After a long day of traveling, kayaking, jamming out at Rib Fest, and eating, the Flints were ready for a hot shower and comfy accommodations. We found exactly that at the Courtyard by Marriott in Mankato, MN. Visiting Mankato, MN was so much fun, but they kept us on the run!
After traveling several hours, grabbing some yummy lunch, and spending the afternoon on the river we were ready to take a hot shower! (Did I mention that we got wet from the rapids on the kayaks along with a few sprinkles?) I’m sure we looked like drowned rats when we entered the Courtyard, but their staff did a fantastic job making us feel as special as the guests that were part of the wedding there!
First Impressions
My first impression of the Courtyard was instantly a positive one. The grounds surrounding the hotel are clean and well manicured. The staff is bright and cheery the moment you walk in the door and the decor is warm, modern, but welcoming!
Not only is the reception desk and it’s workers welcoming, so is the lobby. The well-appointed space has plenty of room to sit and relax, enjoy those traveling with you, or even grab a bite to eat or something to drink from the Starbucks located inside the hotel! You will also find a small market with a large variety of items! Should you forget something, you’ll find it here including toothbrush, toothpaste, Tylenol, and other medicines. Of course, if you have the urge to snack, you’ll find a wide variety of food, beverages, and even ice cream (of course I would find that).
While we didn’t have time to use the swimming pool or exercise room, we did check them out! I was pleasantly suprised to find that the exercise room is a decent size with a variety of equipment that will fit everyone’s needs. The pool caught the boys’ attention as it is a very good size! A lot of pools today in pools are smaller, but this one has plenty of space for many kids to play!
Our Rooms
We opted to get a second room to accomodate all of us (two teenage boys) although the room provided for us would have been plenty of space! However, we like to spread out! Their rooms are spacious, lots of natural light, and amenities galore! The rooms at the Courtyard are impeccably decorated with neutral finishes and lots of bright white fabrics! The king room is equipped with a loveseat, TV, coffee maker, fridge, desk, and closet!
The bathroom features a bright red wall (which I loved) and beautiful finishes including a glass shower! The beds are comfortable and the water was hot! I was worried about the noise in the hotel as they were incredibly full! There was a wedding going on at the hotel that weekend as well as many kids in town for sports tournaments! However, we were pleasantly suprised! It was very quiet!
Breakfast at The Bistro
When you’re ready for breakfast, you don’t need to go far! In fact, just head down to the The Bistro, their on-site restaurant featuring Starbucks coffee!! Their menu offers basics like muffins and bagels or fruit & yogurt! We opted for quite a variety of items. One boy picked a blueberry muffin and the other tried the Banana Bread French Toast! He loves french toast, so it was a perfect fit for him and he said it was really good!
I opted for the Egg White Fitta featuring monterey jack cheese, arugula, basil, cucumber, and grape tomatoes! It was delicious, filling, and packed full of protein! I also stole T’s fresh fruit! To wash it down, I opted for an iced latte and it was delicious!
T chose the Two Egg Omelette which includes gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, and bacon! He finished it all and said it was unique, but good! Of course, he washed his down with a nice big black coffee!
If you’re looking for something other than breakfast, you can choose from delicious appetizers, entrees, sandwiches, salads, and even desserts like carrot cake! YUM! There are tables to eat at or more casual seating to grab a snack and a glass of wine at with friends!
Note: Breakfast is not included in the price of your room, but prices are very reasonable.
Conclusion
Our stay at the Courtyard by Marriott in Mankato was fantastic! It was a great place to freshen up after our busy day and rest our head for more adventures! Breakfast was fresh and filling! The staff was incredibly helpful! If you’re headed to the Mankato area, we highly recommend a stay with them!
Check out more of our Mankato adventures:
Family Fun Weekend in Mankato – Part 1
Family Fun Weekend in Mankato – Part 2
Kayaking in Mankato, MN with Bent River Outfitters
Thank you to the Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Courtyard by Marriott for hosting us! All of my opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For more details, please see Disclosure Tab.
I’m very impressed with the quality of your breakfasts. Especially that frittata and fresh avocado.
I was too! I was expecting a muffin and yogurt, but it was an amazing selection!!!
I have wanted to visit Mankato since childhood, thanks to Little House on the Prairie. And to learn there’s kayaking there… well, now it’s just bumped higher on the list. And of course, every trip is better with nice accommodations. Keeping this one in mind!
It is definitely worth the visit! I still feel like there is much we didn’t get explored! We are hoping to go back soon!
That’s an unexpected hotel breakfast. Looks healthy and tasty.
It really was! Anytime I can get something other than sugary cereal in is, I’m happy!
Thank you for visiting Katy!
Thank you for a great stay!
I love Courtyard by Marriott’s! They are always decorated with such modern twists!
They really are! And each one is different, which I really like too!