LivINN Hotel Minneapolis South / Burnsville

Breakfast only runs from 6:30 am to 9:30 am, which felt too short. It would be nice to extend it to 10:00 am, and the eggs tasted bland because the cook added too much flour. We also noticed people smoking weed outside and a weed smell in the hallway. It didn't bother us much without little kids, but I can see it being an issue for families. The hotel itself is small, affordable, nice, and very clean, with a comfy bed and plush pillows. The bathroom has no fan to clear steam or odors, a real downside. Still, we'd stay again next time we visit MN.

For the price, it wasn't a terrible stay. The room's high ceilings made it seem both small and big, and the bed was a little too hard for me. My curtain wouldn't close all the way, the shower drained very slowly, and with the room by an exit I heard people coming and going. There was also a dog that kept barking. Check-in took a long time because just one employee was working on a very busy Saturday. Breakfast was sparse, with adults literally fighting over the pancake maker, and one toaster caused a jam.

The air throughout the hotel had a persistent, heavy unpleasant smell, suggesting poor ventilation and a lack of cleanliness. Despite the no-smoking policy, cannabis odor was strong and frequent in both the room and hallways. Noise was another major problem: there is practically no soundproofing, so neighbors, slamming doors, and steady road traffic were all easy to hear. I couldn't rest properly. Comfort was extremely low, and I'd only stay here if there were absolutely no other choices. I don't recommend it for a comfortable stay.

The rooms had what looked like nearly new furniture and carpet, and the windows opened, which was great on a beautiful weekend. There was lots of parking, and for the price it's a good hotel. The bathroom seemed older: the shower pull was very hard to turn on, the fan worked randomly, and when it did there was a nasty old smoke smell. The iron needs replacing too, though thankfully it didn't damage my clothes. Housekeeping wasn't provided unless you ask. Breakfast was standard, but I liked the pancake machine better than messy waffle makers, and the eating area looked cute and new. Getting there was a hassle because we weren't told about road construction and had to make a long detour after the exit was closed. At check-in nobody was at the desk for a few minutes. The girl who came was friendly, but when I asked about the restaurant next door, she said it was good, then said she hadn't eaten there because she couldn't afford it and would love a burger. It felt like a guilt trip to get a guest to buy her one. My husband considered it, but she wasn't at the desk when we went out. Later I wanted a soda from the machine but only had a ten, and waited ten minutes for help. The housekeeper appeared twice, then finally went outside to get the guy who was smoking. I had pushed the help button. He gave me a five and five ones, but the machine only took change, so I gave up. There were also rude guests slamming doors, yelling, and running in the hallways, all adults, which was embarrassing behavior. Can't fault the hotel for guests with no manners, but the front desk should be staffed. All in all, an average place with a decent rate.