Visitors from all over the world pass through Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, 1300 Nicollet Mall, which welcomed over 125,000 overnight guests last year. Randy Thompson, general manager at Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, offers these time and money saving tips to travelers in light of both heightened security and the tough economic times:

1. Take advantage of online check-in systems at hotels and at the airport. This will save time and help avoid long lines at ticket counters.
2. Be sure to sign up for rewards offers (i.e. Hyatt’s Gold Passport) program. It will result in valuable savings, especially if you’re a frequent traveler.
3. Don’t travel with more than one carry-on. Check your airline’s website before you pack, and invest in a carry-on that fits in the overhead bins of smaller regional planes.
4. Don’t arrive too early. Two hours prior to a domestic flight is more than enough time to check-in and get through security. Arriving too soon will mean wasted time spent at the airport.
5. To avoid a hassle when going through security, check as much luggage as possible. With stricter screening, everything from electronics to magnetic items can set off security alarms, so only carry-on essentials.
6. When going through security you’ll breeze through the line more quickly if you have your license and boarding pass handy, laptop out of its case, and liquids pre-packed in a separate plastic bag.
7. Check the weather before you head to the airport. In Minneapolis, inclement weather causes unpredictable delays. Before leaving your home or hotel, double check that your flight is on time.
8. Whether you’re traveling nationally or internationally, research public transportation options at your destination. Many hotels offer free shuttle service to and from the airport, and most large airports are connected to a train or bus route, which is a much cheaper alternative than paying for a cab.
9. Research the internet for discounts to sporting events, theater productions and tourist attractions before making the trip to a new city.
10. For international travelers, keep an eye on global exchange rates. It is cheaper to visit some countries now than it was in the past.

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, one of the largest properties in the Twin Cities, recently announced a $25 million renovation of the hotel's guestrooms, suites, public areas, and restaurants. The renovation began in January with expected completion in late Spring 2012.

"This major renovation will enhance Hyatt Regency Minneapolis' stellar reputation as a premier hotel for travelers in the Twin Cities, especially given our proximity to the Minneapolis Convention Center," said Thompson. "We look forward to welcoming guests back to a transformed hotel with all of the services and amenities they have come to expect from Hyatt.”

About Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis is a convention center hotel located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. The property features 533 rooms, 74,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space, a full service business center, WIFI Internet access, an indoor heated pool and a new health club. The hotel’s prime location on Nicollet Mall allows guests to easily explore an incredible array of Twin Cities’ attractions from shopping to sports and anything in between. To book, call (800) 233-1234 or visit www.minneapolis.hyatt.com.