
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel vs The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel is a large casino resort in Prior Lake with gaming, an 18-hole golf course, a spa and an indoor atrium pool — read this if you want on-site entertainment, golf and conference space outside Minneapolis. The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown is an upscale, nationally branded downtown hotel near Nicollet Mall and the Target Center — read this if you prefer a central-city base for concerts, theater and dining in Minneapolis.
Updated · about 20 miles (32 km) apart


The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
Best for downtown access to theaters, sports venues and central Minneapolis dining.
Quick Verdict: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel vs The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
When Mystic Lake Casino Hotel wins: pick Mystic Lake if you want 24/7 casino gaming, an on-site 18-hole championship golf course, a full-service spa, indoor atrium pool and very large meeting/ballroom capacity away from the city.
When The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown wins: choose the Royal Sonesta if you need a central Minneapolis location close to Nicollet Mall, Target Center, theatres and convention space with a nationally recognized brand and straightforward downtown services.
Bottom line: Mystic Lake is a destination resort for gaming, golf and large events; the Royal Sonesta is the better choice for travelers whose priority is downtown Minneapolis access and city attractions.
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel vs The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown – At a Glance
| Category | Mystic Lake Casino Hotel | The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Resort focused on gaming, entertainment and recreation | Upscale downtown business-and-leisure hotel |
| Location | Prior Lake, suburban/resort setting near Mystic Lake | Downtown Minneapolis, walkable to theatres and sports venues |
| Size (rooms) | 766 rooms across multiple connected towers | 360 guestrooms |
| Check-in min age | Guests must be at least 21 to check in (adults-only atmosphere) | |
| Pools | Indoor atrium-style heated pool with whirlpool and sauna | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues including Mystic Steakhouse, Minnehaha Café, Hop House, The Meadows Bar & Grille, Sweet Temptations | Wood + Paddle Eatery plus 1 bar/lounge; full breakfasts available for a fee |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa at Mystic Lake (massages, facials, body treatments; 3 treatment rooms, sauna/steam) | Not published |
| Meetings & events | Extensive: Mystic Lake Center + multiple ballrooms and meeting rooms (dozens; large capacities) | 30000 sq ft of meeting space and 21 meeting rooms |
| On-site golf | The Meadows at Mystic Lake, 18-hole championship course | No on-site golf published |
| Parking & transport | Complimentary self-parking, complimentary valet, free shuttles (Mall of America shuttle) | Self parking (surcharge); near skyways and transit options downtown |
A Look Inside Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
See all photos →Location: Prior Lake resort vs downtown Minneapolis
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel – Location
Mystic Lake sits in a suburban/resort area south of the Twin Cities, near Mystic Lake and its golf course.
- About 20–25 minutes by car from Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP).
- Short walk to the Meadows Course at Mystic Lake and resort beaches; shuttles to Mall of America available.
- Set apart from downtown — expect to drive or take shuttle/transit for Minneapolis sights.
Choose Mystic Lake when you want a standalone resort environment with lakeside and golf access rather than a downtown base.
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown – Location
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown is in the heart of Minneapolis steps from Nicollet Mall and major performance venues.
- 4-minute walk to Target Center and 5 minutes to Orpheum Theatre; Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium within about a mile.
- Located on S 7th St, convenient to skyways, restaurants and city transit.
- Self parking is available for a fee; downtown location reduces need for a car for many activities.
Pick the Royal Sonesta for immediate access to Minneapolis theaters, sports and downtown dining.
Rooms: tower suites and city views vs downtown guestrooms
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel – Rooms
Mystic Lake’s room set includes multiple towers and a range from standard rooms to suites linked with resort amenities.
- Room types include Superior Room, Promenade Tower Suite and Lobby Tower Room.
- Rooms provide standard resort conveniences and direct access to casino and resort facilities.
- Bed configurations include 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds in many room types.
Rooms are configured for resort and event guests; suites and tower rooms connect you to on-site entertainment.
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown – Rooms
Royal Sonesta offers 360 guestrooms with a mix of city- and atrium-view room types plus business-class and suite options.
- Room types listed range from Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed to Luxury suite - king and Business class suite - king.
- Some rooms noted as mobility accessible with roll-in shower or bathtub options.
- City-view and atrium-view preferred king options are available.
The Royal Sonesta is aimed at business and leisure travelers wanting central rooms and accessible options in downtown Minneapolis.
Dining & drinks: lots of resort options vs single signature restaurant
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel – Dining & drinks
Dining at Mystic Lake spans steakhouses, cafés, a sports bar and quick bites across the resort and golf clubhouse.
- Mystic Steakhouse for steak and seafood; Minnehaha Café for all‑American meals.
- Hop House is a sports bar with live music and many beers on tap; Sweet Temptations serves desserts and coffee.
- Additional dining tied to the golf course (The Meadows Bar & Grille) and casual quick-serve options on property.
Mystic Lake gives a range of casual to upscale on-site dining, useful if you plan to stay on property most of the time.
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown – Dining & drinks
Royal Sonesta’s main dining outlet is Wood + Paddle Eatery with an on-site bar/lounge and city breakfast service.
- Wood + Paddle Eatery serves hotel guests; full breakfasts are available for a fee on weekdays and longer on weekends.
- There is one bar/lounge listed and coffee/tea in common areas.
- Downtown location also places many independent restaurants and bars within walking distance.
Expect a compact in-house food-and-drink offering supplemented by extensive nearby downtown choices.
Pools & signature amenity: indoor atrium pool vs downtown services
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel – Pools & signature amenity
Mystic Lake features an indoor atrium-style heated pool with an attached whirlpool and sauna for year-round use.
- Indoor pool open daily with hours published on the property site.
- Sauna and whirlpool are available to guests when the pool is open.
- Pool complements the on-site spa and nearby Dakotah! fitness access.
If an indoor resort pool is important, Mystic Lake has a dedicated atrium pool and accompanying wellness spaces.
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown – Pools & signature amenity
The Royal Sonesta lists fitness facilities and 24-hour fitness options but does not publish an on-site pool in supplier materials.
- 24-hour fitness facilities are listed among hotel amenities.
- No on-site pool is published in the supplier listing provided.
- Downtown offers off-site recreation and easy access to city walks and riverfront trails.
Royal Sonesta focuses on downtown services and a 24-hour fitness center rather than a resort-style pool.
Wellness & nightlife: spa, casino and live shows vs fitness and city nightlife
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel – Wellness & nightlife
Mystic Lake pairs The Spa at Mystic Lake with 24/7 casino gaming and live shows in its showroom.
- The Spa at Mystic Lake offers massages, facials, body treatments and couples’ rooms with specific published hours.
- A 24-hour casino floor with slot machines, table games and dedicated bars fuels the on‑property nightlife.
- Live concerts and a showroom are part of the evening entertainment lineup.
Mystic Lake is the place for spa treatments by day and casino-driven entertainment by night.
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown – Wellness & nightlife
Royal Sonesta offers on-site business amenities and places you steps from Minneapolis nightlife, theatres and concert venues.
- 24-hour business center and multilingual staff support business travelers and events.
- Steps from First Avenue, Orpheum Theatre and other concert/theatre venues for evening options.
- One on-site bar/lounge; the downtown entertainment scene provides numerous nearby alternatives.
Royal Sonesta suits travelers who want to use the hotel as a base for city nightlife and performance venues.
Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
Mystic Lake — 24/7 casino floor with thousands of slot machines, table games and a VIP room.

The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
Royal Sonesta — steps from Nicollet Mall, Target Center and Minneapolis theatres.

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
Mystic Lake — home to The Meadows at Mystic Lake, an on-site 18-hole championship course.

The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
Royal Sonesta — 30,000 sq ft of conference space and 21 meeting rooms in a downtown location.
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel vs The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown: FAQs
Which hotel is better for a weekend of concerts and theatre?
The Royal Sonesta — it's within easy walking distance of Target Center, Orpheum Theatre and multiple downtown venues.
Which hotel is better if I want to spend time gambling and playing golf?
Mystic Lake — it has a 24/7 casino floor, live entertainment and The Meadows at Mystic Lake golf course on site.
Are both properties good for meetings and events?
Yes — Mystic Lake has extensive ballroom and convention space across its resort center; Royal Sonesta offers substantial downtown meeting space (about 30,000 sq ft, 21 rooms).
Do either property’s rooms accommodate mobility needs?
Royal Sonesta lists multiple mobility-accessible room types; for Mystic Lake, contact the property directly to confirm specific accessible room availability.
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