By Marcia Frost
Midwest Travel Expert, about.com
Whether you are coming to Rochester to go to the Mayo Clinic, for business, or to visit family, it’s one town where you definitely won’t find a shortage of hotels. Since many of the accommodations cater to patients of Mayo and their family, the amenities available are a bit different than the norm.
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Some of these hotels
in Rochester are located within the skyway (above ground) or subway
(underground) system within the six block Mayo complex. This means that
you can access the hotel and the hospital, along with a shopping center
and a food court, without ever going outside. It’s something to think
about if you are traveling in the subzero temperatures of Minnesota winter.
All
of these hotels have handicap accessible rooms. If you are looking at a
hotel with a shuttle to the hospital, keep in mind that it may not be
running nights or weekends. Few hotels in Rochester offer free shuttles
to the airport.
Residence Inn by Marriott
Location: The Residence Inn is located in the climate-controlled subway of the Mayo complex.
The hotel offers studios, one bedroom and two
bedroom suites. All of the suites have kitchens with refrigerators,
stoves, and dishwashers. It’s a good option for a long term visit and
for families.
Amenities: Complimentary breakfast includes
many hot and cold items, such as waffles and yogurt. There is an
evening reception which is sometimes enough food for a meal, but it’s
only done a few days a week so check in advance before you count on it.
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The
Residence Inn has an outdoor pool and a fitness center. There is free
Wi-Fi throughout the property. Pets are allowed for an additional fee.
Parking is available in the Mayo Clinic garages, for a charge.
Insider Tips: The Residence Inn in Rochester,
Minnesota, has a grocery shopping service so you can leave a list at
the front desk and have your groceries delivered to your room, usually
by the end of the day. The hotel also has visiting nurses that can be
arranged to come to your room, if needed.
Hampton Inn
Location: The Hampton Inn on South Broadway is located less than two miles from the Mayo Clinic and the hotel offers a free shuttle there.
Details:
A nice sized breakfast is complimentary and the hotel will provide to
go breakfast bags if you are in a hurry. Rooms have coffee makers, but
no microwave or refrigerator. An indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center
make the Hampton Inn Rochester a hit with the kids. Only service animals
are allowed here. Parking is free, as is Wi-Fi.
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Insider Tips: While
the studio suites are the largest rooms, some of the rooms are
adjoining. The staff here is extremely caring and are used to special
needs. Look for extras, such as complimentary soup served evenings in
the winter.
Kahler Grand
Location: The Kahler Grand is accessible through the Mayo complex subway system, however, it is a long walk from the hospitals. There is an option to take a shuttle from outside the hotel to the front of your Mayo destination. If you are a patient, you can get wheelchair service from the hotel to the hospital and clinic.
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Details: The Kahler
is definitely grand, with 616 guestrooms in suites. Keep in mind when
booking that the smallest rooms are just that. An indoor pool is located
on the rooftop with a hot tub and views of the city. Room service is
available here and the hotel is pet friendly. Parking is available
onsite at an extra charge.
Insider Tips: Room packages
with breakfast are available, but there is a Starbucks in the lobby and
two restaurants onsite – including the magnificent Victoria’s -- so it
might not be necessary. Kahler can provide in room healthcare, if
needed.
Kahler Inn & Suites
Location: The Kahler Inn & Suites is in the subway of the Mayo Clinic complex.
Details:
This hotel has workout facilities and an indoor pool with a hot tub.
The Crossings Bistro and Bar on site has comfort food and a Freshens
within the hotel if you are looking for something healthier. Breakfast
is included in some packages, as is parking, which is normally an extra
charge. Wi-Fi is complimentary here.
The mini-suites at the Kahler
Inn have a small kitchenette with a coffee maker, refrigerator, toaster
and microwave. The standard rooms just have the mini refrigerator and
coffee maker.
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Insider Tips: The Kahler Inn & Suites
has the most convenient location for patients and families of patients
at Mayo Clinic. It is a short walk through the underground to both
Rochester Methodist Hospital and the Gonda Building, and convenient to
all of downtown. Despite this, it tends to be among the best priced
Rochester, Minnesota, hotels.
Hilton Garden Inn
Location: In the skyway, which you can go through the climate-controlled walkway at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota.
Hilton Garden Inn
Location: In the skyway, which you can go through the climate-controlled walkway at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota.
Details:
The Hilton Garden Inn has its own restaurant and bar. Guest rooms are a
nice size and all have refrigerators, coffee makers, and microwaves.
The lobby has a 24-hour business center and pantry. Room service is
available in the evening. There is also an indoor swimming pool and
fitness center.
Pets, unless they are service animals, are not allowed at the Rochester Hilton Garden Inn. There is a charge for parking at this hotel.
Insider Tips:
Breakfast is not automatically included in your room unless it comes
with your Hilton status or a room package. The hotel is right in the
middle of a mall filled with food. Complimentary Town Car service is
also provided by the hotel if you need to go anywhere.
