Bed & Breakfasts of #MYSAINTPAUL

Como Lake Bed & Breakfast - Carla Solberg Sherman

Who says you have to drive north for a lakeside bed & breakfast experience? This 1915 craftsman home in Como Park overlooks Saint Paul’s Como Lake, a mere three miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Tell us a little bit about Como Lake B&B and how it came to be:

The home on Como Lake was purchased when I had 4 small children. It was a great place to raise kids, but the house was a wreck. We did what needed to be done to make it safe for the kids and, when I became single 10 years ago, I embarked on a major renovation which included five new bathrooms and a new kitchen. I don’t remember having a B&B in mind when I did this, but gradually that became the plan and it suits me.

What makes staying at Como Lake B&B unique?

Lake Como has so much to offer—with the lake and all its activities, Como Zoo, and just the overall beauty of the park. It is very easy to get around from here and the Minnesota State Fair is just up the road.

What is your favorite thing about Saint Paul?

How easy and calm it is! So many places that make for enjoyable walks, great shops, history and great art. It is a wonderful city on its own, but being next to Minneapolis is a bonus too.

If you could only recommend one Saint Paul stop to your visitors, what would it be?

I may be biased, but Como Park never ceases to thrill me. I feel so lucky to live here.

Covington Inn - Liz Miller

When it comes to Saint Paul lodging, Covington Inn is an icon. The inn, one of America’s few floating bed & breakfasts, is permanently moored on Harriet Island and provides some of the best skyline views the city has to offer.

Tell us a little bit about Covington Inn and how it came to be:

Originally set afloat in 1946, Covington Inn was moved from Louisiana to Saint Paul in 1995. I worked as a waitress for the No Wake Cafe (attached to the Inn) before taking it over in 2002. The Inn has four guest rooms with private bathrooms and gas fireplaces for heat in the winter. Yes, it is open year-round! Come sit and snuggle by the fire as the snow falls and the wind blows down the mighty Mississippi River. Or, come in the summer and sit on the deck all night long watching the boats cruise by and the river flow.

What makes staying at Covington Inn unique?

This is truly a B&B anyone can appreciate—it’s not like staying at any other inn or hotel in town, for that matter. Some of my guests have big plans for fancy dinner in downtown Saint Paul but once they arrive and relax on the deck, they only want the phone number for the best pizza delivery. The deck and the view cannot be beat, that’s for sure!

What is your favorite thing about Saint Paul?

If you don’t have friends in town, you can easily go make some—Saint Paulites are the friendliest people around!

If you could only recommend one Saint Paul stop to your visitors, what would it be?

A stop to Saint Paul in the summer is not complete without attending either Music in Mears on Thursdays or Rhythm in Rice on Fridays. You cannot go wrong with live local music, food trucks, beer and wine and your best buddies.

Historic District Bed & Breakfast - Kevin and Holly Greenlee

At the Historic District Bed & Breakfast in Cathedral Hill, you'll find old world charm with contemporary comfort and top-notch hospitality. From made-to-order breakfast to fantastic local recommendations, owners Kevin and Holly go above in beyond to accommodate their guests' needs.

Tell us a little bit about Historic District B&B and how it came to be:

My wife, Holly, and I really enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts with our friends. In the summer of 2017, we were staying at the Historic Hutchinson House BnB in Faribault and I had a crazy idea. I asked Holly what she thought of me starting a bed and breakfast. I thought it was lofty, but she said I would be good at it. I had been working in the food, hotel, and hospitality business for 20 years, and her confidence in me was all I needed to get going on a business plan. We wanted to stay in Saint Paul because Holly works here and we have family here. While we were looking for a special home, we stayed at Cathedral Hill Bed and Breakfast (now closed). We enjoyed the lovely old houses and terrific restaurants located there—we knew Cathedral Hill for us. We started looking for the right home—it had to be big, inviting, and meet all Saint Paul regulations. When we stepped into the beautiful brick home on 483 Ashland, we knew it was the one. Built in 1898, it was still in great shape. It was designed by famous architect Clarence H. Johnston—it had a uniqueness and quality that is rare.

What makes staying at Historic District B&B unique?

What sets us apart from most lodging options is our ability to give a cozy experience with individual service to each guest. We are a small bed and breakfast and, therefore, every guest is important and special. We provide a home away from home with everything you might need. We provide a 24-hour complimentary snack and beverage bar, we have free parking—no request is too small or big. At breakfast, I offer options versus a set menu, and I have a lot of gourmet breakfast selections that change every day. Some options are trendy like Cheesy Asparagus and Quinoa Savory Waffle with a Lemon Pepita Butter and a Raspberry Jalapeño Jam, and some options feed your inner child like Classic Blueberry Pancakes with Whipped Cream. We also have healthy options like Avocado Toast with Seedy Bread, Radishes and Tomatoes.

We're located in the sweet spot of the city, within walking distance to the amazing restaurants and shops on both Selby Ave and Grand Ave. Our guest love to walk a few blocks to tour the Cathedral, the James J. Hill house, and the amazing architecture on Summit Ave. Located just up the hill from downtown, we are a great place to stay for concerts at Xcel Energy Center and Ordway. We also get the opportunity to host Minnesota Wild fans who love to cheer for their home team. We are a short 15-minute drive to many area attractions—downtown Minneapolis, MSP Airport, Mall of America and terrific regional parks like Minnehaha Falls or Como Lake.

What is your favorite thing about Saint Paul?

Saint Paul has a small town feel with all the benefits of a big city.

If you could only recommend one Saint Paul stop to your visitors, what would it be?

Tour the Cathedral—it's like a trip to Europe without leaving the city.

New Victorian Mansion Bed & Breakfast - Whitney Blessing

Cathedral Hill’s New Victorian Mansion Bed & Breakfast will transport you back to the 19th century with its quintessential old-world character, while keeping you well-comforted with modern amenities. The restored mansion's intricately carved woodwork, massive fireplaces and spacious rooms are sure to impress any architecture buff.

Tell us a little bit about New Victorian B&B and how it came to be:

When we travel, we always try to find a great B&B to stay in and we had imagined someday (in retirement) opening a B&B of our own. When we found the Mansion at 325 Dayton, we knew it was time and the building was the right fit to start our own B&B.

What makes staying at the New Victorian B&B unique?

It is like staying at a boutique hotel in the heart of the thriving Cathedral Hill neighborhood. You can walk to shops, Summit Ave, multiple parks and a dozen places to eat.

What is your favorite thing about Saint Paul?

The people and sense of community among the neighbors and small business.

If you could only recommend one Saint Paul stop to your visitors, what would it be?

The newly restored Capitol building is a treasure. Truly, it should not be missed!

We also recommend:

Water Street Inn in Stillwater

Head east for a night at the Historic Water Street Inn, a bed and breakfast escape in the heart of downtown Stillwater that overlooks the St. Croix River and famous lift bridge.

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