Staying near the biggest mall in the country usually means one of two things: you're paying a massive premium for a hotel attached to the food court, or you're stuck in a budget motel three miles away that smells like old gym socks. Most people don't realize there is a middle ground that actually makes sense. Honestly, if you are looking at the Four Points Mall of America, you are probably trying to figure out if it’s actually "at" the mall or just "near-ish."
It’s near-ish. But that's the point.
Located at 7745 Computer Ave in Bloomington, this spot isn't technically inside the mega-complex. It sits about four miles west. For some, that's a dealbreaker. For people who want to sleep without hearing the screams of riders on the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge at 10:00 PM, it's a godsend. You’ve got to weigh the convenience of walking to a Nordstrom versus the convenience of actually finding a parking spot that doesn't require a GPS and a prayer.
The Reality of the Four Points Mall of America Location
Let's be real. When a hotel puts "Mall of America" in its name, they are leaning hard on that branding. This Marriott-family property is actually nestled in the Bloomington business district. It’s right off I-495 and Highway 100. If you’re driving in from out of town, it’s remarkably easy to find. If you’re flying into MSP, you’re about a ten-minute Uber ride away.
The hotel runs a shuttle. Most people miss this. They assume they have to rent a car or pay for rideshares all weekend. The shuttle takes you to the mall and the airport. It saves you about $25 a day in parking fees or Surge pricing. Just call ahead. Seriously. Don't be the person standing on the curb at Terminal 1 wondering where your ride is when you haven't checked the schedule.
Is the area "walkable"? Not really. Unless you enjoy walking across massive suburban intersections and past office parks. You’re here for the destination, not the stroll.
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What the Rooms are Actually Like
You aren't getting gold-plated faucets here. It’s a Four Points. This is the "jeans and a t-shirt" version of the Marriott portfolio. It’s reliable.
The rooms are surprisingly big. Because it’s an older building footprint that’s been renovated, you get more square footage than those tiny, "modern" boutique hotels downtown. You get a desk that actually fits a laptop and a coffee cup at the same time. The beds use the signature Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed. It’s firm. If you like sleeping on a marshmallow, you might struggle, but for most people, it’s exactly what you need after walking twelve miles around the LEGO store.
One thing people get wrong: they expect a "resort" feel. This is a functional space. The windows don't always open. The AC units hum. But the Wi-Fi is fast enough to stream Netflix without that annoying buffering circle spinning for ten minutes.
Amenities and the "Work-Play" Balance
There is a pool. It’s an indoor heated pool, which is mandatory in Minnesota because, let's face it, the weather outside is trying to kill you for six months of the year. It isn't a waterpark. Don't expect slides. It's a rectangular box of water where you can do some laps or let the kids burn off the sugar rush from that Cinnabon they ate three hours ago.
- The Gym: It’s basic. Treadmills, some free weights, a stationary bike. It gets the job done.
- The Food: There is an on-site restaurant and bar called Schneider’s. It’s fine. It’s "hotel food" fine. The local craft beer selection is actually decent because Minnesota takes its brewing very seriously.
- Parking: It’s free. In a world where hotels are starting to charge $40 a night just to let your car sit in a dark garage, free surface parking is a massive win.
Why This Specific Spot Beats the On-Site Hotels
Why wouldn't you just stay at the Radisson Blu or the JW Marriott that are literally connected to the mall? Price and sanity.
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During peak shopping seasons—think Black Friday or the back-to-school rush—the hotels attached to the mall get chaotic. The lobbies feel like train stations. The elevators take forever. At the Four Points Mall of America, you get a buffer. You can escape the consumerist madness.
Also, the price difference is usually significant. You can often find rooms here for $110 to $140, whereas the "on-site" options easily double that. If you're staying for three nights, you just saved $400. That’s a lot of extra pairs of shoes or a very nice dinner at Cedar + Stone.
The Business Traveler’s Perspective
Bloomington isn't just a mall; it's a massive corporate hub. Companies like Best Buy, Dairy Queen, and UnitedHealth Group are all headquartered nearby. This hotel caters heavily to the "I have a 9:00 AM meeting and just need a clean shower and a fast breakfast" crowd.
The lobby has plenty of "third space" seating. You’ll see people on Zoom calls or hunched over spreadsheets. It’s quiet during the day. If you are a digital nomad or just someone who can't fully unplug while on vacation, the environment here is much more conducive to productivity than a high-traffic tourist hotel.
Common Misconceptions to Clear Up
People often confuse this property with the "Four Points by Sheraton Minneapolis Airport." They are different. If you book the airport one thinking you can walk to the mall, you're going to be disappointed. Always double-check the address on Computer Ave.
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Another one: breakfast is usually not free. Unless you have Marriott Bonvoy status or you booked a specific "Bed and Breakfast" package, expect to pay for the buffet. It’s a pet peeve for many, but it's standard for this brand level. There’s a Starbucks nearby if you want to skip the hotel eggs.
Navigating the Area Like a Local
If you stay here, don't just eat at the mall. The mall is great, but it’s a vacuum.
Drive five minutes south to West 78th Street. You’ll find better food that isn't a national chain. Bloomington has some incredible Vietnamese and Ethiopian spots if you’re willing to look past the neon signs of the amusement park.
Also, if you have a car, take a ten-minute drive to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. It is the exact opposite of the Mall of America. It’s silent, green (or white, depending on the season), and offers miles of trails along the river. It’s the perfect palate cleanser after a day of fluorescent lights and crowds.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
When you check in, ask for a room on a higher floor away from the elevators. The walls are decent, but like any mid-range hotel, you’ll hear the "ding" of the elevator and the chatter of excited teenagers if you’re right next to the lift.
- Join Bonvoy: Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, the free member Wi-Fi and the occasional "mobile check-in" perk make life easier.
- Shuttle Timing: The shuttle isn't a city bus; it doesn't run every five minutes. Get the schedule from the front desk the moment you arrive.
- Target Run: There is a Target literally across the highway. If you forgot a toothbrush or want to stock up on snacks so you don't pay $5 for a Snickers in the lobby "pantry," it’s right there.
- The "Hidden" Entrance: If you are driving to the mall yourself, don't use the main ramp entrances near the amusement park. Use the IKEA parking lot or the North ramp. It’s way less stressful.
The Four Points Mall of America represents a specific kind of travel logic. It’s for the person who values a quiet night and a lower credit card bill over the "prestige" of being able to see the Ferris wheel from their window. It's a solid, predictable base camp in a city that can otherwise feel overwhelming.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Shuttle Window: Call the front desk at (952) 831-5200 before you land to confirm the current shuttle operating hours, as they can shift seasonally.
- Map Your Arrival: Use the Computer Avenue exit from I-494 to avoid the heavy mall traffic congestion on Killebrew Drive.
- Book Direct for Points: If you use the Marriott app, you'll likely get a slightly better rate and guaranteed late checkout if you have Silver status or higher.
- Pack Layers: Even in the summer, the mall’s AC is aggressive, and the hotel lobby can be chilly. Minnesota is the land of layers.