Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Bloomington, Minnesota

The 233-room Country Inn is a mid-range chain option conveniently connected to the Mall of America by a skybridge (there’s also a free shuttle). Most guests are families who want to shop, and family-friendly rooms sleep up to six and feature microwaves and mini-fridges. Past guests have reported damp odors in the bathrooms and inconsistent housekeeping. The free breakfast gets rave reviews, and a TGI Fridays and IHOP are on-site. Two indoor pools, two whirlpools, a 24-hour gym, and laundry facilities round out the features. Other perks include mall discounts and free round-the-clock coffee and cookies -- plus free parking, a free 24-hour airport shuttle, and reliable free Wi-Fi. Downtown Minneapolis is about a 15-minute drive away. For something closer to the city center, consider the Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Downtown.

Radisson Blu Mall of America is an upscale hotel that attracts families and business travelers. The 500 rooms and suites are diverse in style with comforts like mini-fridges, though the Suites and Mansion Rooms are the most spacious with extra amenities like separate tubs and extra toiletries in the bathrooms, and separate living spaces. The four-pearl hotel has on-site amenities like a pool, fitness center, and a spa with a full-service salon, though its biggest attraction is the skyway that connects the hotel to the Mall of America. A free shuttle to the nearby airport and easy access to the light rail station that travels to Minneapolis’s most popular areas makes the location of this hotel superb, an aspect that is reflected in the high prices.

When it comes to comfort, price, and simplicity near the Mall of America and MSP airport, the BEST WESTERN PLUS Bloomington is tough to top. While not the most glamorous of hotels, the Best Western has 211 spacious and well-equipped rooms and suites with iPhone docks and flat-screen TVs, and appeal to both business travelers and families. Its interior pool complex is especially popular, and free shuttles around the area make it an especially convenient stay.

The 146-room Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport is a value property with clean, conventional rooms near the airport and the Mall of America. Renovated in 2014, this hotel is well maintained and offers a free hot breakfast, free 24-hour shuttle, and free Wi-Fi. The indoor pool and hot tub are property highlights. Rooms are spacious but generic with comfortable beds, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. While parking in the surface lot is free, underground parking costs an extra fee. The adjacent SpringHill Suites Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport offers free garage parking and similar amenities, though rates can often be higher.

With its Water Park of America, the largest indoor water park in Minnesota, the Radisson Hotel Bloomington naturally appeals to vacationing families; that the Mall of America is just a free, five-minute shuttle ride away only sweetens the deal. Its 403 rooms and suites cater to families -- many have bunk beds and sofa beds -- and features include a fitness center, on-site spa, and three restaurants. Those who want to have easy access to downtown Minneapolis should look to stay closer to the city center, as it's a 15- to 20-minute drive from the hotel.