You know that specific feeling when you’re landing at MSP after a six-hour delay? It’s usually dark. You’re tired. Your phone is at 4%. Honestly, at that point, you don’t want a boutique hotel with a "vibe" or a marble lobby that smells like expensive sandalwood. You just want a clean bed, a shuttle that actually shows up, and maybe a beer. This is exactly where the Four Points by Sheraton Mall of America Minneapolis Airport lives. It’s not trying to be the Ritz. It’s a functional, well-placed hub in Richfield that serves two masters: the weary traveler and the hardcore shopper.
Located at 7745 Airport Lane, it’s basically positioned in that sweet spot where you aren't stuck in the chaotic traffic of the Mall of America itself, but you’re close enough to see the rollercoasters from some of the higher floors.
Most people book this place because the name has "Airport" and "Mall" in it. It’s a smart play. But there’s a nuance to staying here that most travel blogs miss because they just scrape the amenities list. You’ve got to understand the layout. It’s a 148-room property that feels bigger than it is because of the way the atrium and the bar area are set up. It’s a Marriott Bonvoy property, which means there’s a baseline of quality you can count on, but it’s the "Four Points" brand—so it’s more about "Best Brews" than fine dining.
Why the location of Four Points by Sheraton Mall of America Minneapolis Airport is trickier than it looks
If you look at a map, you’ll see the hotel is technically in Richfield. That’s a good thing. Why? Because staying directly at the Mall of America can be a logistical nightmare during peak seasons or when there’s a massive event at the US Bank Stadium. By staying at the Four Points by Sheraton Mall of America Minneapolis Airport, you’re about three miles from the terminal and five minutes from the shopping mecca.
But here is the catch.
Don't try to walk to the mall. I’ve seen people try it. It’s a landscape of highways and frontage roads. It’s not pedestrian-friendly. Use the shuttle. The hotel runs a complimentary shuttle that services both the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and the Mall of America. It’s reliable, but you need to be proactive. Talk to the front desk the moment you check in to see the current schedule. Sometimes it runs on the hour; sometimes it's on-demand depending on the staffing levels that day.
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The MSP Airport Connection
Flying into MSP is usually a breeze compared to O'Hare or JFK, but Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are separate entities. If you’re on Sun Country or Southwest, you’re at Terminal 2 (Humphrey). If you’re on Delta or basically anyone else, you’re at Terminal 1 (Lindbergh). When you call the Four Points by Sheraton Mall of America Minneapolis Airport for a pickup, make sure you know which one you're at.
I’ve spent a lot of time in these transit hotels. The Four Points stands out because it doesn't feel like a basement. A lot of airport hotels have that "trapped" feeling with tiny windows and low ceilings. This place has a more open architectural vibe.
The Room Situation: Comfort vs. Luxury
Let's be real. You aren't here for the thread count of the sheets. You’re here because you need a quiet place to sleep before an 8:00 AM flight. The rooms at the Four Points by Sheraton Mall of America Minneapolis Airport are surprisingly spacious. They follow the standard Marriott template—clean lines, neutral colors, and those signature Four Points beds that are actually quite decent for back support.
- The King Guest Room: Best for solo business travelers. It has a functional desk. The Wi-Fi is generally fast enough for a Zoom call, which is a low bar but one that many hotels still fail to clear.
- Two Queen Beds: This is the "Mall of America" special. If you're hauling kids and four suitcases of Lego store hauls, this is the move.
- Accessibility: They have solid ADA-compliant rooms. It's not an afterthought here.
One thing to watch out for is the noise. Since you are near the airport, you’re going to hear planes. That’s just physics. However, the soundproofing at this property is better than the older motels lining I-494. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room that doesn't face the main road.
Dining and the "Best Brews" Program
Four Points has this thing called "Best Brews." It’s basically their way of saying they like local craft beer. In a city like Minneapolis, which is arguably one of the best beer cities in the country (don't @ me, Denver), this actually matters.
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The on-site restaurant, usually referred to as the 77-45 Bar & Grill (named after the address), serves standard American fare. Think burgers, wings, and flatbreads. Is it culinary art? No. Is it exactly what you want at 9:30 PM when you’re too tired to Uber anywhere? Absolutely.
The breakfast is a buffet situation. It’s not always free unless it’s included in your specific rate or you have Marriott Gold/Platinum status. If it's not included, you might be better off taking the shuttle to the mall and hitting up one of the dozens of breakfast spots there. Or just grab a coffee in the lobby.
Real Talk on Amenities
- The Fitness Center: It exists. It’s small. It has a couple of treadmills and some free weights. If you’re trying to hit a personal best in deadlifting, you’re out of luck. If you just need to move your legs after a long flight, it works.
- The Indoor Pool: This is a big deal for families. Minnesota winters are brutal. Having an indoor pool for the kids to burn off energy while it’s -10°F outside is a lifesaver. It’s not Olympic-sized, but it’s heated and clean.
- Parking: They offer "Park Here, Fly There" packages. This is a massive "hack" for locals or people driving in from rural Minnesota/Wisconsin. Sometimes paying for one night at the hotel is cheaper than paying for a week of long-term parking at MSP. Plus, your car stays in a monitored lot.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Hotel
The biggest misconception is that you can just "pop over" to the Mall of America whenever you feel like it. While it is close, you are still beholden to the shuttle schedule or the price of an Uber/Lyft (which can fluctuate wildly during a snowstorm).
Also, don't confuse this with the other Sheraton near the mall. There is a full-service Sheraton Bloomington nearby. The Four Points is the "select-service" version. You’re getting a lower price point and fewer bells and whistles, but a more straightforward experience.
Another thing? The "Airport" designation. Just because it’s an airport hotel doesn't mean it’s on airport grounds. You still need to factor in about 15-20 minutes to get through security at MSP once the shuttle drops you off. If you’re flying internationally, give yourself more time.
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Expert Insights for a Better Stay
I’ve talked to travelers who frequent this corridor. The consensus is that the staff at the Four Points by Sheraton Mall of America Minneapolis Airport are the real MVPs. They deal with a lot—delayed flights, angry travelers, lost luggage. A little kindness goes a long way here.
If you are a Marriott Bonvoy member, check your app for mobile check-in. It actually works here. You can skip the line, get your digital key, and head straight to your room. It’s a godsend when there’s a line of twenty people from a cancelled flight at the front desk.
Surrounding Area Gems
If you have a car or don't mind a short ride, don't just eat at the hotel.
- Protagonist Kitchen and Bar: Just a short hop away, great vibe.
- The Hub: If you need a bike or just want to see a cool local spot in Richfield.
- IKEA: It’s right next to the Mall of America. If you’ve never been, it’s an experience. If you have, you know you’re going for the Swedish meatballs.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Mall of America Minneapolis Airport, follow this checklist:
- Verify the Shuttle: Call the hotel (952-854-1000) before you land. Ask if the shuttle is running on a schedule or on-demand. This saves you 20 minutes of standing in the cold at the Ground Transportation Center.
- Join Bonvoy: Even if you aren't a "loyalty person," the free Wi-Fi and potential for a late checkout (4 PM for Gold and above) is worth the 2-minute signup.
- Pack Layers: The atrium can be breezy, and Minnesota weather is unpredictable. Even inside the hotel, you might want a hoodie.
- Check the Park-and-Fly Rates: If you’re a local, compare the cost of a one-night stay plus parking versus the MSP daily rates. It’s often a wash, and you get a stress-free morning before your flight.
- Request a High Floor: Ask for a room on a higher floor away from the elevators to minimize noise from both the airport and the hallway foot traffic.
This hotel isn't a destination in itself. It’s a tool. It’s a well-oiled machine designed to make the transition between the sky and the ground—or the ground and the checkout counter—as painless as possible. Use it for its convenience, enjoy the local beer at the bar, and get some decent sleep.