Partly thanks to the sprawling mega-complex that is the Mall of America, Minneapolis has earned itself the reputation as being America’s top shopping mecca. However, there are many more places to snap up bargain deals and designer garments than in this world-famous mall.
I reveal some top tips so that you can find cheap Minneapolis hotels near attractions such as the Mill City Museum, and plan the shopping spree of a lifetime.
Flying into Minneapolis
Minneapolis is served by Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, which is conveniently located just 12 miles away from the heart of the city. Over 20 airlines fly to and from domestic cities like New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, as well as to more far-flung destinations such as Cancun, Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. Check out Delta Airlines, Delta connections, and Southwest Airlines for cheap flights to Minneapolis.
Superb Shopping Hotels
Next you will need to plan where you are going to stay. If you have the cash to flash then check in to the luxurious four-star Radisson Blu Mall of America, which is the only hotel to be connected directly to the mall via a walkway. If you’d rather spend your pennies on shopping purchases then the Holiday Inn Bloomington has budget rooms that will place you within easy reach of the mall.
Shopping Coupons and Discounts
Savvy shoppers do a little research before hitting the stores by collecting coupons and finding out where the sales are on. Sites like this one allow you to find the latest deals around and print off coupons. Some hotels like the Crowne Plaza in Bloomington give away free coupon booklets to guests.
Getting Around Minneapolis
Many of the hotels located near to the Mall of Americaoffer free shuttle buses to take guests to and from the mall. Minneapolis also has an excellent public transport system, and the Metro Transit buses provide a great way to get around on the cheap.
If you want to explore the area at your own pace then you can rent a car. Several of the major car hire companies have booths in Minneapolis Saint-Paul Airport as well as offices in several locations across the city. Taxis are readily available and can be booked in advance or hailed on the street.
Where to Shop
While it’s all too easy to spend several days exploring the 500 stores found in the Mall of America, Minneapolis is also home to other shopping districts that are well worth a visit. Thrifty shoppers will love rummaging through the clothes and vintage finds in the St. Vincent de Paul and Salvation Army thrift stores. You can also snap up some bargain discounts in the Twin Cities Premium Outlets. A new outlet center has just opened in Eagan, where Michael Kors, Nike, and Banana Republic all offer extraordinary savings on their stock.
With a dash of ingenuity and a little bit of planning, you are sure to find affordable hotels in Minneapolis and have a memorable trip. Have you been to the Mall of America? Tell us what you thought in the comments.