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Axios Twin Cities
No time or money for a big trip? Try a summer staycation in the Twin Cities
By Torey Van Oot,
2024-06-09
Twin Cities residents don't have to go far to "get away" this summer.
Why it matters: We can't all swing a trip to Europe or a cabin invite. But a "staycation" can pack plenty of fun, rest and relaxation without the time or expense of a bigger adventure.
How it works: Take a day (or more) to put regular responsibilities aside so you can explore new places, revisit old favorites or simply rest and recharge.
Zoom in: Full-service hotels that offer spas, pools, on-site restaurants or other amenities that give #treatyoself vibes tend to draw in the staycation set, we learned from Courtney S. Reis, senior vice president of destination branding and strategy for Meet Minneapolis.
The Four Seasons is a top draw in the Twin Cities, although The Hewing, Hotel Ivy and the Renaissance at The Depot are also popular, she said.
Reality check: You don't even have to shell out for an overnight stay to reap the benefits.
Budget options include day trips to places like Stillwater or Lake Minnetonka, or playing tourist in the cities for a day or two while sleeping at home.
Between the lines: While business and convention travel — major drivers of the local hospitality industry — have yet to fully rebound, stays by locals do add up.
Meet Minneapolis says that, depending on the time of year, up to 70% of rooms in some hotels will be occupied by guests who live within 50 miles of the city.
In St. Paul, about 44% of visitors come from within 250 miles, per Visit Saint Paul.
What we're hearing: Big concerts or shows often anchor staycations for locals who want to turn a night out into an overnight and let go of the worry about getting home, Reis says.
Plus: The Four Seasons sees a link between seasonal experiences , such as its rooftop Riva Terrace Restaurant and Bar, and the popularity of staycations, a hotel spokesperson said.
If you try it: Special packages, like the Third Night Free and Summer Break promotions at Four Seasons or the neighborhood rate at The Hewing, can lower the cost for locals staying just a few nights.
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