Hotels for families that won’t break the bank – anymore than the damage you’ll do at the Mall of America!
If a day of adventures in the Twin Cities is making you say “Uff-da,” then you better find a place for your family to take it easy. There are lots of lodging options in Minneapolis and St. Paul that won’t break the bank – anymore than the damage you’ll do at the Mall of America!
1. Radisson Blu
60 School Street, Minneapolis
Shop until you splash at the saltwater pool at Radisson Blu. This chic hotel is connected to the Mall of America. Radisson Blu offers several packages for different types of stays, but the Crayola Package is perfect for little kids. It offers a backpack of Crayola goodies, two tickets to the Crayola Experience where your kids will love drawing on giant glow boards and making creations from melted wax, and a stuffed crayon in a shade of blu(e). How appropriate! An Urban Room at Radisson Blu is modern and comfortable with ample space for a family of four, featuring a flat-screen television and a mini fridge. Starts at $329/night.
2. Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot
225 S. 3rd Avenue, Minneapolis
Enjoy city views from a historic suite in an old train depot in downtown Minneapolis! Your kids will love staying at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, mostly due to the adjacent Depot Ice Rink (open seasonally). Also, don’t miss the indoor pool, outdoor fire pit, and delicious food and drink options nearby. Family events, like concerts and movies, are often held at the Depot, so check online in advance of your stay. Starts at $359/night.
3. The Saint Paul Hotel
350 Market Street, St. Paul
A luxury hotel in downtown St. Paul, The Saint Paul Hotel has an aura of old with amenities that are brand new. The location is adjacent to Rice Park for outdoor concerts and close the Science Museum of Minnesota, Xcel Energy Center, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, and the Mississippi River. The hotel offers events for kids such as afternoon tea and etiquette classes. Make reservations early for tea time as space in the grand lobby is limited. Starts at $169/night.
4. The Grand Hotel Minneapolis
615 2nd Avenue South, Minneapolis
Access all that Minneapolis has to offer from the The Grand Hotel Minneapolis. You’re steps away from a light rail stop, and public bikes are available any time for a jaunt around the lakes. Like most Kimpton properties, Fido is welcome here, and a happy hour (for adults and kids) is hosted every evening in the lobby from 5 to 6 p.m. Take a dip in the six-lane lap pool at the Life Time Athletic Club in the hotel or use the yoga mat in your room to keep fit while traveling. Starts at $169/night.
5. Aloft Minneapolis
900 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis
An urban oasis in one of the trendiest areas in downtown Minneapolis, you’ll have tons of fun staying at Aloft Minneapolis. The heated indoor splash pool is open until 11 p.m., and light meals are available 24/7 when little ones get hungry. Camp Aloft greets kids (under 12) with goodies upon check-in and offers a child-size air mattress with kid’s bedding so that everyone can sleep soundly. Games are available in the lounge for kids and adults including a pool table. Starts at $195/night.
6. Loews Minneapolis Hotel
601 1st Avenue South, Minneapolis
No need to bring a coat during your stay downtown at the Loews Minneapolis Hotel. Step out of your room and into the skyway system that connects to Nicollet Mall stores and restaurants along with access to Target Center where you can catch a concert or cheer for the Minnesota Timberwolves. (On second thought, bring your coat. This is Minnesota!) The Loews Loves Kids program offers kid-friendly menus, games, and goodies. Starts at $279/night.
7. Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites
405 S. 8th Street, Minneapolis
If you want to be where the action is with a whirlpool, sauna, and swimming pool, this hotel is where you’ll want to stay in Minneapolis. Plus, what family doesn’t like the added space of a suite? The Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites is an affordable option for families that’s close to downtown attractions. Free milk and cookies are offered every night. Children (12 and under) stay free, and pets do too with advance notice. Parks for people (and dogs) are within walking distance of the hotel. Starts at $224/night.
8. The Westin Minneapolis
88 S. 6th Street, Minneapolis
Close to Target Field, The Westin Minneapolis is where you want to stay to cheer for the Minnesota Twins. Chill in the indoor pool after a hot night at the ballpark or after a sweaty run using one of the area jogging guides available at check-in. Save up to 50-percent with family package discounts on second, connecting rooms (based on availability); kids eat free from The Westin Eat Well Menu. Starts at $264/night.
9. Hotel 340
340 Cedar Street, St. Paul
Staying at the Hotel 340 feels like staying at a swanky bed and breakfast in the heart of downtown St. Paul. It’s historic, elegant, and cozy with only 56 rooms and suites. A complete, continental breakfast is included with your stay along with adult-only access to the Saint Paul Athletic Club. If you need a rollaway bed to accommodate a big brood in one room, there’s a small fee. The Hotel 340 is a small, quiet option for families needing rest after a big, loud event like the Minnesota State Fair which is only a ten-minute drive from the property. Starts at $98/night.
10. Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center
2100 Arrowwood Lane, Alexandria
Located almost 2-1/2 hours north of the Twin Cities, you’re going to need a car to get to Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center. But if you have trouble juggling a large family and a wide variety of interests, Arrowwood has something for everyone – big somethings such as the Big Splash Minnesota Indoor Waterpark! A lazy river at the park is perfect for all ages, and your crew can battle it out with water soakers in the play fort. The 18-hole Atikwa championship golf course is a good bet for sporty family members, and the Arrowwood Stables house 30 horses ready for trail rides with future equestrians. During the summer months, enjoy boat and board rentals on Lake Darling. Traditional guest room accommodations are available, as well as spacious townhomes and adorable bungalows. Rates vary.
KidTripster Tip: If you’re a family of four, ask Arrowwood about the Family Fun Package. It includes a deluxe standard room, waterpark passes, recreation passes, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. Starts at $264/night on weekdays.
Carla Corban Kath is a loon that lived in the Land of 10,000+ Lakes with her Minnesota-bred husband until she said “Uff da” to winter in the Midwest. She visits the Twin Cities with her daughters often to see her in-laws but does not eat lutefisk!
This writer received some complimentary stays for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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