Minneapolis, MN Overview

If you're planning a major trip or vacation to Minneapolis, you would do well to follow certain established practices. First of all, you are going to have to do a lot of rate-looking. After all, if you spend too much funds on one trip, you may not be able to afford the next. Be sure to check the major travel sites, and pay special attention to the off season sales. Although it's nice to go to Cancun during spring break, or to Miami during the dog days of summer, sometimes an off season trip can be just as fun, at a much lower cost. Although fewer people choose to utilize a travel agent every year, hiring a good travel agent can often pay for itself. There's nothing like a dedicated professional for finding the best deals on your trip. Finally, don't forget to directly call the hotel before making your final booking decision.

Today there are numerous hotel chains in Minneapolis that claim they are giving you fantastic nightly rates. One hotel that can make that claim and be telling the truth is a Value Inn. These hotel chains are the fastest in the country going from two properties in 2000 to 950 locations today. The hotel chain provides ease, great quality and rates that are some of the best in the country. Most hotels are AAA approved. Value inns are staffed with friendly people that take pride in their work. They keep the rooms clean and make sure it is ready for your night or weekend stay. Most of the hotels offer a continental breakfast so you can get the most out of your stay. To give you more bang for your dollar the hotels have free high speed internet and HBO. A Value Inn is a member of the Vantage Hospitality group and has been awarded the fastest growing hotel chain four of the last nine years.

Dealing with inexpensive hotels in Minneapolis can be risky. Chances are they might be cheap for a reason. The quality at a inn which charges $29 a night is questionable. Look and see what kind of people are staying there. If you see someone who resembles a hobo or a drug addict you know saving a little money isn't worth being a low cost, low class hotel. Sure you'd save money on the room but what if you got home after sleeping in a dirty bed and develop a rash? Or if you incur more than the cost of the room to get rid of bed bugs. Cheap hotels are not the way to go. Cheap rooms, however is a totally different story. You can get a cheap room in a high quality hotel by joining a rewards program. They are simple and it is easy to earn rewards.

A wise idea when booking a room at a hotel in Minneapolis is to bypass the 800 number, which usually goes to a call center for the entire chain, and call the inn directly. You will get more personal service for any needs or preferences you have if you do so. For example, if you need the best directions to the hotel from a certain point, someone who is actually there will give you the most accurate information. Or, if you want a room on a certain floor, you are more likely to get that room if you have talked directly with a hotel clerk. Another important point about calling the hotel directly is that you will get an idea of how friendly and professional you are going to find the staff to be once you arrive. Particularly when staying somewhere you've never stayed before, this is a good thing to know.

Frequent visitors are wise to sign up for the loyalty programs offered by major hotel chains in Minneapolis. These programs allow guests to accumulate points by the number of nights or dollar amounts that they spend. The rewards can then be redeemed for a variety of options from upgrades during a stay to free accomodations at luxury resorts. The programs also offer immediate discounts to guests in the form of lowered rates or a free night's stay for a reservation spanning a given length of time. Guests enrolled in the programs may also receive welcome gifts, enhanced services during their stay, and coupons mailed to their homes. Also, joining a rewards program makes booking subsequent reservations easier. The rewards program system will remember a guest's preferences and personal contact information so that time can be saved during the booking process. Some inns even offer priority check-in lines for top tier members.

Motels are always the best selection when planning a vacation to Minneapolis that requires an overnight stay. Hotels can range from a one star to a five star in ranking. Many hotels have been around for lots of years. There is the option to book the hotel room online or even over the phone. Using online services gives you the option to search around for the best available deals and services nationwide. If you searchonline, there might be able to find a bargain or a discount that the particular hotel may offer. A lot of hotels offer specials deals such as breakfast and activities which will be free with a paid night of hotel services. Hotels also have special amenities including a swimming pool and even a gym.

Things to do in Minneapolis

• Explore Lake Harriet Rose Garden
• Visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
• See a performance at the Minnesota Orchestra
• Visit Water Power Park
• Eat at La Belle Vie
• See a performance at Orpheum Theater
• Have some water fun at Lake Calhoun
• Dine at 112 Eatery
• See a show at Riverview theater
• Visit the Walker Art Center
• Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art
• Relax at Minnehaha Park
• Eat at Hell’s Kitchen
• Have some fun at Lake Harriet
• Visit the Mill City Museum
• Visit the Weisman Art Museum
• Experience the Hitching Company
• Visit Stone Arch Bridge
• Visit the American Swedish Institute