Finding a place to crash near the Twin Cities shouldn't feel like a research project, yet here we are. You've probably seen the Holiday Inn Bloomington W MSP Airport Area Bloomington MN pop up on your booking app and wondered if it’s actually "west" enough to be quiet or "airport" enough to be convenient.
It is.
Most people get tripped up by the geography of Bloomington. They think staying near the airport means being stuck in a concrete jungle of runways and car rental lots. This specific spot, located at 5120 American Blvd West, sits in a sweet spot that manages to serve business travelers hitting the Best Buy HQ nearby while keeping families close to the Mall of America. Honestly, it’s one of those reliable workhorses of the IHG fleet that doesn't try to be a boutique art gallery. It just works.
The Location Logic: What You’re Actually Getting
Let's talk about the "W" in the name. West Bloomington is fundamentally different from the East side. While the East side is all about proximity to the MSP terminals and the wildlife refuge, the West side—where this Holiday Inn lives—is the gateway to the Edina shopping districts and the massive corporate corridor.
You're about 10 minutes from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. That’s a short enough Uber ride that you won't stress a 6:00 AM departure, but far enough that you aren't rattled by jet engines at midnight. It’s a balance.
Getting to the Mall of America (MOA) is a straight shot. You’re looking at maybe four miles. If you’ve ever tried to park at the MOA on a Saturday in December, you know why staying a few miles away is actually a tactical advantage. You can take the hotel shuttle, save the $20 in gas and sanity, and let someone else navigate the ring road madness.
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Room Reality Check
Rooms here are exactly what you expect from a refreshed Holiday Inn. They aren't trying to reinvent the wheel with "industrial chic" furniture that’s impossible to sit on. You get a solid desk. You get a Keurig. You get blackout curtains that actually block the 7:00 AM Minnesota sun.
One thing that genuinely surprises people is the size of the suites. If you’re traveling with kids or a mountain of trade show gear, the extra square footage isn't just a luxury—it’s a necessity. The IHG "Way of Clean" protocols are still the standard here, and from a boots-on-the-ground perspective, the housekeeping staff at this location tends to have a higher retention rate than the high-turnover spots closer to the terminal. That translates to cleaner carpets and less dust on the top of the TV.
Food, Drinks, and the 5510 Factor
Don't expect a Michelin star. Do expect a really good burger.
The on-site restaurant, 5510 Grille, is the heart of the lobby level. It serves the standard Holiday Inn breakfast—yes, the one with the cinnamon rolls that have a cult following—but the dinner menu is where it holds its own. It’s American fare. Think club sandwiches, hearty salads, and local brews.
A lot of hotels in this price bracket have shifted toward "grab-and-go" kiosks that charge $14 for a soggy wrap. Having a sit-down space where you can actually get a hot meal after a delayed flight is a massive win. Plus, kids eat free here. That’s a legacy Holiday Inn policy that people often forget about, but when you’re feeding a family of four, it’s basically a $50 daily discount.
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The Logistics of the Shuttle
Let's get into the weeds on the shuttle service because this is where most airport hotel reviews go to die. The Holiday Inn Bloomington W MSP Airport Area Bloomington MN runs a complimentary shuttle, but you have to be smart about it.
- It’s a shared ecosystem.
- Peak hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) fill up fast.
- You need to call ahead or talk to the front desk the night before.
Don't be the person who wanders into the lobby five minutes before they need to be at Terminal 1 and expects a private limo. It’s an efficient system, but it requires you to have your act together. The drivers are usually local pros who know the shortcuts around I-494 construction—and in Minnesota, there is always construction.
Why Business Travelers Pick This Spot
If you are in town for a meeting at UnitedHealth Group, Seagate, or Dairy Queen’s corporate offices, this is your base camp. The Wi-Fi is snappy. I’ve tested it during peak evening hours when everyone is streaming Netflix, and it holds up well enough for a Zoom call without the dreaded "connection unstable" warning.
The business center isn't just a dusty PC in a corner. It’s functional. If you need to print a boarding pass or a last-minute contract, you won't be fighting an "out of toner" message for forty minutes.
The Indoor Pool Situation
Minnesota winters are no joke. If you're visiting between November and April, the indoor pool is your sanctuary. It’s large enough for kids to burn off energy but usually quiet enough in the early mornings for some laps. It’s well-maintained, though the chlorine scent can be a bit "energetic" on humid days.
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Beyond the Lobby: Exploring Bloomington
If you stay here, don’t just sit in the room. You’re surprisingly close to some of the best food in the suburbs.
- Hyland Hills: If it’s winter, go look at the ski jumps. It’s a five-minute drive.
- Westsiders: Check out some of the Vietnamese spots along Nicollet Ave if you want to escape hotel food.
- Edina: You’re right on the border of Edina, which means high-end dining at 50th & France is just a quick hop away.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
People sometimes confuse this property with the "Holiday Inn Express" or the other "Holiday Inn" near the airport. Double-check your GPS. This is the West location. If you end up at the one by the Light Rail station, you’re on the wrong side of the highway system.
Also, parking is generally ample. Unlike downtown Minneapolis hotels that charge $40 a night to park in a cramped ramp, you get a sprawling surface lot here. It’s easy. It’s free for guests. It’s one less line item on your expense report.
The Verdict on Value
Is it the fanciest hotel in the Twin Cities? No. Is it the cheapest? Also no. It occupies that "middle-class" tier of hospitality where you pay for reliability. You’re buying a comfortable bed, a predictable breakfast, and a staff that knows how to handle a snowstorm-induced flight cancellation.
For the price point, especially if you’re an IHG One Rewards member, the points earn-to-burn ratio here is solid. It’s a high-utilization hotel that maintains a surprisingly high level of personal service.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay:
- Book the "Park, Stay, and Go" package if you’re flying out for a week. It’s often cheaper than paying for long-term parking at the MSP ramps.
- Request a room on a higher floor facing north. You’ll get a better view and less road noise from the American Blvd traffic.
- Download the IHG app before you arrive. This location is pretty good about digital check-ins, which lets you bypass the lobby line if a flight crew just arrived ahead of you.
- Check the shuttle schedule for Mall of America drops. It doesn't run every 15 minutes like a city bus, so timing your departure will save you a lot of standing around.
- Utilize the fitness center in the morning. It’s usually empty before 7:00 AM and has enough cardio equipment to get the job done.
Staying at the Holiday Inn Bloomington W MSP Airport Area Bloomington MN is about eliminating friction. It’s about knowing that when you land at MSP, your bed is ten minutes away, your car is safe, and you aren't going to be hit with hidden "resort fees" for a pool you might not even use. It’s the practical choice for the practical traveler.