Downtown has many hotels and fine dining options. The area is very walkable with skyways connecting most buildings. It is just 20 minutes from the airport on lightrail.

You'll be close to the airport and Mall of America. There are lots of good hotels there; just avoid the ones attached to the mall and the extended stay America. The mall has Twin City Grill, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Rainforest cafe, and several other good places to eat. If you go to Uptown Minneapolis, make sure to eat at Chino Latino. St. Paul?  Cosette's Italian grill and market. And if someone wants to take you on a dinner date, request Buca Di Beppo.

Hi Terrilynn!!!

Welcome!!!  When I travel to the this area I always stay in Bloomington, MOA area.  Hooker hint: do NOT stay at one of the hotels attached to MOA.  Most require key cards for the elevators and watch more closely for "working girls". That being said, it is a short drive to many nice restaurants and also lots of shopping to be had at MOA!!!  

Best of luck to you!  

Xoxo
Scarlet

If you're a serious foodie (meaning food snob) like me, *wink*, don't go to any of the restaurants inside Mall of America, except maybe Shake Shack for superb burger and fries.

The best dining options in the area are two restaurants attached to the Mall: Cedar+Stone in the JW Marriott is outstanding.  FireLake Grill in Radisson Blu is also excellent, and has interesting twists on Minnesota cuisine.

To clarify what others have mentioned, hotels attached to MOA are not ideal to stay in, but nearby surrounding hotels like Crowne Plaza and Hilton are fine.

Have a great visit to Minnesota!

From the MOA, it’s eleven miles but can be a long drive if you’re in traffic. Great “foodie” food, but pricey. Last time I was there, I shelled out three hundred on a dinner for two. Great food, but definitely not cheap.

Dwtn Minneapolis offers some of the best Fine Dining and Very nice hotels!!

Ruth's Chris - (MY FAV)
Murray's  
Manny's
The Capital Grille  
J.D. Hoyts

Just a few great restaurants!!

I'd suggest Moto-i in Minneapolis (one of the very few places outside of Japan that brews its own sake,) or The Happy Gnome in St. Paul.  

MN Nice!

It’s wonderful to see our community is so welcoming when respectable ladies visit. Doesn’t happen everywhere. Shows we’re worth a stay (after it warms up)