I am a Hilton executive member and rarely stay at hotels in Minneapolis because I live nearby in the suburbs. About once/year, I do want to stay downtown after an event or when I have friends in town to avoid the drive in traffic. Last year, I stayed at the Hilton nearby which was a fantastic experience. This year, I opted for the Doubletree (not quite the same experience, but it worked out just fine because the Hilton was at capacity). Both Hilton properties are convenient in terms of location downtown.

The Doubletree is a more modest hotel with a fair price point to match the basic amenities you need for your stay. There is a Starbucks next door and several fun bars and restaurants within walking distance. University of St. Thomas' downtown location is across the street. Taxis can be found just outside the hotel lobby if you need them. For locals with cars, or if you have a rental car, parking is kind of pricey at the hotel - they are the first to admit it too. There are other locations nearby in walking distance where you can park in a covered structure or even at a meter. It's good to research your options in advance. Be careful of the meters in Minneapolis though - read the box carefully as they can have a lot of variability in price and time allowed.

I had two concerns during my stay and both were addressed - one by luck and the other by resolution of the staff. First, there is only a tiny streetside loading zone in the front of the hotel for checkin so you really have to be lucky to have the first parking place on the street available when you arrive. If someone else is checking in, you best circle the block slowly or find a meter (not convenient during busy times). Second, upon checkin guests must sign a document indicating compliance with rules and regulations (including noise). One of the nights of my stay, the noise was horrible and some hotel guests on the floor were getting kicked out. It was terribly disruptive and as I recall, I heard security say they were calling the police next. Had I not pre-paid for this room, I would have requested an adjustment to my bill. Because I had pre-paid though, the manager offered me a nominal amount of HiltonHHonors points as a consolation which was fine, I guess. Bottom line: If there are issues, the hotel does attempt to resolve them promptly.

We stayed here October 18 - the morning of October 21,2012.

The rooms are large and comfortable with microwave and refrigerator. Each has a small but comfortable living room and has a pull out double bed. The bed was very comfortable, the best sleep I have had in a hotel or on a ship, especially the pillows. Some parts of the room showed some age but nothing really terrible; the maintenance showed but that just meant that the hotel is being kept up and impressed us. It could use a bit of update but we will stay here again, especially for the free cookies and fruit. Sometimes the street noise can echo quite loud, but this really cannot be controlled by the hotel, no matter how much insulation or sound proofing. if someone wants to race down a street at 2:30 AM on a motorcycle with no muffler it will be loud. I went right back to sleep, my wife barely woke at all. And we got a "Purified," no or low allergy room for the same price. We are already planning to stay here again next October and how we can better use the amenities. Thanks to the staff we really enjoyed our stay.

My fiancee and I came in town for the Twin Cities Marathon two weeks ago. Perfect downtown location. Check-in was smooth, minus no cookies available at that time.

It was within walking distance to quite a few things downtown, including the Target HQ across the street, and plenty of bars and restaurants. Also a short 8 block walk to the start of the marathon, which was our most important concern.

In terms of the hotel - our room was spotless. Free bottled water and unlimited cookies available at the front desk. Room service did a great job during our two night stay. Staff, decked out in Vikings gear on Sunday, were friendly and helpful.

Great stay overall.

Issues with cleanliness, ants in the bathroom by the dozens and a complete failure of the hotel to take care of the problem. Manager had nothing to say other than she was sorry they had forgotten to spray for the ants after I reported them the first day. Constant high pitched noise from mechanical issue somewhere - they had no idea. Avoid this place - there are plenty of other nice hotels in Minneapolis at a similar rate including other Hilton properties.