W Minneapolis – The Foshay is a luxury hotel inside the historic Foshay Tower at 821 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America, in Downtown West. Completed in 1929 for utilities entrepreneur Wilbur Foshay and converted into a W hotel in 2008, the tower combines Art Deco architecture with contemporary accommodations. Travelers come for Manny’s Steakhouse, cocktails at Prohibition, and the open-air observation deck—not simply a place to sleep. Its tapering silhouette was inspired by the Washington Monument.
What to Expect at W Minneapolis – The Foshay
The building rewards a slower look before you head upstairs. Architect Leon Arnal, working for Magney and Tusler, combined an obelisk-like exterior with marble walls, bronze Art Deco elevator doors, and decorative radiator grilles. Unlike a conventional glass hotel tower, its floors become progressively smaller toward the top. The hotel conversion retained the building’s architectural identity while introducing contemporary interiors. Look upward from the sidewalk to appreciate the proportions before stepping inside.
Upstairs, Prohibition occupies the 27th-floor space associated with Foshay’s private offices and planned residential quarters. Original wood-paneled bookshelves, a fireplace, and curved office doors give the cocktail experience its historical character. The museum introduces the entrepreneur and his tower; stairs lead onward to the outdoor observation deck for a complete circuit of city views. These are separate experiences: drinks at Prohibition do not replace a visit to the museum and open-air deck.
- Historic silhouette: A Washington Monument-inspired tower completed in 1929.
- Art Deco details: Marble surfaces and bronze elevator doors reward close inspection.
- Prohibition: A 27th-floor cocktail bar with original architectural details.
- Manny’s Steakhouse: The hotel’s signature destination for an upscale steak dinner.
- Museum and observation deck: Building history followed by open-air, 360-degree views.
W Minneapolis – The Foshay at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 821 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown West, central Minneapolis |
| Operating Hours | Hotel stays operate daily; museum, observation deck, restaurant, and bar schedules are separate. Check deck access before traveling, especially in winter. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Paid lodging and dining; room prices vary by date. Contact the hotel for current museum and observation-deck admission charges. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45–60 minutes for museum and views; 2–3 hours with drinks or dinner. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Nicollet Mall station for METRO Blue and Green lines; approximately a 10-minute walk. Ask the hotel about parking arrangements and rates. |
| Official Website / Phone | Official hotel website; +1 612-215-3700 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Choose a clear day for the observation deck, and check access with the front desk before organizing your afternoon around it. Winter weather can affect opening arrangements. For photography, aim for daylight; for an evening outing, reserve dinner separately and check Prohibition’s opening time. From Nicollet Mall light-rail station, walk south through downtown toward Marquette Avenue and Ninth Street. Pair the visit with Orchestra Hall and adjoining Peavey Plaza, roughly five minutes away, or the State Theatre, approximately ten minutes on foot. Allow extra walking time at icy intersections.
Accessibility needs particular attention upstairs. Elevators provide access to upper interiors, but the outdoor observation deck requires climbing two flights of stairs; it is not a step-free wheelchair or stroller destination. Families should plan to leave strollers below the stair section and ask staff where they can be stored. Travelers who cannot climb stairs should discuss accessible interior alternatives with the hotel before booking specifically for the views. Keep the distinction between hotel access and observation-deck access clear when making arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit?
Pick a clear daylight period for views and architecture. Check museum and deck hours directly before arrival; outdoor access can be affected by winter weather. Evening dining and cocktails follow separate schedules.
What does admission cost, and should I reserve?
Rooms, meals, and drinks are paid separately. Check the official website or call for current museum/deck charges and access arrangements. Reserve accommodation and dinner independently.
How much time should I budget?
Allow 45–60 minutes for the museum, stairs, and a circuit of the observation deck. Set aside two to three hours if you are adding cocktails or a steakhouse meal.
Is it suitable for children and wheelchair users?
The history and skyline can interest families, but the outdoor deck requires two flights of stairs. Wheelchair users cannot reach that deck by a step-free route; discuss accessible hotel spaces and room requirements directly with staff.
