The Marquette converts to Curio Collection
The Marquette Hotel, Minneapolis, has announced that it will undergo a $25 million transformation to mark its conversion to a Curio Collection by Hilton property. The completed project will mark the collection’s first hotel in Minnesota, with renovations set to be complete by the end of May and the brand transition by late June.
Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis at 710 Marquette Avenue, the hotel’s redesign and conversion will be focused on showcasing the history of Minneapolis while paying homage to the explorer, Jacques Marquette, with whom the hotel shares its name.
A full redesign by Mark Zeff Design will serve as backdrop to 282 updated guestrooms as well as a new lobby, food & beverage outlets and public spaces.
“The Marquette Hotel, is situated perfectly for travellers looking to experience the best of what this area has to offer,” explains John Wright, director of sales and marketing for Marquette Hotel. “The renovations will enhance this property’s rich history complemented by modern amenities while ensuring our signature service and authentic experience remains intact.”
The property tasked Zeff with maintaining the grandeur of the Marquette whilst introducing a new style and level of luxury. The result is a marriage of the city’s heritage with contemporary elements, characterised by a palette of greys, charcoals and vibrant blues throughout.
The lobby features the brand’s typical open-concept spaces and a collection of inviting furnishings, modern silhouettes and textures that evoke the sense of an art gallery. Ambient lighting and comfortable seating invites travellers to relax in, while also creating a space suitable for business.
Each of the 282 guestrooms and suites have been updated to incorporate monochromatic themes, with clean lines and hardwood floors combining with soft wood accents, marble and white linens. The guestrooms offer a seating and lounge area, views of the skyline through large windows, spacious bathrooms, a mini-fridge, safes, and entrance area with closet and dressing space. Acca Kappa and Archive have supplied bath amenities.
One of the most prominent changes will be the addition of Jacques, a new signature restaurant featuring a street-level entrance on Marquette Avenue South. The 2,000ft² space will seat 76 in the restaurant and 16 at the bar. A further nod to Jacques Marquette, it will serve a seasonal menu with Italian-Mediterranean influences.
Elsewhere, replacing the existing Basil’s restaurant will be Jolliet House, named after explorer Louis Jolliet, featuring flexible dining options for guests and larger groups.
Aside from the remodel, the hotel will continue to house amenities including a 24-hour fitness centre, 24-hour room service and business centre, bicycle rentals, in-room massages, personal shoppers and a sundry containing snacks and toiletry items available for purchase.
Rounding out the property is over 25,000ft² of dynamic meeting and event space, including Windows on Minnesota – a 13,000ft² space, on the 50th floor, and the Galaxy Ballroom, the largest of the hotel’s four grand ballrooms.
“We are extremely excited to reveal the newly remodelled Marquette Hotel to the public,” comments Gregory Clay, President of JMI Realty. “The new modern look will update the hotel, but still retain the unique historic details which have made the hotel stand apart from the rest for over 40 years. While remaining in the Hilton Family, we are also excited to become part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, a brand that elevates our status and provides the guest with an even more personal experience.”
