Mayo Clinic Rochester MN: Where to Stay? Shuttles? Parking?

I always stay at Home2 Suites. They have a fantastic shuttle that goes very early till 9:00 pm. Saltwater pool and hot tub, kitchenette’s with regular size fridge, microwave and dishwasher. Free breakfasts and free underground parking. I park underground in winter, and don’t move my vehicle until I leave. Their afternoon shuttle will even take you wherever you want to go in evening and pick you up. It backs up to the Zumbro River with trees, walking trail, near restaurants, across the river from Apache Mall, and near HyVee grocery store. Always very clean! I am staying there right now for the 2nd time in the last few months. I stayed for a month at transplant Dec 2020.

Thanks Laurie! I booked at staybridge near ST. Mary's!

I stayed at the Kahler Inn and Suites. It is attached to the Mayo with a tunnel that has wonderful shops and places to eat and shop
It was in the winter so it was great that I didn't have to go out. The room was comfortable and everyone was very friendly.

thanks purpleturtle- i was told by Mayo Concierge that they no longer recommend the Kahler. Not sure why.

@eddieras I think you will be happy at the Staybridge (the one by the St. Mary’s campus?). I think there’s one on the West side of town next to my beloved Comfort Inn. Staying a ways out from the clinic campuses I came to enjoy the shuttle rides, scoping out other lodging possibilities and seeing which locations seemed favored by other Mayo visitors. You can tell from the number of people coming and going. Staybridge always had a following. In regards to restaurants, others mentioned Canadian Honker. I concur. It is all around good and is right by St. Mary’s Hosp & your Staybridge. I also agree with the Flapdoodles recommendation for ice cream treats. There are at least 2 locations in town. I like variety and ethnic choices. Near the downtown campus I found Italian, an Indian buffet, Mexican (El Rojo?), Asian and a place called Pannekoeken (Dutch pancakes) and a place called Chester’s. I’m sorry I don’t remember all the specific names. On Hwy 52 (a main drag that runs N / S separating the main part of Rochester from the Western side) are LOTS of restaurants : Newts (burgers & beers), one of the Flapdoodles is there, and many other places. On the West side of town by the other Staybridge and my Comfort Inn (Circle Drive) there is a place called 5 West (upscale a bit pricey). Across the street is a shopping mall complex that has a bar & grill called Roosters (peanuts, popcorn) and a movie theater nearby. If you end up being there on the weekend there’s Whistle Binkies for fantastic Sunday Brunch and Bloody Mary Bar. There are 2 locations. One is on the North side off of Hwy 52. One of your best bets is to ask at Staybridge for recommendations & brochures also the Mayo Concierge people.

@cehunt57 - thanks for all the recs! yes i am at the staybridge near st marys. one keen area of interest of mine is hockey -that's why i don't mind going to MN in the middle of Jan!! 🙂 anyone know if there are any local junior teams or even high school teams? would love to see a game. If i'm still there thurs i may drive up to St. Paul to see the Wild! thanks all!!

Loved this hotel for reasons you’ve explained. Stayed here a week. They have an excellent pool and hot tub, workout area. Happy Hour was perfect for dinner, however they are down to Wednesday only. Parking was $15 day.

Staybridge is fine.Roomy and very large shower. Was there two nights. Very new appearing, great pool and hot tub. Laundry was free and helpful. Breakfast was pretty good. Manager reception Monday- Wednesday I believe, but don’t expect dinner offerings. Canadian Honker is close by and it’s amazing! We’ve eaten there about four times.
The parking is $14 a night. Shuttle service is great, reliable, and, I’m sure, necessary in January. We walked to Gonda building when we were there in the Fall- 10 minutes. We preferred Homewood Suites, a little more to the west. We are returning to Mayo in February and staying a Staybridge again using points. We are out of Hilton points:)

To answer your hockey question, yes Rochester has a local team called Grizzly, here is link to schedule, unfortunately looks like they are out of town during your stay.
https://www.rochestergrizz.com/schedule
For high school hockey, there are 4 high school teams, some have both boy and girl teams.

The schools are Mayo, John Marshall, Century and Lourdes. You can google their hockey schedule. The first 3 schools are in "Big Nine" conference, bigger high schools in SE MN. Lourdes is in "Independent" smaller / private high schools

They play games at two locations. Rec Center is on North Broadway and Graham is on fairgrounds on South Broadway. Hotel can help with directions.

Have safe travels.
Laurie

All the restaurants you mentioned are great! A newer one, The Purple Goat, close to Whistle Binkies north, is a new one of our favorites. And Pannekokan has way more than just Dutch pancakes. They have very tasty healthy dishes for lunch and supper. Love sitting outside at many of the restaurants in the summer.