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The Lofton Hotel Finishes Full Minneapolis Renovation

Marcus Hotels & Resorts wraps comprehensive upgrades across all 248 rooms at The Lofton Hotel while naming Aaron Slattery general manager.

The short answer

Marcus Hotels & Resorts has finished a comprehensive renovation of the 248-room Lofton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. The property added Italian concept Mezzo Mezzo, doubled its gym size, updated Cosmos, and named Aaron Slattery general manager.

248
guestrooms and suites renovated
total property room count
29
years at Marcus Hotels prior to retirement
Jim Waldvogel tenure
2007
year Aaron Slattery joined Marcus Hotels
career start date with firm
The Lofton Hotel Finishes Full Minneapolis Renovation
Photo: El Bravo / Pexels

The short version

  • The Lofton Hotel finalized a full renovation across all 248 guestrooms, public corridors, and meeting zones.
  • Mezzo Mezzo debuted on the ground floor as a hybrid coffee shop, pizzeria, and cocktail bar.
  • Aaron Slattery took over as general manager following the retirement of 29-year company veteran Jim Waldvogel.

The Lofton Hotel, a 248-room lifestyle property in downtown Minneapolis managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, has completed a comprehensive property-wide renovation [1]. The project updates all guestrooms and suites, introduces a new lobby-level Italian culinary outlet called Mezzo Mezzo, refreshes fourth-floor restaurant Cosmos, doubles the footprint of its fitness center, and brings in Aaron Slattery as general manager [1].

What changes were made to guestrooms and public spaces?

The hotel updated all 248 guestrooms and suites using nature-inspired interior design elements pulled from local Minneapolis parks and green spaces, as Lodging Magazine reported [1]. Rooms feature custom-designed flooring, updated furnishings, curated lighting, and new drapery [1]. Guestroom corridors received matching cosmetic upgrades to create continuity from the common areas to private rooms [1].

hotel bedroom interior modern furnishings
Photo: Phalgunn Maharishi / Pexels

Downstairs, the ground-floor lobby received lush greenery, natural color tones, new seating configurations, and custom flooring [1].

What dining concepts are now open at The Lofton Hotel?

The hotel introduced Mezzo Mezzo, an Italian-inspired hybrid concept located directly inside the redesigned lobby [1]. Operating as a combined coffee shop, pizzeria, and bar, the venue starts service in the morning with pastries and locally roasted Spyhouse coffee [1]. Later in the day, the kitchen shifts to Roman-style pizza, house-made focaccia sandwiches, and rotating Italian desserts prepared in-house or sourced locally, alongside classic and signature Italian cocktails [1].

hotel restaurant bar counter pizza oven
Photo: Joaquin Carfagna / Pexels

On the fourth floor, the existing restaurant Cosmos received a full refresh [1]. Renovations there added updated bar fixtures, refreshed drapery, new lighting, and rearranged furnishings to offer extra gathering areas for guests [1].

How did the hotel expand its fitness and wellness amenities?

The sixth-floor fitness facility doubled in physical size during the renovation [1]. Positioned with direct views overlooking First Avenue and the Target Center, the expanded workout space features commercial cardio and strength machines from Precor and Peloton, paired with newly designated zones reserved for flexibility and mobility routines [1].

hotel fitness center treadmills stationary bikes
Photo: eran design / Pexels
Property AreaRenovation DetailsKey Brands or Features
Guestrooms & SuitesRestyling across all 248 units and corridorsCustom flooring, updated furnishings, curated lighting, new drapery
Lobby LevelNature-inspired redesignGreenery, custom flooring, natural color palette
Mezzo MezzoNew lobby dining and beverage venueSpyhouse coffee, Roman-style pizza, focaccia, Italian cocktails
CosmosFourth-floor restaurant refreshUpdated bar area, modified lighting, drapery, extra seating space
Fitness CenterSixth-floor expansion (doubled in square footage)Peloton, Precor, dedicated flexibility and mobility zones

Who is leading operations after the transformation?

Marcus Hotels & Resorts promoted Aaron Slattery to general manager to lead the renovated property, according to Lodging Magazine [1]. Slattery succeeds Jim Waldvogel, who retired after spending more than 29 years with the management company [1].

Slattery previously served as general manager of the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington starting in 2024 [1]. His background with Marcus Hotels & Resorts dates to 2007, when he joined the company as a banquet manager at that same Bloomington property before working up through food and beverage director and director of operations positions [1]. Slattery also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Minnesota [1].

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Frequently asked

+How many rooms were renovated at The Lofton Hotel?

All 248 guestrooms and suites were renovated with custom flooring, drapery, curated lighting, and updated furnishings, alongside upgraded corridors.

+What is Mezzo Mezzo?

Mezzo Mezzo is a new lobby-level dining venue at The Lofton Hotel operating as a coffee shop, pizzeria, and bar serving Spyhouse coffee, Roman pizza, and cocktails.

+Who is the new general manager of The Lofton Hotel?

Marcus Hotels & Resorts appointed Aaron Slattery as general manager. He previously managed the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington and replaces the retiring Jim Waldvogel.

+What upgrades were made to the fitness center?

The sixth-floor fitness center doubled in size, overlooks the Target Center and First Avenue, and features Precor and Peloton equipment alongside mobility training areas.

+Who manages The Lofton Hotel?

The 248-room lifestyle property in downtown Minneapolis is managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts.

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