Is Radisson Blu Mall of America worth it? Honest pros and cons
Yes — Radisson Blu Mall of America is worth it if your priority is direct access to Mall of America, a large on-site restaurant, and solid business/event facilities. It’s a 4–4.5 star, family-friendly hotel with a saline indoor pool, on-site spa, 24-hour fitness center, and a skyway straight into the mall.
In this guide
Location and access
Radisson Blu Mall of America sits at 2100 Killebrew Dr in Bloomington and connects directly to Mall of America via an indoor skyway. That gives straightforward, weather-proof access to more than 500 shops, Nickelodeon Universe, and SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium.
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport is about a 5–10 minute drive away; the hotel also runs a complimentary airport shuttle (times/availability vary) and the METRO Blue Line light rail serves Mall of America if you prefer public transit.
- Address: 2100 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN 55425
- Indoor skyway into Mall of America (shopping, rides, aquarium)
- Airport access: short drive, hotel shuttle available based on availability
| Nearby | Typical transfer/time |
|---|---|
| SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium | About a 5-minute walk via the mall (≈296 m) |
| Nickelodeon Universe | Direct access through Mall of America (1–2 minute walk via skyway) |
| Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) | About 5–10 minute drive; shuttle available |
Rooms and comfort
The hotel has 500 guest rooms across 13 floors with a mix of standard rooms, Executive Rooms, and suites. Room types include Executive Room (High Floor), Executive Room, Room, Room (Obstructed View), Studio Suite, with Sofa bed, Valley View, Suite, with Sofa bed, and Suite, 1 Bedroom — these names are used exactly by the hotel.
Rooms include free high-speed wired and wireless internet. If you want an upgraded experience and access to the Business Class Lounge, select a Business Class room (Business Class guests get a 13th-floor lounge with complimentary breakfast and evening drinks).
- Exact room names: Executive Room (High Floor); Studio Suite, with Sofa bed, Valley View; Room (Obstructed View); Room; Executive Room; Suite, with Sofa bed; Suite, 1 Bedroom
- Free high-speed wired and wireless internet in rooms and public areas
- Business Class Lounge available to Business Class room guests
| Room feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Wi‑Fi | Free high-speed wired and wireless in rooms and public areas |
| Bed configurations | Varies by room; listed on hotel site per room type |
| Check-in / Check-out | Check-in: 3:00 PM — Check-out: 12:00 PM (noon) |
Amenities: pool, spa, and fitness
The hotel offers an indoor saline pool and a 24-hour fitness center with Life Fitness equipment. Pool hours and availability have varied across sources; the pool is commonly listed as open to guests from early morning until late evening and includes daily adult-only early swim times.
Laughing Waters Spa (Level 3) is the on-site spa with a range of services, a sauna and steam room, and required reservations for treatments. Spa hours and services are published by the hotel and mall directory.
- Indoor saline pool: reported size 47 ft x 19 ft, depth up to 4'10" (sources differ on exact hours)
- Common pool hours listed: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM with adults-only hours 5:00–7:00 AM (verify current hours before arrival)
- Laughing Waters Spa (Level 3): massages, facials, waxing, nails, sauna, steam room (reservations required)
- Fitness center: 24-hour, Life Fitness machines, free yoga mats, some free fitness classes
| Facility | Typical hours / note |
|---|---|
| Indoor saline pool | Reported 7:00 AM–10:00 PM with adults-only windows (verify current status) |
| Fitness center | Open 24 hours |
| Laughing Waters Spa | Mon–Sat 10:00 AM–9:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM–7:00 PM (hotel directory) |
Dining and bars
FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar is the hotel’s main on-site restaurant and bar, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a farm-to-table American menu that highlights wood-fired steaks and local ingredients. The restaurant accepts reservations and offers a Private Dining Room for groups of 6–60.
The property also offers two bars/lounges, a coffee shop, and 24-hour room service. Dining at FireLake can validate parking for guests who dine there.
- FireLake hours (as listed): daily 6:30 AM–12:00 AM; breakfast 6:30–11:00 AM, lunch 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, dinner 5:00 PM–10:00 PM, lounge service 3:00–11:00 PM
- Private Dining Room available for groups of 6–60 (contact listed by hotel)
- Room service available 24 hours
| Dining outlet | Notes |
|---|---|
| FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar | On-site, reservations accepted; business-casual dress recommended |
| Bars / lounge areas | Two bars/lounges on property; cocktail menu and wine list at FireLake |
| Room service | Available 24 hours |
Meetings, events, and weddings
Radisson Blu Mall of America has roughly 26,300 sq ft of flexible meeting and event space, including The Lakes Ballroom (about 8,500 sq ft) and the Minnetonka Ballroom (about 4,158 sq ft). The hotel lists many meeting rooms and configurations for conferences, receptions, and weddings.
Capacities vary by room: The Lakes Ballroom and Minnetonka Ballroom support large receptions and theater setups, and smaller boardrooms and salon spaces (Cedar, Nokomis, Harriet, Calhoun Boardroom, etc.) handle intimate meetings and breakouts.
- Total meeting space ≈ 26,300 sq ft, multiple ballrooms and 14 meeting rooms
- The Lakes Ballroom: about 8,500 sq ft (reception capacity reported up to ~1,062 attendees in some listings)
- Minnetonka Ballroom: about 4,158 sq ft (various seating capacities listed by the hotel)
| Event space | Size / sample capacity |
|---|---|
| The Lakes Ballroom | ≈8,500 sq ft — large reception/theater capacities listed by hotel sources |
| Minnetonka Ballroom | ≈4,158 sq ft — flexible seating for mid-size events |
| Nokomis / Cedar / Harriet rooms | Smaller breakout and boardroom options (capacities vary by room) |
Who should (and shouldn’t) stay here
Good fit: families wanting direct access to Mall of America attractions; business travelers needing large meeting spaces and a downtown-accessible base via the Blue Line; shoppers and visitors catching flights at MSP (short drive/shuttle).
Less good fit: travelers seeking a quiet, remote resort experience or those who want an all-inclusive meal plan — Radisson Blu Mall of America is not an all-inclusive property and dining is charged separately. Also confirm pool or spa availability if those amenities are a must, since schedules and occasional maintenance closures have been reported.
- Best for: families, conference attendees, shoppers, business travelers
- Not ideal for: travelers seeking secluded outdoor-focused resorts or all-inclusive rates
- Check policy details before arrival: minimum check-in age variances, pet fee, parking fees, and incidental deposit
| Policy / fee | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Minimum check-in age | Sources vary; some list 18, others 21 — have photo ID and card ready |
| Pet fee | A pet fee has been reported (amounts and rules vary; service animals exempt) |
| Parking | Self-parking and valet available for a surcharge; validated parking for restaurant guests |
