Looking at St. Paul now, you could forget the city's humble beginnings. Before European settlement, the region was home to the Hopewell people and later the Mdewakanton Dakota. Zebulon Pike, a U.S. Army officer, negotiated with the Dakota people to obtain 100,000 acres of local land for a fort, which would become Fort Snelling. Through 1837, the U.S. Government obtained all local tribal land. Without ownership of the land, the Native American people moved further south. Fur traders, missionaries, and explorers took their place, using the fort for protection in the wilderness.
The area where St. Paul now stands was originally a collection of villages with names like Pig's Eye, named after fur trader turned bootlegger Pierre “Pig's Eye” Parrant, and Lambert's Landing. These villages merged and became the city we now know as St. Paul. Lucien Galtier, the area's first Catholic pastor, insisted on the new religious moniker. In 1849, St. Paul was named Minnesota's capital. It retained its status when Minnesota joined the union nine years later.
Much has changed since those early days. Skyscrapers began springing up in the 1970s. In the 1980s, St. Paul's tallest buildings, Galtier Plaza, The Pointe of Saint Paul condos, and of course, the towering Wells Fargo Place joined the cityscape. The 1990s and 2000s were characterized by heavy immigration, especially from Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. New ethnicities have helped make St. Paul the culturally diverse city it is today.
When is the best time to visit St. Paul, MN?
St. Paul puts its best foot forward during summer. Daily highs sit around 80 degrees, luring locals and tourists alike to Pig's Eye Lake, Lake Phalen, and Lake Como, and other outdoor locations. It's also when St. Paul hosts festivals including Grand Old Day and Twin Cities Pride. The only problem is, St. Paul is so good in summer everyone wants to visit. Make sure you book well in advance to secure your hotel of choice. You should also expect to pay more than you would in the shoulder season.
If you're counting your pennies, you could get a great deal during spring or fall. The weather is quite changeable during these seasons, so prepare for the unexpected by dressing in layers and always carrying an umbrella. It could be around freezing or sitting comfortably in the 60s or 70s. The city is very pretty during these seasons though, with blooming flowers in spring and vibrantly colored leaves during fall.
Just leave winter for the locals. It's bitterly cold, with temperatures rarely climbing above freezing. St. Paul gets around 40 inches of snow each year and most falls during winter.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in St. Paul, MN:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average rate trends by star rating class in St. Paul, MN. Analyze these charts to determine the least expensive time to stay in St. Paul for any future trips.
What are the luxury hotel options in St. Paul, MN?
4 Star Average Prices: $127.50
Luxury is what St. Paul does best. Enjoy expertly appointed rooms and facilities that are second-to-none at the following St. Paul hotels.
Hotel 340 is the city's only independent luxury boutique hotel. Its beautiful guestrooms feature cherry wood floors, premium beds with down comforters and hypoallergenic pillows, European-style bathrooms, and large flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is free in all guestrooms and selected shared spaces. The free continental breakfast is a cut above, with Belgian waffles, oatmeal, pastries, muffins, fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and other morning favorites. If you're feeling guilty about over-indulging, enjoy your complimentary access to the Saint Paul Athletic Club, which occupies the building's fourth to ninth floors.
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront has one of the city's most enviable locations, on the banks of the Mississippi River. Classic rooms, executive rooms, and suites offer varying levels of space and comfort, although none could be accused of being basic. While there are many restaurants around the hotel, the Citizen Supper Club on site is an excellent option when you'd rather stay in. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a limited room service menu 24/7. Turndown service, private limousines, and an executive club level are all available for the InterContinental's valued guests.
What are the affordable hotel options in St. Paul, MN?
3 Star Average Prices: $118.56
As a major urban center, St. Paul welcomes so many tourists, its hotels are usually more expensive than in smaller cities. However, you can always count on the following motels and hotels for a great deal.
The rooms at Motel 6 St. Paul I-94 have a retro charm, with brightly-colored comforters and wood-grain furnishings. There's a fitness center, TVs with expanded cable and there's free Wi-Fi in all rooms. While there's no on-site restaurant, it's not far from a Popeye's, KFC, and other local eateries. There aren't coffee-making facilities in the rooms, but you can get cups of this life-giving elixir from the lobby until 10 a.m.
Hotel Metro St. Paul 3M Area gets its name because it's across from the 3M International Headquarters. Its business district location is ideal for anyone traveling to St. Paul for work. The free Wi-Fi will help you stay productive and keep your social media accounts active. The hotel's East Metro location isn't close to St. Paul's attractions, but the complimentary shuttle will take you downtown. The rooms are modern and well-appointed, with double pillow-top mattresses, fridges, and premium Keurig coffee makers. McKnights Bar and Grill serves a continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.
