Visit Minneapolis: Residence Inn Bloomington by Mall of America

While in Minneapolis, we stayed at the Residence Inn Bloomington by Mall of America. 

Our family loves Residence Inn by Marriott properties.  The spacious suites with full kitchens, complimentary breakfasts, Residence Inn Mix, and other amenities make Residence Inn perfect for families.

We stayed in a 2-bedroom suite, which had ample room for our family of 5.

The suite was equipped with a full kitchen, a large work desk, and even a fireplace!

The sofa converted to a sleeper, and each bed was outfitted with new Marriott bedding, pillow top mattresses, triple sheeting, and plush pillows.

Three televisions and sufficient charging stations for our tech made a stay at the Residence Inn Bloomington by Mall of America even that much more convenient.

Whenever we travel, 2 bathrooms are a must for our family, and I love that Residence Inn offers suites with 2 bathrooms!

I appreciated how full size bottles of bath amenities were available for use. Having the bottles refilled when necesary is a great way to eliminate unnecessary packaging.

Every morning we'd enjoy a full complimentary, customizable breakfast.  I love how easy Residence Inn makes it to easy for guests to add toppings and mix-ins to their yogurts, waffles, eggs, and more.

Some mornings we made waffles topped with Nutella, whipped cream, and chocolate chips, and other mornings we created breakfast burritos with eggs, sausage, spinach, and cheese.  The possibilities were endless, so you could never be bored with breakfast!

On select nights, guests can enjoy the Residence Inn Mix for light bites and drinks.

The Residence Inn Bloomington by Mall of America really is by Mall of America. It's just a short drive away, or a 15-minute walk (I walked to the mall every morning for my daily workout). The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the Mall of America!

On property is a fitness center, a pool, basketball court, and an outdoor grilling area.

The Residence Inn Bloomington by Mall of America was everything I have come to expect from the brand - a "home away from home."

Residence Inn Bloomington by Mall of America
7850 Bloomington Ave S

Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 876-0900

Mahalo to the sponsor for the media discount.

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A Family Staycation at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani

Nearly three years ago, our family staycationed at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotel for the first time.

The 1000-room hotel in the heart of Waikiki is steeped in history, yet provides modern conveniences, and a variety of services and amenities.

Over the Easter weekend, we were fortunate to have been invited back for a quick one-night stay.

Upon check-in, we were greeted with lei, and kids received a fun coloring book.

We stayed in a 2-bedroom suite, which had a large living and dining area, a full kitchen, and two bathrooms.

Although the suite was quite dated, I enjoyed the spaciousness and coziness.

Don the soft robe and slippers and it's easy to unwind!

The suite was also equipped with three televisions, a Keurig coffee maker, and even a washer and dryer!

The large lanai and the pretty views were a huge plus as well.

The kids loved the pool, and I loved that bottled water and fresh fruit were offered to guests.

Get there early to snag a seat under the umbrella, or rent one of the two cabanas, because it can get quite hot.

If you prefer the beach, you're in luck, because the beach is just across the street!

When hunger strikes, you can simply order room service, head down to Splash Bar (open for lunch and dinner), or indulge in the buffets at Pikake Terrace (open for breakfast and dinner).

We were fortunate to dine at Pikake Terrace for both dinner and Easter brunch, and we definitely got our fill of delicious Italian eats at dinner, as well as hearty faves (including a Rainbow Mimosa Bar!) during brunch.  You can read about the dinner here, and the Easter brunch here (note - Pikake Terrace will have a fabulous brunch for Mother's day.  You can find out what's on the menu and get more information here).

A resort charge of $34.55/night includes amenities such as Wi-Fi access, MiFi rental, one-day GoPro Camera rental, two bottles of water, Sea Life Park discounts, keiki discounts at Pikake Terrace, and so much more!

We had a short, but sweet stay at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel!

Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel

120 Kaiulani Ave

Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-5811

Mahalo to the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani for hosting our stay.  Gratuity was paid on my own.

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Pikake Terrace Dinner Buffet at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani

If you love Italian food, make your reservations for the La Costa Italiana dinner buffet at Pikake Terrace at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.

The new buffet features a variety of Italian eats, along with local favorites. 

You'll find menu items such as Caprese Salad, Charcuterie & Cheese, Chicken Marsala, Risotto, Pasta, Tira Misu, and Panna Cotta, alongside Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, New Zealand Mussels, Prime Rib, Manila clams, Snow Crab Legs (Saturday nights only), and a nice selection of desserts (including an ice cream station!). 

We indulged in so much food! My personal faves included simple, yet satisfying dishes - Charcuterie & Cheese, Pasta al Forno, Grilled Vegetables, and Focaccia. And of course - (no surprise here) - the desserts, especially the Bread Pudding.

Members of my family loved the Mussels, Crab Legs, and Steamed Local Fish, and the hands-down kid-fave was the ice cream station (I admit - I loved it too!).

The lovely Pikake Terrace outdoor dining area is complemented with nightly live entertainment.

Whether you want lighter fare or something heartier, love veggies or love meat, or simply want a bounty of options to satisfy whatever craving strikes, you'll find plenty to choose from at the La Costa Italiana dinner buffet at Pikake Terrace at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.

The dinner buffet is 5:30pm - 9:00pm daily. Current prices are $34.95 per adult / $17.50 per child. And great news for kama`aina - just show a valid ID to get 25% off!

If you haven't made your reservations for Mother's Day yet, Pikake Terrace is offering a Mother's Day Brunch (10am to 1pm). You can find more information here.

Pikake Terrace
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
120 Kaʻiulani Ave

Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-5811

Our dinner was hosted.  Gratuity was paid on our own.

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