When planning a long weekend away in a thriving urban centre, one usually doesn’t contemplate staying at a hotel near the airport. We do stay near the airport occasionally, but only for one night if we have an early morning flight out. In the case of where to stay in Minneapolis, you should seriously consider staying near the airport as an option.
Steve and I recently attended the Travel Blogger Exchange (TBEX) conference held at the Radisson Blu hotel in the mother of all shopping malls, Mall of America. We stayed offsite at the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington to make use of some rewards points. It turned out to be a great choice, but we didn’t realize it at the time. We just wanted a place close to the conference.
This is what makes an airport hotel the best stay in Minneapolis:
Vehicle Independence
You would think that in order to enjoy all the city has to offer, you’d need a vehicle if staying at the airport. Not so in Minneapolis. Hilton’s convenient shuttle service to the train line (alternatively a 10-minute walk), Mall of America, as well as to the airport, makes getting around without a vehicle very easy. We drove to Minneapolis, but left the vehicle parked at the Hilton lot most of the time – a nice option at no cost (unlike most downtown hotels).
The commuter trains are clean, relatively fast, and a ride only costs $1.75 USD.
Only photo I took of the train and it’s advertising North Dakota. Sorry Minnesota!
City Sights or Shop Till You Drop?
If you’re travelling with a group of friends or your family, staying at one of the airport hotels makes sense in terms of pleasing everyone. Not into exploring the more than 500 shops, amusement park or aquarium at Mall of America? Part ways at the train station and head downtown. By all means, check out the mall, It’s ginormous and Nickelodeon Universe has some stomach-flipping rides that are super fun.
But, don’t spend all your time there, people. Minneapolis is bursting with things to do and see:
Take a Snap with Mary
If you’re old enough to remember the Mary Tyler Moore Show, you’ll want to snap a photo with the statue of her throwing her hat in the air as she did in the opening sequence. The statue was recently moved into the Minneapolis Visitor’s Center at 505 Nicolette Mall.
Ah … Mary, you made me want to have an exciting career, date a bunch of men, and live in a cute little apartment as an independent single gal. Important life goals I’m happy to say I achieved.
Walk the Downtown
Several TBEX attendees took a walking tour with The Fit Tourist and learned about the history and happenings in Minneapolis’ center. Some of the highlights:
Bob Dylan Mural
Recently completed mural in homage to rock legend and Minnesota homeboy, Bob Dylan.
Target Field
The relatively new Minnesota Twins venue, Target Field is the most urban park in the major leagues. Its innovate design and numerous baseball-related statues make it a must-visit sight even if not to attend a game.
First Avenue
See a show or at least stroll by First Avenue, the iconic music venue that featured prominently in Prince’s movie Purple Rain. Prince performed here many times. The outside of the venue features a “wall of stars.” After Prince’s recent, tragic death, his star got the gold treatment.
The State Courthouse
It’s impossible to walk by the State Courthouse without doing a double take.
The State Courthouse features innovative landscape design by Martha Schwartz. The mounds of earth represent glacial drumlins once present on the Minnesota landscape during the ice age.
Whimsical statues populate the mounds mowing grass, taking photos, and getting up to mischief. Delightful design with a security purpose – to prevent vehicles from ramming into the building.
Visit the Warehouse District
The Warehouse District is a treasure trove of historic architecture. It’s littered with funky loft condos, independent shops and many restaurants.
Sit on a sunny patio like the one at Smack Shack. The Cobb salad featuring generous morsels of lobster was very yummy.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
One of the best attractions doesn’t require a train ride from the airport hotel at all. Our huge surprise during our stay at the Hilton Bloomington/Airport hotel was its proximity to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge comprises 14,000 acres of land dedicated to wildlife and wildlife dependent recreation. It’s directly across from the hotel parking lot!
As runners, we were in heaven. Usually, when you stay in an airport hotel you are forced to retreat to the treadmills in the fitness centre to avoid sprawling interstates and roadways without sidewalks.
During our run we spotted a garter snake in a tree along the trail as well as two turtles making their way along the path.
We would have loved more time to explore this area as well as the education centre located on site. What a gem!
Know of a great airport hotel?
Would love to hear if you’ve visited an airport hotel that surprised you.
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Most airport hotels don’t have the convenience to downtown and nature paths that the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington does. Sounds like a great choice. I love your photo highlights of Minneapolis too – the city is great.
Thanks Donna! It was great meeting you in person there as well.
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