What is the best area to stay in Minneapolis?
By Marc Friedman. December 18, 2023
Downtown Minneapolis, the heart of the city, is considered the best place to stay, with dozens of hotels in easy walking distance of the city’s main attractions. Safely walk outdoors or via the indoor skyways to U.S. Bank Stadium for a Vikings game. Target Field for a Twins baseball game, and Target Center for a Minnesota Timberwolves basketball game are also close by. With so many downtown hotels and trendy restaurants, this is the place to stay. Minneapolis has a bustling nightlife, with theaters, pubs, and nightclubs throughout the downtown core. During the day visit the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and beautiful downtown parks.
Minneapolis is the economic and cultural hub of the Upper Midwest. The city has a population of 425,000 residents, with the metro area totaling 3.7 million people. Dubbed the “City of Lakes”, Minneapolis is known for a wide range of outdoor activities, including biking, running, and walking around the lakes during the warmer months. Locals embrace the cold and often snowy winters with ice skating, skiing, hockey, and numerous winter festivals. There is no need to rent a car when staying downtown, as you can easily get here by light rail from the airport.On the map, which shows the best area to stay in Minneapolis, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Minneapolis, you may also be interested in where to stay in Chicago or where to stay in Kansas City.
Downtown, the best area to stay in Minneapolis
First Time / Families / U.S. Bank Stadium / A Vikings Game
Dozens of hotels, restaurants, theaters, sports stadiums, and nightclubs are in downtown Minneapolis. The economic heart of the city, metro area, and region, downtown Minneapolis has towering skyscrapers and the best variety of hotels. Touring Broadway shows play at the Orpheum and State theaters, as do world-renowned performers. The Guthrie Theater is known nationally as the starting point for numerous plays heading to Broadway.
Art enthusiasts can tour the Walker Art Center and adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The Mill City Museum explores the history of the city. Walk across the historic Stone Arch Bridge for a spectacular view of downtown. World-class art exhibits at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) are located five minutes from downtown. Dining and shopping are popular on the pedestrian-friendly Nicollet Mall.
Pro sports enthusiasts staying downtown can easily walk to Minnesota Twins baseball games at Target Field, Minnesota Timberwolves NBA basketball at Target Center, and Minnesota Vikings NFL football at US Bank Stadium.
Hotels in Downtown Minneapolis
Other areas to stay in Minneapolis
North Loop and the Warehouse District
Target Field / A Twins Game
Just across Hennepin Avenue from what is officially “downtown”, the North Loop and Warehouse districts are known for First Avenue, where Prince struck fame, and the intimate Dakota jazz club. There are several hotels in this trendier part of Minneapolis. Target Center and Target Field are both in the North Loop, and just a short walk from the larger and more opulent hotels. However, the hotel options here are worth considering. With dozens of restaurants in the neighborhood, visitors can find a great meal nearby.
The dining and entertainment scene has blossomed here in the last few years, with the addition of numerous large apartment buildings fueling the popularity of these younger and very active neighborhoods. For visitors seeking late night activities including live entertainment and microbreweries, this is the place to be.
Two light rail stations are located nearby, with the North Loop and Warehouse District hotels just a short walk away.
University Area
College Sports / Light Rail to Downtown
The main campus of the University of Minnesota is located east of downtown but still in the core of the metro area. With over 50,000 students, this major institution always has something going on. The Dinkytown neighborhood adjacent to the school’s campus is the shopping and dining hub of the community, with many inexpensive restaurants, clothing, and student-oriented shops. Visit “Al’s Breakfast”, with just 14 counter seats, for a unique experience.
On campus activities frequented by visitors include the Frank O. Gehry designed Weisman Art Museum, concerts and plays performed at Northrup Auditorium, and sporting events including women’s and men’s basketball and hockey, football, volleyball, and swimming.
There is one major hotel on-campus, close to the U of M Hospital, another across the Mississippi River on the school’s “West Bank”, and others just off-campus. The light rail line between downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul has two stops on the campus proper, within walking distance of these hotels. (158 words)
St. Louis Park
First-Time Visitors Seeking a Suburban Location Close to Downtown
St. Louis Park and its West End dining and entertainment district is the best place to stay in the suburbs. If you’re arriving by car, don’t want to pay for parking, but want good restaurants within walking distance, this location is for you. Downtown Minneapolis is an easy 10-minute drive away. Or leave your car at the hotel, using Uber/Lyft instead.
The West End hotels are highly desirable for visitors coming to town for a sporting event or concert. Rates are higher on prime weekends, such as when the Vikings have a home game or the Twins are in town for a weekend series, but room rates will still be well below those found downtown.
The West End offers shopping as well as an eclectic selection of dining options, including Hope Breakfast Bar, Crave, Rojo, and “The Local” Irish Pub. The 14-screen Ikon movie theatre is centrally located. There is free underground heated parking, too.
Minnetonka
With a car / On a Budget
Minnetonka, just west of St. Louis Park, has several good hotels and dining options for first-time visitors who prefer to stay in the suburbs. Downtown is 15 minutes away by car, so using your own wheels or calling for an Uber/Lyft pickup are both viable options. The West End with its movie theater and restaurants is very close by, as is Ridgedale Mall, the western suburb’s largest shopping center that includes Nordstrom and several upscale dining spots. Popular local restaurants worth checking out include Bacio and Boulevard.
Again, parking is free at each of Minnetonka’s hotels, so you’ll avoid that expense by not staying downtown. Should you have time on your hands and want to visit the upscale lakefront village of Wayzata on Lake Minnetonka, its many shops and fine dining spots are a mere 10-minute drive away.
With many large corporations located in Minnetonka, it’s a perfect location for business travelers, too.
Bloomington
Close to the Airport / Mall of America / Light Rail Access
Adjacent to the airport, Bloomington is a popular choice for visitors to Minneapolis who prefer staying in a suburban locale. Bloomington is home to an equal number of hotels as downtown without the parking expense and is a 15-20 drive to museums and sports events. For visitors arriving by air, complimentary shuttle service from both terminals is available to most hotels on what is known as the “Bloomington Strip”.
The Marriott and Hilton hotel chains are in abundance in Bloomington, plus other well-known national brands. For transportation downtown, visitors can drive, arrange an Uber or Lyft ride, or hop on the light rail that originates at the Mall of America. The train makes stops in East Bloomington and at both airport terminals, then heads downtown including stops for US Bank Stadium, Target Center, and Target Field. It takes approximately 35 minutes from MOA to the end of the line at Target Field.
Our recommended hotels in Minneapolis
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in MinneapolisNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
