The Bloomington center is about the area of John F. Kennedy High School and 1 mile east of Bloomington Ice Garden.
Winters in Bloomington are long, considerably cold, and rarely get above freezing. Unless you're willing to battle the winter's chill, you may want to avoid the months between November and April and wait for warmer weather. However, if you plan a trip to Bloomington during the winter, you can expect reduced hotel rates — as long as you aren't traveling during major holidays.
Summer is Bloomington's peak visitation season, but June, July, and August are some of the best times to visit. While you'll find crowds and higher rates for accommodations, the weather is pleasant with daily highs around 80 degrees. You also can't beat the summer weather for enjoying the area's outdoor parks and lakes.
May and September are Bloomington's shoulder months, which tend to come with fewer crowds and fair weather. If you're looking to save some money on your hotel rate, try to plan your trip during this time.
If you know where to stay, you can save more money during your trip to Bloomington by taking advantage of discounts. Many accommodations offer ongoing special offers that change often, so be sure to check before booking. For instance, The Westin Edina Galleria's latest offer allows you to save as much as 40 percent on your second night when you pay the regular rate for the first. Keep in mind that special offers are limited and vary by hotel.
AAA members can also save big on area hotels. In fact, AAA members tend to pay up to 20 percent less than other guests when they show their AAA card. Similar discounts are available for AARP members, military families, and government employees.
Bloomington offers a variety of mid-range hotels for the value. The Sheraton Bloomington Hotel is a four-star accommodation off I-494. It's an unfussy property within easy driving distance of both the airport and the Mall of America, but it offers a business center with meeting space, free parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an exercise room. Guest rooms and suites have all been recently renovated and feature flat-screen TVs, free Starbucks coffee, and a thoughtfully modern décor.
AmericInn Hotel & Suites Bloomington West is a modern, four-story hotel offering a free hot breakfast and shuttle service to both the airport and the Mall of America. You'll also find an on-site gym, restaurant, and indoor pool, plus kids younger than 16 stay free with an adult.
If you want to stay close to Mount Normandale Lake Park, La Quinta Inn & Suites Minneapolis Bloomington West may be the accommodation for you. It features traditional guest rooms with HD channels, comfortable pillow-top mattresses, and free high-speed Internet. One of the best features of this hotel is the hot tub and sauna, both amenities provided for guests in addition to the indoor pool and fitness center. You'd have to pay extra for spa-like amenities like these, but they're included in the standard hotel rate.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Minneapolis Bloomington/Mall of America places you within a two-minute walk of the popular shopping complex. With rates that rival some of the most budget-friendly accommodations in town, this property is also a great value. The unassuming guest rooms offer premium cable channels and free Wi-Fi, while suites include separate living areas. You'll also enjoy a free hot breakfast, exercise room, indoor pool, an on-site convenience store, laundry facilities, and a free airport shuttle service.
Regardless of your reason for visiting Bloomington, chances are you'll find yourself at the Mall of America. It's the area's number-one tourist destination, but it's also a place the locals shop. Whether you're here for some family-friendly amusement or world-class shopping, familiarize yourself with the property to get a better idea of what to do.
The Mall of America has more than 500 stores, but its biggest attractions are the LEGO Store play area, the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, and Nickelodeon Universe. In addition to these top spots, be sure to check out the two-story American Girl store and the popular Build-A-Bear Workshop.
The mall also offers plenty of free entertainment, so head to the Rotunda to see which events are happening. More than 400 events take place here annually, including performances by top celebrities. If you happen to be here when the crowd starts forming on the main floor and upper-level overlooks, there's a good chance that some big attraction or event is about to happen.
Tuesday mornings are known as Toddler Tuesdays, a time when the stroller crowd visits the mall. The facility tends not to be crowded during this time, and parents can find all types of activities, crafts, and performances for preschool-aged children. Tuesdays are also the best time to find great deals at Nickelodeon Universe.
Whether you're looking for an upscale hotel in the Mall of America or a budget-friendly lodging near the interstate, with some research and planning on your part, you can find the best Bloomington hotel that allows you to maximize your travel budget and still have money left over for the shopping, dining, and doing in Bloomington.
The bedroom community of Bloomington sits at the doorstep of Minnesota's busiest airport, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport. The state's fifth largest airport enjoys a steady stream of tourists, all of whom are headed to the world-famous Mall of America, the nation's largest shopping center. Bloomington was initially established as a housing suburb, thanks to a post-war housing boom. More than 180 years after, Bloomington has evolved into a dynamic urban settlement, with more than 35 hotels that capitalize on its retail fame. Big enough to house 32 Boeing 747 airplanes, Mall of America's grounds may take a week of browsing, while the rest of the residents enjoy a lifetime's worth of jobs, as the city has more jobs per capita in the state. Apart from the busy retail scene, the city's 39 square miles is mostly occupied by reserved parklands, making its four seasons well-worth the stay. The Water Park of America and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge make it an excellent place for hiking and biking, and of course, that occasional shopping.
Below are reviews of the city of Bloomington, MN from an actual visitor's perspective.
We never left the hotel, we actually booked an additional night last minute. Hotel kept us super busy and we had no reason to venture out!
Lots of options for food and activities all year round!
Close to airport.
Close to Mall Of America.
Close to Mall Of America.
Mall of America.
Everything!!
Close to Mall of America
Proximity to airport.
I like a Chinese restaurant located there.
Guests liked being close to MOA.
Bloomington is close to the airport.
Great great dining options close to hotel!
Shopping and eating options!
Great location. Well kept and very clean hotel!
Great location!
Mall of America
The room very clean!
Lots to do!
Me gustó mucho
It was a nice big room. Right next to the mall. Very quiet.
The mall!
Close to airport.
Mall of America, near the airport, light rail into downtown Minneapolis.
Really nice city!
We like the proximity to the airport.
Mall of America
Mall of America!
Easy to get around, especially for out of towners.
Clean.
Good location!
Quiet. Easy to navigate
Breakfast!
Only there to catch our flight out.
Mall of America
MOA!! And Family
Mall of America (aquarium, Nickelodeon theme park).
Lots of great amenities and Mall of America just 10 minutes away!
Good location.
Mall of America.
I visited the mall, plenty of eating places, Walmart.
Convenient location close to Ft. Snelling Cemetery for early morning service.
A good stay!
Clean hotel; great places to eat, close to other things.
Nice city with a great airport and friendly taxi drivers to take you places.
Great location, close to many attractions.
Friendly staff, very clean, food was great, service was wonderful.
I was there to catch a flight. Mall of America is there and an IKEA. Those are fun.
Clean!
Hotel is okay overall.
It's ok overall.
The wedding experience at the Mall of America was amazing.
We were late coming in and they did everything they could to get us a room!
They provided excellent service for a banquet I attended.
There is so much to see and do here! Have a plan but be flexible and enjoy being here.
Was in town for a gem show.
Near airport and Mall of America.
There is so much to see and do here!
Location and ease to get there from airport, close to MAO, close to stores, etc.
So many things within a short drive, restaurants, shopping, train to downtown for sporting events, all easily accessible.
Nice clean rooms and friendly staff!
Lots to do right at the Mall from rides, to comedy club, shopping, movies, aquarium, restaurants, etc.
We came from St. Louis to see the Mall of America and were very pleased with the shuttles back and forth.
Great location with access to shopping, dining and events.
We were very close to the Mall of America that was the reason for the stay.
We were very close to the Mall of America that was the reason for the stay.
Beautiful forests, hills and lakes along with miles of walking and cycling trails.
We only went to the mall. Both on site restaurants were very good!
Bloomington has excellent restaurants and shopping.
Were there for our oldest grandson's high school graduation. Very convenient to every place we wanted to go.
So much to do in the mall. We don't even leave the hotel/mall. We come from Michigan three to five times a year.
Mall of America
Good food in the area.
Good hotel.
We enjoyed staying at this hotel.
The location is convenient because of the 9 mins distance from the Msp Airport.
If you like Mall of America, March is a great time of year.
I liked that there is a eating place attached.
Seemed like a cool place. Lots of accommodations and food choices.
Good places to shop for anything!
Location is near airport
Location to airport!
Clean room and thoughtful concierge.
Mall of America
Clean, lots of thing to do.
great to be able to walk to the Mall of America.
Love the shuttle bus to and from the mall excellent!
Close to the Minnesota State Fair and Mall of America.
Mall of America
Closer to the airport
I have to say that the bed was so comfortable- better than most hotel beds. The pillows were also the right size for the bed which doesn't happen very often.
Eden Prairie. Great location. It had a shopping mall, lots of restaurants, gas stations, and department stores.
Nice hotel and it accommodated all our needs.
Guests enjoyed their stay at the Best Western Plus Bloomington Hotel!
Events and activities were great. Location of all the events were close to our hotel location and very convenient.
Close to everything and nice hotel accommodations.
There is a lot to do in and around the Bloomington area for families and school groups.
Lots of shops and restaurants in the area.
All of the businesses and shopping areas were all close together which was nice and convenient.