
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
Best for nonstop casino action, large-scale meetings and on-site golf.
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Mystic Lake Casino Hotel is a large Prior Lake casino-resort focused on gaming, events, golf and an indoor pool; read this if you want a full-service casino destination and meeting space outside Minneapolis. W Minneapolis The Foshay is a stylish lifestyle hotel in an Art Deco landmark tower downtown; read this if you want a centrally located, design-forward Minneapolis stay near theaters and sports venues.
Updated · about 20 miles apart

Best for nonstop casino action, large-scale meetings and on-site golf.

Best for downtown Minneapolis location, landmark architecture and a boutique luxury lifestyle stay.
When Mystic Lake Casino Hotel wins: pick Mystic Lake for 24/7 gaming, large ballrooms and a full resort program that includes an 18-hole golf course, an indoor atrium pool and a dedicated concert showroom—this is the pick for meetings, events and guests who want casino-centered entertainment outside the Twin Cities.
When W Minneapolis The Foshay wins: choose the W for a compact, design-focused downtown stay within easy walking distance of Nicollet Mall, Target Center and Minneapolis theaters—this is the better option for urban sightseeing, restaurants and nightlife in the heart of Minneapolis.
Bottom line: choose Mystic Lake if your priority is a destination casino-resort with golf and big-event capacity; choose the W if you want downtown convenience and a landmark hotel experience in Minneapolis.
| Category | Mystic Lake Casino Hotel | W Minneapolis The Foshay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large casino-resort and conference campus focused on gaming, concerts and golf. | Stylish luxury lifestyle hotel housed in the historic Foshay Tower; urban design focus. |
| Location | Prior Lake, suburban resort setting about 25 minutes south of Minneapolis. | Downtown Minneapolis on Marquette Ave, within a short walk of Nicollet Mall and Target Center. |
| Size (rooms) | 766 rooms across multiple connected towers. | 229 guestrooms. |
| Check-in minimum age | Minimum check-in age 21. | |
| Pools / signature water feature | Indoor atrium-style heated pool with whirlpool and sauna (open year-round). | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple outlets including Mystic Steakhouse, Minnehaha Café, Hop House, The Meadows Bar & Grille and Sweet Temptations. | Manny's Steakhouse, a coffee shop/cafe and two bars/lounges (on-site dining and bar count listed as 1 restaurant, 2 bars). |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa at Mystic Lake with three treatment rooms, sauna/steam and an on-site indoor pool area. | Not published |
| Known for | 24/7 casino floor, large entertainment showroom, on-site championship golf and large meeting/birthday/wedding capacity. | Iconic Foshay Tower building, downtown location and W brand lifestyle amenities. |
| Meeting & event space | Extensive: Mystic Lake Center with ~130,000 sq ft and 30 flexible meeting rooms; ballrooms seating into the thousands. | Conference space ~3,080 sq ft with 7 meeting rooms (suitable for small-to-midsize events). |
Mystic Lake sits in Prior Lake with resort-style grounds and short drives to outdoor attractions.
Pick Mystic Lake when you want a suburban resort with golf, lake access and event venues away from downtown traffic.
W Minneapolis The Foshay is in the city core, a short walk from theaters, arenas and restaurants.
Pick the W for walkable access to Minneapolis attractions and nightlife in a landmark tower.
Mystic Lake offers multiple tower room types and larger suites geared to event and leisure travelers.
Choose Mystic Lake for room variety and availability for big groups or event blocks.
W Minneapolis has 229 guestrooms with a mix of standard rooms, premiers and suites.
Pick the W for a compact, design-led downtown room inventory with accessible options.
Mystic Lake’s dining ranges from steakhouse and café fare to a sports bar and dessert outlet.
Pick Mystic Lake when you want variety on-site—fine dining, casual and late-night sports bar options all in one place.
W Minneapolis centers around a signature downtown steakhouse and a small number of bars.
Pick the W if you plan to eat out in downtown Minneapolis often and want a high-profile steakhouse on-site.
Mystic Lake’s signature water amenity is an indoor atrium-style heated pool with whirlpool and sauna.
Pick Mystic Lake when an indoor pool and integrated spa/fitness options matter.
W Minneapolis’s supplier listing does not publish a hotel pool; its highlighted amenities focus on downtown services and conference space.
W is primarily an urban hotel—confirm pool availability before booking if that’s a priority.
Mystic Lake pairs a full-service spa with 24/7 casino nightlife and a live-show showroom.
Pick Mystic Lake for combined spa services plus onsite late-night entertainment and gaming.
W Minneapolis offers fitness amenities and proximity to downtown bars, theaters and sports venues for nightlife.
Pick the W if you want urban nightlife and theater/sports access rather than a resort casino scene.

Mystic Lake — 24/7 casino floor, thousands of slot machines, table games and a VIP room.

W Minneapolis The Foshay — steps from Nicollet Mall, theaters and Target Center for easy city access.

Mystic Lake — expansive Mystic Lake Center and multiple ballrooms and meeting rooms for large groups.

W Minneapolis The Foshay — stays in an iconic Art Deco tower with a distinctive downtown address.
W Minneapolis The Foshay is downtown; Mystic Lake is in Prior Lake about a 20–25 minute drive to Minneapolis.
Mystic Lake has an indoor atrium-style heated pool with whirlpool and sauna; the W Minneapolis supplier listing does not publish a pool—confirm with the hotel if a pool is essential.
Yes—The Spa at Mystic Lake offers couples treatment rooms; W Minneapolis’s supplier listing does not publish spa details, so check with the hotel for spa options.
Mystic Lake operates a 24/7 casino floor on site; W Minneapolis is a downtown hotel and does not operate a casino.
Explore how Mystic Lake Casino Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·