Originally Posted by
DCBob
There is nothing UNSAFE about the neighborhood surrounding the hotel. SEEDY and RUNDOWN? Yes. UNSAFE? NOT AT ALL. Don't confuse the two. As a longtime former resident of Minneapolis, I can assure there are indeed unsafe areas in Minneapolis (mostly north of downtown), but not in the Chicago-Lake neighborhood. Not that you would have any reason to hang out there in the evening. Downtown is a lot more interesting and inviting. I suggest the Graves 601 Hotel (formerly, Le Meridien Minneapolis) or the Chambers Hotel if you want a 5-star hotel. No SPG points, of course. Unless we can convince Mr. Graves to re-flag his hotel again as Le Meridien.
I completely agree. I actually LIVE about 6 blocks South of the Midtown Sheraton (and about 3 miles west, too). The Midtown area is fine--not great, though, and not a normal "tourist" area. Translation: It's a busy, central place with not a Ruby Tuesday's within sight. For some, that is bad; for some, good. The Midtown Exchange building next door has several excellent, inexpensive restaurant choices; there are amazing Middle Eastern, Mexican, and other places, plus interesting shopping. The area around the Sheraton isn't Minneapolis' best, but it's not its worst, either. There are tons of people walking around, it's not desolate or scary in the least. I walk around there quite often, and somehow, I'm still alive to type this!
