Last Updated on August 26, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, combines shopping, dining, attractions, and lodging in one destination near Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport. For travelers who want to stay without needing to drive or shuttle back and forth, the most important detail is simple: two hotels are directly connected to the mall, and each offers a different mix of amenities and transportation benefits.
Quick Answer
The two hotels directly connected to Mall of America are JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and Radisson Blu Mall of America. Choose JW Marriott for a luxury-focused stay and an operating heated indoor pool; choose Radisson Blu for direct skyway access and free airport transportation. Always confirm current rates and amenity status before booking.
Key Takeaways
- JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and Radisson Blu Mall of America are the two hotels directly connected to Mall of America.
- JW Marriott has 342 guest rooms, direct mall access, a heated indoor pool, on-site dining, and paid parking, but it does not provide an airport shuttle.
- Radisson Blu has 500 rooms, direct skyway access, free airport transportation, on-site dining, and paid parking. As of August 26, 2026, its pool is temporarily closed for repairs and updates.
- Mall of America spans about 5.6 million square feet and currently advertises up to 500 stores plus dozens of dining options and major indoor attractions.
- Metro Transit’s Blue Line connects MSP Airport and Mall of America in about 12 minutes, making a car unnecessary for many short stays.
Accommodation options at Mall of America hotels
Mall of America has many nearby hotels, but “near Mall of America” and “connected to Mall of America” are not the same thing. The two properties with direct mall connections are JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and Radisson Blu Mall of America.
| Feature | JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America | Radisson Blu Mall of America |
|---|---|---|
| Mall connection | Directly attached with indoor access | Direct skyway access |
| Guest rooms | 342 | 500 |
| Pool | Heated indoor pool | Indoor pool normally offered; temporarily closed for repairs as of August 26, 2026 |
| Airport transportation | No hotel airport shuttle | Free airport transportation listed |
| Breakfast | Available for a fee unless included in a qualifying package/rate | Available; do not assume it is complimentary with every rate |
| On-site dining | Cedar + Stone, Urban Table, Lobby Lounge, and in-room dining | FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar and room service |
| Parking | Paid hotel parking | Paid hotel parking |
| Pets | Pets not allowed; service animals permitted | Dogs permitted under the hotel’s current pet rules and fees; service animals permitted |
| Check-in / check-out | 4:00 p.m. / noon | 3:00 p.m. / noon |
| Best fit | Luxury stays, Marriott Bonvoy travelers, and guests who prioritize an operating pool | Travelers who value airport transportation, skyway access, larger room inventory, or a dog-friendly option |
JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America
JW Marriott is the more luxury-oriented of the two connected properties. It has 342 rooms and suites, direct indoor access to Mall of America, a heated indoor pool, a fitness center, nearly 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and on-site dining at Cedar + Stone, Urban Table.
The hotel does not operate an airport shuttle, so travelers arriving at MSP can use the METRO Blue Line to Mall of America, a taxi, or a rideshare service. Marriott also charges for hotel parking, so drivers should include parking in their stay budget rather than assuming Mall of America’s free daytime visitor parking applies to their hotel stay.
Breakfast is available at Cedar + Stone and through in-room dining, but it normally costs extra unless a qualifying room package includes it. Packages change throughout the year, so compare the standard room rate with any shopping or breakfast package before booking.
Radisson Blu Mall of America
Radisson Blu is a 500-room property connected directly to Mall of America by skyway. Current hotel amenities include free airport transportation, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, on-site dining at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, room service, meeting space, and pet-friendly accommodations subject to the hotel’s current rules and fees.
Note: As of August 26, 2026, the official Radisson Blu listing says its indoor pool is temporarily closed for repairs and updates until further notice. If swimming matters to your trip, verify the latest pool status before paying for a nonrefundable reservation.
Radisson Blu also charges for parking. Breakfast is available, but travelers should check their exact rate terms rather than assuming breakfast is complimentary. One clear advantage over JW Marriott for air travelers is the property’s currently listed free airport transportation.
Connected hotels versus nearby hotels
There are many more hotels around Bloomington, including properties across the street from or a short shuttle ride from Mall of America. The mall’s official hotel information says more than 50 hotels are located within about 10 minutes of Mall of America and MSP International Airport.
Those nearby options can sometimes cost less or include benefits such as free breakfast, free parking, or a shuttle. However, they do not provide the same walk-straight-into-the-mall convenience as JW Marriott and Radisson Blu. If direct indoor access is your priority, confirm that a hotel is described as “connected” rather than simply “near,” “across from,” or “minutes from” Mall of America.
Dining and entertainment at Mall of America
Dining is a major part of a Mall of America stay. Current Mall of America information advertises more than 45 eateries, ranging from quick-service food to full-service restaurants. Current options include CRAVE, which serves American dishes and sushi, as well as Twin City Grill, Rainforest Cafe, FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar at Radisson Blu, and Cedar + Stone, Urban Table at JW Marriott.
Because restaurants open, close, relocate, and change hours, use the current Mall of America directory before relying on an older dining list.
Entertainment goes well beyond shopping. Nickelodeon Universe is a seven-acre indoor theme park with rides, entertainment, character experiences, dining, and shops. SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium contains 1.3 million gallons of water and a 300-foot ocean tunnel where visitors can see sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and other marine life.
Mall of America covers about 5.6 million square feet, allowing travelers to combine a hotel stay with shopping, meals, theme-park rides, an aquarium, games, and other indoor attractions.
Other current attractions include Crayola Experience, The Escape Game, Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, Rock of Ages Blacklight Minigolf, Great Big Game Show, and interactive gaming experiences. Ticket requirements and attraction hours can differ from regular mall hours, so check each attraction before planning a tightly timed itinerary.
Shopping experience at Mall of America
| Aspect | Current planning information |
|---|---|
| Overall size | About 5.6 million square feet |
| Shopping | Up to 500 stores according to current Mall of America information |
| Dining | More than 45 eateries advertised in current 2026 visitor information |
| Entertainment | Theme park, aquarium, miniature golf, escape games, immersive games, and other attractions |
| Day-visit parking | Free parking is available in the mall’s regular ramps and lots; designated long-term parking follows separate rules and pricing |
The mall’s retail mix ranges from major department stores and national chains to specialty retailers, toys, technology, beauty, sportswear, gifts, and rotating new concepts. Current listings include H&M, Nordstrom, Apple, L.L.Bean, and many other brands.
Specialty stores also give visitors reasons to browse beyond standard fashion shopping. LEGO and Crayola stores, hobby and toy retailers, specialty food businesses, and limited-time concepts add variety to the larger retail mix.
Mall of America regularly announces new stores, relocations, remodeled locations, and pop-ups. For that reason, a current directory is more reliable than a fixed list of retailers in a travel article. If one particular store is essential to your visit, confirm that it is operating before you arrive.
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Transportation and accessibility to Mall of America
Mall of America is adjacent to Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport, and public transportation makes it practical to visit without renting a car. Metro Transit’s METRO Blue Line connects MSP Airport directly with the Mall of America Transit Station.
According to Metro Transit, Blue Line trains normally run every 15 minutes during much of the day, and the trip between the airport and Mall of America takes about 12 minutes. The train also serves both airport terminals, with no fare required for travel between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Drivers have access to large parking ramps and surface lots around the mall. Regular Mall of America visitor parking is free. Current parking guidance also includes designated long-term and overnight parking on Level 7 of the East Ramp for a nightly fee.
Warning: Free daytime mall parking should not be treated as free hotel or unrestricted overnight parking. Mall of America allows overnight vehicles only in its designated long-term parking area, while JW Marriott and Radisson Blu have their own paid hotel-parking policies.
Rideshare services, taxis, hotel shuttles from many nearby properties, and public buses provide additional transportation choices. Travelers staying at Radisson Blu can also consider its currently listed free airport transportation, while JW Marriott guests should plan on rail, taxi, rideshare, or another transfer because Marriott states that the hotel does not provide airport shuttle service.
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Accessibility and mobility planning
Mall of America provides accessible parking, elevators, accessible restrooms, family and companion restrooms, service-animal relief areas, and step-free routes from selected parking levels. Levels 1 and 4 of the main parking ramps provide particularly direct accessible entry into the mall.
Travelers who need a specific accessible hotel room, roll-in shower, pool lift, parking configuration, or other accommodation should confirm the exact room feature with the hotel before arrival. “Accessible room” can describe several different layouts, so booking the correct room type matters.
Special events and attractions at Mall of America
Mall of America hosts events throughout the year, including seasonal programs, family activities, brand launches, performances, meet-and-greets, and limited-time promotions. The schedule changes frequently, so visitors should review the official event calendar shortly before their stay instead of planning around an old event listing.
Permanent and recurring attractions make it easy to fill more than one day. Families can combine Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, Crayola Experience, and miniature golf, while older children and adults may also enjoy The Escape Game, Great Big Game Show, Activate, or other interactive experiences.
Some attractions operate outside standard mall hours, and tickets may be sold separately. Bundled attraction offers are sometimes available, so compare individual ticket prices with current multi-attraction packages if you expect to visit several paid attractions.
Tips for a successful stay at Mall of America hotels
Planning ahead can make a connected-hotel stay significantly easier, especially during weekends, school breaks, holidays, and major events.
- Choose the hotel based on the amenity you will actually use. JW Marriott is a stronger fit for a luxury-oriented stay and, as of August 2026, travelers who need an operating indoor pool. Radisson Blu can be especially convenient for travelers who value its free airport transportation or dog-friendly policy.
- Check the total price, not only the room rate. Parking, breakfast, pet fees, attraction tickets, and taxes can change which hotel is the better value.
- Verify time-sensitive amenities. Radisson Blu currently has a pool-closure notice, and hotel facilities can reopen or temporarily close at any time.
- Review the mall directory before arrival. Store locations, restaurant hours, attraction schedules, and temporary closures can change.
- Plan your major attractions first. If Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE, The Escape Game, or another ticketed attraction is a priority, check its hours and ticket options before filling the rest of the day with shopping.
- Use light rail when it makes sense. Travelers flying into MSP may be able to avoid a rental car entirely because the Blue Line runs directly between the airport and Mall of America.
Pro Tip: Compare hotel packages with ordinary room rates before booking. Mall of America and its hotel partners periodically offer shopping, attraction, parking, breakfast, or late-checkout packages, but the value depends on what your party would have purchased anyway.
Making the most of your ultimate shopping stay
A connected Mall of America hotel can turn a day trip into a much easier weekend because you can return to your room between shopping, meals, and attractions without driving back to another property. The best hotel depends less on which name sounds more luxurious and more on which amenities match your trip.
JW Marriott is the stronger choice for travelers who prioritize an upscale atmosphere, Marriott Bonvoy benefits, direct mall access, and a currently operating heated indoor pool. Radisson Blu is attractive for its direct skyway connection, 500-room capacity, free airport transportation, on-site FireLake restaurant, and dog-friendly policy, although guests who want to swim should verify when its temporary pool closure ends.
The larger Mall of America experience combines up to 500 stores, dozens of places to eat, Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, miniature golf, escape games, and regularly changing events. With the airport only a short Blue Line ride away, a connected hotel can also work well for travelers who prefer to visit without renting a car.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What hotels are connected to Mall of America?
The two hotels directly connected to Mall of America are JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and Radisson Blu Mall of America. JW Marriott is directly attached to the mall, while Radisson Blu provides direct access by skyway.
How are the hotels connected to Mall of America?
JW Marriott provides direct indoor access to Mall of America. Radisson Blu is directly connected by an enclosed skyway, allowing guests to reach the mall without making an outdoor trip between the hotel and shopping areas.
Which connected Mall of America hotel is better?
JW Marriott is generally the stronger fit for a luxury-focused stay, Marriott Bonvoy travelers, and guests who currently need an indoor pool. Radisson Blu may be better for travelers who value free airport transportation, direct skyway access, a larger 500-room property, or a dog-friendly hotel. Rates and temporary amenity changes can affect the decision.
Is the Radisson Blu Mall of America pool open?
As of August 26, 2026, the hotel’s official Choice Hotels listing says the indoor pool is temporarily closed for repairs and updates until further notice. Check the hotel’s current listing or contact the property before booking if pool access is important.
Do the connected Mall of America hotels offer airport transportation?
Radisson Blu currently lists free airport transportation. JW Marriott states that it does not provide an airport shuttle. JW guests can use the METRO Blue Line, taxi, or rideshare service between MSP Airport and Mall of America.
Can hotel guests use Mall of America’s free parking overnight?
Do not assume regular free mall parking can be used for a hotel stay. Mall of America restricts overnight parking to its designated long-term parking area, while JW Marriott and Radisson Blu maintain separate paid hotel-parking arrangements.
Are there other hotels near Mall of America?
Yes. More than 50 hotels are located within roughly 10 minutes of Mall of America and MSP International Airport. Many nearby properties offer mall or airport shuttles, but only JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and Radisson Blu Mall of America are directly connected to the mall.
Sources
- Mall of America Press Kit — mall history, scale, and connected-hotel information.
- Mall of America Hotels — connected and nearby hotel planning information.
- JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America — direct connection, pool, dining, parking, airport, and hotel amenities.
- Radisson Blu Mall of America — skyway connection, airport transportation, amenities, pet policy, dining, and current pool-closure notice.
- Metro Transit Airport Transportation — Blue Line airport service, frequency, and travel time to Mall of America.
- Mall of America Parking Guide — free visitor parking, long-term parking, accessibility, rideshare, and valet information.
