Downtown Skyway and Subway
Rochester's extensive skyway and subway system connects downtown buildings, offering weather-protected access to the Mayo Clinic, hotels, and amenitie...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the rush to Mayo Clinic
Downtown Skyway and Subway
Best Time
Beat the rush to Mayo Clinic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rochester's extensive skyway and subway system connects downtown buildings, offering weather-protected access to the Mayo Clinic, hotels, and amenities.
"The skyway is a lifesaver, making downtown navigation effortless and comfortable in any weather."
🗺️ Map Your Skyway Route
Download or grab a skyway map to navigate efficiently. Many hotels are directly connected!
🚶♀️ Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking indoors, so comfy shoes are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mayo Clinic Connection
Skyway System
Seamlessly access the world-renowned Mayo Clinic without braving the elements. A vital link for patients and visitors.
Indoor City Navigation
Downtown Skyway and Subway
Explore shops, restaurants, and offices entirely indoors. Perfect for any weather, making downtown exploration effortless.
Connected Hotel Access
Various Downtown Hotels
Many hotels are integrated into the skyway, offering unparalleled convenience for guests. Step directly from your room into the city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Skyway System
Hotel Proximity is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Map Your Skyway Route
Download or grab a skyway map to navigate efficiently. Many hotels are directly connected!
🚶♀️ Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking indoors, so comfy shoes are a must.
🏨 Hotel Connectivity
Prioritize hotels with direct skyway access for ultimate convenience.
⏰ Avoid Peak Clinic Hours
If not visiting the Mayo Clinic, try to navigate the skyway outside of busy appointment times.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Map Your Skyway Route
Download or grab a skyway map to navigate efficiently. Many hotels are directly connected!
🚶♀️ Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking indoors, so comfy shoes are a must.
🏨 Hotel Connectivity
Prioritize hotels with direct skyway access for ultimate convenience.
⏰ Avoid Peak Clinic Hours
If not visiting the Mayo Clinic, try to navigate the skyway outside of busy appointment times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unparalleled convenience of the Downtown Skyway and Subway, especially for accessing the Mayo Clinic and connected hotels. The weather-protected pathways and integrated amenities are frequently highlighted as major positives, making navigation effortless. However, some find the furniture in certain accommodations uncomfortable and wish for more frequent cleaning services.
"I am reluctant to review the Broadway Plaza. I want to keep it my secret! I loved the spacious room. The well appointed kitchen allowed me to make the food I want instead of some nasty breakfast bar food. The staff was so efficient one could almost miss their anticipation of my needs and quick response to requests. I was able to walk to the library for a book, the art center for a look, and the Mayo Clinic for a-well you get it. The view was lovely and the when I wanted to go out everything I needed was a short walk. I read in the hot tub and sauna then swam in the pool every night. Parking is simple in the attached ramp. Did I mention it was quiet. I felt more like I was home than at a hotel. By the way be sure to seek out the Bitter & Pour speakeasy on 3rd Street (if you can solve the riddle on the bookcase to get in."
Gary Wahl
"We highly recommend Broadway Plaza! Great location and wonderful staff, especially Briana (sorry if I misspelled that)! If everyone treated people like Briana did, this world would be a much better place! She was so helpful and answered all my questions with patience and enthusiasm! I chose this hotel because of her! Our room was wonderful. 2 bedroom, 2.5 baths, a living area, dining room, and kitchen. It was very clean. It was about 2 blocks from Mayo with plenty of dining options near by. The 4 elevators were fast. Wonderful amenities. We were on the 13th floor and never heard anyone walking above us, which is a huge plus! I hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did. We will definitely stay here again when we need to return!"
Stephie Rae
"My fiancée and I enjoyed our stay at Broadway Plaza. I got a reasonable price for the week stay we had yet we won’t go out of our way again staying at a “alternative hotel”.
Our stay at the Broadway Hotel in Rochester was decent overall. The location is very convenient, especially for Mayo patients, but since we were just visiting family and friends, we appreciated being close to downtown and local spots. The staff were kind and welcoming, which made the experience better.
That said, we didn’t find the room as comfortable as we had hoped. The furniture wasn’t very easy to relax in, and the king bed was much too firm for our preference, which made it tough to get a restful night’s sleep.
It was still a fine stay, but the comfort level just didn’t quite match what we were looking for."
Riley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The skyway system is integrated into many downtown buildings, including hotels and the Mayo Clinic. If you're driving, parking is available in attached ramps. Public transportation options also connect to the downtown core, allowing access to the skyway entrances.
While the skyway itself is for pedestrian use, public buses connect to various points downtown, providing access to skyway entrances. The 'subway' often refers to the underground pedestrian tunnels that are part of the larger network.
Absolutely! Many hotels are directly connected to the skyway system, which in turn connects to the Mayo Clinic. This is a major convenience for patients and visitors.
Several parking ramps are attached to buildings within the skyway system. Look for ramps connected to major hotels or office buildings for direct skyway access.
The skyway system is generally accessible, with elevators and ramps connecting different levels and buildings. However, it's always a good idea to check specific building accessibility if you have particular needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Downtown Skyway and Subway system is a public pedestrian network and does not require tickets for access. You can freely walk between connected buildings.
The skyway hours generally align with the operating hours of the buildings it connects. Most sections are accessible during typical business hours, with some remaining open later or 24/7 if connected to hotels or hospitals.
There are no fees to use the skyway system itself. Any costs would be related to parking in attached ramps or purchasing items within the connected businesses.
You can enter any building that is directly connected to the skyway system. Building directories within the skyway will indicate which establishments are accessible.
The 'subway' often refers to underground pedestrian tunnels that are part of the larger skyway network. Entrances are typically found within connected buildings or at street level near major hubs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The skyway connects to a variety of businesses, including retail shops, cafes, restaurants, and essential services. The selection can vary depending on the specific buildings you are in.
While extensive, the skyway system is generally well-signed. Using a map and paying attention to building directories will help you navigate.
The best way is to have a destination in mind, like the Mayo Clinic or a specific hotel, and use the skyway to get there. You can also explore at your own pace, discovering shops and amenities along the way.
Restrooms are typically available within the public areas of the connected buildings, such as lobbies, food courts, or common areas.
Yes, the skyway is designed for pedestrian traffic and can accommodate luggage. It's a convenient way to move between hotels and appointments with bags.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for areas with interesting architectural lines, natural light from windows, and views of the city through the skyway glass. The connections between buildings can offer unique perspectives.
Generally, personal photography is allowed in public areas of the skyway. However, be mindful of private businesses and avoid photographing individuals without their consent.
Lighting varies. You'll find natural light from windows, overhead artificial lighting, and ambient light from shops and restaurants. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful if you can capture it through the glass.
Try capturing the scale of the interconnected buildings, the flow of people, or the contrast between the indoor environment and the outside weather.
A wider aperture can help with low light, and a slightly higher ISO might be necessary. Experiment with different settings to capture the varied lighting conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When staying in a hotel connected to the skyway, families can enjoy the convenience of easy access to dining and activities without the hassle of bundling up or dealing with unpredictable weather. Look for hotels that offer family-friendly amenities, and use the skyway to explore different parts of downtown at your own pace. It turns a potentially stressful trip into a more manageable and enjoyable experience.
🏥 Mayo Clinic Patients & Visitors
Staying in a hotel integrated with the skyway system is highly recommended. It allows for easy access to your appointments, pharmacies, and dining options without needing to venture outside. The system is designed to make your medical journey as smooth as possible, providing a sheltered and efficient way to get around the downtown area.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Exploring the shops and cafes within the skyway can also offer more affordable dining options compared to standalone restaurants. By staying in a skyway-connected hotel and utilizing the kitchen facilities, you can significantly reduce your overall trip costs while still enjoying the convenience of downtown access.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Skyway System
When navigating, it's helpful to have a skyway map, which can often be found in hotel lobbies or online. Pay attention to building directories within the skyway, as they will guide you to specific businesses, clinics, or elevators. The system is designed for ease of use, with clear signage and connections to major landmarks. For those with mobility concerns, the skyway generally offers accessible routes with elevators and ramps, though it's always wise to confirm specific accessibility within individual buildings.
The skyway isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it also offers a unique urban experience. You can find a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants tucked away within the connected buildings, providing convenient options for dining and shopping without stepping outside. This creates a self-contained downtown environment that many appreciate for its efficiency and comfort.
Accommodation and Convenience
Many of these connected accommodations offer apartment-style rooms with kitchens and living areas, providing a more comfortable and home-like experience, especially for extended stays. The ability to access amenities like pools, hot tubs, and fitness centers within the hotel, and then seamlessly transition to the skyway for other needs, enhances the overall guest experience. Parking is often available in attached ramps, further simplifying logistics for those arriving by car.
The convenience factor of skyway-connected hotels cannot be overstated. It transforms the experience of navigating a new city, particularly when medical appointments are involved. Guests consistently praise the ease of access to dining, shopping, and essential services, all while remaining sheltered from the weather.
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