selections, making it less repetitive than typical hotel breakfasts. Guests also value the availability of healthier choices like avocado halves and gluten-free items, which are readily accessible. The breakfast area is generally described as comfortable and spacious, sometimes offering a pleasant outdoor courtyard for dining. However, some recent reviews indicate a decline in the breakfast experience, with concerns about the buffet area appearing unkempt and a lack of staff attention to wiping down counters and tables. A few guests also found the food quality to be average or even disappointing, mentioning issues like thin bacon or stale baked goods, suggesting a need for more consistent oversight.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is widely regarded as a significant advantage, offering convenient access to various points of interest. Guests appreciate its proximity to local attractions such as Centennial Lakes Park, numerous restaurants, and shopping areas, making it suitable for both leisure and business travelers. For those with medical appointments, its close distance to facilities like the Mayo Clinic campus is a major benefit. Parking at the hotel receives mixed feedback; while some guests appreciate the availability of ample parking, including indoor options, many express frustration over the introduction of a daily fee that is often not clearly communicated upfront, leading to a perception of deception. The shuttle service to and from the airport is mentioned, but some guests were disappointed by its limited operating hours, particularly in the early morning or late evening, necessitating expensive alternative transportation.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Many guests highlight positive interactions with front desk associates and other team members who are described as pleasant and efficient, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The check-in and check-out processes are often noted as easy and quick. However, feedback on service responsiveness and problem resolution is mixed; while some guests commend the staff for being attentive and resolving issues promptly, others report a noticeable decline in service, citing instances of indifference, unaddressed maintenance concerns, or a lack of follow-through on requests. There are also recurring concerns regarding housekeeping and room service, with some guests being unexpectedly asked to take out their own trash or finding that rooms were not serviced as expected due to unclear schedules. A few isolated but serious incidents involving unannounced entry into guest rooms have also been reported, raising privacy concerns.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several operational aspects and policies. The hotel has implemented a daily parking fee, which has caused frustration among some guests who felt it was not transparently communicated during booking. The room service schedule is another point of contention, as some guests were unaware of the policy requiring them to request service or take out their own trash, leading to unexpected situations. On a positive note, the hotel is recognized for its environmental practices, including the use of china plates and real silverware for breakfast, which is appreciated by many. While the property is undergoing a process of upgrading, some areas still show signs of being older and worn, with specific mentions of outdated furniture, peeling carpets, and a need for general renovation. Furthermore, some reviews point to broader management issues, including instances of short staffing and a perceived lack of attention to detail in maintaining common areas.