Soaking up all that there is to Explore!

Ashish and I always include our boys on vacations and “get-a-ways.” So, we are always on the look out for something unique that offers something that everyone will enjoy. In the past, it’s been our annual tradition to stay overnight at the Hyatt in Minneapolis to watch the Hollidazzle parade. We dine on amazing Indian food via carry-out and eat breakfast at the Newsroom in the morning. This year, we had company for Thanksgiving, so we altered our plans a bit. By doing so we found “the” hotel of Minneapolis! The Renaissance Hotel at the Depot is nothing other than amazing! Included with our room was underground parking in a heated garage, 4 water park passes, 25% off admission and rentals at the skating rink and breakfast…not to mention a beautiful room. The hotel is shaped in a U. The water park is on one side and on the opposite side is the skating rink. Charlie’s Grille, the on site restaurant was a pleasant surprise! As a matter of fact, it was SO GOOD that we ate lunch, dinner and breakfast there! The way that the hotel is laid out, you don’t even need to venture outdoors! YAY! This is EXACTLY what we needed as it was FREEZING outside and we, nor the kids wanted to do anything other than soak in all the hotel had to offer.

The Hotel
Modern, yet furnished with historic pictures and LOTS of museum quality artifacts of trains. Our boys LOVED seeing all the different pictures of the trains from the posters to the black and white photos placed throughout the entire hotel. The artifacts are really a secret gem! It’s almost like visiting a museum…that’s how well researched and designed each display is! The rooms are comfy and very clean- We were on the 3rd floor with a ‘historic view.’

The Water park
One of the best we have ever taken the kids to! I never liked big, overwhelming water parks because our boys are only 3 and 5…so, with safety and sanity in mind, we avoid the larger parks. Who wants to be overwhelmed and overstimulated when your intention is to relax, right? Right! The kids were SO EXCITED when they saw the big, bright choo–choo themed water park that was PERFECT for their ages! The only time where Tiger would get a little apprehensive was when the train let out a roar and overflowed with pressured water at full speed. Another perk, is as a hotel guest, they keep your name on file so you can come back the following morning and play all you like.

The Skating Rink
Nishad was SO thrilled to skate for the first time. I can’t picture a better place to have that first experience. The indoor skating rink made for a perfect setting for fun under the Minneapolis skyline! The walls are glass windows…pretty neat! We arrived there around 7:15p.m., and it wasn’t terribly busy…it seemed active and lively, but not over-crowded.

The Grille
Often hotel food lacks- lets face it. However, this was fabulous (or else we wouldn’t have eaten here 3 times!). For lunch I ordered a turkey burger that in turn made Ashish jealous. I was in 7th Heaven and after I finished I was told it’s what all the locals stop in for. Yes, it’s that good! For dinner, we had quite the feast! We started with the chicken nacho platter (YUM), and were given a complimentary buffalo Tiger shrimp appetizer (AMAZING!!). We ordered a blue cheese pizza and a regular cheese pizza…some of the best pizza I’ve tasted in this state! Along with our food, Ashish and I decided to try a “beer flight.” I’m not really a fan of beer, but this was quite the experience! Six, 5oz. local beers…I’m suddenly craving a pale ale!

All in all, a trip well worth it! Memorable and classic with a twist of fun for all!

Ahhhhhh…..Peace.