Radisson Blu Hotel to open at Bloomington's Mall Of America

Opening in March 2013, Radisson Blu Mall of America in Bloomington, MN, marks the latest North American location for the luxury Radisson Blu brand. The hotel is set to feature 500 fashion-inspired guestrooms, 26,300 square feet of meeting and event space, a state-of-the-art fitness centre with an indoor pool, as well as FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, which features regional Minnesota cuisine inspired by the flavours of real burning wood.

As a destination itself, Radisson Blu Mall of America serves as an experience within a hotel - the hotel offers the only accommodation directly connected to Mall of America, the country's largest indoor entertainment centre and shopping mall that attracts over 40 million visitors from around the world every year.

The Radisson Blu Mall of America is located within minutes of the Minneapolis/St. Paul International airport, conveniently connected to downtown Minneapolis via the Metro Transit Light Rail commuter system and a short drive from the State Capitol in downtown St. Paul.

Construction of the $137.5 million Radisson Blu Mall of America began in May 2011. The hotel's many features include:

Guestrooms & Suites
Perfect for business and pleasure alike, the Radisson Blu Mall of America offers three styles of guestrooms to suit every palate. The 29 "Mansion House" suites with a warm 'clubby' aura feature spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, complete with contemporary amenities. 54 "Naturally Cool" business class rooms feature natural wood flooring and metal accents with sweeping views of the neighbourhood and include complimentary morning breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres, among other Business Class By Radisson amenities designed exclusively for business class guests. In addition, 417 "Urban" standard rooms, offer a unique, colour-splashed, edgy and modern atmosphere at the most affordable pricing. Every guestroom features a mini-fridge, a coffeemaker, safe for valuables, and complimentary wireless Internet access.

Design & Decor
Graven Images' Jim Hamilton, the award-winning designer who conceived of the interior plans for the much lauded Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, offers an edgy, fashion-forward aesthetic with chic, modern Midwestern appeal. On either side of the entryway to the hotel, tiny backlit windows conjure up an artful interpretation of fireflies on a Minnesota summer's night. Upon entering the hotel, guests are greeted by a stunning lobby space featuring an en-vogue black and white colour palate accented with deep blue, as well as distinct lighting features, clean-lined seating, and contemporary glass panelling. The back wall of the two-story lobby resembles tissue paper in a shopping bag, while the lobby rug brings the space a mod version of the topography of the Minnesota lakes. The lobby's centrepiece is a distinct beehive-like seating arrangement, which is suspended off the ground. Honouring the skyways that connect much of downtown Minneapolis, the hotel features its own Sky Bridge that connects the hotel to Mall of America® as well a sky bridge that joins the hotel's meeting spaces and provides views of the lobby and arrival plaza.

Shopping Program
Complementing the hotel's unique location, the Radisson Blu will launch a shopping program for guests looking for an elevated shopping experience while in town. From a dedicated concierge, personal shopper, bag pick-up, unique packages and access to the over 500 specialty shops, the program will offer a tailored itinerary for any guests who seek a range of experiences from the simple to lavish.

Conference and Private Functions  
From corporate business meetings to fundraising events and weddings, the Radisson Blu Mall of America showcases more than 26,300 square feet of meeting and event space. The hotel accommodates functions from 10 to 1,000 guests in two well-appointed ballrooms and 17 flexible event spaces.  The hotel is poised to make meetings truly memorable by joining with its Mall of America® partners to offer coffee breaks and receptions amidst the SeaLife Aquarium sealife and Nickelodeon Universe roller coasters rides.

FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar
Serving up Minnesota-centric fare by executive chef Paul Lynch, FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar goes above and beyond a typical hotel restaurant, offering modern yet comfortable decor, a chic bar area, a craft cocktail list, and deluxe desserts. At the end of the meal, guests will have gained an understanding of the region. "It's an indigenous experience," the chef says. "Guests who come in will leave knowing what Minnesota food with a fresh twist is all about."

Reported by:  Traveldailynews.com