Rand Tower is one of Minneapolis’s earliest skyscrapers, an Art Deco tower completed in 1929 by aviator Rufus Rand Jr. and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A multi-million-dollar renovation brought it back as a hotel at 527 South Marquette Avenue, and the result is stylish without being stuffy. Bar Rufus on the ground floor serves breakfast, dinner, coffee and cocktails; Blondette, on the fifth floor, is a restaurant and event venue with a glass atrium, a retractable roof, an outdoor terrace and firepits, open for weekend brunch; and a 24-hour marketplace sells drinks and snacks. The skyway runs through the hotel, and a light rail station is about a block away. It suits couples, design lovers and travellers who want history and a lively dining scene downtown. Rooms and suites are boutique in feel, including accessible rooms with roll-in showers. A fitness centre has cardio equipment and free weights.
Location and getting around
The hotel is at the southern end of downtown, with the Guthrie Theater, Walker Art Center, Mill City Museum and Nicollet Mall all within reach, and Target Field, U.S. Bank Stadium and Target Center nearby. The skyway runs through the building, which is a real advantage in winter. The airport is about fifteen miles away, with no shuttle, and the hotel notes that rideshare costs around twenty-five dollars one way.
Rooms and amenities
The Art Deco shell has been restored and then updated, and the rooms suit couples and solo travellers. Mobile dining lets you order a limited breakfast or dinner menu through the app, which is handy when the restaurants are busy. Pets are welcome, with a size limit and a fee.
Parking is charged on site, with self-parking and valet options and a higher fee for longer stays, so check the current rates before you arrive. Check-in is at 4pm, check-out is at noon, the minimum age is 21 and the property is smoke-free.
Who it suits and what to know: Rand Tower suits couples, architecture fans and anyone who wants a distinctive downtown base. Blondette is a good spot for weekend brunch, though the outdoor terrace is best in warm weather. The hotel has no pool or spa listed, so families who want one should look at The Depot or other options. Book early for event days at the nearby stadiums, and ask about rooms away from lively common areas if you are a light sleeper.
The hotel also offers dry cleaning and wake-up calls, and meeting space across several venues, so weekday business guests mix with leisure travellers. Dining on site means you can eat well without leaving the building on a cold evening, which is a real advantage when winter temperatures drop.
Why stay here
- ✓Restored 1929 Art Deco tower
- ✓Bar Rufus
- ✓Blondette atrium restaurant
- ✓Retractable roof terrace with firepits
- ✓Skyway access
- ✓24-hour marketplace
- ✓Fitness centre
- ✓Mobile key
Good questions
When was Rand Tower built?+
It was completed in 1929 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Is the hotel on the skyway?+
Yes. The Minneapolis skyway runs through the hotel, and a light rail station is about a block away.
Does Rand Tower have a pool?+
The hotel’s own information does not list a pool. It lists a fitness centre, restaurants and a 24-hour marketplace.
