United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Can anyone tell me about their experiences going to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota? Like airport, hotels to stay in, etc.
Rent a car, or taxi?
Frank

I'm a econo- rent sort of guy so stay at the Brentwood. It is on the tunnel system that connects to the "hallowed hauls". In other words you can walk 2 minutes undergrond in your shirt sleeves from your room to the Gonda building. If you are going for the week to week program, I have had good luck with Extended Stay south. They are right on the bus line to St Mary's(about 20 mins).I eat in my room or Michaels.
Onepaw

Hi, Frank. When John was going to Mayo for initial consults or followup care after surgery, we always stayed at the Kayler Economy Inn. It's an older facility but very clean, affordable - and on the tunnel system, about two blocks from the Gonda bld.

For the surgery at St. Mary's Hospital, we stayed at Holiday Inn's Staybridge Suites but I've heard of others who go with lesser expensive (older) lodging since they figure most of the time they'll be at the hospital anyway.

Below url has air/car/lodging links:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/travel-rst/

Below has more info re lodging, including links to a map:
http://www.rochesterlodging.com/dir.htm

Re flying, we've flown directly into Rochester but with the layovers in Chicago involved that way, we ultimately ended up flying more into the twin cities & getting a 90 minute shuttle over to Rochester. About the same time either way, in our experience.

Take care,

Ellen

Just did a little more looking around the net. I think the person who went with the more affordable lodging close to St. Mary's stayed at either Alpine Inn or Fiksdal. I think she got a single room but said it was very clean, the staff were very considerate and she'd stay there again.

Let us know what you decide!

Ellen

Hi Frank,

As for hotels, we found the Raddison (connected by the skyway to Mayo Clinic) was very nice, but a little pricey. We also stayed at the Holdiay Inn down a little further down the street from Mayo on Broadway and it was clean, friendly and affordable. One piece of advice, avoid the Best Western Soldiers Field, we had reservations there, but when we checked in the room was nasty! A friend of mine recently stayed at the Kalhler Grand which is also connected by the skyway, she said it was very nice as well. The Kahler Grand is more expensive than the Kahler Inn & Suites, but I guess it's worth the price difference. Be sure to ask for the hotels for a Mayo Clinic rate when you check rates. Can't give any advice on the airport, taxi or rental car as we drove there from Chicago.

Good luck,
Ray

Forgot to mention - but our absolutely favorite restaurant is Canadian Honkers, located right across the street from St. Mary's Hospital. Great food for reasonable prices. I always knew John was getting better when he'd get me bringing to-go from Canadian Honkers instead of hospital food.

Ellen

Canadian honkers--that's a fact, damn good burgers and I was one of the many who have recieved the step-up from St Marys food afforded by "Canadian Honkers". And yes, that is were you can catch the south bus down to "extended stay south". A person can even sit and wait for the bus at the outside tables on a nice day, if there is such a thing as a nice day at Mayo. You're right though, there are quite a few places to stay on that stretch and "honkers" is the burger of choice. If you are down at "Gonda" that little Italian joint one block to the left on the corner serves a good lunch for cheap. Just some thoughts.
Onepaw
Onepaw

i'm actually staying at the colonial inn across the street. Not that its a bad place, just that I'm used to better. It's just a place to sleep so it's ok. My surgery is tomorrow morning around 6:30am.

Peter, please keep us updated on how everything goes & say 'hey' to the Mayo team from Ellen & John. We'll be thinking boutcha.

Ellen

Best of luck to you Peter! Keeping the fingers crossed for you...
Give my regards to the Mayo team, I'll be under the knife with them again in April.

Good luck,
Christopher Janney