Get a Room — Boutique, Historic and Unusual Minnesota Hotels

The first five-star hotel in the US, Boston’s Tremont House, invited guests to lodge in their inn at the beginning of the 19th century. When you consider that lockable doors, washing bowls, and free soap were viewed as luxury amenities at that time, you can appreciate how far the industry has come. Of course, these days, international chains and big name hotels boast plenty of comforts and benefits. Still, for a truly unique experience, it’s worth exploring the out-of-the-ordinary for your meeting or event … Minnesota’s boutique, historic, and unusual hotels.

An historic favorite, the St. James Hotel opened on Thanksgiving Day, 1875. As a port city located at that time in the wheat-trading center of the world, Red Wing needed a first-class lodging facility. Today, the four-story Italianate building is elegantly furnished, maintaining its long history of superior, personalized service and gourmet cuisine. Guest rooms charmingly replicate 19th century styles while incorporating state-of-the art amenities, including WiFi and flat screen smart TVs. Every room is unique with some that feature whirlpool baths and others that overlook the mighty Mississippi River.

Located just minutes from the head of Lake Pepin and Frontenac State Park, the town of Red Wing is one of the most beautiful river towns in the Midwest. Guests will enjoy picturesque golf at three nearby courses, ski and snowboarding areas, miles of biking and hiking trails, fishing, boating, swimming, and shopping.

In the heart of the bustling city, Aloft Minneapolis exudes all that is funky, savvy, and modern in a hotel. Rooms are contemporary with ergonomic workstations and LCD TVs, yet comfortable with plush platform beds and spa amenities. Combining urban-influenced design with a buzzing social scene, you’ll want to check out Aloft’s 24/7 workout facility, splash pool, lounge, and bar with full menu and can’t-miss events.

Located in the trendy riverside Mill district, Aloft is a quick trip from US Bank Stadium, Target Field, and the Guthrie Theater. Visitors to the Twin Cities will also want to walk the pathways that encircle the chain of lakes, go lawn bowling on the roof of Brit’s Pub, shop at the Mall of America, take in a show at First Avenue and much, much more.

The oldest operating inn in the state of Minnesota, since 1867, The Afton House Inn has offered a cozy ambiance and the charm of local history to its guests. Each guest room in the historic country inn is unique in décor, beautifully combining antiques with modern conveniences. Deluxe rooms feature whirlpool tubs and balconies that overlook the scenic St. Croix River. In the elegant Wheel Room, intimate candlelight dinners, tableside cooking, and exceptional service abounds, while the Pennington Room offers a more private setting for meetings and events. The Afton Hudson Cruise Lines sail the shores of the river, as guests enjoy daily brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises from April through October.

Just a short 30-minute drive east from the metro, Afton entices visitors with skiing in the winter, boating in the summer, apple orchards in the fall, and gorgeous state parks year-round. From the Strawberry Festival in June, to the 4th of July parade, to Art in the Park in September, there’s never a shortage of things to see and do in Afton.

For more than 90 years, the Kahler Grand Hotel has maintained a legacy of comfort, style, and superior service. As the premier historic hotel in downtown Rochester, the Kahler Grand Hotel invites guests to relax in one of their 616 rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities such as high-def flat screen TVs, in-room movies, spacious baths, and more. The hotel also boasts three upscale dining options, a posh martini bar, plus Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks to start the day off right.

Connected to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic via climate-controlled pedestrian skyways and underground walkways, the Kahler Grand Hotel is also close to popular shops, buzzing nightlife, The Rochester Art Center, museums, and galleries.

Not just another of the popular chain’s resorts, the Holiday Inn Minneapolis Northwest - Elk River provides guests with a summer atmosphere year-round with its Wild Woods Waterpark. Kids of all ages thrill to the four-story slides, water basketball, lazy river, and hot tub. Indoor/outdoor pools, including children’s pools and zero depth entry along with poolside lounge, make it a great place for everyone. Game room, fitness center and Mississippi Valley Grill Restaurant provide guests with everything they could possibly want on site.

And for those looking for additional excitement off site, there is nearby Cabelas, Albertville Premium Mall Outlet, The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, and Lake Marie State Park, to name just a few attractions.

A local favorite known for its old-world charm, this landmark hotel has provided luxurious accommodations and legendary service since 1910. Guests choose from 255 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, dine in the award-winning St Paul Grill, enjoy cocktails in the Lobby Bar, or sip Afternoon Tea in the elegant lobby.

Located in the heart of downtown, the Saint Paul Hotel is just steps away from Rice Park, the Ordway Theater, River Centre, Xcel Energy Center, and the Science Museum. From the St. Paul Winter Carnival to the St Patrick’s Day Parade to Grand Old Days in the summer, the city offers a seemingly endless number of opportunities for fun and adventure that are easily accessible from The Saint Paul Hotel.

Guests enjoy a comprehensive fitness, health, and spa experience at The Marsh. A healing and relaxing retreat starts here with six cozy guest rooms, full-service spa, lap and warm water therapy pools, plus classes in the state-of-the-art studios. Invite your attendees to experience the serenity of the Meditation Tower, dine on the Moon Terrace, the Outdoor Terrace, or at the Walk-Up Restaurant, and even shop for apparel and artist jewelry in the gift shop.

The Marsh is located just 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis in Minnetonka. Offering events and classes, the quiet, soothing environment at The Marsh makes for the perfect get-away retreat.