
Radisson Blu Mall of America
Best for families and shoppers who want direct indoor access to Mall of America and on-site family amenities.
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Radisson Blu Mall of America is a 4.5-star, family-focused full-service hotel directly connected to Mall of America; read this if you want mall access, family activities, or a hotel with an indoor pool and spa. Minneapolis Marriott City Center is a large 4-star full-service Marriott in downtown Minneapolis; read this if you're traveling for business, conventions, or want to be steps from Nicollet Mall and entertainment venues.
Updated · about 17 km apart

Best for families and shoppers who want direct indoor access to Mall of America and on-site family amenities.

Best for business travelers and convention groups who need downtown proximity and lots of meeting space.
When Radisson Blu Mall of America wins: choose Radisson Blu if you need direct, indoor access to Mall of America, want family-focused amenities (family pool, kids programs), or prefer an on-site spa and leisure facilities connected to shopping and entertainment.
When Minneapolis Marriott City Center wins: choose the Marriott if your priority is downtown Minneapolis — short walks to theaters, Nicollet Mall and Target Center — or if you need extensive conference/banquet space and a centralized business address.
Bottom line: both are large full-service hotels; pick Radisson Blu for mall-centered family or mixed-leisure stays and the Marriott for downtown business, meetings, and being in the city’s event/entertainment district.
| Category | Radisson Blu Mall of America | Minneapolis Marriott City Center |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Family- and shopper-oriented hub with leisure facilities and an on-site spa | Downtown full-service Marriott focused on business, meetings, and city access |
| Location | Direct skyway connection to Mall of America in Bloomington; close to MSP | In downtown Minneapolis on Nicollet Mall, steps from theaters and Target Center |
| Size (rooms) | About 500 rooms/suites across 13 floors | 585 guestrooms |
| Audience / ages | All ages; family-friendly (kids programs, family pool) | All ages; not adults-only (children 18 and under stay free with guardian) |
| Pools | Indoor saline pool (47 x 19 ft) with adult-only early hours; check current status for maintenance closures | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar (on-site) + coffee shop and two bars/lounges; room service | Aurora (on-site) + coffee shop/cafe, bar/lounge and limited room service |
| Spa & wellness | Laughing Waters Spa on Level 3 with massages, facials, sauna/steam; reservations required | Not published |
| Meetings & events | ~26,300 sq ft meeting space with two ballrooms and 14+ meeting rooms; large wedding capacities | 425,814 sq ft of conference space and 24 meeting rooms (very large downtown meeting capability) |
| Transit & airport access | Direct access to METRO Blue Line at Mall of America; complimentary airport shuttle; ~10-min drive to MSP | Central downtown location with easy access to city transit; MSP about 10 miles (preferred airport MSP) |
| Parking | Self-parking and valet (surcharges); validated parking when dining at FireLake; RV/bus/truck parking options | Self parking (surcharge) available onsite; valet/parking details vary by source |
Radisson Blu sits at Mall of America with a direct indoor skyway to shopping and attractions.
Choose Radisson Blu when you want immediate, indoor access to Mall of America and easy airport connections.
Minneapolis Marriott City Center anchors downtown Minneapolis on Nicollet Mall near theaters and event venues.
Choose the Marriott when you want to be in the middle of downtown Minneapolis activity and business districts.
Radisson Blu offers ~500 rooms and suites, including Business Class rooms with lounge access.
Radisson Blu is strong for families and shoppers needing a range of suite options and lounge benefits.
Minneapolis Marriott City Center has 585 guestrooms including multiple executive and accessible room types.
The Marriott suits business travelers and larger groups who need accessible rooms and downtown views.
Radisson Blu’s signature on-site restaurant is FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, plus bars and room service.
If on-site American farm-to-table dining and a lively cocktail menu matter, Radisson Blu’s FireLake is a draw.
Minneapolis Marriott City Center offers Aurora as its on-site restaurant, plus a coffee shop/cafe and bar/lounge.
The Marriott covers core dining needs for business travelers with an on-site restaurant and bar near downtown venues.
Radisson Blu features an indoor saline pool with family hours and early adults-only swim times.
Radisson Blu’s indoor saline pool is a clear advantage for families and leisure travelers.
Minneapolis Marriott City Center pool information is not published in the supplier listing.
Pool availability at the Marriott should be confirmed directly; downtown location focuses more on business amenities.
Radisson Blu includes an on-site Laughing Waters Spa and a 24-hour fitness center with classes.
Radisson Blu pairs an on-site spa and fitness offerings with easy access to family entertainment.
The Marriott offers downtown nightlife and entertainment within easy walking distance; an on-site spa name is not published.
Choose the Marriott for after-work drinks and quick walks to theaters and music venues; verify specific spa services with the hotel.

Direct indoor access to Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe and SEA LIFE, plus family pool hours and kids programming.

Close to MSP with a free airport shuttle and direct skyway to 500+ shops and attractions.

Central downtown location, large meeting/banquet capacity and 24 meeting rooms make it ideal for conventions and business stays.

Steps from Nicollet Mall, Target Center and downtown theaters for evening entertainment and restaurants.
Radisson Blu — direct skyway access to Mall of America attractions, a family-friendly indoor saline pool, and kids programs make it the easier choice for families.
Minneapolis Marriott City Center — it’s downtown with large conference capacity and many meeting rooms, making it better for business groups and conventions.
Radisson Blu has an on-site Laughing Waters Spa. The Marriott listing notes a health/beauty spa nearby but does not publish an on-site spa name.
Yes — downtown is commonly a roughly 20-minute drive or reachable by the METRO Blue Line light rail from Mall of America.
Explore how Radisson Blu Mall of America stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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