I have always been a bit curious as to how the Sofitel Hotel found its way to Minnesota. This fashionable French chain only operates a handful of hotels in North America. I understand the one in Miami, the one in San Francisco, and the one in LA, but how did they pick Bloomington, Minnesota? The hotel is about 30 years old and is about 20 minutes from the Minneapolis Airport. It calls itself an airport hotel, but 20 minutes isn't exactly at the end of the runway. The hotel is a low-rise, three-story square building that can only be described as nondescript. It's plain, in a very modern way.

On this trip, I booked online and found a very affordable $89 rate. Our flight arrived late (about 11pm), and by the time we got our luggage and our rental car, we arrived the hotel at about midnight. I was greeted by a sign at the front desk saying to sit down, and someone would be coming back to the desk shortly. Here was proof that Minneapolis NEVER bills itself as the city that never sleeps -- it sleeps every night, and very well! There was not a single guest or employee in the lobby for over 20 minutes. In most cities, there is still life at midnight! Finally, a bleary-eyed clerk arrived and checked us in. She seemed shocked to see anyone out and about at this wee hour!

Our room was large and French. The beds are comfortable, with large, overstuffed duvet covers spread over them. The furnishings are all French Provencal -- not my style, but authentically French. If you are bathroom fan, you have found your place. The Sofitel offers large, oversized marble bathrooms. There is a fluffy bathrobe and a fresh orchid, and these are probably the only hotel rooms in Minneapolis with bidets. Just try to keep an eight- and nine-year-old from playing with a bidet! The view was overlooking the back of an office park and parking lot, so don't expect any interesting views from this location. It's pretty much freeway or parking lot for view choices.

We were only here one night, but we got a great night's sleep. The beds are very comfortable. In the morning you are greeted by a free newspaper, and don't miss the fresh French pastries that can be delivered to your room or enjoyed downstairs at Chez Colette. The expierence is indeed very French. The staff is very polished and groomed. Even the uniforms have a French flair to them. The rooms are more than comfortable, and the food outlets are worth a trip even if you are not a guest here.

I am still curious, however, how the chain picked this location on the American prairie? However it ended up here, I am just glad it was built. Even a penny pincher like myself can smile at this kind of service for a mere $89 a night. Someone pinch me!