Outstanding, With One Major Caveat
25/06/2018 JYarba, Huntsville, Alabama
Best Westerns aren't typically thought of as destination hotels but the shoe fits in this case. With an indoor splash park for kids and a location where you can hit the Mall of America and a Twin Citi... more
Best Westerns aren't typically thought of as destination hotels but the shoe fits in this case. With an indoor splash park for kids and a location where you can hit the Mall of America and a Twin Cities Metro stop with a rock, you could stay here for several days before exhausting all the possibilities. We opted for an extended room, which is sufficiently larger than a standard room without suffering the cost of a suite and comfortably served our party of two adults and three younger kids. The splash pad was a huge hit with the kids, and unlike other hotels we've visited with similar facilities, the floor didn't seem like a slipping hazard (I've seen a guy get a concussion at one property with slick pool floors). There's also a game arcade, as well as a larger pool and hot tub for the grownups. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to the Mall of America and the two closest Metro stops--we utilized this twice and both vehicles were clean, spacious, and punctual. All employees were friendly and helpful--one front desk clerk went on a scavenger hunt to find some plastic utensils when a local restaurant failed to put some in my bag. With hundreds of rooms but only two floors, the property has a huge footprint but is well-designed. All rooms are oriented to be within a stone's throw of the pool area and there are six entrances with plenty of parking around each one. That being said, if you're in the back of the property near the freeway it is a long jaunt to the front desk and breakfast area....
....though given the experience we had at breakfast on both mornings, you may want to avoid it anyway. It's the one thing keeping this property from a five-star review. While there is an ample selection of food and drink, there isn't enough food or seating volume to serve the size of the property. While food running out was a minor annoyance, the size and layout of the seating area is truly terrible, especially if you have a large group or younger kids. Fully 75-80% of the seating is taken up by high-top bars and tables and there is a constant scrum for the "good" tables--I witnessed several single diners or pairs taking up spaces meant for 4 to 6. If this area was re-arranged or expanded to meet the needs of the property, I can safely say it would be a five-star experience. less
reggie952445, General Manager at Best Western Plus Bloomington Hotel, responded to this review
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