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Choosing between Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown and Element Bloomington Mall of America? This in-depth comparison breaks down location, vibe, rooms, dining, amenities, price & more so you can decide which hotel is the best fit for your Minnesota stay.
Best for business travelers, event guests, couples, and families who want a full-service downtown Minneapolis hotel with Skyway access and on-site dining.
Better for travelers who want an extended-stay style hotel in Bloomington near Mall of America rather than a downtown base.
If you want a polished downtown stay with direct access to Minneapolis’s climate-controlled Skyway System, an on-site restaurant, major event space, and quick access to Target Center, Orpheum Theatre, Nicollet Mall, and Target Field, Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown is the stronger fit.
If your priority is being based by Mall of America in Bloomington with a more extended-stay hotel feel, Element Bloomington Mall of America is the better match.
Bottom line: choose Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown for a full-service city-center stay; choose Element Bloomington Mall of America for a Bloomington base focused around Mall of America.
| Category | Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown | Element Bloomington Mall of America |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Vibe | Full-service downtown hotel with a polished urban feel, on-site dining, large event spaces, and an all-ages guest mix. | Extended-stay style Bloomington hotel better suited to travelers who want to stay near Mall of America rather than downtown. |
| Location | In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, directly connected to the Skyway System and close to Target Center, Orpheum Theatre, Nicollet Mall, and Target Field. | In Bloomington near Mall of America, making it the more convenient pick if that area is the focus of your trip. |
| Rooms & Suites | 360 guestrooms and 17 suites with complimentary Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, refrigerators, coffee makers, down comforters, and Egyptian cotton sheets. | Extended-stay oriented rooms are the appeal, especially for travelers who prefer a Bloomington base near Mall of America. |
| Dining | Wood + Paddle Eatery serves Minnesota-inspired, wood-fired Midwestern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a full-service bar. | Better if you want a hotel stay near Mall of America dining and shopping options rather than relying on a downtown restaurant scene. |
| Amenities & Access | Direct Skyway access, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center on the 17th floor, and major meeting and wedding space. | More appealing for a Mall of America-focused trip where Bloomington access matters more than downtown event space or Skyway connectivity. |
| Kids & Family | All-ages hotel that markets to family stays, business travelers, and romantic getaways; up to 2 children 17 and younger may stay free using existing bedding. | A practical option for families or groups who want to stay by Mall of America rather than in downtown Minneapolis. |
| Price & Value | Best value when downtown Minneapolis access, on-site dining, Skyway convenience, and event facilities are worth prioritizing. | Best value when the trip revolves around Mall of America or Bloomington and you do not need a full-service downtown hotel. |
Rooms at Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown are designed for a comfortable city stay, with upgraded bedding details and practical in-room conveniences for both work and leisure trips.
Royal Sonesta is the better pick if you want a traditional full-service downtown hotel room with easy access to Minneapolis business, entertainment, and event venues.
Element Bloomington Mall of America is the more natural fit for travelers who prefer an extended-stay style hotel near Mall of America instead of a downtown room base.
If location near Mall of America matters more than a downtown full-service setup, Element Bloomington Mall of America has the edge.
Dining at Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown centers on Wood + Paddle Eatery, the hotel’s on-site restaurant serving Minnesota-inspired, wood-fired Midwestern cuisine.
Expect:
Element Bloomington Mall of America is better framed around Bloomington and Mall of America convenience, especially if you plan to dine where you shop or explore nearby.
If you want a named on-site restaurant and bar, Royal Sonesta is stronger; if you want Mall of America area convenience, Element Bloomington Mall of America makes more sense.
Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown is built for a city-center stay, with direct Skyway access and practical amenities that support business trips, events, and leisure weekends.
Element Bloomington Mall of America is the better fit if you want to be based in Bloomington near Mall of America rather than in the downtown core.
If you want Minneapolis downtown connectivity, choose Royal Sonesta; if you want the Mall of America area, choose Element Bloomington Mall of America.
Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown is an all-ages hotel that markets itself to family stays as well as business and romantic trips, making it flexible rather than family-only.
Element Bloomington Mall of America is the more obvious choice for families whose plans revolve around Mall of America and the Bloomington area.
If your family wants downtown Minneapolis attractions and Skyway convenience, Royal Sonesta is stronger; if the mall is the anchor, Element Bloomington Mall of America is easier.
Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown offers the most value when you will actually use its downtown location, on-site restaurant, Skyway connection, and event-ready facilities.
Element Bloomington Mall of America is the better value if your trip is centered on Mall of America, Bloomington, or a longer-stay style setup rather than downtown Minneapolis.
Choose Royal Sonesta if you want a full-service downtown hotel with Wood + Paddle Eatery, Skyway access, a 24-hour fitness center, and strong event credentials.
Element Bloomington Mall of America is the better pick if you want to be in Bloomington near Mall of America and prefer that location over a downtown Minneapolis base.
For business trips, weddings, meetings, theater weekends, and downtown sports or entertainment plans, Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown is the more complete choice.
If your plans are built around Mall of America and the Bloomington area, Element Bloomington Mall of America is the simpler, more location-focused option.
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