What to Expect When Going To Mayo Clinic In Rochester, MN and Information on Hotels and Restaurants

I have really been around to different places as far as hospitals and clinics goes The Mayo Clinc in Rochester is where I went several times. I cannot specify enough, professional and organized everything is. When you first go there, you go directly to a line where you get envelope/brochure that has your schedule for the day. It normally has several different appts and places for you to go and at the end of the day,( if that's all the testing you have done), is when you have the appointment with your Doctor.

If you go in to have blood work done, you will be in and out pretty quick. I could not believe the system. There is about 100 to 200 people all in one room, but there are like 60 people taking the blood. It is so organized, as I was just in awe of how well things are managed. The only bad part about going to Mayo is the fact if you have tests set up every day, usually they try to get everything done in 2 or 3 days, you have to stay in a Hotel, as they don't admit you there unless you are in very bad shape.So, I guess I would not want to be in that bad of shape, so spending the money on a hotel was in my case, was a good thing. I thought when I got there, that I would basically be just a number because of the volume of people that go there. I thought, oh great, I am going in and have to have this test done and going under anesthesia, that I would not get the consideration and "hometown" kindness. Well, they were so considerate of my feelings and very professional. They went over and beyond what I ever expected out of such a big high volume clinic.

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The inside of most of the buildings are really overwhelming. It's very organized like I said and it is huge. If you have a hard time walking, grab a wheel chair as soon as you get in the door. I've never seen such a site as I come from basically small town living. The people are everywhere, and I do mean everywhere. You will see people from all walks of life. Almost everyone there has a story to tell. It's amazing the people you meet and see. It takes a bit of getting used to. Every race known to man will walk by; Black, White, Hispanic, Jewish, Muslim, Amish, etc. If you go to the store, unless they work there or live in Rochester, about 75 % of the stores are people that are there for the clinic. It's not really a town to go visit on vacation, but it has a sense of everyone needing medical help if you understand what I mean.

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Hotels near Mayo Clinic

If you are going to be staying there for a week, I would strongly suggest staying at one of the Inns. They are relatively fair in price. Usually around $59.99 a night. That is the Mayo rate. They have nice Inns with full kitchens and a little desk. Comfortable and about the right way to go. If you prefer a swimming pool and more options, I would stay at one of the hotels. IF you do decide to stay at a Hotel, Please make sure you ask for the MAYO CLINIC RATE as it will take off almost $20 in some hotels! We have always seem to of chosen the hotels because my husband likes to swim and we were never there long enough to have to stay at an Inn.

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Restaurants Near The Mayo Clinic

If you are hungry, goodness sakes, don't worry about food. Rochester is full restaurants. They have everything from Mexican, Asian, Chinese, Italian, to fast food. I do personally have my favorite and that is a elegant but non-formal Italian place. It is called Victoria's. The atmosphere there is just so romantic, but yet not overly. You will look just like you fit in if you wear a pair of jeans and a nice top, to decking out in your formal attire. Great food. If you were like me and couldn't eat very much, they are well accommodating (almost everywhere) of peoples medical condition, so don't be ashamed to ask them if you need food prepared a certain way.

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Shuttle Busses at The Mayo Clinic

Don't worry too much about having a place to park at the clinic. Every hotel I found, that was in within 15 to 20 miles of the clinic, had a free shuttle bus that ran like every half hour. They have announcements outside and inside the lobby doors that tell you what bus and for which hotel. They even have brochures that tell you what time the shuttle picks up at the hotel to take you to clinic. The buses are warm and very nicely kept.

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