(Second in a continuing series on winter travel.)

I love historic hotels. I got to stay in the St. Paul Hotel recently for business. As soon as my ride pulled up to the entrance, I was like “Wow! What a beautiful place. How lucky am I to get to stay here.” I was greeted by a dapper doorman in top hat who helped get me and my luggage in out of the frosty outdoors. Check-in was smooth and quick. Ben, who escorted me to my room, was very helpful explaining all sorts of things about the room and hotel.

The hotel has had its ups and downs since opening in the mid-1800s. So glad that back in 1982, a group of people in St. Paul cared enough to save and restore this important piece of the city’s history for visitors to enjoy. I was charmed with the elegant Old World decor including the welcoming warmth of the lobby fireplace. Four of the chandeliers in the lobby area originally hung in the old ballroom.

My spacious king room overlooked Rice Park – lovely at night with the trees lit with tiny white lights. The bed was super comfy. The fluffy pillows gave such great support for my neck that I only needed one to sleep on; a first in any hotel stay. Certainly contributed to getting a good night’s sleep.

Cons – 1) Since you can only update a fine old structure with limited electrical, the room sometimes seemed dark and 2) You can feel a draft from the windows and the room can be cold at times when it’s sub-zero or single digits outside.

The Good Stuff – The bathroom has lots of counter space including a shelf above the sink for all a lady’s toiletries and make-up. Free WiFi was speedy enough for my iPhone. Like some British hotels, high tea is served in the lobby on select days. There was a tea held on Saturday which was very popular and heavily attended. Of the meals I ate at the hotel (more in detailed reviews under individual restaurants), all were satisfying and wait staff was very helpful. Throughout my stay when I needed various things, the staff took care of requests quickly and to my complete satisfaction. Quick walk to several restaurants and Skyway/Tunnel walk to Xcel Energy Center Arena and other event venues keeps you out of the cold. I would gladly stay at the St. Paul again and highly recommend it, especially for a romantic weekend or special occasion. It isn’t cheap to stay here, but well worth it.