For travelers visiting Bloomington, Minnesota, the convenience of staying directly at the Mall of America is an unparalleled luxury. As one of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States, the complex offers more than just retail therapy; it is a massive entertainment hub that requires multiple days to fully explore. To facilitate this, two world-class hotels are physically integrated into the mall’s structure, providing guests with seamless access to over 500 stores, dozens of restaurants, and major attractions like Nickelodeon Universe.
Choosing between these two properties—the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and the Radisson Blu Mall of America—depends on the specific needs of the traveler, whether they are seeking modern sophistication or vibrant, family-friendly design. Both establishments offer high-end amenities that elevate the standard of suburban Minneapolis accommodations.
The JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America: Luxury and Sophistication
The JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America represents the pinnacle of luxury accommodation within the retail complex. Situated on the north side of the mall, this property is designed for travelers who appreciate refined aesthetics, quiet elegance, and top-tier service. From the moment guests enter the expansive, sun-drenched lobby, it is clear that this hotel is designed to be a tranquil sanctuary away from the bustling energy of the shopping concourses.
Room Categories and Interior Design
The guest rooms at the JW Marriott are a masterclass in contemporary luxury. The hotel features 342 guest rooms and suites, each meticulously appointed with high-quality materials and a neutral color palette that promotes relaxation. Large floor-to-ceiling windows are a hallmark of the property, offering sweeping views of the Twin Cities skyline or the sprawling landscape of Bloomington.
The bathrooms are particularly noteworthy, featuring marble finishes, walk-in rainfall showers, and premium Aromatherapy Associates bath products. For those seeking more space, the Executive Suites and the Presidential Suite provide separate living areas, dining tables, and enhanced privacy, making them ideal for business executives or families looking for a more residential feel.
Culinary Excellence and On-Site Dining
One of the primary draws of the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America is its commitment to high-quality gastronomy. The signature restaurant, Cedar + Stone Urban Table, is a destination in its own right. The restaurant focuses on “farm-to-table” cuisine, sourcing ingredients from local Minnesota farmers within a 200-mile radius. The menu offers a sophisticated take on Midwestern classics, featuring artisan pizzas, locally sourced steaks, and craft cocktails that utilize regional spirits.
For guests staying in club-level rooms, the Executive Lounge provides an exclusive environment for breakfast, mid-day snacks, and evening hors d’oeuvres. This space is perfect for business travelers who need a quiet area to work or for families who appreciate the convenience of inclusive dining options throughout the day.
Wellness and Recreation
Despite its connection to a massive shopping center, the hotel prioritizes wellness. The fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art Peloton bikes, free weights, and cardio machines, ensuring that guests can maintain their workout routines while traveling. Additionally, the indoor heated pool provides a serene environment for a morning swim or an evening of relaxation after a long day of walking through Nordstrom and Macy’s.
The Radisson Blu Mall of America: Style and Connectivity
The first hotel to be physically attached to the Mall of America, the Radisson Blu Mall of America, is located on the south side of the complex. Known for its fashion-forward design and vibrant atmosphere, the Radisson Blu offers a slightly more whimsical and energetic experience compared to its counterpart on the north side. The hotel serves as a bridge between the high-energy entertainment of the mall and the sophisticated comfort of a global hotel brand.
Guest Rooms and Themed Suites
The Radisson Blu Mall of America features 500 guest rooms, each designed with a unique “urban” or “mansion” style aesthetic. The use of bold colors, artistic lighting, and modern furniture reflects the hotel’s proximity to the fashion world.
A unique feature of this property is its themed suites, which often cater to families or groups visiting for special occasions. The hotel’s design philosophy emphasizes comfort and technology, with each room featuring high-speed Wi-Fi, large flat-screen televisions, and ergonomic workspaces. The “Business Class” rooms offer additional perks, such as access to the Business Class Lounge, which provides complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails.
FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar
The culinary heart of the Radisson Blu is FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar. This restaurant is celebrated for its commitment to North Woods-inspired flavors and wood-fired cooking techniques. The open kitchen design allows guests to watch chefs prepare regional specialties like walleye, wild rice soup, and rotisserie meats. The bar program is equally impressive, featuring a curated selection of Minnesota craft beers and inventive cocktails that change with the seasons.
Spa and Family Services
The Radisson Blu Mall of America is home to the Solimar Spa, a full-service facility offering massages, facials, and body treatments. This makes the hotel a popular choice for those looking to combine a shopping trip with a wellness retreat.
Families are also a major focus here. The hotel offers a “Marty the Moose” program, which includes special amenities for children, such as kid-friendly check-in gifts and specialized menus. Its proximity to the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium and the Crayola Experience makes it a strategic base for parents navigating the mall with young children.
The Strategic Benefits of Staying Attached to the Mall
While there are dozens of hotels in the Bloomington area that offer shuttle services to the mall, staying at an “attached” property provides several logistical advantages that cannot be replicated. These benefits extend beyond simple proximity, touching on security, package management, and overall travel efficiency.
Direct Skyway Access and Climate Control
Minnesota is known for its extreme seasonal weather, from humid summers to frigid, snowy winters. Both the JW Marriott and the Radisson Blu are connected to the mall via climate-controlled skyways or direct lobby entrances. This allows guests to move between their hotel rooms and the mall without ever needing a coat or facing the elements. For travelers visiting during the winter months, this is a significant factor in maintaining comfort throughout the trip.
The Package Delivery Service
One of the most innovative amenities offered by the attached hotels is the “Big Deals” package delivery service. Guests can shop at any of the hundreds of stores within the Mall of America and, instead of carrying heavy bags back to their room, they can have their purchases delivered directly to the hotel bell desk. This “hands-free shopping” experience allows visitors to transition smoothly from a shopping spree to a meal or an attraction like FlyOver America without being burdened by luggage.
Transportation and Accessibility
Both hotels are located just minutes away from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. They offer complimentary shuttle services for guests, making the transition from the terminal to the hotel lobby seamless. Furthermore, the Mall of America is a primary hub for the Metro Blue Line light rail. Guests staying at these attached hotels can easily board the train to visit U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Field, or downtown Minneapolis without needing a rental car.
Event Hosting and Corporate Accommodations
Beyond leisure travel, the JW Marriott and Radisson Blu serve as major venues for corporate meetings, weddings, and large-scale conventions. The integration with the mall provides an added layer of entertainment for event attendees that traditional standalone hotels cannot match.
Meeting Spaces and Ballrooms
The JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America boasts over 19,000 square feet of meeting space, including the grand Diamond Ballroom, which is one of the largest in the region. These spaces are equipped with the latest audiovisual technology and are supported by a professional catering team.
Similarly, the Radisson Blu Mall of America offers approximately 26,000 square feet of flexible event space. Its Metropolitan Ballroom is a popular choice for local galas and corporate holiday parties. The hotel’s ability to coordinate large group stays with “VIP shopping passes” and private mall tours adds a unique value proposition for event planners.
The Business Traveler’s Edge
For the business traveler, these hotels offer more than just a bed. The presence of full-service business centers, high-speed fiber-optic internet, and quiet working nooks is essential. The ability to host a client for lunch at Cedar + Stone Urban Table or a cocktail at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar without leaving the building provides a level of efficiency that is highly prized in the corporate world.
In conclusion, the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and the Radisson Blu Mall of America are much more than just places to sleep. They are integral components of the Mall of America ecosystem, offering luxury, convenience, and a high-end residential experience for anyone visiting the Twin Cities. Whether it is the sophisticated allure of the JW Marriott or the stylish energy of the Radisson Blu, these attached hotels ensure that every guest has the premier Minnesota experience right at their doorstep.
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