Where to Stay in Minneapolis, Minnesota - 5 Best Areas & Places

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As part of Minnesota's Twin Cities (along with St. Paul), Minneapolis is one of the state's most popular destinations. The city features fun attractions, sporting events, and much more. However, when planning a trip, deciding where to stay can be a bit challenging.

From the bustle of Downtown to the more laid-back St. Louis Park, this list covers five of the best places to stay in Minneapolis for every kind of traveler. So, if you're planning to visit soon, keep reading to discover where to stay in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a perfect trip!

🏨 Best mid-range hotel:	Sonder at SECOND & SECOND
🏖 Best family-friendly hotel:	Elliot Park Hotel
💕 Best romantic hotel:	Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown at The Depot
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

5 Best Places to Stay in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Best Areas to Stay in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Downtown East

If you want to be in the center of everything, Downtown East is an excellent place to stay. It's especially recommended for first-time visitors as you have easy access to a range of things to do. Sports fans coming to watch a Minnesota Vikings game will likely want to stay in Downtown East as it's where U.S. Bank Stadium is located.

Along with the stadium, other attractions in this neighborhood include the Guthrie Theater and the Mill City Museum, where you can learn about the city's flour-milling history. Additionally, you can enjoy the fresh air in Mill Ruins Park and see the famous Stone Arch Bridge, which crosses the Mississippi River.

Once you've seen all that Downtown East offers, you can easily reach other neighborhoods. For example, both Downtown West and the North Loop District are around 30 minutes away on foot or about 10 minutes via public transport.

When it comes to accommodations in this area, you'll mainly find hotels. These cater to various budgets but are predominantly in the mid to high price range. However, if you book in advance or visit in an off-peak season, you can find good deals on hotels in Downtown East.

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Downtown East

• Sonder at SECOND & SECOND (rated highly)
• Sonder at Vicinity (top-rated)
• Sonder at East End (very highly rated)

🏖 Family-friendly accommodations in and nearby Downtown East

• Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District (top-rated)
• Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (5-star rating)
• W Minneapolis - The Foshay (5-star rating)

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby Downtown East

• Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot (chill out by the pool)
• Sonder at East End (4-star rating)
• Hyatt Regency Minneapolis (4-star rating)

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Downtown East

• Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (5-star rating)
• W Minneapolis - The Foshay (rated 5-stars)
• The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown

Downtown West

If you're looking for a vibrant nightlife with a lean toward artistic venues, Downtown West is a prime location to stay in Minneapolis. The area is home to many performing arts venues, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the Orpheum Theatre, and the Target Center, where you can see a range of acts.

Target Center is also home to the Minnesota Timberwolves NBA team. Along with seeing a show or watching a basketball game, you'll find no shortage of bars and restaurants in this neighborhood. During the day, places to visit include the Nicollet Mall and The Depot Minneapolis, which has a seasonal ice rink.

The Minneapolis Convention Center also sits on the edge of Downtown West, making it a great place to stay if you're attending an event at the convention center.

Connectivity to other neighborhoods via public transport, taxi, or even on foot is excellent. You can reach landmarks like Target Field in around 15 minutes when walking, and Downtown East is less than 15 minutes away on public transport.

This neighborhood is quite trendy, and hotels are stylish but also have a price tag to match, with many being in the higher-end price-wise. You can find some rooms around the 150-dollar range, though, especially if you book early.

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Downtown West

• Sonder at Vicinity (rated highly)
• Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis (4-star rating)
• Sonder at East End (4-star rating)

🏖 Family-friendly accommodations in and nearby Downtown West

• Emery Hotel (top-rated)
• Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (5-star rating)
• W Minneapolis - The Foshay (5-star rating)

💕 Romantic accommodations in and nearby Downtown West

• Sonder at East End (rated highly)
• Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown at The Depot (take it easy by the pool)
• Hyatt Regency Minneapolis (relax by the pool)

🛎️ Luxury accommodations in and nearby Downtown West

• Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (rated 5-stars)
• W Minneapolis - The Foshay (rated 5-stars)
• The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown

Nick Lundgren/Shutterstock.com

South Loop District

Minneapolis has many great places to stay; however, the nearby South Loop District may appeal to you the most. This neighborhood is in Bloomington but is only a 15-minute drive from central Minneapolis.

Notably, the South Loop District is located next to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, making it a good area to book accommodations if you have an early flight. It's also a great place for families due to the kid-friendly attractions and affordable accommodations located here.

Two top-rated things to do in South Loop are going to the Mall of America, the largest mall in the United States, and visiting the SEA LIFE aquarium. You have easy access to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge as well, and Fort Snelling State Park is only a 10-minute drive away.

Accommodation options here are relatively affordable and mainly consist of chain hotels. As mentioned, you can reach the neighborhoods in central Minneapolis quickly by driving or opt for public transport, which will take around an hour. You're also next to East Bloomington, which has places like the Works Museum, a children's museum.

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby South Loop District

• Home2 Suites by Hilton Minneapolis-Mall of America (top-rated)
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Minneapolis Near Mall of America (top-rated)
• Tru by Hilton Minneapolis Mall of America (offers a pool)

🏖 Family-friendly accommodations in and nearby South Loop District

• Home2 Suites by Hilton Minneapolis-Mall of America (scored highly by guests)
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Minneapolis Near Mall of America (top-rated)
• Element Bloomington Mall of America (soak up the sun poolside)

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby South Loop District

• Hyatt Regency Bloomington (chill out by the pool)
• Radisson Blu Mall of America (4-star rating)
• JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America (4-star rating)

Frank Romeo/Shutterstock.com

North Loop District

Also known as The Warehouse District, North Loop is one of the more laid-back neighborhoods to stay in Minneapolis. It's especially recommended for younger travelers and couples visiting for a fun weekend getaway.

Sports fans coming to the city for a Minnesota Twins baseball game will be interested in staying in North Loop because Target Field is located here. The popular Minneapolis Farmers Market, a daily produce market, is also situated in North Loop, as are many boutiques shops.

In the evening, this area really comes to life, with an array of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to be enjoyed. There are also comedy clubs if you want to do something a little different.

Another of the selling points of this area is its good connectivity to other neighborhoods. Being right next to Downtown East and Downtown West, you can quickly and easily walk, drive, or use public transport to reach the attractions there.

A few hotels are located in North Loop, along with trendy short-term apartment rentals. These are often in the mid to high price range, but you can find deals if you book early.

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby North Loop

• Sonder at SECOND & SECOND (highly acclaimed)
• FRONTDESK 20 6th st Apts NE Minneapolis Riverfront District (highly rated)
• Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis (4-star rating)

🏖 Child-friendly places to stay in and nearby North Loop

• Element Minneapolis Downtown North Loop (rated very highly)
• Hotel Ivy (well-regarded)
• Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown at The Depot (soak up the sun poolside)

💕 Romantic accommodations in and nearby North Loop

• Sonder at East End (well-regarded)
• Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown at The Depot (chill out by the pool)
• Hyatt Regency Minneapolis (lounge by the pool)

🛎️ Luxury accommodations in and nearby North Loop

• Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (exceptional rating)
• The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
• W Minneapolis - The Foshay

St Louis Park

While not technically located in Minneapolis, St Louis Park is so close by that you won't have to travel far to experience all Minneapolis has to offer. You also get to enjoy the small-town vibes that St Louis Park offers.

While St. Louis Park is smaller than Minneapolis, that doesn't mean there's nothing to do. Notably, the area has some great outdoor attractions, like the Westwood Hills Nature Center and Oak Hill Park.

Additionally, you'll find numerous local businesses, including shops, cafes, and breweries. The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and The Bakken Museum also sit on the city's outskirts. Best of all, it's only a 15-minute drive to central Minneapolis.

This neighborhood is recommended for travelers on a budget who still want easy access to Minneapolis. Hotels, motels, and some short-term rentals can be found here, which are much more affordable than options in Downtown Minneapolis and the surrounding area.

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby St Louis Park

• TownePlace Suites Minneapolis West StLouis Park (relaxing pool)
• SpringHill Suites Minneapolis West StLouis Park
• Ramada by Wyndham Minneapolis Golden Valley (loved by guests)

🏖 Child-friendly places to stay in and nearby St Louis Park

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Minneapolis - Saint Louis Park at West End (rated highly)
• TownePlace Suites Minneapolis West StLouis Park (relaxing pool)
• SpringHill Suites Minneapolis West StLouis Park

Where to Stay in Minneapolis, Minnesota

IVY PHOTOS/Shutterstock.com

Where to stay in Minneapolis with family?

When traveling with family, you'll most likely want to stay in a location that has things to do to keep everyone happy. With this in mind, the two recommended places for families in Minneapolis are Downtown East and South Loop.

Downtown East has fun attractions, including museums and a park. You can also easily access other areas, like North Loop, which has a children's playground. There are many restaurants in the area as well, with something for even the pickiest eater.

The area can get quite busy, so it may be better suited to families with older children. South Loop, on the other hand, is a top area to stay in Minneapolis for families with kids of all ages.

There are lots of family attractions in and around this area, from the Mall of America and the SEA LIFE aquarium to the Works Museum. You can also access outdoor places, such as the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and the area is more affordable than Downtown.

🎉 Check the best South Loop District accommodation prices

• View prices at Booking.com
• View prices at Agoda

Where to stay in Minneapolis for a romantic getaway?

Minneapolis is a bustling and lively city with a neighborhood for every couple. While the best area for a romantic getaway depends on what you and your partner enjoy doing, North Loop and Downtown West are generally the two top places to stay.

North Loop is a fun area with lots of bars and restaurants for a memorable date night. You can also spend time wandering around Minneapolis Farmers Market together and browsing independent shops. Stylish and romantic hotel or apartment rentals are scattered throughout the area as well.

Downtown West is another top choice. Located next to North Loop, this area has many performing arts venues, perfect for couples that want a unique night out. You can additionally shop at the vast Nicollet Mall, find numerous cute bars and restaurants, and even go ice skating in the winter.

If you and your partner like sports, both these areas also give you easy access to Target Field, the Target Center, and U.S. Bank Stadium. From both neighborhoods, you can additionally access the downtown area's riverside park for a romantic walk.

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby North Loop

• Sonder at East End (rated highly)
• Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown at The Depot (take it easy by the pool)
• Hyatt Regency Minneapolis (chill out by the pool)

Sam Wagner/Shutterstock.com

Where to stay in Minneapolis for nightlife?

Minneapolis has many options for nightlife, whether you want to dance all night, check out trendy bars, or catch a show. The central Minneapolis neighborhoods are generally the best for nightlife, with North Loop being a popular choice.

This area has an array of bars and nightclubs for all tastes as well as restaurants serving all types of cuisine. As this is a vibrant nightlife area, you'll be able to mix with both locals and other visitors.

Downtown West is another place to stay in Minneapolis that has great nightlife options, but the vibe here is a little more laid-back. Places to go range from stylish cocktail bars and charming bistros to sports bars. You can even spend the evening at the Target Center, which hosts concerts and NBA games.

🏨 Mid-range place to stay in and nearby North Loop

• Millennium Minneapolis

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby North Loop

• Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (rated 5-stars)
• The Chambers Hotel (5-star luxury)
• The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown

Where to stay in Minneapolis for sightseeing?

Staying in Downtown West or Downtown East is a great idea for a sightseeing trip. These locations give access to most of the city's top landmarks and attractions, from the Orpheum Theatre and the Target Center to Stone Arch Bridge and the Mill City Museum.

Both offer easy access to other areas and places as well, like North Loop, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and the Walker Art Center.

Another option (that's a little more affordable) is staying in the South Loop District. In this area, you can visit the world-renowned Mall of America, plus sites like Fort Snelling State Park.

To see some of the Downtown attractions and landmarks, simply drive about 15 minutes. Alternatively, use public transport to reach central Minneapolis and its sights in around an hour.

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Downtown East

• Sonder at Vicinity (rated very highly)
• Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis (4-star rating)
• Sonder at East End (4-star rating)

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Downtown East

• Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (5-star rating)
• W Minneapolis - The Foshay (5-star rating)
• The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown

Where to stay in Minneapolis for a business trip?

For travelers on a business trip, Minneapolis Downtown will likely be the best place to stay. If you're attending an event at the convention center, Downtown West is the ideal neighborhood to stay in Minneapolis. Downtown East may be a good choice if you want a larger selection of hotels.

Both areas have many bars and restaurants for meetings or after-work fun. In Downtown West, you can also go to a show or a basketball game if you're visiting during the NBA season.

Those that want to stay as close to the airport as possible should also consider the South Loop District. It's right by the airport, accommodation is a little more affordable, and you can commute to central Minneapolis relatively easily.

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Downtown West

• Sonder at Vicinity (top-rated)
• Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis (4-star rating)
• Sonder at East End (4-star)

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Downtown West

• Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (rated 5-stars)
• W Minneapolis - The Foshay (5-star rating)
• The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown

Where to stay in Minneapolis for a weekend trip?

The ideal area to stay for a weekend trip in Minneapolis will depend on what you want to do. Generally, Downtown East, Downtown West, or North Loop will be the top choices.

You can easily explore all three neighborhoods no matter where you book your accommodation. They also have an array of attractions, from museums and parks to shops and markets.

The nightlife options are endless as well, whether you want to watch a performance, go to a club or bar, or have a relaxed dinner. Additionally, if you're in the city for a weekend sporting event, Minneapolis' sports arenas are spread throughout these three areas.

On the other hand, those wanting a more relaxed weekend or a trip with outdoor activities may prefer the South Loop District or St Louis Park. They have outdoor attractions like Westwood Hills Nature Center in St Louis Park or Fort Snelling State Park, and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge around South Loop.

In addition, you can shop til you drop (and enjoy other entertainment) in the South Loop District at the Mall of America. Best of all, both areas are still close to Minneapolis for sightseeing.

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Downtown East

• Sonder at SECOND & SECOND (top-rated)
• Sonder at Vicinity (scored highly by guests)
• Sonder at East End (4-star)

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Downtown East

• Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (5-star rating)
• W Minneapolis - The Foshay (5-star rating)
• The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown

In Conclusion

As you can see, there are a range of excellent locations to stay in Minneapolis. You can also find some great areas just outside of the city.

Whether you want to enjoy the bustle of Downtown East, Downtown West, and North Loop, or opt for the more laid-back South Loop District or St Louis Park, you'll have a great time getting to know one-half of the Twin Cities!

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