Here's the best part about Mall of America hotels: convenience! The Mall is less than ten minutes away from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, so most hotels offer free shuttle service to and from the airport and the mall. What's more, the mall contains a major public transit hub, so visitors who want to venture to downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul can easily catch a bus or hop on the new light rail transit system. There's no need to rent a car, which is a bonus during the winter, when driving in the Twin Cities is no fun!
Need a package deal? Some hotels offer packages of their own, but contact the Mall of America for information about Destination Bloomington Packages. "Family Fun" packages start at around $220 and include hotel accommodations, one ticket to the Park at MOA, one ticket to the aquarium, and a coupon book. The "Big Ticket" package gives visitors up to a 30% discount on attractions throughout the mall and at the nearby Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Zoo, and IMAX Theater.
Here are some of the best hotels near the Mall of America:
Grand Lodge (1700 American Boulevard East, Bloomington). Located within walking distance of the mall, the family-friendly Grand Lodge has a truly unusual amenity: a 70,000 square foot indoor water park, complete with a 10-story water slide complex! The hotel has a woodsy cabin feel. Room start about about $108 a night double occupancy.
Le Bourget Aero Suites (7770 Johnson Avenue South, Bloomington). This cozy 160-suite boutique hotel is close enough to the MOA for quick shuttle rides, but far enough away to be just a bit remote and relaxing. Each suite is 400 square feet and contains separate sleeping and sitting areas. Rooms run around $109 a night for double occupancy. For about an extra $25, guests receive two all-day passes to the Park at the Mall of America and a mall coupon book.
Holiday Inn Select & Suites (Three Appletree Square, Bloomington). In walking distance of the mall, this comfortable hotel was renovated in 2005. The hotel's clientele are a mix of mall-going families and business travelers, all of whom benefit from spacious rooms and suites that start for around $75 a night double occupancy.
Park Plaza Bloomington(4460 W 78th Street Circle, Bloomington). Starting around $69 a night, this lovely hotel is a bargain because it's a little further away from the mall (about 10 minutes, with free shuttle service to the mall and the airport). Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and guests can enjoy a deluxe fitness center with an impressive pool. For even more shopping, the hotel is also close to Southdale Center (America's first mall!) and the upscale Galleria, and it is also a short drive to some of Minneapolis' most beautiful lakes.
Ramada Mall of America (2300 East American Boulevard, Bloomington). This older motel's Native American theme is either cool or creepy, depending on your perspective. The accommodations are simple but reliable and start at around $89 a night, with a location that can't be beat a few short blocks from the mall.
The copyright of the article Mall of America Hotels & Packages in Minnesota Travel is owned by Naomi Rockler-Gladen. Permission to republish Mall of America Hotels & Packages must be granted by the author in writing.