Hotels In St Paul Mn Near Xcel Energy Center
A few winters ago, I promised a friend we’d catch a Wild game and walk to our hotel afterward. I booked a place that bragged it was “near Xcel Energy Center.” The map said 0.4...
A few winters ago, I promised a friend we’d catch a Wild game and walk to our hotel afterward. I booked a place that bragged it was “near Xcel Energy Center.” The map said 0.4 miles.
The wind said otherwise. By the time we shuffled past the RiverCentre, my face felt like a frozen pizza. We still made it, but I learned that “near” in St. Paul is a flexible little word.
If you’re hunting for hotels near Xcel Energy Center, you need more than a mileage estimate. You need to know what downtown St. Paul feels like when you’re tired, cold, and maybe a little too excited about a goal horn. Let’s break it down like a post-game recap.
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What “Near Xcel” Actually Means
Xcel Energy Center sits at 199 W Kellogg Blvd, right next to RiverCentre and down the hill from Rice Park. The downtown grid is walkable, but it has hills, one-way streets, and a river breeze that can humble you.
Hotels advertise “walking distance” with confidence. Sometimes that means a pleasant five-minute stroll. Sometimes it means “if you’re an Olympic speed walker and don’t mind arriving with icicles on your eyelashes.”
So before you book, ask yourself: Do I want to stumble back after overtime? Or is a cheap room farther out worth the rideshare surge? Only you can answer that, champ.
The Downtown Core: Closest and Convenient
Why This Area Wins
The tightest cluster of hotels sits around West 7th Street and Kellogg Boulevard. Names like Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn, Courtyard, and Hotel 340 put you within a few blocks of the arena.
These aren’t always sexy boutique stays. They are reliable, clean, and practical—which is exactly what you want when your main plan is screaming at a referee.
Many also connect to or sit near the skyway system. In January, that’s not a perk; that’s a survival strategy. Use it.
If you’re going to a concert, check whether doors open early enough for dinner nearby. A quick bite at a downtown spot beats a sad concession-stand hot dog. Your stomach will thank you.
HOTEL EMBASSY SUITES ST. PAUL DOWNTOWN Downtown - St. Paul - mn
Lowertown and Union Depot
Head east and you hit Lowertown, home to Hyatt Place and the Celeste Hotel. You’re a bit farther from Xcel, but you gain farmers market vibes, coffee shops, and Union Depot’s grand hall.
The walk is maybe 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your pace and how many pretzels you’ve eaten. A rideshare is also easy if the weather turns dramatic.
If you like brick warehouses, local restaurants, and a slightly cooler scene, this area is worth it. Just check the route before you commit to heels.
Riverfront and Rice Park
The InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront offers river views and a straight shot along Kellogg. The Saint Paul Hotel brings old-school charm near Rice Park, especially magical during the holidays.
Neither is literally across the street from Xcel, but both are close enough for most fans. You’ll pay more for atmosphere, history, and maybe a lobby that smells like success.
After a concert, walking back to a classic hotel beats circling a parking ramp while questioning your life choices. Trust me on that one.
West 7th and Smaller Options
West 7th Street stretches west from the arena and offers smaller hotels, bars, and casual eats. It’s a fun pre-game strip if you want wings, a beer, and local color.
Some properties here are simple and budget-friendly. Others are a longer walk than the map suggests, especially in bad weather.
Great hotel - Review of Drury Plaza Hotel St. Paul Downtown, Saint Paul
If you’re driving, confirm parking before you book. Game nights fill lots fast, and “free parking” can mean “free parking if you arrive three hours early.”
Practical Tips Before You Book
Parking and Skyway Checks
Book early for Wild games, concerts, and RiverCentre events. Rates jump fast once the calendar fills up. Rooms are often booked months in advance for big events.
Check the parking fee. A cheap room with $40 overnight parking isn’t always cheap.
Ask about skyway access and late checkout. Both matter more than a fancy minibar when you’re recovering from a post-game celebration.
Also, look at the event calendar before you choose dates. A random Tuesday is not the same as a playoff game or a Taylor Swift-style frenzy. Plan accordingly.
My Honest Recommendation
For a Wild game, I’d stay in the downtown core and walk. For a concert, I’d pick Lowertown if I want dinner after. For a romantic weekend, The Saint Paul Hotel wins on charm alone.
But if someone tells you a hotel is “just a five-minute walk” in February, ask if they’ve actually done it. Then pack a hat.
St. Paul is compact, friendly, and full of surprises. Choose your hotel by how you want the night to end, not just by how close it looks on a screen.
