The moment you enter the Saint Paul Hotel you’ll be surrounded by history, tradition and classic elegance. For more than 100 years, the gem of St. Paul, MN’s Rice Park has been a must-stay for romantic getaways and business travel, special dinners at the St. Paul Grill, afternoon tea or Easter Brunch.

The beautifully decorated, European-inspired hotel has been a fixture of St. Paul’s Rice Park district since 1910, when local businessman Lucius Ordway saw the need for a luxurious downtown St. Paul hotel. The hotel opened with great fanfare, with early guests like railroad builder James J. Hill.

Over the years, the Hotel has played host to legendary patrons like Charles Lindberg, who celebrated his trans-Atlantic flight with a dinner party at the hotel; Gene Autry and his horse Champion; Presidents Calvin Coolidge and John F. Kennedy; and celebrities like Dean Martin and Carol Burnett.

Black and white photos hanging on the wall next to the bar of the hotel’s St. Paul Grill hint at a place historic and regal. Figures from the past like F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the present like John Masseff, a St. Paul philanthropist and businessman, overlook the diners eating their delicately grilled steaks and sipping wine. Each photo has its own story linking it to the history of St. Paul and the hotel.

Today, the hotel’s 254 rooms and suites offer views overlooking the park or State Capitol building. From deluxe rooms to executive kings designed for the business traveler, to spacious suites, the hotel’s rooms include king beds, classic furniture and granite bathrooms featuring Aveda products.

“The Executive King is a popular choice for business travelers,” said Terri, hotel manager. “And our Ambassador suite is a popular option for couples. We have rooms that overlook the park and Landmark Center, or with views of the Capitol and downtown St. Paul. We also offer the Lowery Suite designed for guests planning a longer stay.”

The spacious and classically designed lobby is a popular spot for an event drink or afternoon tea served most weekends at the hotel. Teas are a popular tradition around the holiday season and often sell out weeks in advance.

Across the lobby, the high-end St. Paul Grill is a centerpiece of the hotel, offering an award-winning menu of steaks and chops, fish and seafood, as well as an extensive bar known for single malt scotch and martinis. The Grill is known for its personal selection Woodford Reserve Bourbon, which can be enjoyed at the restaurant or purchased to take home.  Join the bar’s Scotch Club to enjoy tastings and special offers from the award-winning single malt scotch menu.

For lighter fare, the M Street Café offers breakfast, lunch and brunch options in the lower-level of the hotel.

Central Figure to the Downtown Scene

Overlooking Rice Park, the Saint Paul Hotel is central to the city’s most popular destinations. Across the park, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is host to the Minnesota Opera, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and popular musicals and plays. Next door, the historic Landmark Center is home to five galleries and a number of arts organizations featuring dance and music. Across the park, the historic James J. Hill Library and St. Paul Public Library are popular spots to relax in the afternoon, hold an event or conduct business research.

Nearby, guests can enjoy a concert or Minnesota Wild game at the Xcel Energy Center. Visit a show at the St. Paul River Center or spend the afternoon at the Minnesota Science Museum – all within walking distance of the hotel.

If you venture outside the hotel for dining, just steps away you’ll find fine dining at Kincaid’s, authentic Italian at Pazzaluna, French-inspired dining at Meritage, or casual fare at Great Waters Brewing Co. Or head to the famed Mickey’s Diner dining car. The historic diner has been operating in downtown St. Paul 24 hours a day for more than 70 years.

If You Go:
Don’t miss one of the hotel’s popular afternoon teas. Teas are served year-round with special themes like Chocolate Lover’s Tea for Valentine’s Day, and Rejuvenation Tea in March. Holiday teas are especially popular and often sell out well in advance.

Also make reservations for the spring brunch. Popular Easter and Mother’s Day brunches feature six different food stations with hot and cold menu items.

Be sure to plan early to stay during popular weekends. The hotel often sells out during the holiday season, Valentine’s Day and during downtown events like Minnesota Wild games. While reservations aren’t required at the St. Paul Grill, they are encouraged.

Getting There:
The Saint Paul Hotel is located in the heart of downtown St. Paul, just off of Kellogg Boulevard.

While You’re There:
Bring comfortable shoes and be sure to enjoy dining, shopping, museums and the arts all within steps of the hotel. During the winter months, the park district holds Winter Skate, a free outdoor ice rink open to the public. Plan a weekend away and enjoy an escape downtown St. Paul, MN.