Where to stay for the Big Game in 2018

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I just finished watching the New England Patriots defeat the Atlanta Falcons in one of the craziest Super Bowls ever.  I thought for sure that the Falcons were going to win.  Dammit Brady and Belichick!!!  So, now the attention turns to the 2017 NFL season and the Big Game that will be played at the US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 4, 2018.  If you’re going to go the Big Game in 2018, here are some of the best hotels in Minneapolis.

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New England Patriots defeat Atlanta Falcons

Wow, what a game.  You gotta hand it to the Patriots.  They came back from deficits of 21 and 25 points, then scored xx straight points to win the first overtime game in Super Bowl history.  The Patriots also set the record for the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.  Tom Brady is now the winningest Super Bowl quarterback with 5 wins.  And Bill Belichick is also the winningest coach in Super Bowl history with 5 wins.  Even with all of those accolades, it is still hard to forget Spygate and Deflategate… and the tarnish those two scandals will have on their careers.

If you’re interested in official NFL Super Bowl gear celebrating the New England Patriots’ victory, click here or on the banner below.

a man wearing a helmet

 

The Big Game 2018 in Minneapolis

The Big Game will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 4, 2018, at the Minnesota Vikings’ new stadium.  The US Bank Stadium is a state of the art stadium that opened in time for the 2016 NFL season.  I have yet to visit it, but I have heard that it is pretty amazing.

If you want to take a tour, click here for US Bank Stadium tour information.  It is a 90-minute tour that runs every hour starting at 10 am, with the last tour starting at 4 pm.  Tour ticket prices are $19 for adults and $7 for children 5 – 12.  Various discounts are available for seniors, the military, and students.  Children under 5 are free.

 

The Best Hotels in Minneapolis for the Big Game in 2018

With most hotels, you can book 12 to 24 months out, so if you’re planning on going to a football game on February 4, 2018, book your room now before they boost the cash prices or lock you out of award redemptions.  Below are my picks from each of the major hotel brands if I were going to be staying in Minneapolis.

Check rates & book now at Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com | Priceline | Travelocity

 

Kimpton Grand Hotel Minneapolis

I’m a big Kimpton fan, and I love all of the upgrades they usually provide.  However, since the entire town will be booked the weekend of the Big Game, I doubt there would be an opportunity to get much of an upgrade from the basic room I always book.  Still, I always savor the opportunity to try a new Kimpton property.  Their booking calendar won’t allow you to book into February 2018 yet, but room prices are around $149-$179 a night in the last week of January.  Click here for the latest reviews on TripAdvisor from travelers like us.

Kimpton The Grand Hotel Minneapolis lobby
Lobby of The Grand Hotel. Photo courtesy of Kimpton.

 

Radisson Blu Mall of America

I had the pleasure of staying at the Radisson Blu Mall of America when I was in Minneapolis for TBEX in May 2016.  I really enjoyed the hotel and the staff treated me so well.  I like that it is attached to the mall via a 2nd floor enclosed walkway so that you’re not exposed to the elements.  The Mall of America is a must-see while you’re in Minneapolis!  Click here for the latest reviews on TripAdvisor.  Club Carlson also offers a Radisson Blu Downtown and their first US-based Radisson Red in Minneapolis.

 

The Marquette Hotel by Hilton

The Marquette seems to be a beautiful property and it is rated a 4 Diamond hotel.  It is connected to the Skyway to shield you from the weather and is within walking distance to the Target Center, TCF and US Bank Stadiums.  Click here for the latest reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

Aloft Minneapolis

Of all the hotel options in Minneapolis, the Aloft Minneapolis is the closest to the US Bank Stadium.  This SPG property is a Category 3 hotel.  The aloft brand is generally a lower-priced option, but I’m sure it would be relatively expensive just like everything else come the weekend of The Big Game.  Click here for the latest reviews on TripAdvisor.

SPG aloft Minneapolis exterior
aloft Minneapolis exterior. Photo courtesy of SPG.

 

Hyatt Place Minneapolis Downtown

This Hyatt Place Minneapolis Downtown is also very close to the US Bank Stadium.  For convenience, this would be another great pick.  And Hyatt Place hotels come with free breakfast, which also helps to save money.  Normally, Hyatt Place properties are for the budget-conscious traveler, but everything during this weekend is going to be way more expensive than during other times of the year.  Click here for the latest reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

The Hotel Minneapolis, Autograph Collection by Marriott

The Hotel Minneapolis is another 4 Diamond hotel on this list.  It is connected by the Skyway and is close to the US Bank Stadium.  This property has a wide variety of room types, but their calendar doesn’t yet extend to the first weekend in February.  Click here for the latest reviews from TripAdvisor.

The Hotel Minneapolis, Autograph Collection One Bedroom Suite
The Hotel Minneapolis, Autograph Collection One Bedroom Suite. Photo courtesy of Marriott.

 

Crowne Plaza Minneapolis Northstar Downtown

Aside from the Kimpton hotel, this is the best option within the IHG family in Minneapolis.  The Crowne Plaza Minneapolis Northstar is located in the heart of Downtown, so it is close to all of the action.  Click here for the latest reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

Which card to pay for your room?

The standard answer is to use the co-branded card of the hotel you’re staying in, but that’s not always the best option if you’re paying cash for your room.  For example, Tyler compared the SPG vs. Marriott cards to determine which card earned more points.  To me, if you’re staying 4 nights at a hotel, you can’t beat the Citi Prestige card’s 4th night free benefit.  That 25% savings is worth more than any bonus points you’ll get from a co-branded card!

 

The Bald Thoughts

If you’re planning on going to The Big Game, or just wanted to visit Minnesota, these hotels are some of the best options that Minneapolis has to offer.  My pick would be the Kimpton Grand Hotel because I love the brand and the way they treat their guests, but there are plenty of options by all of the major brands to suit your preferences.  Which hotel would you stay at?


2 COMMENTS

  1. Two other good ones:

    W Minneapolis – The Foshay – it is a hip W hotel in a class old building. A lot of the rooms offer awesome views of the city.

    Loews Minneapolis

    Currently they are building several other hotels as well to open in time for the Super Bowl. The nightly rates will be pretty high. On a typical Vikings home game weekend most of the hotels downtown Minneapolis go for $300-$600 a night. So I can only imagine it being more for the Superbowl. .

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