The Twin Cities are spread out, so where you stay shapes your trip more than in a compact European city. The good news is that the light rail links the key areas, so you can stay where you like and still reach everything. Decide first whether your trip is about downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul or Mall of America, then pick the hotel.
North Loop: for food, nightlife and character
The old warehouse district on the northern edge of downtown Minneapolis is the city’s most enjoyable neighbourhood, full of restaurants, bars, coffee shops and independent stores in converted brick buildings. Our featured pick, Hewing Hotel, is in an 1897 warehouse refreshed throughout in 2026, with the wood-fired Tullibee restaurant and a rooftop sauna and spa pool that stay open all year. Target Field, First Avenue and the start of the skyway walking tour are a short walk away.
Downtown riverfront: for luxury and the mill district
The blocks between downtown and the Mississippi put you close to the Stone Arch Bridge, Mill City Museum and the Guthrie Theater, and many buildings are linked by the skyways. Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, opened in 2022, is the city’s top splurge, with Mara restaurant, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools and a skyway connection that makes winter easy.
Downtown East: for value and the stadium
Just east of the centre, around U.S. Bank Stadium and Gold Medal Park, Downtown East is a practical, well-connected area. Moxy Minneapolis Downtown is the budget choice here, with check-in at Bar Moxy, compact rooms, free Wi-Fi and the light rail steps from the door, plus an easy walk to the riverfront.
Downtown St. Paul: for history and calm
If you prefer a quieter, more traditional base, stay in St. Paul. The Saint Paul Hotel has overlooked Rice Park since 1910, with The St. Paul Grill and The Drake for breakfast, and the Ordway Center, the Cathedral of Saint Paul and Summit Avenue are close by. The light rail links downtown St. Paul to Minneapolis.
Bloomington and Mall of America: for families and flights
If your trip centres on the mall, or you have an early flight, stay at the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, which is attached to the mall, with an indoor heated pool and light rail to the airport and downtown. Children love walking straight from the room to Nickelodeon Universe.
Matching base to trip
For character and food, Hewing. For five-star service and a spa, the Four Seasons. For a classic grand hotel, The Saint Paul Hotel. For a family mall trip, the JW Marriott. For the lowest cost near the riverfront, the Moxy.
Practical tips
Parking is charged at almost every downtown hotel, so if you are not driving to Paisley Park or the suburbs, skip the car and use the light rail. Prices rise for big games and concerts at the stadium and around the holidays and Black Friday at the mall, so book early for those dates. Breakfast is often not included, so check your rate.
