a FANTASTIC stay at the Marriott West in St Louis park over the New Years holiday. My wife and I are huge fans of Kip's Irish Pub which is located within the hotel, having dined there a number of times. The friday prior to Christmas, we were eating in the pub and thought it'd be a great idea to check with the hotels for special packages to celebrate the New Year. After approaching the front desk , we were helped by the most accomadating person i have ever met, Natan. He quickly showed us the available packages and offered insight into the most popular and affordable. We settled on the $159 dinner and room package for the evening that included a four course meal in Kip's. After taking our payment information and offering a seat in the lobby as he ran the transaction, Natan walked over our reservation and confirmation information and noted that he had taken the liberty to upgrade us.

Little did we know.

Natan booked us into a suite on the 6th floor that was spectacular. The room contained a king sized bed, an extra sitting area with a great TV, and huge wrap around windows. While the view might have been of the surrounding area which includes 394 , the room also contained a great deck that would be a nice addition to any spring or summer stay. A seperate entrance to the deck (which was private) was available with this room. Not user friendly in the winter, but definetly , a special touch.

We made it down stairs for the dinner and were seated in a private room off from the main bar that had a very homey "library" feel and a working fireplace. We enjoyed a free bottle of wine, shrimp cocktails for two, a course of entree, and a great dessert. All very well done and excellent in taste. We moved out to the bar area for the rest of our celebrated and were entertained prehaps by the best traditional Irish band i've ever seen.

A three person band under the name of Tom Dahill was performing for New Years and they were amazing. Played alot of traditonal songs, took requests, and even had a member of the band dance around the pub traditionally during a song. It was fantastic, alot of fun and hands down the best performance i 've seen.

Waited on by stellar bartenders Scott and Adian..... Ringing in the New Year at Kip's and the Marriott West is something my wife and I will forever treasure and hope to make a yearly event.

Criac and Sláinte to all !

I've been staying in so many hotels that they all seem about the same to me. I stayed at this Marriott in late September for about a week when traveling on business. When I first arrived, they put me in a king room that had a balcony overlooking the lobby. Needing to see some sunshine, I asked to be moved to an outer room and was quickly accommodated. The room was comfortable. Had the standard amenities... flat screen TV (not flat panel), cordless phones, coffee maker, coffee, tea, USA Today delivered to the door each morning. The location is a little off the beaten path which is nice (near 169 and 394 in St. Louis Park) and has plenty of parking. Didn't try the Irish Restaurant/Pub on site, but it looked nice. Workout facility had everything necessary and wasn't crowded. The hotel charges $9.95 day for internet access. Also included in the charge was free calling and some other minor stuff. Still can't understand why the cheapest hotels give free internet and the mid to upper price ranged hotels don't. Anyway, you have to tell them you're going to use the internet to be charged. If you just login in your room, they won't ever know.

Corporate rate was $99/night. I still prefer staying at the nearby SpringHill Suites when I'm in St. Louis Park (was full that week). But the Marriott wasn't bad at all.

This hotel is great, and the postcard I got from Marriott in the mail today says that it is one of Marriott's "hotels of the year". Found out after I stayed the first time that this used to be a Holiday Inn. I never would've guessed. Honestly I thought the hotel was brand new.

The staff is always warm and greet you when you come in. They are quick to offer their assistance. If you are a Marriott Rewards member they may give you free gifts. The first time we stayed they gave us free breakfast both mornings, and the last time free bottled drinks when we checked in.

The rooms are very spacious, the amenities and furniture are all in new condition. About 7 PM or so one night we were there a staff member knocked on the door to see if there was anything we needed or that they could do for us. I thought that is a good gesture of service.

The only issue we ever encountered at this property is I had a Marriott Cheque and a Bonus Bucks Coupon and one of these did not get credited to my account. Additionally we were to have a free movie one night and we were charged for this. Upon informing Marriott the hotel management corrected the situation and said if there is anything else they can do for us let us know.

Well the next time we were going up to Minneapolis I asked the Assistant General Manager if we could get a suite for $99 p/night (normally $199 p/night) and they did it! No questions asked. They have great service, a free business center, and free in room internet - things you don't always get free at a Marriott. I will definitley stay their again.

Lastly you may just meet Kim Reiner the Manager in the elevator like we did. She was so upbeat and cheerful it was a great way to get the day started.

Standard Marriott with the usual friendly & helpful staff.

The restaurant attached to the hotel was an Irish Bar that served an eclectic selection of (mostly) fried pub grub. Service in the evening was better than it was at breakfast but, on the whole, reasonable value for money and no complaints.