Best hotels in St. Paul
St. Paul Introduction
St. Paul lies on the opposite bank of the mighty Mississippi from its famous ‘twin,’ Minneapolis. This cosmopolitan metropolis has come a long way from the trading post of Pig’s Eye, named for a colorful local tavern owner, and its little log chapel of Saint Paul. Today the city is the seat of the state government and home to many important institutions, while the little chapel has grown into the spectacular National Shrine of the Apostle Paul, an iconic outline on the downtown skyline. Visitors flock to the city’s vibrant cultural attractions, star-studded sporting fixtures, and nationally prized heritage landmarks.Hotels in St. Paul
From opulent landmarks to no-frills budget inns, hotels in St. Paul cater for ever kind of visitor. Cash-strapped students enjoy a warm welcome in homey hostels, convention delegates benefit from hi-speed Internet and private meeting rooms in state-of-the-art conference centers, and families find space to breathe in spacious suites. Discount hotels in St. Paul include all the popular national chains, which provide convenient and comfortable bases for exploring the sights. Luxuriously furnished inns are perfect for stylish short breaks, while self-catering aparthotels are ideal for longer stays with home comforts close at hand.Where to stay
You’ll find an equally wide geographical spread of hotels in St. Paul, from out-of-town inns on the interstates to boutique B&Bs in the heart of downtown. Treat yourself to some 4-star luxury on the romantic Mississippi riverfront and be within walking distance of museums, the cathedral and the state capitol building. Benefit from cheap St. Paul hotel rates with a room in a budget chain near the university—enjoy the bohemian student vibe or use the city’s excellent public transportation network to reach downtown effortlessly. If you’re traveling with our own car, book into a convenient motel on the outskirts to benefit from free on-site parking.Things to see
St. Paul is blessed with an abundance of must-see attractions, so whatever your interest you’re sure to find something to pique it. One of its best-loved landmarks is Como Park, famed for its spectacular crystal conservatory and Art Deco zoo—the annual winter carnival has been one of the highlights of St. Paul’s social calendar since 1939. Step back in time on the traditional Mississippi Centennial Showboat and enjoy Victorian-era entertainment from the Showboat Players, a handpicked troupe of performers from the University of Minnesota. Scope out the Minnesota Museum of American Art, which showcases indigenous artworks from the 19th century to the present day in the historic Pioneer Endicott building. Take in a thrilling ice hockey game at the Xcel Energy Center, home of the Minnesota Wild. Or wander past the Fitzgerald Theater, named for St. Paul resident F. Scott, to see where Garrison Keillor launched his world-famous ‘A Prairie Home Companion’ in 1974.How to get to St. Paul
As you’d expect from a major state capital, St. Paul is easily accessed from road, rail, and air. Interstate 35E runs north–south and Interstate 94 runs east–west, with a network of U.S. and state highways intersecting with downtown and suburbs. Amtrak’s Empire Builder route provides direct connections with Chicago and Seattle, while Minneapolis–Saint Paul Airport is the home base of Delta Airlines and serves a variety of domestic and international carriers. Travel in St. Paul offers an equally wide choice of public transportation, from the downtown skyway system to metro light rail and rapid transit bus routes.
