Hell, I've even stayed at some decent (not amazing, but decent) chain hotels in the downtown area. There was a Days Inn in Toronto that was very conveniently located, and didn't have the typical Days Inn "feel." A Ramada around downtown St. Louis. Another Days Inn in downtown Indianapolis (I know that's changed to another chain, can't remember what, but it did have a really creepy elevator). Oh! And these kinds of chains are also nice when you want something with the airport shuttle. Yes, you may see the Hilton shuttle drive by 3 times before yours finally comes, but when you've got a 6AM flight, you're already halfway there.

Personally, I think Days Inn has a slight edge over Super 8 generally speaking. Price is generally the same, but there does seem to be a few more hits than misses. Especially the ones that have been remodeled recently, they can have some pretty comfortable bedding (which IS a main function of a hotel )

By the way, I looked up that hotel by MOA. I'm a Bloomington, MN native (where the mall is located) and have driven by that area many times (though I usually take a different exit and come up the other side) but don't remember seeing that hotel before. Looks like it's a Best Western now. For what it's worth, there has been a light rail for a few years now that runs from the airport to the Mall. It's frequent, cheap, and close. If anyone told me they were going to rent a car to see the Mall, I would laugh in their faces. Loudly.