Escape to Mall of America: Luxury at Country Inn & Suites!

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bloomington at Mall of America, MN United States

Escape to Mall of America: Luxury at Country Inn & Suites!

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Country Inn & Suites near Mall of America – not just a review, but a vibe check. Let's be real, hotels are rarely luxury unless you're dropping serious cash. But hey, "Escape to Mall of America: Luxury at Country Inn & Suites!"… it's got a ring to it, doesn't it? Let's see if the reality matches the… aspiration.

Arrival and First Impressions (the "OMG, Did I Park in the Right Place?" Phase)

The accessibility? Alright, let’s start there. Wheelchair accessible is a big checkmark, a huge win for anyone needing it. Elevator? Yup. Facilities for disabled guests? Good. They seem to be trying. First impressions? You know, it’s a Country Inn & Suites. Don't expect Versailles, but it's clean, at least from the outside. Finding the entrance felt a little like one of those escape rooms, but hey, Car park [free of charge]! Score! Let's go.

The Room: My Personal Fortress (and the Quest for Wi-Fi)

Okay, non-smoking rooms – THANK GOD. Air conditioning? Absolutely. Now, about the internet… They shout "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" from the rooftops… and there's also Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN. Fine. I’m happy it offers all of those things, I really am. And when it works it is great, but it sometimes felt like I was wrestling a kraken. You'd connect, then POOF! Nothing. Then, after some frantic clicking, BAM! Back. Just wanted to watch Netflix… I'm sure the professional internet services were there to do the heavy lifting if needed, I mean, I'm paying for it, right?! If you need internet for work, maybe bring a backup plan, but for cat videos and online shopping, it was… passable.

The room itself? Clean. Really, REALLY clean. That's a definite plus. They’re pushing that Anti-viral cleaning products and rooms sanitized between stays. That’s reassuring, especially these days. The daily housekeeping thing is also good. Everything was just… there. The blackout curtains were clutch for sleeping in. The extra long bed was a blessing. And, listen, the bathrobes were a welcome touch of… something. I'd always wanted one.

The coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver. That’s a must for me. Though essential condiments were not provided. What?! Now, now, now… Where are the essential condiments?!

Things to Do (Beyond Retail Therapy)

Okay, let's be real, you're near the Mall of America. Like, really near. So, the "Things to do" are, well, mostly related to shopping. But hey, if you want a day of retail therapy or you want to just walk around, explore, eat, or window shop, then you can.

They also have some good ways to chill out. Swimming pool [outdoor] and Swimming pool. I did not try the outdoor pool, weather did not cooperate. They had a Gym/fitness, I also did not try… no judgement. I think I saw a sign for a spa, but not sure how close it was.

Food and Drink (The Fuel for Shopping Sprees)

First things first: Breakfast [buffet]. I'm a buffet person, but it's not the Ritz Carlton. It was… functional. Breakfast service. Alright. It had the usual suspects: eggs, some kind of meat product, toast, and the ever-present mini-muffins. No gourmet stuff or anything.

Then there's the Coffee shop! Which helped, given the early morning shopping strategy I needed to employ. (The early bird catches….all the sales?!)

There's also a Bar and Poolside bar. I did not try those.

Cleanliness, Safety, and the Pandemic (The Slightly Terrifying But Necessary Section)

Okay, let’s be brutally honest: the world is a messy place, and hotels are often a reflection of that. The focus is strong on cleaning, with Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere. Seeing those things gave me peace of mind. They're using Professional-grade sanitizing services and Staff trained in safety protocol. The Cashless payment service is handy (especially if you've blown all your cash at the mall!).

I didn't see any doctor/nurse on call, which is a bit disappointing if I needed it.

The Little Details (the Stuff that Makes or Breaks a Stay)

• Staff friendliness. This can be a make-or-break thing. Generally, the staff was friendly and helpful, but not overly effusive. They were just okay.
• The elevator. Small things, like that, can be really hard for people.
• The location. Again, it is absolutely prime real estate for anything to do at all with the Mall of America.

My One, Singular, Moment of "Aha!"

Okay, here’s a memory that will stay with me: I bought a ridiculous sequined dress at the mall. Like, the most extra dress you’ve ever seen. And I felt like a queen, right? So, after a day of shopping, I went back to my room, and I decided to get ready and take some pics of myself. Now, getting ready in a hotel room is often… a struggle. But the mirror was awesome! I felt myself after a long day of shopping. The seating area was perfect to put the dress on. With the help of the ironing facilities, I was ready and I was feeling great. The whole experience was fantastic. I even got a pic with the window that opens. That was just the icing on the cake!

The Verdict (Because You Just Want to Know)

Okay, is this "Luxury"? Not really. Is it a solid, clean, convenient basecamp for exploring the Mall of America? Absolutely.

The Escape to Mall of America: Luxury at Country Inn & Suites! Offer (The "Book Now!" Bit)

Listen up, shopaholics, family adventurers, and anyone who just needs a mini-break! Escape to the heart of the action at the Country Inn & Suites near Mall of America!

Here's the deal:

• Prime Location, Prime Retail Rush: Literally steps from the Mall of America – get ready to shop 'til you drop (or until your credit card maxes out, whichever comes first!).
• Cleanliness, Comfort, and Convenience: They offer access to the outdoors, an open window, and all the amenities you need.
• Internet, Maybe: Free Wi-Fi, in room, is there if you need it. This can cause some problems so be prepared for it, but hey, it's there!
• Safety and Security: They offer a clean environment, and a safe stay during your shopping trip.

Book your adventure today!

Pro Tip: Check for packages that include Mall of America deals!

Final Thoughts: Would I stay again? Yeah, probably. Especially if I land another ridiculously sequined dress. But I'm not expecting the moon. I'm expecting a clean bed, a hot shower, and close proximity to the retail jungle. And on those promises, it… delievers.

Indonesian Island Paradise: Your Private Pool & Bathtub Awaits (AN119A)

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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause this isn't your grandma's perfectly-polished travelogue. This is the real deal, a messy, honest, and probably caffeinated account of my recent foray into the belly of the beast: Minnesota, baby! Specifically, the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bloomington at Mall of America. Prepare to get real.

Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of the Mall (Plus Pool Woes)

• 1:00 PM: Arrived at MSP. Smooth flight (miracle!), but the airport felt… cavernous. Like, you could lose a small country in there. Found the airport shuttle to the hotel – a blessedly boring experience, thank god. Needed to decompress before the behemoth that is the Mall of America.
• 2:00 PM: Check-in. Okay, the Country Inn & Suites… it's… serviceable. Cleanish. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and… ambition? I don't know. Check-in was fine, lady at the desk was friendly enough, though clearly saw through my attempt at casual charm. Room key in hand, I was ready to collapse on a bed.
• 2:30 PM: Room check. Success! Bed looks comfy – a major win. Immediately tested the pillows. Solid. Decent view (meh, mostly parking lots). Settled in, dumped my bag. The siren call of the pool, however, was too strong to resist.
• 3:00 PM: Pool attempt. Now, the pool. This is where our troubles begin. First, it’s PACKED. Like, sardine-can packed. Second, the water looked… suspiciously cloudy. Third, I realized, with a jolt of horror, that I'd forgotten my swimsuit. The pool gods were clearly not smiling upon me. Abandoned the pool dream, sulking.
• 4:00 PM: First foray into the Mall of America. Okay, this place. It's… intense. Huge. Overwhelming. Like a city of pure consumerism. I got lost within five minutes. Found a map, mostly figured it out. The sheer volume of people is mind-boggling. Got a pretzel. Ate it. Regretted it.
• 6:00 PM: Dinner at… something. Honestly, I don't remember the name. It was a chain restaurant with generic American food. I ate with hungry efficiency, trying not to focus on the sheer number of screaming children.
• 8:00 PM: Back in my room. Debrief: Exhausted. Slightly overwhelmed. Considering ordering a pizza (which I did. Don't judge me.) Contemplating the meaning of life, existence, and why I thought I'd enjoy this. Mostly tired.

Day 2: Rollercoasters, Retail Therapy, and Existential Dread (Round 2)

• 9:00 AM: Breakfast! Included with the hotel (score!). Waffles, eggs, and… well, let's just say the quality was "adequate." The coffee, however, was surprisingly drinkable. Needed the caffeine. Facing the MOA again. Sigh.
• 10:00 AM: Finally, the rollercoasters! This was the thing I was most looking forward to. It was… exhilarating and terrifying all at once. The screams were… embarrassing. But fun! Got in line for the Nickelodeon Universe rollercoaster. This is where things started going sideways. The line… oh god, the line… It took ages. Then, a technical malfunction! The ride stopped. For a while. An hour later. I had made it through the coaster, but the line was the real nightmare.
• 12:00 PM: Retail therapy! My brain needed a break after the rollercoaster trauma. Wandered aimlessly through stores. Bought a t-shirt I probably didn't need but liked. Window-shopped. Felt vaguely depressed about my bank account.
• 1:00 PM: Lunch. This time, I remembered the name of the restaurant: Chipotle. Familiar, safe, and delicious. Needed the comfort.
• 2:00 PM: More mall wandering. Spotted a store selling… taxidermied animals. Seriously. Taxidermied squirrels dressed in tiny clothes. The existential dread returned. What is life? What are we doing here? Is this peak capitalism? I fled.
• 3:00 PM: "Relaxation" attempt. Found a quiet-ish corner and read a book. Tried to meditate. Failed miserably. I needed a massage. But didn't book one.
• 5:00 PM: Dinner. The restaurant was "It's Just Wings" (Uber Eats). Ate it in my room, curled up in bed. Watched TV. Avoided looking at the Mall of America out my window.
• 8:00 PM: Packing, again. Can't wait for departure. My brain is fried.

Day 3: Farewell, Mall of America (And, Surprisingly, Some Kind of Peace?)

• 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Same as yesterday. Managed to choke it down. Contemplated a second helping of waffles, but the thought of another Mall day filled me with dread.
• 10:00 AM: Last-minute shopping. Actually managed to find a few souvenirs. Felt slightly less overwhelmed. Maybe I was starting to acclimatize to the madness.
• 12:00 PM: Checked out. The lady at the desk was the same as when I got. It was fine and easy.
• 1:00 PM: Headed to the airport. Took a deep breath, said goodbye to the Mall of America, and felt… a surprising sense of peace. The experience was a bit of a disaster, but I am pretty sure I needed it.
• 3:00 PM: Flight home. Looking forward to my bed.
• 4:00 PM: Debrief. Minneapolis was… a lot. The Mall of America? An assault on the senses. My hotel? Fine, I guess. Would I go again? Maybe. Probably not. But I'd always have the memory of that cloudy pool, those slightly over-priced rollercoasters, and the existential dread that comes with staring a taxidermied squirrel in the eye. It was, in its own chaotic way, a unique experience. And I wouldn't trade it.

The Unflinching Truths

• Hotel Recommendation: The Country Inn & Suites is… fine. It's clean. It's close to the mall. But don't expect luxury. Manage your expectations.
• The Mall of America: Brace yourself. It's intense. Bring comfortable shoes, a strong will, and a sense of humor (and potentially, earplugs).
• My Emotional State: A rollercoaster. Literally and figuratively.
• Final Thoughts: I survived. That's something, right? Maybe, just maybe, I even enjoyed it… in that slightly masochistic way. But I'm pretty sure I need a vacation from my vacation.

So, there you have it. A messy, honest, and probably not very helpful guide to conquering the Mall of America and surviving the hotel experience. Go conquer it, if you dare. You've been warned.

Indonesian Paradise: Your Stunning 1BR Balcony Oasis (JU75A)

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Escape to Mall of America: Luxury at Country Inn & Suites?! (Yeah, Right...) - FAQs That Are Actually Helpful (Maybe)

Okay, Seriously, Is This "Luxury" a Joke? Because Country Inn & Suites...

Alright, let's be real. "Luxury" and "Country Inn & Suites" in the same sentence feels... optimistic. I went in expecting, well, *Country Inn & Suites*. And I got that. Clean, comfy beds, free breakfast (the waffle maker – a lifesaver, honestly), and a pool. Luxury? No. Comfortable and a good strategic base for Mall of America carnage? Absolutely. Don't go expecting caviar and personal butlers. Go expecting a solid, reliable place to crash after you max out your credit cards at Lululemon (don't judge me).

How Close *Is* Close to the Mall? Because I've Walked a Mile in Heels and, Well...

Okay, the proximity is *amazing*. Seriously. You can practically smell the cinnamon buns from the hotel. Which, by the way, is dangerous for your willpower. We're talking a quick, easy shuttle ride. It's a real godsend after a day of intense shopping and people-watching (and maybe a little too much Auntie Anne's). Think of it like this: You're exhausted, your feet are screaming, and you can get back to your room in a flash. That's the real luxury, folks. The proximity. No long slogs, no Uber surge pricing. Peace of mind.

The Free Breakfast...Is it Actually Edible? And is the Waffle Maker REAL?

Oh, the breakfast. Let's just say it's...consistent. And yes, the waffle maker *is* real. In fact, it's the highlight. I'm a sucker for a perfectly golden, slightly crispy waffle, and this one delivers. The other options are your standard continental fare: cereal, fruit (sometimes looking a little...sad), pastries, and the ever-present scrambled eggs that may or may not be real eggs. But look, it's free. And it provides the fuel you need to face the Retail Apocalypse that is the Mall of America. Don't be a snob, eat your waffles. You'll need the energy. Trust me.

What About the Pool? Is It Packed with Screaming Kids 24/7? (Asking for a Friend... Myself.)

Okay, the pool situation is a mixed bag. Depends on the day, frankly. Kids? Yes, there will be kids. It's a family-friendly hotel, after all. But sometimes, by some miracle, there's a lull. A brief respite from the splashing and screaming. I managed to snag a quiet hour one afternoon, and it was glorious. Just floating, letting the chlorine do its thing, and pretending I was at a fancy spa instead of a perfectly ordinary hotel pool. So, basically, it's a gamble. Bring earplugs, just in case. Or embrace the chaos. It's all part of the experience.

Is There Free Wi-Fi? Because, You Know, Gotta Post Those Insta-worthy Shopping Hauls.

Yes, there is free Wi-Fi. Thank god. Because a shopping spree at the Mall of America without documenting it for your followers is practically a crime. The connection was decent, not blazing fast, but enough to upload photos of my new shoes, and furiously check the Sephora app. A critical function, really. It's not the *best* Wi-Fi ever, but it gets the job done. Don't expect to stream HD movies without buffering, though. Stick to your shopping-related social media, and you'll be fine.

Did You Actually *Enjoy* Your Stay? The Truth, Please.

Honestly? Yes. I did. I went in with low expectations (which, in this case, was a smart move) and came out pleasantly surprised. It’s not the Four Seasons. It’s not supposed to be. It’s a clean, comfortable, and supremely convenient base of operations for a Mall of America adventure. The free breakfast was a win (waffles!), the pool, when the kids were manageable, was relaxing, and being so close to the mall was a lifesaver. Will I go back? Absolutely. I’m already planning my next shopping trip. And yes, I'll bring my own mini-waffle iron, just in case.

What about Noise? Are the Walls Paper-Thin? *I* Need My Sleep.

Alright, noise. This is a valid concern. Look, it's a hotel, so you're going to hear...things. The walls aren't soundproof, so if your neighbor decides to have a late-night heart-to-heart with the TV or their significant other, you're going to hear it. I recommend earplugs, especially if you're a light sleeper. And try to get a room away from the elevator. Trust me on that. My own sleep got a little… interrupted. But it wasn't awful, mostly. Just pack earplugs. Seriously. You'll thank me.

Parking? Is it a Nightmare, or Just a Mild Inconvenience?

The parking situation was...fine. Adequate. They have parking, and it's free, which is always a bonus. Is it a vast, sprawling complex of perfect spaces? No. But it's usually readily available. No issues finding a spot. I mean, it's important to remember that it's a *hotel*, not Disneyland. So parking is not going to be a massive undertaking. As long as you're not expecting valet parking, you'll be alright. Just another small victory for this particular getaway.

Okay, One More Thing. The Shuttle...Was it Reliable? Because Transportation Anxiety is Real.

The shuttle. Ah, the shuttle. The shuttle was one of those experiences that was, in its own way, memorable. Initially, I was worried, because, you know, shuttles. I envisioned chaotic crowds, delayed departures, and a general air of disorganization (and, yes, deep down, I figured the driver would be late). BUT. The shuttle was excellent. On-time, clean, and the drivers were friendly and helpful. It might've been the smoothest part of the entire process. I'm a chronic worrier, so that's saying something. It was actually a *pleasure*. A rare and beautiful thing to be found in the hotel-shuttle landscape.

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