MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., July 30, 2012 – Set to open October 2012, the new Commons Hotel will launch in Minneapolis as an industrial schoolhouse chic property inspired by its collegiate ties to the University of Minnesota and industrial history of the Twin Cities. Embodying a sense of inner geek in a chic setting, the newest property in the Noble House Hotels & Resorts collection will embrace diverse people, culture and communities who share the common desire to discover, with an uncommon hotel experience.

“Adding to our collection of award-winning signature hotels and resorts nationwide, Noble House will once again drive a property to become the most distinctive hotel within a destination,” said Mike Benecke, Noble House president. “The new Commons Hotel is a destination unto itself, fostering a sense of exploration and curiosity among guests by creating an open and inviting environment for travelers to share their passions.”

For the explorer who refuses to be defined or confined to an identity, the Commons Hotel helps guests experience the perfect mix of geek and chic to satiate every moment’s whims. When staying in a Geek Chic suite -- featuring personalized concierge service based off the results of the hotel’s signature geek chic profile -- no two trips to the Commons Hotel will ever be the same, as every new geek chic mix means new discoveries and experiences to enlighten mind and soul.

The Commons Hotel will surprise guests with playful experiences fancied around the literary, art, science, tech, foodie or sports inner fanatic. Stay and play experiences will feature brand extensions such as in-room art gallery, alchemist mixology lessons, beakers of local brew, tech “time out,” Harlequin Happy Hour, Sudoku sleep-ins and scholarly shopping shuttle for museum shop hopping.

Engaging the most discerning foodies, the new Commons Hotel restaurant is the perfect spot to kick start a discussion on the newest New York Times bestseller while indulging in superior regional cuisine or learning the latest in modern mixology while sipping on reinvented classic cocktails. Weekly Words with Friends Wine Hour and Retro Bar Bingo will also bring out the inner geek.

The new Commons Hotel is the perfect home away from home for college sports fanatics, located within walking distance of every University of Minnesota home game or an elevator ride away from the hotel’s new restaurant and lounge, where the Gophers’ biggest fans will be cheering Ski-u-ma. Launching this fall, Commons Hotel guests can access the ultimate sports fan experience, including on-field meet and greets and authentic game balls.

Destination diversions have also been carefully curated to include the most transformative experiences in Minneapolis such as a geek to chic makeover at the Aveda Institute headquarters, Science Buzz meeting at the Science Museum of Minnesota, personal story and book creation at Loft Literary Center and tour of the world’s largest Sherlock Holmes Exhibit at the University of Minnesota. From the ultimate geek to the ultimate chic, the Commons Hotel helps guests build their quintessential journey of the senses, with off the beaten path museums, cultural centers, shopping destinations, sports events or outdoor activities sure to suit the soul.

The sense of nostalgia evoked by the Commons Hotel is brought to life in the hotel design; from the perfect s’mores spot at the roaring fire pit in the front drive to the warm fireplace, apple cider and library lounge in the lobby. When guests retire to their guest room, they sink into a leather chesterfield chair and ottoman, inviting them to kick up their feet and enjoy the literary mad lib of the day, dive into the latest New York Times bestseller or consummate classic delivered by the Book Butler or a catch up on the latest advancements in technology or the season’s chicest fashions with the in-room copies of Popular Science and Vanity Fair.

Meetings and events encourage 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.

While the Commons Hotel story unfolds, plans for the ultimate block party on 10-11-12 at 6:15 are underway. The hotel is keeping its eyes open around town and sounding out its own cadence as it prepares to open to the beat of its own drum.

To view sneak peeks of the fall 2012 Commons Hotel launch, please visit www.commonshotel.com. Booking opportunities will be available mid-August.

About 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 the U.S., including the newly refurbished Riviera 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.