Downtown Minneapolis Hotel Is Abuzz With Excitement

MINNEAPOLIS, MN--(Marketwired - Oct 9, 2015) -  These days there is lots of talk about sustainability. It's popular to proliferate the ideas, and passing fancy to be well-versed in the language of the trend, but rare is it for someone to take these admirable ideas and create an actionable ethic. At the downtown Courtyard's Minneapolis Bistro, Executive Chef Ross Reed is doing just that.

For Chef Reed, sustainability isn't just a fad. A native of Wyoming, Ross is a 4^th generation beekeeper -- his family's hives dating back to 1918. Growing up in Wyoming instilled in Chef Reed a connection with nature, and beekeeping was an access point into a sustainable ecosystem. With the dwindling bee population always a concern for Ross, he's taken action. Under Chef Reed's guidance, the Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown is operating two healthy bee colonies on its second floor rooftop.

Driven by passion and creativity, his ideas for two rooftop beehives is the start of a sustainable farm-to-table ethic that Chef Reed hopes to ingratiate with the culture of his café in Minneapolis. Next year, Chef is planning to double the number of hives, install a small herb garden, and include tomatoes and peppers. As these gardens grow, bee pollination will play a major role in their development -- and so a beautiful cycle begins.

This year, guests will come to the downtown Courtyard to enjoy some of the most inviting and comfortable hotel rooms and suites in Minneapolis. They'll be staying for the decadent, Grade-A honey harvested from the hotel's rooftop. The year's first harvest yielded 73 pounds of top-shelf honey and Chef Ross Reed will be putting it to well-planned use. With plans to incorporate honey throughout his menu, Chef Reed will be using his all-natural honey in homemade ice creams, salad dressings, and cocktails.

A special thanks is owed to the Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown's Director of Food and Beverage, John Paul Albanese. As a leader who consistently strives to bring out the best in his team, John Paul, along with the ownership, shared Chef Reed's vision for what a rooftop bee colony can mean for their hotel and its greater environmental role. It is the sincere hope of JP and the Courtyard that the success of their rooftop beehives will inspire others across the industry to find innovative ways to positively impact the environment.

About Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown
The Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown offers travelers inviting, freshly appointed accommodations. Easily accessible, the hotel is conveniently located just off of major area highways and just a short 12-miles from MSP International Airport. Local attractions abound, as the hotel is just a short walk from downtown must-sees like Guthrie Theatre and Mill City Museum. The stylish downtown hotel features stunning views of St. Anthony falls, combining natural beauty with functional modern amenities. The hotel's 10,000 square feet of event space has been beautifully renovated, while their 5,200 square foot, elegantly appointed Grand Ballroom has been recognized by local couples as an outstanding venue for weddings. The on-site restaurant, The Bistro is the perfect stop for breakfasts, while offering a diverse dinner menu and a variety of cocktails. Guest rooms are designed for comfort and functionality. Plush bedding and ergonomic chairs enhance the comfort level of every room, while spacious desks and free WiFi make sure work can always get done. For modern amenities, welcoming aesthetics, personalized service, and a timeless experience, travelers and locals seek Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown.