The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Minneapolis

Did you say complimentary cocktails on arrival? This is just one of the enticing perks offered at this Moxy outpost – set right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Kick back in one of the loft-inspired rooms, complete with leather headboards and wooden floors – the king room comfortably sleeps three. Start your day right with a barista coffee and croissant from the on-site Bar Moxy. During the cold Minnesota winters, cozy up by the fireplace with a negroni after a long day exploring.

You can’t miss the Marquette, as it’s housed inside the glistening 792ft-tall (241m) IDS Center – the tallest building in Minnesota. Light-filled guest rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the neighboring downtown skyscrapers. For the best bang for your buck, reserve the deluxe room. Make sure you catch a gig at Hell’s Kitchen, just one block away. Get here early for a drink in the bar – they do a mean bloody mary.

Standing sentinel in the heart of Loring Park, this Hyatt Regency is big on size. There are 644 spacious guest rooms available, to be precise. Expect clean lines and muted tones in each one – families should book the king room, which comes with a sleeper sofa for kids. Fitness fanatics will appreciate the well-equipped gym, basketball court and on-site pool. Downtown is just a 15-minute walk away.

This trendy, pet-friendly hotel occupies a prime spot in East Town. Book the pared-back king room if you’re traveling on a budget – it’s a simple yet functional base for exploring the Twin Cities. Come nightfall, head to the on-site W XYZ Bar for live music from local Minneapolis artists, before hitting up the historic Armory club – which famously featured as the backdrop for Prince’s music video. Walk off your hangover the next day in Gold Medal Park – where you can enjoy verdant views over the Mississippi River.

From the outside, you wouldn’t think the Normandy Inn was a wallet-friendly hotel, but the plush, traditional rooms are surprisingly good value for money. Choose between a king room or double queen – there are sofa beds and adjoining rooms available if you’ve got kids, or pets, in tow. Take advantage of the heated indoor pool, sauna and hot tub, housed inside a cavernous courtyard.

While the downtown branch of Moxy boasts a better location, its sister hotel in uptown is more suited for larger groups. Book a double bunk room that sleeps four – featuring electric guitars on the walls and old-school phones lend a retro feel. Downstairs, sink into a midcentury armchair to listen to the hotel’s collection of vintage vinyl – or challenge your friends to a game of foosball, accompanied by a local craft beer.

Prince fans should book a stay at this downtown hotel, just one block from the renowned club First Avenue and 7th St Entry – where Purple Rain was filmed in 1984. Rooms are simple and unpretentious and a daily hot breakfast is included in your stay. You’ll also have easy access to the Minneapolis skyway here, packed with shops and restaurants. Not such a music fan? Target Field ballpark is a 10-minute walk away.

Stay at this historic Minneapolis landmark, once a Farmers and Mechanics Bank built in 1941. As soon as you step inside the 34ft (10m) grand vaulted lobby, you’ll spot signs of its former life – from the marble staircase to the walnut-paneled walls. While the rooms are affordable, the on-site BANK restaurant is less so. Still, you’re on vacation, so you might as well splash out on a special dinner – order the juicy ribeye steak served with roquefort and beef fat potatoes.

More of a classical music lover than a Prince follower? This Hilton is opposite the Minnesota Orchestra auditorium – which hosts a range of concerts for adults as well as children. The hotel itself is one of the largest in the city with 821 rooms. While you can certainly max out your credit card on a suite here, there are plenty of perfectly comfortable double rooms for a fraction of the price. Wind down in the indoor pool and sauna before you hit the town.

Traveling with kids? You can’t do much better than a stay at this Holiday Inn. Not only does it offer a prime downtown location, but kids aged 18 and under stay for free with an adult. Bundle your offspring downstairs to burn off energy in the indoor pool before bed – rollaways and cribs are available on request. Come morning, there’s a complimentary hot breakfast for every member of the family – including their signature oozing cinnamon buns drizzled with frosting.