Questions for those in the Minneapolis area

[Jenn Lynn]

I need advice on hotels please!

Labor Day weekend we are coming to Minneapolis. Our plans are to go to the zoo on Saturday. To the Mall of America and The Wiggles on Sunday. And then MOA/home on Monday.

I was looking to stay at a hotel by the MOA. I was wondering how far is the zoo from the MOA? How about the Xcel Energy Center? I was hoping the MOA would be sort of central to what we are doing.

Is the zoo a nice one? Is the Xcel Center hard to get to or in a bad part of town?

Thanks for answering my questions! I'm sure I will think of more.

 

[pygmymom]

Hi, Jenn Lynn!

I'll try to help with my limited knowledge. There are hotels right near MOA, and some out on the 494 "strip". Almost all of them will have a free shuttle back and forth to the MOA. If you want to be really close, my favorites are Ameri-Suites and Fairfield, along the strip there's a Holiday Inn Express.

It would be a central area to St. Paul, where the Xcel Energy (River) Center and Como Zoo are, or to the Minnesota Zoo. I have only been by the Energy Center, it's "downtown" as far as I remember, and in an okay part of town. The Como Zoo is free, but a little more challenging to find. The Minnesota Zoo is very nice, don't remember the fee, but easy to get to from the MOA area by hopping on 77 south and eventually there will be signs. There will be a lot of walking at the Minnesota Zoo, it is huge, so make sure you've got a stroller. If you belong to AAA, I think there's a discount on the fee.

Maybe there's someone here who lives more on the St. Paul end of the Cities that can add info. Anyone who can't go to WDW, the Mall is fun, and even has a small amusement park inside.

Have a great trip, Jenn Lynn!

 

[mnbrowns]

Hi.
You won't be too far from the MN zoo if staying near the Mall, the Excel is downtown St. Paul and very nice. There will be the usual crowds pouring in and out with you so safety should be fine.
I've had luck getting decent hotels for family and friends via Priceline, otherwise there are many hotels from Embassy Suites to Amerisuites near the mall and airport area.

 

[Minnesota!]

Hiya - DH and I stayed at the Sheraton and the Embassy Suites by MOA. Both were very nice. Both have free shuttles to the MOA. Minnesota Zoo is probably no more than 15 minutes or so south (we usually take 494 to 35E South and you will run into signs to follow). Xcel Center is in downtown St. Paul - very nice. Restaurants all over. The area has really cleaned itself up. Again, take 494 to 35 E NORTH. You will run into signs. Very easy to get around. There are tons of hotels around the MOA - look on their website, there are probably good links Have fun!!!

 

[ByTheSea]

The MOA is near the airport and lot's of decent hotels in that area. If you look for "Airport Hotels" that would be the same list as MOA area hotels.

The 3* hotels are the Grand (I think it was a Doubletree and probably about the closest), the Hilton airport, the Marriott, then there's Courtyard MOA, Holiday Inn, AmeriSuites. You can probably get a good rate at any of those thru priceline, under $50 a night - you might check this board for winning price examples via priceline

http://pub210.ezboard.com/fpricelineandexpediabiddingminneapolisstpaul


Excel energy center is on the edge of downtown St. Paul. When are you going? St. Paul has "Peanuts on Parade" this year is Linus - 92 uniquely painted/decorated Linus statues all over the place, there is an interact map online to help you find them here http://extra.twincities.com/linus/

although several will have been moved to the State Fair which is HUGE and also in the St. Paul area. The State Fair runs 10 days I think, ends on Labor Day.

if you get a chance go early and walk around a bit, it's really a safe area. There is also the Science Museum and Children's Museum very near, if you have small children they would love the Children's Museum, very hands on and fun.

p.s. did you know you get get real Beaver Tails at the MOA, the same ones at Epcot?

 

[dianeschlicht]

You have already gotten the best suggestions for hotels. Most are in walking distance of the MOA and have shuttles as well. The Minnesota Zoo is about 15 minutes away just off Cedar Ave (MN 77) which is one of the intersections the MOA is on. Excel center is in St. Paul and can be reached quickly from the MOA area by taking I 494 to I 35E north and exit at Kellog Ave. There is a large parking ramp nearby, and a great science museum there as well.

 

[tkyes]

I agree with Diane, the Science Museum across from Xcel Energy center is great to go visit! The area is wonderful, perfectly safe.

A trip to the MN State Fair would be fun too, busy on a weekend, but fun. (see the thread of favorite fair foods )


Tamie

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Thank You everyone! This is a big help!