Cheryld

We're planning a trip to see a Twins game next week and are looking for recommendations for a nice hotel and pre-game dinner. Any ideas???

taitai

What type of food? A nice dinner or a sports bar type of place?

My favorite hotel is the Chambers. I just ate there after a Twins game at their restaurant D'Amico's kitchen. Gorgeous outdoor patio on a perfect summer day. Solera is also close to the stadium and another favorite of mine.

Have fun, the stadium is gorgeous

Cheryld

We'll be with our kids so nothing too fancy. Thanks for your input!!

bernadettelynn

We like to stop by Glueks a block from he target center. We usually get good prices on priceline in the Nicollet mall area for overnight and have always been happy with the stay.

ziggypop

Cheryld, I stayed at a Raddison on 6th street about 4 blocks from Target Field, a good choice for a family, reasonable rates. My favorite downtown restaurant is The Capital Grille on the corner of Hennepin and 8th. It is a steakhouse that you order ala-carte but an order of horseradish potatoes is enough for a family to share. Very good food. Enjoy the game and the great stadium, ziggypop

TC

Since you'll have kids along, you might want to consider the DoubleTree hotel. The rooms have a living area that makes into beds and just gives you a whole lot more room to spread out.
http://www.minneapolisdoubletree.com/

For downtown family friendly restaurants consider:
Buca di Beppo (family style Italian)
http://www.bucadibeppo.com/

Champps' in Butler Square (American bistro)

Hell's Kitchen (amazing food, especially breakfast or brunch)
http://www.hellskitcheninc.com/Menu.html

Rock Bottom Brewery (good burgers)
http://www.rockbottom.com/menu

A few block from downtown for outstanding ribs, try Rudolphs:
http://www.rudolphsribs.com/rudolphs/dinner_menu.cfm

If you want something more upscale, Zelo (zay-low) is right on the Mall and the food is delicious:
http://www.zelomn.com/

Ryan

I'm in Minneapolis a few times a year on business. On the higher end I'll usually stay at the Minneapolis Grand which is on 2nd Avenue at 6th Street, I've also stayed at the Aloft Hotel, which is more economical. I think it's maybe a 10 minute walk to where Target Field is.

JJ5

I've done quite a bit of research because I'm going in August.

Be aware that there are drop dead deals on Hotwire right now. There is a 3.5 star for $56 a night, when rack rates are 4 times that. Also you can bid for two rooms.

Priceline has even better outcomes.

It looks like you get Crowne Plaza Northstar, Millenium, or Raddison on Hotwire.

There are also Doubletree options on both too. If you are at all into bidding. www.betterbidding.com will give you lists.

Aloft, Ramada Plaza, Hilton are wins. 4 star bid gives you Hyatt Regency or Graves the great majority of the time.

With Minneapolis, if you are adventurous, it doesn't look like you can go far wrong. Lots more $$$ to take the kids out to eat.

JJ5

I just went to the hotwire site to check my price, which has gone up on the 3.5 star to $59- and noticed that they now have a 2.5 star for $89 in that exact area 0.2-2 miles max from Target Field. And looking at the amenities list- it is SUITES. I think it has to be the Doubletree that TC describes.

You are charged on your credit card immediately and cannot cancel. With kids, that's what I would do and save yourself a real bundle for the exact same thing.

I just did that same type of hotwire pick for Pittsburgh. I got a room for $56 a day for 4 days that people were paying $209-$256 for if they just walked in or called direct to the hotel (Sheraton). And ended up getting the 14th floor with the best view possible- could see Heinz Field and the entire downtown and 2 rivers.

Once you do the hotwire, priceline, quikbooks, etc. thing and have it work over and over again so well- you realize that taking a chance is worth it. Especially now that they have location revealed- down to the zipcode and distances to certain amenitities. For instance, on lots of these they tell you Nicolett Mall (Crowne Plaza is right on top of it) area, or so far from Central Library. So you know you aren't going to be ridiculously far away from Target Field or Target Center.

Good luck! I'll be at the last two Sox games. White Sox.

taitai

Hell's Kitchen is a good suggestion for food. Masa, Zelo and Barrio are all right downtown as well. BlackSheep pizza is a good suggestion for kids. Brasa is terrific for kids but not super close to the stadium. I already suggested Solera and D'Amico's. The rest of my favorites are not walking distance to the Field.

If you are coming all the way to Minneapolis to see a game at the gorgeous Target Field then eat in a Minneapolis restaurant. Don't go to Champps, Rock Bottom, Capital Grille, Buca or any other chain. Eat from some of the great local places. They do exist!

Have a wonderful time. We are going to a game tonight. The weather is spectacular...can't wait.

taitai

JJ5

I wish I was there tonight too, to tell you the truth.

I printed out your restaurant list suggestions. THANKS!