Bloomington, MN: Hotel & Motel Planning Guide

When to Visit Bloomington, Minnesota

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.

Best Discounts in Bloomington, Minnesota

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.

Best Value Options in Bloomington, Minnesota

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.

An Insider’s Guide to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota

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.

Bloomington, MN summarized

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.