Radisson Blu Mall of America

The front reflective exterior of the Radisson Blu Mall of America is the first indication of the luxurious and futuristic style of the interior. Upon entering the glass front doors, guests are greeted by a black, white, and chrome color scheme, geometric wall designs, front desks, and high-rising stairs and escalators. On the left side of the lobby is a waiting area with two white pod chairs, hanging lights, and a long rectangular fireplace mounted almost three feet off the floor. Two skyways extend from the hotel, one connecting to the Mall of America, and the other, across Killebrew Drive toward IHOP and TGI Fridays. The communal interior spaces of the hotel are spacious as is the underground parking lot.Abstract, post-modern, and three-dimensional artwork, geometric wall designs, and hanging lights are common aspects of the decor. Furniture in meeting and communal spaces vary in style and color but many are sleek futuristic armchairs and couches surrounding white or black tables. However, decor can still seem a bit chain-like, even if sleek and modern, for an upscale hotel -- particularly in the rooms.Families and business travelers are the most common guests of the hotel, with families utilizing the skyways to the kid-friendly Mall of America, and business travelers taking advantage of the on-site features of the hotel such as meeting rooms, communal tables, and the Business Lounge. 

One of the best aspects of the hotel is its convenient location to entertainment, the airport, and transportation. The Mall of America, a top tourist destination in the U.S. for its expansive selection of dining, shopping, and entertainment, is a short walk on the skyway that connects the hotel to the mall. Furthermore, there is a Mall of America light rail station from which guests can utilize the light rail (metro train) to travel to downtown Minneapolis. The airport is also a stop on the light rail, though it is only a six-minute drive and guests have the option of using the hotel’s free airport shuttle (which does not operate 24/7). Lastly, Long Meadow Lake, a hub of walking and horseback riding trails, fishing, and nature adventures, is only a six-minute drive away and offers a great outdoor alternative for guests. 

There are 181 rooms with king-size beds, 290 rooms with two queen-size beds, and 29 suites, all of which differ in style and content. Urban Rooms have a deep wood finishing and a warm color palette of oranges, reds, and tans. They also have an eccentric assortment of framed, hanging art like movie covers, photographs, and record covers. As for Naturally Cool Rooms, they are a mixture of navy and orange furniture and rugs, with white lamps and a light wood finishing. Mansion Rooms have a blue, turquoise, and gray color scheme and wooden furniture with black accents in the form of chairs, tables, and closets. Of the rooms, Mansion rooms are the most spacious and have a small area with a couch, armchair, and table. Overall, decor is a bit chain-like for an upscale property, but it is modern and sleek.All rooms are equipped with modern technological amenities like flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, and coffeemakers, though some maintenance issues have been reported in regards to these amenities. The bathrooms are spacious, include showers, and have the added bonus of cosmetic mirrors. The lack of bathroom counter space is the biggest drawback to the rooms. Unlike standard rooms, Mansion Room bathrooms also include separate tubs and extra toiletries like mouthwash and shoe shine.The one-bedroom suites are an upscale and luxurious alternative to the rooms. The bedroom in each, which includes a bed and flat-screen TV, is completely separated from other areas by a wall and door. Outside of the bedroom is a living room with a couch, plush armchairs, and another flat-screen TV. Next to the living room is a table with several chairs, a desk, and cabinets that line the wall. Suite bathrooms are the most spacious and have tubs and extra toiletries like Mansion Rooms.

The Radisson Blu Mall of America has amenities for any type of traveler. For instance, the pool has lounge chairs, an accessible lift system, and towels, though it is underwhelming in comparison to the fitness center. With over 15 machines, free weights, weight balls, and mats, the fitness center goes beyond what most hotels provide in terms of exercise options. Guests can also take advantage of #BluRoutes, walking/running routes to and from the hotel that have been created by hotel staff with runners in mind. The Solimar Wellness Spa has a full-service salon and offers makeup services, massages, pedicures, and manicures.The stylish and homey feel of the FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, the on-site restaurant, is a great choice beyond room service, which guests have complained about. FireLake offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a farm-to-table menu and warm atmosphere. There is a variety of seating in the form of round tables, booths, bar seating, and tall, long rectangular tables with bar chairs. Private tables that are separated by curtains and a pool table are added perks to the dining experience.Lastly, 26,300 square feet of the hotel consist of two ballrooms for weddings and events and 14 meeting spaces for business travelers. The ballrooms and meeting spaces includes tables, chairs, LCD screens, and audiovisual equipment, and they are serviced by on-site catering. A notable business traveler amenity is the Business Lounge, an upgraded feature not open to all guests, which has comforts like coffee, newspapers, breakfast, evening drinks, and areas to commune.