Institute for Older Adult Services Travel and Parking Tips/Light Rail Transit Information
Comments on past Institute
evaluations have indicated that parking remains a major concern for many
participants. As the parking ramp located next to the Hyatt (the Loring
Municipal Ramp) is owned and operated by the City of Minneapolis; MHHA is
unable to negotiate a rate with them nor are we able to put a hold on any
parking spots for the exclusive use of our members. MHHA does, however,
want your experience at the Institute to be a positive one in every
respect, so we have formulated some travel and parking “tips” that we hope
will alleviate past frustrations.
TIP ONE: Weather during
February is difficult at best to predict. Make sure you are aware of the
weather forecast in your area and allow travel time accordingly. (MHHA
does have a special sleeping room rate with the Hyatt Regency for your
convenience.)
TIP TWO: Plan to arrive at the
Hyatt one hour before you need to be there.
This additional time will allow for any unforeseen delays.
TIP THREE: If you arrive downtown
after 8 a.m., you can expect the Loring Municipal Ramp (next to the
Hyatt) to be full. Proceed directly to an alternate location. MHHA specifically
recommends the Plaza Municipal Ramp located on Second Street (across
from the Minneapolis Convention Center). Daily parking fees are less than any
other ramp listed, and the ramp is accessible to the Hyatt via the skyway
system.
TIP FOUR: If you see a line of cars waiting at the Loring
Municipal Ramp, do not attempt to enter. The wait in this
line has historically been between 1/2 hour to 1 hour in length. Proceed
directly to an alternate parking location.
TIP FIVE: On Friday, Feb. 9th, the Loring Parking Ramp will be congested with traffic
after the last session which ends at 2:00 p.m. You can expect 1/2 hour
to 1-hour wait to exit the ramp.
TIP SIX: Parking downtown costs money. Please be prepared to pay a daily parking
fee.
TIP SEVEN: Arrive at the Loring Municipal Ramp before 8 a.m. and leave before 8 p.m. and benefit from a reduced daily parking rate.
LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT INFORMATION:
Park your car at the Mall of America, the Park & Ride on 28th Avenue or Fort Snelling in Bloomington and take the Light Rail Transit into downtown Minneapolis to the Nicollet Mall Station. Then hop a city bus to the Hyatt. Cost is $1.50 to $2.75 per person each way depending on time of day (fee includes light rail and bus fees). Visit www.metrotransit.org for more information.
