Folks, it's extremely difficult finding anything within the 494/694 loop circling the core cities of Mpls/St. Paul but some relief should occur after 8/1 when the RNC releases its hold on rooms they don't need. In the meantime we've done the best we could with reserved blocks outside that loop primarily but still within 25-45 minutes of downtown, that's mostly what's in that lodging menu list. But most of the day 1 events are in fact on or outside that loop to the North, so if you're doing those that may not be a bad direction to look. Also, there should be a form up soon on the event site for locals here to offer up space in their homes as well w/contact info, so watch for that. But inner core and downtown hotels will not be cheap- but if you have the bucks to spend and want the heart of the metro be prepared to begin calling that first week in August, we'll be doing the same, for the purpose of adding more lodging to that list.
Also- that University Inn on the list is quite close to downtown, you can jump on a number 16 bus and be there in minutes, but don't expect particularly swank digs there, the price is very reasonable and reflects that.
