My very first job out of college was working as a college recruiter for a small college in New Hampshire. My territory was actually Connecticut so I would head out early Monday morning and spend the week living out of hotels. Needless to say, I developed some pretty strong opinions about what makes a good hotel! I was recently invited to visit the Country Inns & Suites in Minneapolis, Minnesota to experience first hand some of the new initiatives they are rolling out throughout their many locations. Because most Country Inns & Suites are franchised, the changes will be happening on a schedule that works best for the owners, but they will definitely be worth the wait!
For as long as I can remember, Country Inns & Suites has been known for making your hotel stay a little more like home, or at least like staying at a friend’s house. This is achieved by practicing their “Be Our Guest” service philosophy and providing extensive training for all employees and also providing recognition for those employees who are identified by guests as exemplifying this ideal. It was evident to me right from check-in that customer service is a top priority at Country Inns & Suites.
The feeling of being at home starts as soon as you walk in the door with the new design. I arrived on a chilly, rainy October morning and was greeted by a warm fire and comfy chairs. I was really tempted to grab a book from the Read It & Return It Lending Library and curl up for a nap!
Picture courtesy of Country Inns & Suites
Once I got up to my room, I was struck by the little details that were throughout that made it feel less like a hotel room and more like a guest room. The decor had the feel of something curated – like someone had gone to an antique store and picked out pictures for the walls and furniture that didn’t look like a matched set that had been mass ordered. The wall behind the bed had the look of reclaimed wood. The room had the perfect feel of modern convenience coupled with homey charm.
Photo courtesy of Country Inns & Suites
The suite I was in had all the comforts of home I could ask for – complimentary WiFi, a microwave, a mini fridge and even a Keurig with a selection of different K-cups to choose from. As I looked through the literature provided, I was thrilled to see that the hotels offer a Be Our Guest Breakfast every morning.
The Be Our Guest Breakfast goes beyond the cold cereal complimentary offerings you might have experienced at other hotels. The breakfast offers hot selections like omelets, hot waffles, and breakfast burritos as well as easy to grab on-the-go options if you are in a rush. If you are able to sit and enjoy breakfast, I recommend that you do. Everything is served on real plates and silverware just like at home (except you don’t have to do the dishes) and the food was delicious.
Just outside the main hallway, there is an outdoor sitting area with a fire pit. Guests can pick up a S’mores kit at the front desk and make their delicious fireside treats while they enjoy the gorgeous fall decor. Unfortunately, it rained during my entire stay, but luckily the S’mores kit included microwave instructions!
With its comfortable charm and modern day conveniences, Country Inns & Suites is definitely on the top of my list of favorite places to stay. Factor in the Club Carlson Rewards Program and how easy it is to earn free stays at Country Inns & Suites, Radisson properties, and any other Carlson hotels, and you can’t lose!
And if you have an American Girl fan at home, you’ll want to be sure and check out the special American Girl Dream Package the Bloomington, MN Country Inns & Suites is offering:
For a comprehensive walk through of the different suites offered at Country Inn & Suites, check out my video!
To hear about more fun things to do in Minneapolis, check out these posts.
I have never even heard of this hotel chain. We definitely don’t have them around here, but I will keep my eyes open for one in my travels because it sounds nice.
Wow, I really like the new modern look! I’ve stayed at Country Inn and Suites and have always enjoyed my stay, but this new look is great.
That is such a beautiful new design. I love that they had a plate o’ S’Mores for you, too!
The style is so homey and comforting. Love the s’mores gift, so fun
Looks like a great new modern look for Country Inn Suites. I love the personal touch of a smores plate there for you!
We stayed at a Country Inn and Suites not too long ago. It was a great experience.
Wow, I’d definitely enjoy staying at a Country Inn and Suites. I love the modern aesthetic and the little touches like having s’mores kits available make a big difference.
I always appreciate hotels that offer the extra amenities like a full breakfast and an in-room kitchenette. It really makes being away from home fun and easy!
THose are some great upgrades. Looks like the perfect place to stay with a family!
I think I stayed at a revamped one recently. It really was nice. I love what they are doing in the lobby with breakfast and those ticket packages are great!
We love Country Inn and Suites! Being a family of 6 means it’s a lot easier and more affordable to stay in a suite then to book 2 rooms!
I love staying in hotels! I think it’s fun to see all the different layouts and decorations. I like what I see from Country Inns!!
I love Country Inns and Suites. They are always so roomy and we sleep well when there. I will definitely have to go stay at one in the near future and see their new design.
Now I want s’mores. sounds like a really great experience. Some hotels are just awful. It’ s good to know that Country Inns can be counted on for a great stay.
I usually don’t like Country Inn.. I do like the new look and would stay there now.
Wow what a great attraction Country Inn has turned into! Such modern amenities and great family activities too! Love it!
It’s gorgeous! I could definitely see myself feeling very at home there. I don’t have anything planned for 2016, but we would love a getaway.
That is a beautiful place. I love the upgrades and how they think about what would make their guests happy.
Country Inns & Suites is a great place to stay. I love the new design. It would be fun to make Smores with the kids.
Love it! I’ve stayed at Country Inns and its always a pleasant stay.
Wow. What a nice update to the hotel! And a great deal on the American Dream package! It looks awesome!
the new designs look great. I love going to hotels that are well designed
What a nice hotel! I absolutely love the S’mores kit!
That is a new look! And I like how it’s changed for the better.
I’m loving the new look, so bright and airy. I love a nice hotel! I’ll check them out.
Love staying here always happy with everything. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, that new look is very modern and clean! I can’t wait to see the changes at our Country Inn and Suites