Weekend in Minneapolis

[happyhomemaker]

Dh and I are going to Minneapolis for the weekend.  We will be staying at the Radisson Blu.  It looks like a nice hotel.  Since it is brand new and haven't stayed there before, I am not sure which room to chose, the "mansion room" or the "naturally cool room". Is it just a decor difference?  Also, I am not sure whether to get the superior room or upgrade to business (we are going for fun, but they offer complimentary breakfast and evening reception. I don't know what those entail, whether they are worth the extra money).  Also, the hotel offers turn down, which will be a fun perk, but am not sure if I tip for that in the evening or just in the morning when I leave a tip for housekeeping. What is the proper etiquette?
We will be going to the Mall of America, but are also considering going to the Nicollet mall and the Edina Galleria.  I have not been to either.  Are they worth going to? I have had a hard time finding a directory for the Nicollet mall. What stores are there? We plan to do a lot of shopping and are making the MOA homebase, but do you have any other suggestions for a activities or things to check out?  Thanks! 

[Moe]

It doesn't matter (room choices), it's a new hotel but it's not exactly in a great area (IMO). Not because it's sketchy, but you're really just staying at the mall (it's attached to MOA). There's nothing else but the mall.  For me, I'd rather just eat/drink/be somewhere else, so that colours my opinion.  The only restaurants near there are garden variety hotels that are usually found near airports, or mall/chain restaurants.

I tip once a day, regardless of turn down service.

Nicollet Mall isn't really a "shopping mall", but rather a downtown street. It has adjacent restaurants and shops, and it has a Farmer's Market on Thursdays. I love it on thursdays because of this (there's tons of musicians on the street playing, and it's vibrant, with all the fresh produce and meats and sauces etc), but beyond that, it's just a mall, no cars can go through (only buses). Edina Galleria is nice, has high end shops. I guess if your intention is to make it a shopping trip, you'll be satisfied, but Twin Cities has so much more to offer in terms of activities, things to do, music, entertainment, parks, art, such a vibrant city that it would be a shame to miss it because you want to go to yet another franchise shop (which is basically all you'll find in the different shopping malls)

What do you enjoy doing?

[happyhomemaker]

We enjoy a lot of various activities (going to museums, zoos, plays, playing mini golf, going to movies, trying new restaurants, etc.). We are coming from a small town so doing some shopping will be fun. However, we like doing a lot of various activities and are open to suggestions.

[Moe]

So do you have any activities planned beyond shopping? It seems that your questions are centered around Blu and shopping.

I can give you some suggestions based on whatever you have planned already!

Go.Minneapolis.org has some cool things to do.

[mangobanana]

We were just in Minneapolis last week and had a great time! If you're into mini golf, check out the artist-designed mini golf at the Walker Art Center. It's right by the sculpture park too, which was fun to walk through. Walking by the river was nice too, or there are lots of bikes available for rent, either by the river or near one of the many lakes. We really liked Pizza Luce for a casual dinner in the downtown area. Have fun!

[happyhomemaker]

We do have some shopping planned, but are looking for other ideas too. I will check out the link. Thanks!

We are thinking about checking out the sculpture park so maybe we will try the golf course.

[edogsgirl]

that is a lot of shopping. I have not stayed at the new hotel yet but plan to in the near future. Report back after your stay please and let me know what you think.

[Deleted]

I wouldn't go to Nicollet Mall unless you have something specific you are looking at doing besides shopping. A lot of the stores will be closed on weekends. The major stores there are Macy's, Target, Ann Taylor, Gap, Banana Republic and a few little specialty shops.
The Galleria is overrated IMO unless you want to go to Restoration Hardware.

[laurelle]

Radisson Blu Hotel was one of the very few hotels that in fact own a spring pool in Baden Baden. We stayed there for 4 days and had great, relaxing time.