You’ve seen the photos of the massive roller coasters and the endless corridors of stores. But honestly, if you’re planning a trip to Bloomington, Minnesota, the logistical side of things can get kinda messy if you don’t know the layout. Most people search for "mall of america hotels connected" and assume there’s a whole string of buildings physically attached to the mall.
Actually? There are only two.
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Just two hotels where you can walk from your bed to a Cinnabon without ever putting on a winter coat or stepping outside. That’s a big deal when it’s February in Minnesota and the wind is whipping across the 494. If you book a place that says "adjacent" or "near," you’re likely looking at a shuttle ride or a very cold walk across a massive parking lot.
The Only Two Real Mall of America Hotels Connected
The two heavy hitters here are the Radisson Blu Mall of America and the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America. They sit on opposite sides of the complex like bookends.
Radisson Blu: The Original Connection
The Radisson Blu was the first one to bridge the gap. It’s located on the south side of the mall. Basically, you walk through a sleek, slightly futuristic skyway and you’re suddenly standing right by the LEGO store and Nickelodeon Universe.
It’s got this very specific "Scandinavian chic" vibe. Think dark woods, pops of bright blue, and a lobby that feels more like a lounge in London than a hotel in the Midwest. Their restaurant, FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, is legit. They do a lot of wood-fired cooking. If you’re staying there, the convenience is unbeatable for families because you’re essentially ten minutes from the log chute ride at all times.
JW Marriott: The Luxury Upgrade
Then there’s the JW Marriott on the north side. This one opened later and definitely aimed for a more "grown-up" luxury feel. It’s connected directly to the luxury wing of the mall (near Nordstrom).
The rooms here are arguably a step up if you’re into deep soaking tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows. Their restaurant, Cedar + Stone, Urban Table, focuses on that farm-to-table thing that everyone loves, but they actually do it well. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see business travelers in suits mixing with exhausted parents who just spent eight hours at the Crayola Experience.
Why the Connection Actually Matters
You might think, "I can just walk across the street."
Maybe. But the Mall of America isn’t a normal mall. It’s a sovereign nation of retail surrounded by a moat of high-speed ring roads.
- The Weather Factor: Minnesota weather is legendary for a reason. In January, a "walk across the street" can feel like an expedition to the North Pole. Being connected means you can leave your heavy parka in the room.
- The "Bag Drop" Strategy: This is the real pro tip. When you’re at one of the mall of america hotels connected, you don't have to lug your shopping bags around all day. You just walk back to the room, dump the bags, grab a water, and head back out.
- The Airport Link: Both hotels are insanely close to MSP Airport. You can take the METRO Blue Line light rail from the airport directly to the mall’s basement transit station. From there, it’s a short walk inside the mall to either hotel entrance.
Logistics: Parking and Getting Around
Parking is where things get a little annoying. Most "connected" guests think they can just use the free mall ramps.
Technically, you can. But the mall doesn't really want people leaving cars there overnight for multiple days. Both the Radisson Blu and the JW Marriott have their own dedicated, secure underground ramps. You’re going to pay for them—usually somewhere between $18 and $34 a night depending on if you valet—but it beats worrying if your car is going to get towed from the East Ramp because you stayed three nights.
The Shuttle Myth
There are about 50 other hotels in Bloomington that claim to be "Mall of America hotels." They aren't. They just have a shuttle.
These shuttles are fine, but they run on a schedule. You’ll be standing at the North Entrance waiting for a van with 12 other people, hoping there’s enough room for your bags. If you’re at a connected hotel, you are the master of your own timeline. You leave when you want. You come back when you want.
Which One Should You Actually Pick?
It depends on what you're doing.
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If you have kids and you're going to spend 90% of your time in the amusement park, go with the Radisson Blu. It’s closer to the "loud" stuff and feels a bit more vibrant and kid-friendly. They even have some "Fairytale" themed suites if you really want to go all out.
If you’re there for a romantic weekend, a business trip, or a high-end shopping spree, the JW Marriott is the winner. It’s quieter. The service feels a bit more "white glove." And honestly, the bathrooms are just better.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Request a High Floor: If you’re at the JW Marriott, the north-facing high-floor rooms give you a view of the planes landing at MSP, which is weirdly hypnotic.
- The "Secret" Entrances: Both hotels have entrances that lead directly into the mall. Make sure you know where they are before you head out, or you'll end up walking all the way around the exterior of the building like a tourist.
- Join the Loyalty Programs: Both are part of major chains (Marriott Bonvoy for the JW, and Choice/Radisson for the Blu). Even if you don't travel much, the "member rates" usually shave $20 or $30 off the nightly price.
- The Light Rail is Your Friend: Don't pay for an Uber to go to downtown Minneapolis. The Blue Line starts at the mall and takes you straight to US Bank Stadium or Target Field for a few bucks.
Skip the "shuttle hotels" if you have the budget. The ability to walk into the mall in your slippers (okay, maybe don't do that, but you could) is the only way to do a MOA trip properly.
Secure your reservation at least three weeks out, especially if there’s a youth sports tournament or a concert at the stadium, as these two specific spots sell out way faster than the ones across the highway. Check the hotel's direct website for "Shop and Stay" packages that often include mall coupon books or gift cards that basically offset the cost of parking.