What are your accommodation recommendations when coming to Mayo?

@tanasmeme21 Glad to be of help. When you arrive at a hotel or the clinic, there are maps of the clinic itself, and pamphlets of the downtown area involving the clinic and surrounding blocks. We made sure to find a hotel nearby so that we could leave our car parked in their lot and walk to the clinic.
As I said before, there are myriad restaurants, stores, hotels all within convenient walking distance. Our hotel room had a full kitchen with stove, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher. So you can feel at home for your week there.
The clinic itself is easy peasy to get familiar with quickly. There are also volunteers in Blue Jackets everywhere who will direct you to the buildings for your appointments. Don’t be intimidated when you see the clinic for the first time. It’s impressive! But it is very user friendly and despite having a Mayo Number, you’re ‘never a number’ there. It is a place of hope and simply amazing. I’ll be there in April as well for a follow up. Wishing you all the best on your visit. Lori

If you are staying at least almost a week, I would think some questions need to be answered.... is $ an issue, motels all have connections to shuttle buses, which cost $, are you traveling alone, do you have any mobility issues, ect. Mayo in Rochester is an environment in itself that you have to experience to believe. If I am staying for more than one day and my wife is with me, I will spend a little more for her comfort. I drove truck over the road and have slept in the truck in some very shaky places, but when my wife was with me I spent more time in cleaner truck stops. In other words, to answer your question more input on your side would be helpful.

We drive to Mayo and have made multiple trips. For a first time visit, Kahler Inn and Suites, connected to the clinic, is veryconvenient. They have a little convenience store, a friendly restaurant and little bar we enjoy, at least pre-pandemic. In good weather we park in the Damon Mayo ramp, buy the multiple day pass which is much cheaper than hotel parking and schlep our bags a block or so. Despite the reason for our visit we try to make our trip an event and treat ourselves and we enjoy the downtown town area, the landscaping, outdoor areas to enjoy, restaurants and even a nice small shopping mall. By April hopefully the weather will allow you to enjoy that more. This winter’s visit we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn also connected to the clinic, larger rooms, a bit longer walk, but nice and we parked there . Restaurants deliver or you can pick up if you can’t eat in. We enjoyed eating at Chester’s in the mall on this visit. Hotels farther out all provide shuttles but be aware of what hours they run and whether it coordinates with your appointment times and it is a bit harder to go back and forth if you have multiple appointments on a day. On our way out of town we always stop at Costco and Trader Joes because we live in a small town without those stores. Keep track of your expenses and check with your accountant as to available tax deductions for medical care.

I stayed at the Sleep Inn both visits. I had a filling breakfast each morning and door to door Shuttle service every day. Free parking, refrigerator and microwave in room and a very friendly atmosphere to live in. Comfy beds with lots if pillows. If I go back no question where I will stay. They have Mayo rates so call direct. I paid $90 a day and worth every penny.

My husband is traveling with me, $ isn’t a issue, neither one of us have mobility issues. I would prefer to be close enough so we can walk there. Thank you for the information!

Thank you so much for the information, this will be my 1st time there and I am kinda nervous!

Thank you for your helpful information! I really appreciate it!

Looks like you have been given some excellent advice about lodging in Rochester Mayo. I live in Rochester and will just add comment about weather. MN in April can vary greatly in weather from snow to beautiful spring weather so pack accordingly. While at clinic, I suggest dressing in layers or brining a sweater. The temp can vary greatly in different areas.

There is a cafeteria in subway level of clinic for quick breakfast or lunch. Also, if you have more time or want more variety, can walk via subway / skyway to many small shops / restaurants.

This map may help you with layout of downtown area and location of some of the hotels mentioned. .
http://318commons.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Dowtown-subway-and-skyway-map.pdf
Laurie

@tanasmeme21 I’m very happy to help you. Everyone is intimidated the first time they go to Mayo, on multiple levels; The concern over the illness which brought you to the clinic, the worry over navigating the clinic, where to stay, etc.

Honestly, you’ll be so relieved once you’re in the hands of the amazing teams at Mayo. Do you have a schedule of appointments? If so, I’m sure it looks intimidating with appointments in all the different buildings. But each of the clinics are connected so it’s seamless as you walk to your appointments whether it’s the Charlton, Mayo or Gonda building. There’s a underlying feeling of confidence and hope as you walk through the campus. Everyone there has a story, everyone is there because they need hope. It’s just quite astounding.

After a day or two you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can get around and that the campus feels so much smaller than it looks.
My husband has a horrible sense of direction and within a day even he could navigate with ease. Everything is so user friendly, directions clearly posted, helpers in Blue Jackets to offer assistance everywhere you look!

When driving into the city of Rochester, you’ll be northbound on Highway 52. Take exit 55B. At the stoplight, turn right onto Center Street. Mayo Clinic Campus is directly ahead just a little over 1 mile. You’ll pass the St Mary’s Hospital campus on the right first, just keep going! The main campus is straight ahead along with the hotels flanking the campus.
As I mentioned, we stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn for the 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite with the full kitchen because my treatment would take almost 4.5 months. It felt homey and was very close for my daily visits to the clinic. There are many other wonderful hotels, The Kahler is right across the street, Marriott, Hilton, Doubletree, etc. Use Google maps and walk the little icon around the streets to get familiar.
There are great restaurants all within walking distance and most have delivery to the hotels if you’ve had a long day and don’t want to go out. Plus, with the Covid situation, often it’s not advisable.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide. I hope you’ll feel free to share your story and experiences with the Connect community when you’re ready. It’s a comfortable, safe forum to receive help and to offer help to others with similar stories.

Wishing you the best possible outcome to your visit. Lori.

Hi @tanasmeme21,
I recommend contacting the free Concierge Services at Mayo Clinic. The staff at the concierge desk can help with hotel/lodging recommendations, according to your wishes of proximity, price and space requirements. Here is how you can contact them:

* Phone: 507-538-8438
* Live Chat: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide
* Email: concierge@mayo.edu

@lmindela can tell you more.

You may also wish to read further helpful recommendations in these discussions:
- I'm traveling to Rochester, MN from Kansas City, MO https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/im-traveling-to-rochester-mn-from-kansas-city-mo-for-the-first/
- Traveling to Mayo MN from Colorado: First Neurology Appointment https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/traveling-from-colorado/
- Tips: Traveling to Mayo to get medical care safely during COVID-19 https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-traveling-and-getting-medical-care-safely-during-covid-19/

Is this your first visit to Mayo Clinic?