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Celebrating the women shaping every stay at Hotel Alexander.

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:30:00 GMT

At Hotel Alexander and Arch + Cable, our story has always been rooted in people, our guests, our community, and the team members who bring our spaces to life every day. This March, in honor of Women’s History Month, we are proud to shine a light on something that makes our hotels especially meaningful to us: we are women-owned and largely women-operated. From leadership and management to operations, hospitality, and guest experience, women play a vital role in shaping the culture, creativity, and care that define our properties. Throughout the month, we will be highlighting the incredible women who help make our hotels what they are today. Each story reflects a different journey, perspective, and contribution, but they all share a common thread: a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and community.

Where Leadership, Creativity, and Hospitality Meet

Boutique hotels are often defined by their design, their atmosphere, or their location. But at Hotel Alexander and Arch + Cable, the story begins with something deeper: vision. These properties were brought to life through the leadership and partnership of Michelle Schooff and Dr. Julene Nolan, two women whose careers span very different fields yet share a common thread: an unwavering commitment to community, innovation, and people. Together, they helped create hospitality spaces that reflect the character of downtown Mankato while offering guests an experience that feels thoughtful, welcoming, and unique.

Different Journeys, Shared Purpose

Michelle Schooff built her career in global business and marketing strategy, leading initiatives at an international scale while maintaining deep roots in the Mankato community. Dr. Julene Nolan’s professional work focuses on psychology and education, supporting students, families, and schools through her expertise in child development and mental health. While their professional paths differ, both women share a similar philosophy: meaningful spaces and strong communities are built through intention, collaboration, and care for the people they serve. Through Hospitality Ventures, their partnership helped bring two boutique hotel concepts to downtown Mankato: Arch + Cable and Hotel Alexander. Rather than creating traditional lodging, the goal was to design spaces that felt distinctive and reflective of the city itself. Each property blends thoughtful design, modern comfort, and a sense of place that celebrates the history and character of the community. Today, the hotels welcome travelers, families, athletes, business guests, and visitors from around the country who come to experience Mankato.

Women Shaping the Future of Hospitality

The leadership of Schooff and Nolan sets the tone for the culture and values behind the properties. Their work demonstrates how entrepreneurship, community investment, and thoughtful leadership can come together to create businesses that contribute to both economic growth and community pride. The women leading and working within these hotels continue to build on that foundation every day, ensuring that guests are welcomed with the same spirit of care and attention that inspired the hotels in the first place. The stories of the women behind Hotel Alexander and Arch + Cable remind us that leadership takes many forms: Sometimes it looks like building companies, sometimes it looks like investing in communities. And sometimes it looks like creating spaces where people feel welcomed, valued, and inspired. Through their leadership and vision, Michelle Schooff and Dr. Julene Nolan have helped create places that bring people together, and that story continues with every guest who walks through the doors.

Investing in the Community She Calls Home

Michelle is our co-founder and partner of Hospitality Ventures, LLC, a woman-owned hospitality company created with the goal of strengthening downtown Mankato’s visitor experience. Through this venture, she helped bring two boutique hotels to life: Arch + Cable Hotel and Hotel Alexander. The vision behind these projects was larger than simply creating places to stay. Michelle and her partners recognized a growing opportunity: as Mankato expanded its ability to host conferences, sporting events, and tourism, the community needed unique spaces that reflected its character and energy. These hotels now serve as more than accommodations; they have become gathering spaces that support local events, downtown vibrancy, and regional economic growth.

Leadership Beyond Business

Michelle’s influence in the region extends well beyond entrepreneurship. She has consistently dedicated her time and expertise to organizations that strengthen the community and create opportunities for others. She has served on boards and supported initiatives including: The Minnesota State University Foundation, Line Change Collective, The Greater Mankato YMCA, and The Mankato Area Foundation. Her commitment to philanthropy also includes establishing scholarship funds through the Mankato Area Foundation, with her husband, David, helping students pursue education and career opportunities they might not otherwise have. Michelle has also been deeply involved in major regional initiatives such as Hockey Day Minnesota in Mankato, where she served as co-chair of an effort that brought statewide attention, community pride, and philanthropic support to the area. Influence in a community does not always come from holding the loudest microphone. Often, it comes from the people who consistently invest their time, resources, and leadership into making a place better for everyone. Michelle Schooff is widely regarded as one of those people. She has played a role in bringing new business ventures to the region, supporting nonprofit organizations, and creating spaces that help Mankato grow as a destination city. Her leadership bridges multiple worlds: global corporate strategy, local entrepreneurship, and community service, demonstrating how professional success and civic responsibility can go hand in hand. During Women’s History Month, Michelle’s story is a reminder that leadership often looks like building something that benefits others: opportunities for students, gathering places for visitors, and economic vitality for the community. Her work reflects a powerful idea: success is not just measured by what you build professionally, but by how deeply you invest in the people and places around you. And in Mankato, Michelle Schooff’s impact continues to be felt every day.

A Classic Mankato Holiday Tradition Near Hotel Alexander: Kiwanis Holiday Lights

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The holiday season in Mankato is filled with charm, tradition, and glowing winter nights, and nothing captures that spirit quite like the Kiwanis Holiday Lights at Sibley Park. Running from November 28 to December 31, 2025, this beloved annual event transforms Sibley Park into a festive display of twinkling lights, animated scenes, and holiday music that locals and visitors eagerly anticipate every year. Presented by the Mankato Area Foundation and CHS, the Kiwanis Holiday Lights are free and open to the public and completely volunteer-produced, making them a meaningful way to celebrate the season while supporting the community. Guests are encouraged to bring cash or non-perishable food donations, which will help support local children’s programs throughout the region. Visitors can experience the lights by walking through the displays, enjoying a cozy drive-through experience, or arriving with a pre-approved bus group. Warm concessions, including cocoa, cider, and mini donuts, are available inside the park, making it easy to linger and enjoy the festive atmosphere. For hours, visiting tips, and display details, guests can learn more on the official Kiwanis Holiday Lights website: https://www.kiwanisholidaylights.com/sponsors

After an evening at the lights, return to the comfort of Hotel Alexander, located in the heart of Downtown Mankato. Our historic boutique hotel offers a relaxing retreat just minutes from Sibley Park, local dining, and other seasonal events, perfect for guests visiting family or coming into town for the holidays. Coming into town this winter or visiting Mankato for the holidays? Pair a festive night at the Kiwanis Holiday Lights with a cozy downtown stay.

A Night of Timeless Rock: STYX & Fans Take Over Arch + Cable and Hotel Alexander

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:00:00 GMT

Downtown Mankato lit up last week as legendary rock band STYX rolled into town. Both Arch + Cable and Hotel Alexander were buzzing with the energy of excited fans. From the moment guests checked in, it was clear this wasn’t just another concert night. It was nostalgia, first-time magic, and pure musical joy all wrapped into one unforgettable stay.

STYX at Arch + Cable: A Band and Their Crew Who Feel Like Family

We had the honor of hosting members of STYX at Arch + Cable , and their presence brought a special spark to the building. Polite, gracious, and full of good humor, they carried themselves with the same professionalism and warmth that has made them icons for decades. Our team loved welcoming them, and it was a privilege to be their home base during their Mankato performance.

Fans at Hotel Alexander: First-Timers, Lifelong Fans, and Everyone in Between

Across the street from the Mayo Event Center Venue at Hotel Alexander , the excitement was just as palpable. Many guests came specifically for the show. Some guests were seeing STYX live for the very first time, others returning to relive memories made years (or even decades!) ago. What surprised us most was the universality of the feedback. Whether they were longtime devotees or newcomers to the world of “Come Sail Away” and “Renegade,” everyone said the same thing: STYX still sounds absolutely incredible. Not “good for their age.” Not “nostalgic.” Just great, plain and simple. Their harmonies were tight, their energy contagious, and their musicianship every bit as impressive as fans remembered.

A Night to Remember, for the Band and for Mankato

Guests shared stories over coffee in the halls, reminiscing about the first time they heard their favorite STYX song, and celebrating how surreal it felt to hear it live again, this time with downtown Mankato as the backdrop. Meanwhile, first-timers couldn’t stop talking about how the band exceeded every expectation, delivering a show full of heart, precision, and electric stage presence.

We Love Being Part of Your Concert Experience

At Hotel Alexander and Arch + Cable , moments like this remind us why we love what we do. When guests walk into town ready to make memories and leave glowing about both their stay and their experience, it’s the best feeling in the world. To STYX, thank you for choosing Arch + Cable while visiting Mankato! To every fan who stayed with us, whether it was your first show or your fifth, we thank you for letting our hotels be part of such an unforgettable night.

Here’s to more music, more memories, and many more incredible nights in downtown Mankato, until the next encore.

Game Night in Mankato: MSU Mavericks vs. RPI

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 18:42:00 GMT

Hockey season is in full swing, and there’s nothing like game night in Mankato. The Minnesota State University Mavericks are set to take on Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center , and the excitement is already in the air. Whether you’re coming to cheer on a favorite player, meet up with friends, or just take in some great college hockey, Hotel Alexander is ready to welcome you for the weekend.

Event Details

Matchup: MSU Mavericks vs. RPI
Location: Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Game 1: Friday, October 24 at 7:07 PM
Game 2: Saturday, October 25 at 6:07 PM
Tickets and Information: Buy Tickets Here

There’s something special about watching Maverick hockey in person, the energy, the crowd, and the unmistakable pride of a hometown team.

Stay Local. Stay Comfortable.

At Hotel Alexander , we believe a good stay should feel effortless. Our boutique hotel pairs simple comforts with local character, creating a relaxed and welcoming space right in the heart of Mankato. We’re just minutes from the arena, so you can park once, walk to the game, and enjoy the whole evening without worry.

What makes us different:

Easy access to the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Clean, comfortable rooms with modern amenities
Friendly staff who know Mankato inside and out
Local touches that make every stay personal

Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or just for the night, we’ll make sure your stay is as memorable as the game.

Special Savings for Maverick Fans

We love our Mavericks, and we love their fans. Use promo code MAV10 when booking your stay and enjoy 10% off your room rate during Maverick home games. It’s our way of saying thanks for keeping it local and supporting the team.

Booking Code: MAV10
Valid for stays during Maverick home game weekends. Some blackout dates may apply.

Book Your Stay: https://hotels.cloudbeds.com/reservation/TPlfRx#promo=MAV10

A Day in Mankato with Hotel Alexander

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:19:00 GMT

At Hotel Alexander, we love being right in the heart of Mankato, a city filled with flavor, charm, and things to discover. If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend a day here, we’ve crafted a local food journey for you, complete with activities to enjoy between meals.

After breakfast, head outdoors to soak up Mankato’s natural beauty. If you’re up for a quick drive, Minneopa State Park offers breathtaking waterfalls and even the chance to spot a roaming bison herd. Prefer to stay closer to town? The Minnesota River Trail offers a scenic path for walking or biking, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and peaceful views.

Spend the afternoon discovering Downtown Mankato. Wander through Old Town’s colorful murals, browse unique shops, or pop into local art galleries. History buffs can also stop by the Blue Earth County Historical Society to learn more about the stories that shaped the area. There’s no shortage of ways to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Back at Hotel Alexander , settle in for a restful night. Our boutique-style rooms are designed to give you comfort and charm, the perfect ending after a day filled with flavor and discovery. With soft bedding and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll be ready to rest well and wake up refreshed for tomorrow’s adventures. From the first bite at breakfast to your final slice of pizza at dinner, Mankato’s food and experiences create memories worth savoring. Hotel Alexander is here to be your cozy home base for it all.