Rising from downtown, across from the Minnesota River, the nine-story AAA Three Diamond Hilton Garden Inn Mankato Downtown is all about location. The North Minnesota River Trail and Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, home of the Minnesota State Mavericks hockey teams, are within easy walking distance.

And the hotel’s street-level Olives is a local hot spot serving delicious American fare, adding to the nearby shops and restaurants along Entertainment Alley. Many of the 118 rooms and suites come with a fridge and a microwave, and all include free parking and access to the indoor pool and the fitness center.

AAA Inspector Notes: “This hotel has a great downtown location and is connected to the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. Units on the upper floors offer nice cityscape or river views. A variety of spacious suites are available, some with a balcony.”