Downtown Minneapolis Hotels Linked to the Skyway
Downtown Minneapolis is compact enough to cross on foot in about twenty minutes, and much of it can be walked indoors thanks to the Skyway, the elevated network of enclosed footbridges that links dozens of city blocks. Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis/Downtown, Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis and The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown all connect to it, which matters a great deal between November and March. The core splits into distinct pockets: the North Loop and Warehouse District near Target Field, the Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Avenue theater strip in the middle, and the Mill District by the Stone Arch Bridge and U.S. Bank Stadium. Picking the right pocket for your plans saves more time than picking the right star rating.
Downtown Minneapolis grew from the flour mills on the Mississippi, and the riverfront still shows it: the Mill City Museum sits inside the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, and the Stone Arch Bridge, a former railroad crossing, is now a walking and cycling path toward St. Anthony Main. Away from the river, the center is a grid of office towers tied together by the Skyway, with Nicollet Mall as its pedestrian spine. Evenings shift toward the Hennepin Avenue theaters and the converted brick warehouses of the North Loop, now full of restaurants.
Choosing Your Corner of Downtown
A downtown base in Minneapolis puts the Twins at Target Field, the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Timberwolves at Target Center and the Hennepin Avenue theaters within walking distance of each other. The METRO Blue Line runs from downtown to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and the Mall of America, so a car is optional for many trips. The listed hotels range from Skyway-linked business hotels to design-led addresses such as the Hewing Hotel in the Warehouse District and extended-stay suites with kitchens near The Depot.
The Skyway is the first thing to weigh. Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis/Downtown, the most reviewed hotel on this list with over a thousand guest reviews and an 8.8 score, is linked to it and serves a free hot breakfast. Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis and The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown are also connected, so in January you can walk to offices, Nicollet Mall shops and many restaurants through heated corridors. If you are visiting for work or a convention, a Skyway connection is worth more than an extra amenity, because winter sidewalks between towers can be icy and windy.
For sports, location within downtown changes the walk considerably. The AC Hotel by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown sits in Downtown West, about 500 meters from Target Field, where the Twins play, and close to Target Center. On the opposite side, Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District is roughly a three-minute walk from U.S. Bank Stadium, and the Emery Hotel, Autograph Collection is about ten minutes away on foot, with a 24-hour gym and an Italian restaurant. Choosing the hotel on the same side as your venue avoids crossing the whole center in a post-game crowd.
Several listed hotels suit longer stays or families. The Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown at The Depot has kitchenettes and an indoor pool, and it shares the historic Milwaukee Road Depot complex with the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, which adds an executive lounge. TownePlace Suites by Marriott in the North Loop offers self-catering rooms and an outdoor pool for summer. The Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites has an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna and accepts pets, a practical combination for a family on a winter weekend when the outdoor lakes are frozen.
For a more distinctive stay, the top scores on this list belong to smaller, design-led hotels. The Lofton Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is rated 9.3 and is pet-friendly, Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel is rated 9.1 and occupies a restored tower, and the Rand Tower Hotel fills an Art Deco skyscraper. Just across the Mississippi, the Nicollet Island Inn sits on its own island with an award-winning restaurant, a quieter base that still lets you walk to the Stone Arch Bridge and the Mill City Museum along the river.
A traveler's perspectiveFor a first visit I would choose the Hewing Hotel in the Warehouse District: it is rated 9.2 by guests, has a rooftop pool and lounge, and the North Loop restaurants are on its doorstep. In winter my advice changes: book Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis/Downtown or the Hyatt Centric, both connected to the Skyway, so you can reach Nicollet Mall without a coat. For a Vikings game, I recommend Canopy by Hilton in the Mill District, about three minutes on foot from U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Lofton Hotel Minneapolis, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Minneapolis
280 reviews
Elegant downtown Minneapolis hotel with pet-friendly rooms and chic dining
Check availabilityWhy guests love itI would pick The Lofton for a Minneapolis stay that is all about walking the downtown core. It stands steps from Nicollet Mall and the Target Center, and guests rate it 9.3 across 280 reviews. Rooms are elegant with a fully stocked minibar and free WiFi, chic on-site dining is available, and pets are welcome. There is also 12,000 square feet of space for events, and I-394 is close.
Hewing Hotel
Minneapolis
55 reviews
Rooftop pool and lounge in the heart of downtown Minneapolis
Check availabilityWhy guests love itHewing Hotel suits families who want a downtown base with something to look forward to at the end of the day: the rooftop pool and lounge. The hotel sits in the Warehouse District, where brick streets make evening walks pleasant and Target Field is close for a Twins game. Dining is on site, there is a fitness centre, and pets are accepted. The rating of 9.2 comes from 55 reviews, a smaller sample, so I would check recent comments before booking.
Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis
Minneapolis
57 reviews
Luxury downtown hotel with a hot tub and pet-friendly amenities
Check availabilityWhy guests love itHotel Ivy is more of a grown-up base than a playground, but families with older children will appreciate its central position. Orchestra Hall, home of the Minnesota Orchestra, is about 200 metres away, and U.S. Bank Stadium is roughly a 17-minute walk for a Vikings game. The hot tub and steam room suit parents after a long day, bathrobes come as standard, and pets are welcome. A 9.1 score from 57 guests is a small but encouraging sample.
Element by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown
Minneapolis
185 reviews
Downtown hotel with family rooms, fitness center, and free bikes
Check availabilityWhy guests love itElement by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown has family rooms with city views, which spares parents the hunt for connecting rooms. Free bicycles are a good way to explore downtown together, and the terrace with its outdoor fireplace makes a calm spot in the evening. Target Field is about five minutes away for a Twins game, and there is a fitness center on site. Guests score it 8.9 from 185 reviews, a strong result for a city hotel.
Nicollet Island Inn
Minneapolis
405 reviews
Boutique hotel on Nicollet Island with an award-winning restaurant
Check availabilityWhy guests love itFamilies with older children will enjoy the island setting: the riverbanks, the walk toward St. Anthony Main and the views back to the downtown skyline make easy outings. The award-winning restaurant is better suited to a calm dinner than to toddlers, and rooms are designed for couples rather than large families. Boom Island Park is a short drive away, and the University of Minnesota is less than 4 km from the inn.
Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District
Minneapolis
194 reviews
Pet-friendly downtown hotel near U.S. Bank Stadium with dining
Check availabilityWhy guests love itThe Mill District location suits families well: U.S. Bank Stadium is about three minutes on foot, and the Stone Arch Bridge, Gold Medal Park and the Mill City Museum are within a short walk for an easy afternoon by the Mississippi. Rooms have refrigerators and coffee makers, useful for breakfasts and snacks. The restaurant and bar save a search for dinner, and pets are welcome. Parking is available on site, though fees may apply.
Hotel Indigo - Minneapolis Downtown by IHG
Minneapolis
287 reviews
Pet-friendly downtown hotel near Nicollet Mall and Target Center
Check availabilityWhy guests love itNicollet Mall and Target Center are both within a 10-minute walk, so a Timberwolves game or a shopping afternoon needs no car. Room service is useful when children are tired after a day out, and the on-site restaurant covers dinner on cold Minnesota evenings. Rooms are air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi, and pets are welcome. No pool is listed, so it suits city sightseeing more than a resort-style stay. 287 reviews average 8.8.
Hampton Inn & Suites - Minneapolis/Downtown
Minneapolis
1,098 reviews
Downtown hotel connected to the Skyway with free breakfast and WiFi
Check availabilityWhy guests love itHampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis/Downtown connects to the Skyway, the enclosed footbridge network that lets families cross downtown without coats in winter. A free hot breakfast starts each day, and rooms have a small refrigerator and coffee maker for snacks and drinks. Target Field is within walking distance for a Twins game. There is no pool, so plan outings for active children, and note that parking costs extra.
Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown/City Center
Minneapolis
283 reviews
Spacious downtown suites with a fitness center and pet-friendly policy
Check availabilityWhy guests love itTarget Field is a short walk from the Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown/City Center, so a Twins game fits easily into a family visit. Rooms are spacious and air-conditioned, which helps when parents and children share a space, and there is a fitness center, a lounge and free WiFi. The hotel is pet-friendly. Parking on site is paid, so I would recommend it most to families who plan to explore downtown on foot.
Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites
Minneapolis
553 reviews
Downtown Minneapolis hotel with indoor pool, hot tub, and pet-friendly policy
Check availabilityWhy guests love itThis downtown Best Western Plus gives families a lot for a mid-range price. The indoor pool, hot tub and sauna make winter weekends in Minneapolis far more bearable for children, and pets are accepted, so the whole household can travel. Major stadiums and the Convention Center are within walking distance, which removes parking stress on game days. Rooms are simple, with coffee makers and flat-screen TVs. A score of 8.7 from 553 guests shows it delivers.
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
Minneapolis
355 reviews
Downtown hotel connected to the skyway, with dining and pet-friendly rooms
Check availabilityWhy guests love itThe Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown is connected to the city's climate-controlled skyway system, so families can move around downtown in winter without bundling up for every outing. Dining is available on site, and rooms have a refrigerator and coffee maker, handy for milk and breakfast basics. Pets are welcome, WiFi is free and a 24-hour business center is available. Parking details are not published. Guests rate it 8.6 from 355 reviews.
Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Minneapolis
621 reviews
Downtown Minneapolis hotel with city views and a modern restaurant
Check availabilityWhy guests love itFor a family weekend in Minneapolis, Rand Tower Hotel combines a central address with quiet nights, as rooms are soundproofed, which helps children sleep despite downtown traffic. City views and streaming services make a calm evening in the room easy after a game at Target Field or U.S. Bank Stadium. The on-site restaurant saves searching for dinner, and pets are welcome. Parking is in nearby garages at extra cost, so factor it in if you arrive by car.
Emery Hotel, Autograph Collection
Minneapolis
67 reviews
Pet-friendly downtown hotel with a 24-hour gym and Italian dining
Check availabilityWhy guests love itEmery Hotel suits families heading to a game or a show at U.S. Bank Stadium, a 10-minute walk from this downtown Minneapolis address. Public transportation is steps from the door, so getting around without a car is simple, and free baggage storage helps on arrival and departure days. The Italian restaurant on site is an easy answer to dinner, the gym is open 24 hours, and pets are welcome. The 8.5 score across 67 reviews points to a dependable stay.
AC Hotel by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown
Minneapolis
271 reviews
Downtown Minneapolis hotel with on-site dining and Light Rail access
Check availabilityWhy guests love itAC Hotel by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown sits in the Downtown West district, 500 meters from Target Field, so a Twins game is an easy walk for the whole family. Guests rate it 8.5 out of 10 across 271 reviews. The Light Rail stop is steps away, which makes getting around without a car simple. Rooms are air-conditioned with smart TVs, the restaurant and bar save a search for dinner, and pets are accepted. I recommend it for a car-free city weekend with older children.
Courtyard by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown
Minneapolis
266 reviews
Downtown hotel with an indoor pool and fitness center near the Mississippi River
Check availabilityWhy guests love itCourtyard Minneapolis Downtown sits near the Mississippi River, a good starting point for riverside walks with children. The heated indoor pool is a welcome option in a Minnesota winter, and the Courtyard Bistro serves American food on site, so a tired family need not go far for dinner. Rooms have free WiFi and 49-inch flat-screen TVs, and there is a modern fitness center. Guests rate it 8.5 from 266 reviews.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown/North Loop
Minneapolis
210 reviews
Self-catering suites with an outdoor pool and pet-friendly policy in North Loop
Check availabilityWhy guests love itTownePlace Suites Minneapolis Downtown North Loop has self-catering suites, so families can cook their own meals and keep a normal routine. Target Field is 0.4 miles away, an easy walk for a Twins game. The outdoor pool suits summer stays, laundry facilities help on longer trips, and pets are welcome. There is also an on-site gym and free WiFi. Guests rate it 8.3 from 210 reviews, a solid result in the North Loop.
Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown at The Depot
Minneapolis
102 reviews
Family-friendly downtown hotel with kitchenettes and an indoor pool
Check availabilityWhy guests love itI would pick this Residence Inn for a downtown Minneapolis stay with a family or a longer visit. Rooms come with a kitchenette, a work desk and a seating area, and guests rate the hotel 8.3 across 102 reviews. The indoor pool is a welcome extra in cold weather, a continental breakfast is served, and a restaurant and bar are in the building. U.S. Bank Stadium is under 1 km away, and pets are welcome.
Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot
Minneapolis
101 reviews
Downtown Minneapolis hotel with an indoor pool and executive lounge access
Check availabilityWhy guests love itFamilies heading to a game get a strong downtown base at the Renaissance, set in the historic Milwaukee Road Depot. U.S. Bank Stadium is about a 12-minute walk and Target Field is also nearby, so there is no need to move the car. The indoor pool gives children a reward after the match, and the fitness center keeps parents on routine. Pets are welcome. Parking is on site, though fees are worth confirming. A score of 8.2 from 101 guests is solid.
Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis
Minneapolis
440 reviews
Downtown hotel connected to the Skyway, with on-site dining and pet-friendly policies
Check availabilityWhy guests love itHyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis is connected to the climate-controlled Skyway System, so families can reach downtown sights in winter without heading outside. The SIX15 Bar and Restaurant serves North American dishes made with local ingredients, convenient after a long day. Rooms have spacious marble bathrooms, roomy enough for bath time with children, and pets are welcome. Guests rate it 8.1 from 440 reviews.
Local tips
- 1Ask at check-in for a Skyway map: the network is open roughly during business hours and closes at night, so plan evening walks at street level.
- 2Take the METRO Blue Line from the airport terminals to downtown stations such as Nicollet Mall; the ride avoids taxi lines after a late arrival.
- 3Book Target Field or U.S. Bank Stadium game nights early, as downtown hotels near the venues fill quickly on event dates.
- 4Confirm parking terms when booking, since many downtown properties charge for valet or self-parking and some garages are a block away.
- 5Walk the Stone Arch Bridge at sunset for views of St. Anthony Falls, then cross to St. Anthony Main for dinner on the other bank.
- 6In summer, pick a hotel with an outdoor or rooftop pool, such as the Hewing Hotel or TownePlace Suites in the North Loop.