Gracious Host

I get to stay at a lot of great hotels in my travels but every once in a while I find a place that really stands out. The Saint Paul Hotel is the newest name on that list. I arrived late at night, tired after a two-hour flight delay then two-hour flight and I was cold -- my usual winter complaint. I opened the door to my room (an Ambassador Suite) and the knots in my neck began to loosen.

The room was suffused with a warm glow -- peach taffeta draperies with elegant valances with peach, blue and gold stripes brought a summer feel to the room and kept the cold outside. A beautiful basket of fruit and cheese sat on the coffee table -- plump, juicy strawberries, grapes, apples, oranges and brie and crackers. The temperature was perfect, the furnishings plush and comfy and I was definitely a happy camper! French doors led to the bedroom where a massive four-poster, plush with a goose down duvet and pillows, promised a great night's sleep.

Before I could go to sleep, I had to play photographer with the night scene outside my windows. Below, twinkle lights covered the trees in Rice Park like dew-spangled spider webs. The castle-like Landmark Center was just to my right and in the distance, St. Paul Cathedral sat majestically on a small rise.

The rest of my experiences in the hotel -- touring some of the other rooms, hearing about the history, dining in both of the restaurants -- only confirmed my opinion. The Saint Paul Hotel is a very special place. I can always count on a great stay in one of the members of Historic Hotels of America -- this was one of the best!