Minnesota: Grand Casino Hotels opens renovated hotels at Hinckley and Mille Lacs properties

Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV) has celebrated the grand opening of the renewed hotels at its Grand Casino properties in Mille Lacs and Hinckley, Minnesota. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held at both locations to celebrate the comprehensive renovations, which encompassed nine months of work and over 1,100 hotel rooms.

According to MLCV, all rooms and suites have been upgraded "to enhance every aspect of the guest experience," offering modern designs, amenities, and comfortable accommodations. "The significant enhancements reflect MLCV’s strategic vision to revitalize its assets and deliver unmatched hospitality," the company said in a release.

The renovated hotels at Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley now promise modern aesthetics, with the rooms boasting "a contemporary ambiance and subtle nods to Ojibwe culture," featuring art crafted by indigenous artists.

The rooms also come with high-quality bedding, modern entertainment systems, and a curated range of amenities for comfort and relaxation. Meanwhile, lobbies have been renovated "to blend functionality with refined charm, ensuring a warm and inviting welcome for guests."

The presidential suites were upgraded and new themed suites were added, including English pub-inspired, Scandinavian spa-themed, and speakeasy-themed suites, offering features like steam showers and saunas. "These final touches are nearing completion," the company noted.

Grand Casino Hinckley ribbon cutting ceremony

“These renovations not only enhance the guest experience but also demonstrate our commitment to providing a fun and enjoyable workplace for our associates,” said Ronda Weizenegger, CEO of Grand Casinos. “We believe that guests and associates will be pleased with the transformation.”

MLCV partnered with PCL Construction to complete the renovation, alongside Hunt Electric, Egan Company, Cuningham Architects, and Atmosphere Commercial Interiors. The full-scale renovation involved large crews of up to 120 on-site employees. MLCV hosted ribbon-cutting ceremonies at each property to commemorate the grand openings. 

Joe Nayquonabe, CEO of MLCV, highlighted "the unique aspects of the renovation that set Grand Casinos apart," including the properties' art. In total, 14 artists were commissioned for the project.

“The sacrifice of time it took the artists to create the beautiful pieces throughout both properties gives a deeper meaning to this project,” said Nayquonabe. “Our commitment went beyond mere aesthetics; we wanted to authentically portray the Anishinaabe people through every detail of these spaces.”

Nayquonabe spoke of quilt squares at Grand Casino Mille Lacs and the full blankets at Grand Casino Hinckley. “The craftsmanship displayed in the quilt squares and blankets carries profound significance,” said Nayquonabe. “Anyone can walk down the hall and appreciate the beauty they represent, but when an Anishinaabe person sees them, they will know the direct importance, the deep cultural roots, and the healing power each blanket brings.”

Another significant piece Nayquonabe mentioned was the jingle art displayed at Grand Casino Hinckley, which holds special meaning for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. “The jingle art piece is beautiful and holds special meaning for the Anishinaabe – especially from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, where the jingle dress originated from," he said.

Following the ceremonies, guided tours of the renovated hotels and lobby spaces were organized for guests present at the venues.