@jheart
Welcome to Mayo Connect, and hope you find answers.

Let's see if I can answer a few of your questions.

Where to stay, there are many discussions on Connect on that topic. Many of downtown's hotels are connected via an underground tunnel system, sometimes referred to as the subway. If the hotel is not downtown, most of them offer a shuttle.

I recommend contacting Mayo's free Concierge services for recommendations based on your needs. They can advise which ones have kitchenettes. If you check with your hotel staff, they should be able to advise you on ordering groceries to be delivered.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services
By phone 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday: 507-538-8438
Email: concierge@mayo.edu

What to wear?
If downtown and connected by subway, wear layers. If you're not use to MN, it may be cool in waiting areas. A sweater/ sweatshirt is the best advice. At the subway level of Mayo building, there is an information desk with a coat check, so you do not need to walk around with a bulky coat. I am from MN, so I can get by with jeans, but when it gets cold, I wear Cuddle Duds or leggings under my jeans for an extra layer.
If you're going to need to walk outside, make sure you have warm socks and boots. Once on the downtown campus, you can walk to many restaurants without going outside.

I am not aware of any solo meet-ups for patients.

Sounds like you are well prepared. I suggest a few previous discussions:
Have you set up your Patient Portal? It is the best way to keep up with appointments. In addition, there may be questionnaires that you may need to complete. If you fill it out ahead of time, it saves time at the appointment.
For more information or help, see: https://onlineservices.mayoclinic.org/patientportal/support

You might want to check out this article:
"How to make the most of your Mayo Clinic appointment."
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-appointment
Another Connect dissuasion you may want to review: Tips for New Specialists:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-on-how-to-get-off-to-the-best-start-with-a-new-specialist/
Let me know if you have any additional questions. As a Rochester resident, I'm glad to try an answer any questions you have.