The Lofton Hotel Unveils Comprehensive Renovation in Downtown Minneapolis and Announces New General Manager

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — The Lofton Hotel, a prominent 248-room lifestyle destination situated in the heart of downtown Minneapolis and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, has officially announced the completion of its sweeping, property-wide renovation. The extensive upgrade project introduces a completely reimagined first-floor lobby featuring a new Italian-inspired culinary concept known as Mezzo Mezzo, alongside thorough enhancements to all guestrooms, public corridors, dining spaces, and wellness amenities throughout the property.

In tandem with the debut of the newly transformed hotel spaces, Marcus Hotels & Resorts has also announced a major leadership transition. Aaron Slattery has been promoted to the role of general manager of The Lofton Hotel, stepping into the position following the retirement of long-serving hospitality veteran Jim Waldvogel.

The transformation of The Lofton Hotel represents a major milestone for the property under the stewardship of Marcus Hotels & Resorts, which handles the management and operations of the high-profile lifestyle destination. Company executives note that the multi-faceted renovation project was designed to better connect the hotel with the vibrant character, artistic energy, and natural surroundings of the Twin Cities.

"The Lofton Hotel is a standout destination in downtown Minneapolis, and this renovation marks an exciting new chapter for the hotel," said Michael Evans, president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. "We are proud to have thoughtfully infused the art, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of Minneapolis throughout every aspect of the guest experience. The Lofton is poised to deliver the very best in hospitality for all who live in and visit the Twin Cities."

Reimagined First Floor and New Italian-Inspired Dining Concept

At the core of the property-wide transformation is the complete redesign of The Lofton Hotel’s first floor. Drawing direct inspiration from Minneapolis’s famous local parks, extensive chain of lakes, and surrounding green spaces, the hotel’s main lobby has been thoroughly overhauled to create a welcoming, organic environment for travelers and local residents alike.

The redesigned public areas now incorporate a calming palette of natural tones, complemented by custom-designed flooring, modern and comfortable seating arrangements, and an abundance of lush, integrated greenery that brings the outdoors inside. This design shift creates an open, fluid gathering space that encourages guests to linger, work, or socialize in a contemporary setting that reflects the urban-nature balance characteristic of the Twin Cities region.

A central element of the refreshed lobby experience is the introduction of Mezzo Mezzo, the hotel’s dynamic new dining and social destination. Designed to serve multiple functions throughout the day, Mezzo Mezzo operates fluidly as a neighborhood coffee shop, an artisanal pizzeria, and a lively bar.

Mornings at Mezzo Mezzo are tailored for both on-the-go commuters and relaxed travelers, featuring locally roasted coffee from Spyhouse—a staple of the Minneapolis coffee scene—paired with a selection of freshly baked artisan pastries. As the day progresses, the concept transitions to an afternoon and evening menu centered around authentic Roman-style pizza, house-made focaccia sandwiches, and a rotating array of traditional Italian desserts. The culinary program emphasizes in-house preparation and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Complementing the food offerings, the venue’s new bar program pours a curated selection of classic Italian cocktails alongside original signature drinks crafted by the hotel’s beverage team.

Enhanced Guestrooms, Corridors, and Wellness Amenities

The nature-inspired design language established in the newly transformed lobby extends upward into the private spaces of the hotel. All 248 guestrooms and suites at The Lofton Hotel have been meticulously restyled to elevate the overall comfort and aesthetic of the accommodation experience.

The updated guestrooms feature custom flooring and tailored drapery, contemporary furnishings that maximize both space and utility, and carefully curated lighting packages designed to create a warm, residential feel. To ensure a seamless transition for guests moving from the public areas to their private rooms, the hotel’s guestroom corridors have also received comprehensive cosmetic and structural upgrades, aligning the hallways with the elevated standards of the newly restyled rooms.

Beyond the guest accommodations, fitness-minded travelers will find significant upgrades to the property’s wellness facilities. The Lofton Hotel’s sixth-floor fitness center has been substantially expanded, effectively doubling its previous footprint to serve as a premier amenity for guests maintaining their routines while on the road.

Positioned with sweeping views overlooking the iconic Target Center and historic First Avenue, the newly renovated fitness facility features state-of-the-art equipment from industry leaders Precor and Peloton. In addition to traditional cardiovascular and strength-training machines, the expanded layout incorporates dedicated, open-air zones designed specifically for mobility, stretching, and flexibility training, catering to modern wellness preferences.

The property’s dining and social spaces on other floors have also received targeted attention. Cosmos, the hotel’s established fourth-floor restaurant, has been refreshed as part of the broader improvement plan. The updated restaurant space now boasts modernized lighting, updated drapery, and contemporary furnishings. These changes are designed to create additional intimate gathering areas for diners, while a redesigned bar area provides an enhanced focal point for evening socializing and pre-event drinks.

Leadership Transition and New General Manager

The completion of The Lofton Hotel’s renovation coincides with a significant leadership announcement from Marcus Hotels & Resorts. Aaron Slattery has been named the new general manager of the property, taking over the helm from Jim Waldvogel, a respected hospitality leader who announced his retirement following a distinguished career spanning more than 29 years with Marcus Hotels & Resorts.

Slattery brings a wealth of operational experience to his new role at The Lofton Hotel. He arrives in downtown Minneapolis after successfully serving as the general manager of the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington since 2024. His history with Marcus Hotels & Resorts runs deep, beginning nearly two decades ago in 2007 when he first joined the company as a banquet manager at the very same Bloomington property.

Over the course of his career within the organization, Slattery quickly advanced through a series of increasingly responsible leadership positions, including roles as food and beverage director and director of operations. Academically, Slattery holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Minnesota, a background that provides a unique perspective on property design, space utilization, and guest flow within large-scale hospitality environments.

"With nearly two decades of experience at Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Aaron is a proven leader with a deep understanding of hotel operations and a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences," stated Michael Evans, president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. "The Lofton Hotel has undergone an exciting transformation, positioning the property as a true destination for locals and visitors alike. Aaron is the right leader to continue nurturing the momentum that has been building under Jim’s expert leadership."