The Depot Minneapolis, A Renaissance Hotel

The Milwaukee Road Depot opened in 1899; today, this restored historic complex features 225 hotel rooms, an enclosed ice-skating rink, and a 15,000-square-foot indoor water park. The Depot puts its railroad history on display with loaned artifacts and historic posters from the golden age of train travel, while offering one of the most conveniently located stays in Minneapolis. Three blocks or less take you to the Guthrie Theater, Mill City Museum, and the Mississippi River. The rooms are comfortable and come with standard amenities, including thick down comforters and 32-inch flat-screen TV’s.

Tip: History buffs will love the life-size plaster “ghost” statues found throughout the lobby, which depict passengers from a bygone era.

Room to Book: Any of the 16 historic suites, the plush former offices of Milwaukee Railroad executives. Each bears historic art depicting stations along the train line’s route, along with oversize windows with downtown and riverfront views, spacious living rooms, and granite bathroom countertops.