I'm Planning a Quick Get Away

Typically in the Fall we return to one of our old stompin' grounds - Minneapolis, MN. We lived there for a number of years and miss it tremendously. We moved away in 2000 but have gone back at least twice a year, usually to take the kids to Valleyfair and meet up with old friends, and of course to hit the Mall of America for school shopping! Last year we splurged and stayed at the new (at the time) Grand Lodge & Water Park which was nice, but not at all frugal and really, we found the employee's to be quite rude and some of their regulations and rules are questionable as well.

This year, due to a change in school schedule (starting early this year) and a few unexpected expenses, we won't be able to go in August, but are moving the trip back to October.

I looked into the water park hotel but at $600 for two nights, it's not frugal. Another hotel we frequently use is the Marriott Residence Inns as they are perfect for a large family or a family with one or two 'extra' kids with them on vacation. They are set up like an apartment, with an upstairs bedroom and bathroom, as well as a Murphy Bed on the lower level, a pull out couch, a full kitchen with microwave and dishes, etc. They do not have an indoor pool however, and since we will be going in October, their outdoor pool will be closed.

So I was looking for;

• a hotel that could sleep 5 in one suite
• under $120 a night
• indoor pool for the younger kids
• non-smoking
• full, hot breakfast served - not continental
• close to the Mall of America and offers free shuttle service
• free internet

I found it. With my AAA membership I get the discounted price of $98 a night at a hotel less than 1 mile from the Mall of America. The suite has 2 doubles and a sleeper sofa. Mini kitchen, coffee maker and other typical room amenities, the free shuttle to the mall that I'm going to need on Sunday (more on that in a minute) and best of all, a hot breakfast complete with scrambled eggs, sausage and waffles in addition to the typical muffins, cereal, yogurt, oatmeal, fruit, etc.

Since we are bypassing Valleyfair this year (the Mall of America as a small amusement park inside of it so they can get their roller coaster and Ax ride thrills there) we are taking the kids to a Minnesota Vikings Game. Oh, wait... I'm not. I hate crowds and noise so my husband will take the kids to the game while I hang out at the Mall or visit with old friends; thus, the need for the free shuttle to the mall since my husband will have the truck! Cost of tickets; $18 each through StubHub.

Hope this gives you some ideas to plan your own frugal get-away this Fall!