This was my hotel of choice in St Paul for months as a business traveler. It is a good walk from the downtown, but Embassy Suites provides a courtesy shuttle after 7 am. The breakfast is good and the cook provides good conversation for early morning risers. You will also have a frig. A local grocery is across the street but closes by 6 pm on most week days.

We were absolutely thrilled with the Embassy Suites in downtown St. Paul. Here's why: 1. Very comfy beds. Didn't want to get out of it. 2. Delicious breakfast. 3. Beautiful atrium on the inside that you see whenever you step out of your room. 4. Glass elevators to help you enjoy that view. 5. Great location if you're doing anything in St. Paul. Easy access to 35 or the interstate. 6. It's right on Kellogg Blvd. which leads to the Science Museum and other great sights. 7. The rooms have patio doors that open, which is important to us as we like a little fresh air. 8. They are suites, which means two separate rooms with a door if you want privacy from your children. The pull out beds are a good size, too. Our 9 and 13 year old slept on it. Even though the breakfast is delicious with everything you'd want, get in line early because the last hour they serve breakfast, it gets very busy because everyone waits till later to come down. We made the mistake one morning of waiting till later and had to wait in a very long line, whereas the other mornings we zipped right through. We only paid $139 for our room, which included free shuttle rides to the state fair. We booked directly through Embassy Suites, versus using Expedia or any other site.

Stayed 7/31/06 & 8/01/06. This was the 2nd time I've stayed here, and both times it was wonderful!! All 8 floors of rooms have french doors that overlook the beautiful atrium full of huge live trees & plants, intermingled with a meandering pond full of cute ducks, & a fountain, tables/chairs, a gazebo, and the food area where the BEST EVER (a huge selection) free breakfast is (pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes served to order-try the pancakes) served each morning by efficient & friendly chefs, and free drinks of your choice are served in the evening along with a free snack! The 4 glass elevators in the atrium give a great view on the way to your spacious suite. I would ask the friendly staff for a room facing either Jackson ST. or 10th St. to avoid the highway view/noise. The beds were comfortable, as was the room. The bedroom has it's own door for privacy, and there are 2 TV's, one in the bedroom & one in the living/eating/bar room-great for families. The refrigerator wasn't working when we arrived, but a call to the staff had it fixed shortly. Even the building staff & room service staff encountered in the halls/elevator were friendly. Wooley's restaurant, on site, was also a great experience both times, with really good, reasonably priced food in a pleasant atmoshere & good service. I had NO problem with the onsite parking, but was told when I called ahead about a pass that the hotel was only 1/2 full. The pool & hot tub were great the second visit, but disappointingly closed unexpectedly for service the first visit in 11/05. It is a bit of a walk to the main shops in St. Paul, but do-able. I would warn parents of unruly children to keep them away from the railing on each floor that overlooks the atrium since they might be able to wiggle through it!

We have used this hotel for years while visiting my folks (they are in assisted living now so no room for us). We have also stayed at just about every other place in St. Paul, so have much to compare it to! If you are traveling with kids, it just can't be beat. A suite rather than a single room so we can put the kids to bed and have some privacy, nice courtyard with duck pond for kids to wander around, pool/hot tub, decent breakfast right downstairs included in price, free cocktails/snacks each evening. Very helpful staff. On the negative side, they now charge to park, it is occasionally loud on summer weekends with wedding parties (closing the door to the bedroom usually keeps noise out), charge for high speed internet is very annoying. But it is nice not to be nickeled and dimed for every little thing - with kids it obviously adds up. If I am traveling alone or with my wife we love the St. Paul Hotel - but that place is incredibly claustrophobic with family, not to mention the discomfort involved in trying to control your kids there because the setting is so formal. You won't regret your stay here.