In this guide · 3 sections
Minneapolis hotels cluster downtown, with a few in Uptown and points south. If you're here for the gay scene, downtown makes the most sense. It's central, well-connected, and a short Uber ride from the main bar strips on Hennepin and Lyndale. Uptown puts you closer to those bars but has fewer hotel choices and is further from the downtown skyway system, which matters in winter.
Downtown Minneapolis is compact. You can walk most of it. The skyway system—those enclosed, second-floor walkways connecting major downtown buildings—means you can get from your hotel to restaurants and entertainment without ever stepping outside. That's a real blessing if you're here between November and March.
The Hotels
- The Hewing Hotel — A design-focused boutique hotel in Minneapolis's North Loop. It's a converted warehouse with a rooftop sauna and hot tub. The staff are welcoming, and its location is great for downtown nightlife and the Gay 90's.
Where to Stay by Priority
For the gay bar scene: Downtown or Uptown. Downtown gives you more options and better transit. Uptown is closer to Hennepin and Lyndale but you'll need a car or rideshare for most other parts of the city.
For Twin Cities Pride: Downtown is best. The parade goes down Hennepin Avenue, and the festival is at Loring Park. Both are an easy walk from most downtown hotels. Book early; Pride weekend fills the city.
For a winter visit: Downtown, specifically for skyway access. Being able to walk between your hotel, restaurants, and entertainment without going outside is worth extra when it's fifteen below zero.
Budget options: Neighborhoods further from downtown—South Minneapolis, the University area—have cheaper rooms. But you'll need to factor in Uber costs to get to the bars. For short trips, staying downtown and paying more for the hotel often costs less overall than staying out and Ubering everywhere.
Practical Notes
Minneapolis hotel prices are moderate for the US. Downtown hotels average $120-$220/night, but that varies a lot with the season and events. Pride weekend and big conventions push prices way up—book well ahead for those times.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is about 15 minutes from downtown on the Blue Line light rail. It's convenient and cheap. The airport is a Delta hub, with good direct flights from most US cities.
For the bar scene: Minneapolis Gay Bars. For the full city guide: Gay Minneapolis Guide.