Noble House Hotels & Resorts Unveils Geek-Chic Design; Launching The Commons Hotel in Minneapolis

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Jun 12, 2013, 10:28 ET

SEATTLE, June 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Noble House Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Rockbridge, announces the official grand opening of the new Commons Hotel in Minneapolis, unveiling the newly transformed hotel and signature gastro-pub, The Beacon Public House – upon completion of nearly $15 million in property transformations. Located in downtown Minneapolis on the University of Minnesota campus, the property's industrial schoolhouse design and geek-chic vibe incorporate a theme of contrasts inspired by its collegiate ties to the university and industrial history of the Twin Cities – providing a welcoming atmosphere that embraces diverse people, cultures and communities who share the common desire to discover, with an uncommon hotel experience.

"We want The Commons Hotel to be the front porch of Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota," said Sean Mullen, chief sales and marketing officer of Noble House Hotels & Resorts. "Whether it's sports teams, visiting professors or art performers, we want this to be where the city and university brings its guests – the place they call home."

Celebrating both the intellectual and the artist, the 304-room property gives nod to the geek-chic persona and incorporates a theme of contrasts with contemporary yet traditional design elements. Blue and white argyle walls throughout the guestrooms are complimented with U of M archived photography and nostalgic illustrations of invention patents, while distressed wood reclaimed from Midwest barns and chandeliers reminiscent of atoms and molecules create a warm and inviting environment throughout the hotel lobby and signature restaurant, The Beacon Public House.

Fostering a sense of engagement and community, guests are surprised and delighted with playful experiences fancied around literary, art and science during their stay – from beakers of local brew and alchemist mixology lessons at The Beacon Public House, to weekly Harlequin Happy Hours and Words with Friends Wine Hours hosted around the roaring central fire pit in the hotel's library lobby. Travelers also enjoy the complimentary in-room delivery of their choice of classic novel or bestseller by the hotel's resident Book Butler, in addition to literary quotes on their pillow at turndown and Sudoku puzzles delivered with each in-room breakfast order.

Travelers delight in an array of palate-pleasing experiences at the hotel's signature gastro-pub, The Beacon Public House, featuring superior regional fare and modern mixology through reinvented classic cocktails, while bringing out the inner geek in every foodie through Words with Friends Wine Hours and Retro Bar Bingo.

Boasting more than 20,000 square feet of redesigned meeting space, The Commons Hotel provides flexible meeting space for a variety of functions. With two ballrooms, 10 individual meeting rooms and two outdoor patios, the hotel can professionally host a wide range of events including large conferences up to 500 guests, grandiose wedding receptions or galas, as well as corporate dinners and intimate receptions. Encouraging the inner geek in even the most serious of executives, with themed geek chic wings, Jenga and spelling bee breaks, secrets of industry lectures, smarties and smart water on meeting tables and the Mad Scientist Break that will engage groups with "experimental" treats.

With a philosophy that emphasizes "location, distinction and soul," Noble House Hotels & Resorts reflects the importance of individuality. Identifying each property for its culture and appeal, Noble House is unwavering in its dedication to create and manage unique, quality properties that reflect and make profound contributions to their communities, staying true to the local history, culture and ambiance that defines each region.

For more information about The Commons Hotel, call 1-800-822-6757 or visit www.commonshotel.com. The Commons Hotel is located at 615 Washington Avenue S.E., Minneapolis, Minn. 55414.

Noble House Hotels & Resorts

Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Ltd. is a privately held hotel ownership and management company in business for more than 30 years. Founded in 1979 by Patrick R. Colee, Noble House began as a commercial property development group, but for the last 25 years, the company has concentrated exclusively on hotel ownership and management. The Seattle, Washington based company owns and manages boutique hotels and resorts spanning the four coastal corners of America, including the newly refurbished Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Florida Keys, The Edgewater in Seattle, Washington and Hotel Viking in Newport, R.I. For more information or to book reservations, visit www.NobleHouseHotels.com.

RockBridge

Rockbridge is an integrated hotel investment firm that has executed on over 300 hotel investments in the U.S. over the past two decades. Since 1992, Rockbridge's team has invested nearly $3 billion in the hospitality industry as part of approximately $5 billion of total transaction capitalization. The principals of Rockbridge have formed and managed ten hospitality-focused investment funds with predominantly institutional investors. For additional information about Rockbridge, visit www.rockbridgecapital.com

SOURCE Noble House Hotels & Resorts