Named after Saint-Cloud, France, the area now known as St. Cloud started to attract settlers in 1851 after treaty negotiations with the Winnebago. The settlement served as a way station used by traders traveling between the U.S. and Canada. In 1856, the City of St. Cloud was officially incorporated.
Today, St. Cloud is located 65 miles northwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul. It is home to Minnesota's third largest public university, St. Cloud State University, a hydroelectric dam, 95 parks, and numerous historic sites. Whatever your reasons for visiting St. Cloud, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything this bustling city has to offer.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Saint Cloud, MN?
The best time to visit St. Cloud is in the off-seasons, particularly in May and September. Minnesota winters are long and cold and summers attract an influx of visitors, making the spring and fall ideal times to see the sights on a budget. Average highs hover around 70 degrees with lows dipping into the upper 40s. Best of all, you can enjoy discounted rates on area hotels, allowing you to upgrade and enjoy more amenities for your money.
Although hotel rates start to climb in June, summers in Minnesota are glorious. With 80-degree temperature averages in July and August, you can take full advantage of St. Cloud's many outdoor parks and recreational opportunities. Enjoy an outdoor summer concert series, a picnic, or fresh produce from the farmers market. If you're visiting with the kids, you'll be happy to know that the city maintains three splash pads and seven neighborhood wading pools, all of which are open from mid-May through mid-September, weather permitting.
Few visitors plan trips to Minnesota during the winter, but if business or family demands require you to make the trip, you can enjoy rock-bottom hotel rates at accommodations throughout the city. Just be sure to bundle up, as average lows stay in the single digits from December through February.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Saint Cloud, MN:
Saint Cloud by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean rate trends by star rating class in Saint Cloud, MN. You can use these charts to determine the most cost effective seasons to stay in Saint Cloud for any future trips.
What About Luxury Hotels in Saint Cloud, MN?
If you're hoping to stay in a high-end hotel during your trip to St. Cloud, you won't be disappointed.
Courtyard St. Cloud is a premier downtown hotel that places you steps from St. Cloud River's Edge Convention Center. Enjoy a beautiful indoor pool, a spa tub, a fitness center, a ballroom, an on-site restaurant, a coffee shop, and a continental breakfast available for an additional fee. For a modest surcharge, you can also take advantage of the hotel's airport and area shuttle services. The well-appointed guest rooms feature both wired and wireless internet access, flat-screen TVs with cable programming, safes, work desks, mini fridges, microwaves, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries.
Another great option downtown is the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn. This highly rated accommodation offers an indoor pool, a spa tub, a 24-hour fitness center, wedding services, a game room, free Wi-Fi access, a business center, event facilities, a lounge, an on-site restaurant, and limited room service. Inside your guest room, enjoy a flat-screen TV with cable, a comfortable pillowtop bed, a partially open bathroom with a shower/tub combination, a hair dryer, and free toiletries.
Looking for a hotel in the business district? Check out Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Cloud. Business amenities include a 24-hour business center, a town car service, and express check-in. You'll also enjoy an indoor pool, a spa tub, free Wi-Fi access, a fireplace in the lobby, barbecue grills, a complimentary breakfast buffet, and a guest reception held on select evenings. Guest suites feature kitchens with full-sized appliances, as well as other homey amenities, including 37-inch LCD TVs, sofa beds, down comforters, safes, and free newspapers.
Are There Any Budget-Friendly Hotels in Saint Cloud, MN?
3 Star Average Prices: $91.97
You don't have to look far to find affordable accommodations in St. Cloud.
Super 8 by Wyndham St. Cloud is a no-frills option within five minutes of the Crossroads Center. Basic amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, complimentary wireless internet access, a vending machine, and a continental breakfast. Guest rooms feature satellite TV, mini refrigerators, microwaves, hair dryers, bathtubs, and toiletries. Cribs and rollaway beds are available upon request for an additional fee.
Another affordable option is Travelodge by Wyndham Motel of St. Cloud, which is located just 10 minutes from St. Cloud State University. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, event facilities, a laundry room, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms include LCD TVs with cable programming, mini fridges, free Wi-Fi, well-lit desks, safes, and phones with free local calls.
If you prefer an option with a more central location, consider staying at Americas Best Value Inn & Suites St. Cloud. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, express check-out, an indoor pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a continental breakfast served each morning. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs with cable, mini fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, ironing facilities, hair dryers, toiletries, and shower/tub combinations.
2 Star Average Prices: $85.41
What Are the Best Hotels in Saint Cloud, MN, for Discounts?
If you qualify for a special rate, you can save even more money on your trip to St. Cloud. AAA members, seniors, military service members, and government employees can save an average of 10% off regular room rates at most area hotels.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson St. Cloud East MN offers both military and government rates to those who qualify. Amenities include an indoor pool, a spa tub, wedding services, a lobby fireplace, complimentary Wi-Fi, express check-out, a 24-hour business center, and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. In-room amenities include well-lit desks, safes, partially open bathrooms with shower/tub combinations, mini fridges, microwaves, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries.
Government business travelers can qualify for special rates at Hampton Inn & Suites St. Cloud, which features a business center, dry cleaning services, a 24-hour front desk, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. Additional amenities include an indoor pool, a spa tub, a fitness center, and a snack bar. Guest rooms include both wired and wireless internet access, cable TV, work desks, and safes.
Days Inn by Wyndham St. Cloud is an already affordable option that offers special discounts to military and government travelers. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, a business center, free newspapers, a 24-hour front desk, an indoor pool, a waterslide, free Wi-Fi, and a TV in the lobby. Guest rooms include flat-screen TVs with cable, desks, hair dryers, and bathtubs or showers.
What Are the Best Value Options in Saint Cloud, MN?
St. Cloud has many mid-range accommodations priced to give you an incredible value for your dollar.
Holiday inn Hotel & Suites St. Cloud is a surprisingly affordable downtown hotel with an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, a game room, a complimentary shuttle service, concierge services, a sauna, cooked-to-order breakfasts (for an additional fee), room service, and two on-site restaurants. Business amenities include a 24-hour business center, laundry services, conference space, and a roundtrip shuttle service. The spacious guest rooms include LED TVs with cable programming, mini fridges, desks, hair dryers, shower/tub combinations, and complimentary toiletries.
Quality Inn Saint Cloud offers a 24-hour front desk, a business center, free newspapers, ample parking, a spa tub, and concierge services. The affordable hotel also features an on-site restaurant, limited room service, a bar, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms include microwaves, mini fridges, high-speed Wi-Fi (for a minimal surcharge), cable TV, hair dryers, toiletries, desks, and safes.
Fairfield Inn & Suites St. Cloud is a highly rated option offering a 24-hour business center, free newspapers, express check-out, an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning, which features both hot and cold items. The comfortable guest rooms include flat-screen TVs with cable, mini fridges, microwaves, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, and hair dryers.
What Are the Top Attractions in Saint Cloud, MN?
When planning a trip to St. Cloud, Minnesota, be sure to add some of the city's top attractions to your itinerary.
Touring Munsinger and Clemens Gardens is a must during the warmer months. This 14-acre historic botanical garden is the perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers who want to make the most of the season.
History lovers should check out Stearns History Museum, a facility that preserves local history. The facility maintains an outdoor nature park that encompasses more than 80 acres and includes a skateboard park, floral gardens, and walking trails.
Other must-see sites in St. Cloud include Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, Summerland Family Fun Park, and the Lake George Municipal Complex.
Exploring St. Cloud is a tall order, but whatever your reason for visiting, you'll discover a bustling city brimming with history, delicious food, family-friendly parks, and recreation. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, you can find the perfect St. Cloud hotel through HotelPlanner.
FAQs about hotels in Saint Cloud
How much does a cheap hotel in Saint Cloud cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Saint Cloud can be as cheap as $85.41 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Saint Cloud cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Saint Cloud has been $91.97 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)