This place deserves a total 5 star rating, however, theres one reason. And one reason only that I couldn't rate it that, so read on and you'll see.
First off, we had a great experience checking in thanks to Adam at the front desk. He was upbeat, welcoming, funny, and incredibly helpful. Even though he was alone at the desk (due to staff shortages) and the line was quite long, still, he handled everything calmly and professionally and kept a positive attitude the entire time. He clearly cares about guests and represents the hotel wonderfully and truly set the tone for our stay.
As for the hotel itself, the first-floor poolside rooms are the reason my husband and I booked here. They are convenient and the pool area is very nice and it’s great that the pool hours go until 11 PM. That right there made me select this hotel!
However, I really wish the hotel would consider an adult-only hour from 10–11 PM. Every night the pool and hot tub were completely overtaken by kids — cannonballs, splashing, screaming, running — to the point that adults couldn’t even relax or use the amenities withiut being completely splashed (and the parents don't care) This wasn’t just one night; it was every night of our 3 night stay, and it was the same experience last year and we had hoped it was just a fluke and woukd be different this year.
I realize kids will be kids, so this isn’t about blaming families — it’s about better balance.
Since the hotel keeps the pool open later than most hotels, it would make so much sense to designate even just the last hour for adults only. I truly believe more travelers would book here knowing they’d have some quiet relaxation time in the evening.
Overall, friendly staff and a nice hotel, but if you’re choosing this DoubleTree specifically for the pool and hot tub and hope to unwind at night, be aware that it’s extremely kid-dominated right up until closing time and if you think you can escape it by leaving the pool and going back to your room, nope, plan to out your TV volume up to the comolete max, as the echos of the pool ceiling and area will carry straight to your room as if they were screaming and playing him and seek right in front of your door.
Other than that....I love this place. The airport shuttle was free, the breakfast buffet just $15 and had the best fresh squeezed OJ. And one more thing, if you're choosing this place for the fact, it has a restaurant call ahead. Because the restaurant was supposed to be open on Sunday. And it was not, and there was only one alert online that it would be closed.January first so I assumed the hours at least online were accurate, but they are not.
There is a taco Libre across the parking lot. (Just know they do not serve beer wine or alcohol.) Other than that, you would have to take an uber to go anywhere to eat or shop.
Mall of America was about a 12 minute drive and Lyft/Uber ranged from $12-$17 to get there.
Also, beware, some websites state that this hotel (the Double Tree Hilton Bloomington Minneapolis) has a free area shuttle within 5 miles, however, that is not true. And that was confirmed by an employee during our stay.
If one could just limit the issue with the kids, id say this hotel felt very nice, fancy and solid.
I am posting some photos from 8am in the morning, when the pool was actually relaxing for about 10 minutes.