Coming for a trip to Minnesota, where's the best area to find lodging? (Bloomington: hotel)

[eazygoing1958]

Hi there
I'm planning on coming down to Minnesota this weekend to do some shopping. I'd like to hit The Albertville Outlets, MOA and any other shopping areas I can find.
Can someone please direct me to a reasonably priced motel/hotel and also advise me to which area would be the best for lodging? Basically I need a place to sleep and I don't require amenities just a clean, safe place to spend the night.
Any suggestions on great shopping besides the MOA and Albertville Outlets for Men's clothing would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much for your help!!

[chilaili]

Originally Posted by eazygoing1958

Hi there
I'm planning on coming down to Minnesota this weekend to do some shopping. I'd like to hit The Albertville Outlets, MOA and any other shopping areas I can find.
Can someone please direct me to a reasonably priced motel/hotel and also advise me to which area would be the best for lodging? Basically I need a place to sleep and I don't require amenities just a clean, safe place to spend the night.
Any suggestions on great shopping besides the MOA and Albertville Outlets for Men's clothing would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much for your help!!

I assume you will have your own transportation? There are some good places to stay right by the MOA that are clean, affordable and safe. Also the main hotel chains can be found in and around downtown Mpls or St Paul including Hyatt, Hilton, etc. There is what used to be Days Inn on W 7th Street which I think is now a Holiday Inn - very close to a couple of handy bus stops. You could try a search on the usual travel websites and see who is offering any deals.

As for other shopping venues:
Southdale & Rosedale malls (I would suggest Galleria but I don't know the have anything for men specifically)
Parts of Grand Avenue
Uptown

[Delaneyland]

When I have to travel to the big city, I often stay at the Thunderbird in Bloomington. Its right next to the MOA on I-494, has a decent restaurant and bar, it certainly isn't fancy but I've found it to be clean, quiet, nicely located, and reasonably priced. I don't know which way you're coming from but there are a lot of outlet stores in North Branch as well.