Microtel Inn and Suites Inver Grove Heights/Minneapolis
Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota |
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The twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul consist of a large, vast and quite lively area with
its busy cultural attractions and great sporting heritage. Despite being geographically spread
out on a map into multiple municipalities, it can get quite onerous to find an affordable hotel
that is just close enough to the destination a traveller wants without all the traffic. One town
stands out in this scenario, and it's Inver Grove Heights. Ten to twenty minutes from the Mall of
America yet smaller than Belleville, Ontario in population. The Microtel Inn and Suites Inver
Grove Heights/Minneapolis is a smart option if you're looking for lodging without too many
frills with just enough comforts expected for a reasonable price.
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Despite it being located beside US Route 52 (a busy corridor on linking Minnesota's capital with
Iowa), this property is actually quite quiet and quaint, tucked away between a cinema, shops and
other hotels. Despite driving in from St. Paul's Central Business District, it was an orderly
part of town in contrast to the all day hectic rush hour of home. The hotel is very small compared
to similarly priced properties in the area, but in such a small suburb the configuration of the
building makes since (when everyone either aims for Downtown Minneapolis or Bloomington where
the Mall of America is located). On the other hand, it's probably very difficult to reach without
a car unless you pay for a cab fare.
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I walked into this property over half an hour before proper check-in time, but the front desk
clerk was more than glad to settle me in my room. I had just finished watching a movie at the
theatre next door (ironically about a road trip during the tail end of my own road trip) and
all I wanted to do was to lay my head down for a cat nap or two. The lobby of this hotel was
surrounded by elements of comfort like a modern reception, plus a computer positioned right
where guests come in, and a lounge with a television for those who don't want to be cooped up
in their room.
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Along with the hearty, generously kind welcome I received from reception, there was also a
satiating amount of fancy coffees and pastries from the local bakery which were unbelievably good
and there for the taking. They offer a round the clock coffee service that provides a good variety
of flavours and options that easily outshine even the offerings of other properties within the
same marque.
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My room was small but had a respectable living space. It looks like the place was either recently
built or proudly maintained by housekeeping. My bed was firm but easy to sleep in, while the
furniture was of an auburn shade mixed with brown - a hearty tone like the polite atmosphere
initiated by staff. One thing I loved was the day bed which gives a great view over the
windowsill. Graciously mature trees provide enough shade from the harsh Minnesota sun, but the
foliage didn't prevent me from having a prime view of my car in the parking lot, giving me peace
of mind.
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The TV was a flat screen with movie channels and more stations than hours to watch in a day. The
choice was phenomenal as was the wifi, which easily kept pace with loading online video,
downloads and the like.
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Despite this hotel lacking a fitness facility or pool, breakfast is free and there are laundry
facilities as well. This is the closest to a relaxing inn as you can get in the Twin Cities.
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