Hotels Near Bethel and Northwestern: Where to Stay in the Twin Cities Gateway

By Lisa Berkas | October 4, 2026

Heading to town for a campus tour, Homecoming weekend, a Royals or Eagles athletic matchup, or commencement? Finding a comfortable home base makes all the difference. Bethel University and University of Northwestern – St. Paul sit right in the heart of the north metro, surrounded by the welcoming communities of the Twin Cities Gateway.

Staying in Gateway cities like Arden Hills, Shoreview, New Brighton, and Mounds View means you are minutes from campus without dealing with downtown traffic or pricey parking ramps. Here is your guide to top local hotels, what they offer, and great Gateway restaurants to visit between campus stops.

Know the Campuses Before You Book

Photo Credit: University of Northwestern – St. Paul

Bethel University is nestled along Lake Valentine in Arden Hills, while the University of Northwestern – St. Paul is situated just south on Snelling Avenue along Lake Johanna. Because the two campuses are less than three miles apart,any hotel in Arden Hills, Shoreview, New Brighton, or Mounds View puts you within an easy 5 to 10-minute drive of both.

When choosing where to unpack, think about the rhythm of your trip:

• Quick overnight tours: A traditional room with complimentary hot breakfast lets you get out the door fast for morning admissions presentations.

• Family visits and move-in weekends: An all-suite property with a separate living area, kitchenette, and sleeper sofa gives everyone room to stretch out and unpack gear.

• Celebration dinners: Look for spots close to sit-down local favorites like steak houses, scratch kitchens, or family-friendly pubs.

Arden Hills: Steps from Campus

SpringHill Suites – Arden Hills

If your goal is to stay as close to Bethel and Northwestern as possible, Arden Hills is the natural choice. You can wake up, grab breakfast, and arrive on campus in under five minutes.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott – Arden Hills

• Distance to Campuses: About 1.5 miles from Bethel (under 5 minutes) and 2.5 miles from Northwestern (around 6 minutes).

• Room Features: Spacious studio suites featuring plush West Elm trundle sofa beds, dedicated workspaces,ergonomic chairs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi.

• Amenities: Complimentary hot breakfast buffet, indoor heated swimming pool, fitness center, on-site market,and free parking.

• Nearby Local Eats: Head just down Lexington Avenue to The Tavern Grill in Arden Hills for build-your-own burgers, pizzas, and salads. For an iconic Twin Cities Gateway dinner, reserve a table at Lindey’s Prime Steak House, a beloved local institution serving hearty steaks and garlic toast since 1958.

Quality Inn & Suites – Arden Hills

• Distance to Campuses: About 2 miles from Bethel and 3 miles from Northwestern.

• Room Features: Traditional guest rooms and suites equipped with premium bedding, coffee makers,microwaves, refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs.

• Amenities: Free daily hot breakfast, high-speed Wi-Fi, indoor pool and hot tub, fitness room, business center,and free on-site vehicle parking.

• Nearby Local Eats: Swing by Flaherty’s Arden Bowl for casual pub fare, fresh-baked pizza, and historic lanes (it is the oldest bowling center in the nation), or grab takeout from Davanni’s Pizza & Hot Hoagies on Lexington Avenue.

Shoreview: Lakeside Comfort and Quick Highway Access

Directly adjacent to Arden Hills, Shoreview offers scenic neighborhood surroundings, easy access to Interstate 694 and Highway 96, and a straight drive down Lexington Avenue or Victoria Street to campus.

Hilton Garden Inn – Shoreview

Hilton Garden Inn – Shoreview

• Distance to Campuses: Approximately 3.5 miles from Bethel and 4.5 miles from Northwestern (about 7 to 9 minutes).

• Room Features: Modern king and double-queen rooms with Serta Perfect Sleeper beds, large HDTVs, generous work desks with ergonomic seating, microwaves, Keurig coffee makers, and mini-fridges.

• Amenities: Indoor pool and whirlpool, full fitness center, 24-hour business center, complimentary parking, and an on-site restaurant serving cooked-to-order breakfast and evening dinners.

• Nearby Local Eats: Treat your student to a scratch-made meal at Churchill St., a cozy neighborhood bistro in Shoreview focused on seasonal, locally sourced Midwest cooking. If you are craving fresh Asian dishes, Red Ginger China Bistro is just a few minutes north on Rice Creek Parkway.

Best Western Plus – Shoreview

• Distance to Campuses: About 4 miles from Bethel and 5 miles from Northwestern (8 to 10 minutes).

• Room Features: Quiet, clean rooms featuring modern finishes, plush bedding, coffee makers, microwaves,refrigerators, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

• Amenities: Complimentary full hot breakfast, indoor heated pool and spa, 24-hour exercise facility, free parking,and guest laundry.

• Nearby Local Eats: Stop into Oliver’s in Shoreview for wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and casual dinner options,or drop by The Winkin’ Rooster on Lexington Avenue for hearty breakfast sandwiches and morning coffee.

New Brighton & Mounds View: Extended Stays and Family Suites

Just west of Arden Hills, New Brighton and Mounds View provide quiet lodging options with quick access to campus via County Road E, Highway 10, or Interstate 694.

Homewood Suites – New Brighton

Homewood Suites by Hilton – New Brighton

• Distance to Campuses: Roughly 3 miles from Bethel and 3.5 miles from Northwestern (about 7 minutes).

• Room Features: Full-sized studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites with complete kitchens (full-size refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, and cookware), plus separate living and sleeping areas.

• Amenities: Free hot breakfast, indoor heated pool, fitness center, outdoor patio with barbecue grills, pet-friendly rooms, and free self-parking.

• Nearby Local Eats: Pick up authentic family-recipe pasta, pizza, and garlic knots from Giuseppe’s Italian Ristorante on Silver Lake Road, or head over to The Exchange Food and Drink on 5th Avenue NW for classic comfort food, juicy burgers, and craft taps.

AmericInn by Wyndham Mounds View 

• Distance to Campuses: About 4.5 miles from Bethel and 5.5 miles from Northwestern (under 10 minutes).

• Room Features: Cozy rooms and whirlpool suites with pillowtop beds, flat-screen cable TVs, coffee makers,microwaves, and compact refrigerators.

• Amenities: Complimentary homestyle hot breakfast, indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, free parking for cars and larger vehicles, and free Wi-Fi.

• Nearby Local Eats: Settle in at Moe’s American Grill in Mounds View for craft burgers, wings, and hearty tavern favorites in a relaxed family setting. You can also head a few minutes south to New Brighton for hand-crafted espresso drinks and pastries at Limu Coffee.