Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis University Area

The hotel offers a highly regarded experience, distinguished by its consistent cleanliness and the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff who frequently exceed expectations. Its signature feature is its prime location, providing convenient access to the University of Minnesota and various medical facilities, further enhanced by a complimentary courtesy shuttle service that simplifies local transportation. This makes it an ideal choice for university visitors, including parents and students, as well as medical visitors seeking proximity and support during hospital appointments. Event attendees and business travelers also find the central location and amenities highly beneficial. Families appreciate the welcoming environment and recreational facilities, while couples can enjoy the shared rooftop bar. To ensure a smooth experience, guests are advised to confirm parking fees upon booking, as this is a common point of discussion, and to inquire about any available medical discounts if applicable.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests consistently praise the hotel's well-maintained facilities. The pool and hot tub are noted for being clean and enjoyable, providing a relaxing end to the day. For those maintaining their fitness routine, the fitness center is well-equipped with free weights, treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes, along with complimentary towels and water. A significant convenience is the availability of free laundry machines, complete with detergent and dryer sheets, which is highly appreciated by long-stay guests. The hotel also shares amenities with an adjacent property, including a popular rooftop patio and a lively ground floor bar, offering additional social spaces. Furthermore, the courtesy shuttle service to the University of Minnesota and nearby medical facilities is a standout feature, greatly assisting guests with local transportation. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests noted mixed experiences regarding its speed or the need to pay for premium access.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high marks for its cleanliness and the overall comfort of its rooms. Guests frequently describe the accommodations as tidy, spotless, and well-maintained, creating a pleasant environment. Rooms are often noted for being spacious and featuring a modern design. Most guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some have mentioned that the pillows might be too soft or that innerspring mattresses can lead to discomfort or motion transfer for sensitive sleepers. The bathrooms are also praised for their cleanliness and often feature spacious layouts and convenient sliding doors, particularly in accessible rooms. In-room amenities typically include a refrigerator and sometimes a microwave, adding to guest convenience. While the hotel generally boasts good soundproofing, a few guests have noted occasional street noise or hallway noise, but this is not a widespread concern.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a major highlight for many guests, frequently described as "great" or "better than average" due to its extensive and varied selection. Typical offerings include make-your-own waffles, a range of cereals, bagels, bread, scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs, sausage, coffee, tea, and juice. The breakfast attendant often receives special commendation for their friendly demeanor and helpfulness in ensuring a smooth dining experience. However, some guests have expressed minor disappointments, noting that certain hot food items like potatoes or eggs can sometimes be cold, or that the coffee can be acidic. Seating in the breakfast area can become limited during peak hours. Additionally, the hotel features a convenient bar, often shared with the adjacent property, which serves food such as pizza and a variety of drinks, providing a welcome option for evening meals and relaxation, though some guests wished it had extended hours.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's great location is a significant advantage, particularly for guests visiting the University of Minnesota and nearby medical facilities. Its proximity to the light rail station makes it highly accessible, offering easy transit to key destinations like US Bank Stadium, downtown, and the airport. Guests also appreciate being within walking distance of numerous restaurants and the popular Market at Malcolm Yards, providing diverse dining and entertainment options. While some guests have commented on the immediate neighborhood feeling less appealing, the hotel itself is considered very secure, with room key access required for all entrances 24/7. Parking is available on-site, often described as ample and secure, with options including a parking garage and overflow lots. However, the mandatory parking fee, typically ranging from $22 to $25 per night, is a frequent point of dissatisfaction among guests, who often feel it is not adequately disclosed prior to arrival.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives outstanding praise, with guests frequently describing them as exceptionally friendly, kind, helpful, and attentive. Many reviews highlight specific team members for their remarkable customer service, noting their willingness to go "above and beyond" to ensure a positive stay. The check-in process is generally smooth and efficient, with staff often accommodating requests for early check-ins and late check-outs, which is greatly appreciated. The courtesy shuttle service to local attractions and medical facilities is a highly valued amenity, praised for its convenience and the helpfulness of the drivers. Housekeeping is also commended for maintaining clean rooms throughout guests' stays. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service, from offering local recommendations to assisting with unexpected situations, creates a welcoming and supportive environment for all visitors.

Additional Information
For guests traveling with companions, the hotel maintains a welcoming pet-friendly policy. Those visiting for medical purposes can often benefit from a special medical discount on room rates and complimentary parking, which is a significant advantage given the hotel's proximity to hospitals. A highly appreciated amenity is the provision of free laundry facilities, including complimentary detergent and dryer sheets, offering great convenience for longer stays. The hotel prioritizes guest security, with key card access required for all entrances around the clock, fostering a safe environment. Furthermore, the shared amenities with the adjacent property, such as the inviting rooftop bar and the convenient ground floor bar, provide additional social and dining opportunities, contributing positively to the overall guest experience.