Traveling with family is always fun but planning it properly requires lots of research especially on the bargains and prices of lodgings and transportations.
We traveled in a family of 5 (four adults and 1 baby) this year to Minneapolis for a weekend. Not knowing what to expect of this city known for the Mall of America, we did some research online about hotels and motels that are located conveniently near or in downtown with free or easily assessable parking (because we were driving).
My husband insisted in looking at cheap hotels fearing that the brand name hotels may be too costly for a long weekend. Most hotels limit the number of people per room, and additional price for parking or a baby cot. Hard to believe it, but some hotels do charge for baby cot!
I stumbled upon Towneplace suites on the Marriott website and booked a 2 bedroom apartment suite for the five of us. When arrived, we found parking easily on the street right in front of the hotel. The environment is clean and not rowdy and it is a few minutes away from the river where we could take a walk.
The apartment turned out to be quite pleasant. Each room is furnished with a dresser, side table a built in closet, a queen size bed and a tv. The little kitchenette is a decent size, equipped with basic cooking utensils and pots. It was so nice to be able to make my own baby food during our stay because baby Deion is quite picky about things we put into his mouth.
Most importantly, the apartment is spacious and clean. There is a sofabed in the living room that pulls out into a queen size bed. Extra linens are provided inside the closet and they are protected inside a transparent bag. Extra pillows are available as well for those who love to sleep on higher pillows.
The bathrooms are separated into 2 different suites with shower room and the toilet. I find this a little strange but some people may appreciate the fact that one does not need to wait for a long time for the other to finish using the bathroom before taking a shower. There are plenty of towels and housekeeping would provide more if the service is required.
At the lobby, there is a cozy fireplace and self-serve coffee/tea counter.
Additionally, any family with older kids will appreciate the video games that could be rented at minimal charge from the hotel. The consoles are attached to the tv in each of the rooms.
The staff at the front desk is friendly and helpful as well and we find our stay quite pleasant. I would stay there again for sure.

Recommended: Yes