Weekend Getaways in MN: The St. James Hotel in Red Wing

By VI Staff on November 25, 2019

Established in 1875 in the port city of Red Wing in Minnesota, the St. James Hotel is a historic landmark that offers beautiful accommodations, excellent cuisine, cutting-edge facilities, amenities and Old World style service. The grand four-story Italianate structure features 62 guest rooms and suites, three dining rooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a parlor and billiard hall, public baths, and an elegant ballroom. The first-class lodging establishment is furnished with handsome décor and plush carpeting and boasts breathtaking views of the Mississippi River or downtown cityscapes of Red Wing. Just an hour from Minneapolis, the hotel is a quick weekend getaway from the city.

Built to accommodate the influx of business in Red Wing during the 1870s, the historic hotel fuses its graceful charm with modern amenities, including hot and cold running water, steam heat, gas on every floor and complimentary wireless internet. Located a few blocks away from the Red Wing train depot and the steamboat docks, the hotel is ideally located for both business and leisure travelers, as well social events and functions such as corporate events, weddings, and receptions.

Established by members of the Mdewakanton Dakota tribe, Red Wing was named for the red-dyed swan wing that the tribe used as its symbol. Conveniently located where the Mississippi River forks, the city was once the world’s largest wheat market, however, today it is known for its stunning natural beauty.

1.Rooms & Suites

The historic St. James Hotel features 62 guest rooms and suites that combine antique décor and luxury furnishings with modern amenities and beautiful views. Named after 19th-century riverboats that sailed on the Mississippi, individually decorated guest rooms and suites feature Victorian period antique décor, double, queen, or king-size beds dressed in plush linens, and en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs and showers (some with whirlpool tubs). Large bay windows boast beautiful views of the Mississippi River or downtown cityscapes of Red Wing.

Guest room and suite amenities include high-quality mattresses, handmade Amish quilts, pillow menus, iron and ironing boards, flat screen televisions with HD channels, alarm clocks with iPod docking, work desks, plush bathrobes, deluxe bath products, and complimentary wireless internet access. Extra guest services include daily newspaper delivery, dry cleaning, and concierge services.

Standard and Deluxe Rooms are unique and in shape and size, and are offered with a choice of queen or king-sized beds and en-suite bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and bathtubs. Premium Rooms feature luxurious king, queen, or full-sized pillow top beds, en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs and walk-in showers and stunning views of downtown Red Wing and the Mississippi River. Whirlpool Rooms add a touch of luxury with queen, double queen, or king-size beds, and en-suite bathrooms with showers and whirlpool tubs.

The St. James Hotel offers six luxurious suites with whirlpool baths and beautiful views. The Boardroom Suite is decorated in rich walnut and leather and features glorious 14-foot high ceilings and sweeping views of Barn Bluff. The suites offer beautiful four-poster bed king-size beds with handmade Amish quilts and en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers and whirlpool baths. The President Suite is designed to echo the interior of a classic Mississippi riverboat, with a charming sleigh-style king-size bed, en-suite bathroom with shower and whirlpool bath, and modern bay windows with spectacular views. Other suites include the Anson Northrup Suite, the Moonbeam Suite, the MV Mississippi Suite, and the American Eagle Suite.

The Iron Works Flat is an apartment-style suite that is extra spacious and offers comfort and style for families, and groups of friends. The apartment features a spacious living room with gleaming hardwood floors, flat screen televisions with HD channels and surround sound system, and a fully-equipped kitchen with marble counter tops and all the necessary appliances for comfortable vacation living, including a washer and dryer. The bedroom offers a king-size bed with plush linens and pillows, an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and whirlpool bath, and large windows which embrace panoramic views of Barn Bluff and the Mississippi River.

2.Dining

The St. James Hotel offers four dining experiences ranging from casual cuisine to gourmet fare. Located on the lower level of the hotel, the Port Restaurant boasts a sophisticated, refined environment and serves a menu of seasonal Midwest cuisine with global influences. Skillfully prepared dishes are created from locally sourced ingredients and accompanied by a selection of fine wines from around the world and an outstanding small batch collection.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Veranda offers unique dining experience with panoramic views of the Mississippi River. The restaurant serves a global menu of Mediterranean-fusion appetizers, Californian-inspired entrées, and decadent desserts, along with Art Deco cocktails, ”mocktails”, craft beers and imported spirits.

Jimmy’s Pub is located on the top floor of the hotel and offers an authentic British pub-style experience with a great selection of ales, wines, and spirits. A handsome mahogany bar adds elegant appeal, and a menu of light meals and snacks are served alongside drinks.

Clara’s Gifts & Coffee is a one-stop shop for freshly brewed coffee, hot and cold beverages, freshly baked pastries, sandwiches and snacks on the go.

3.The Spa

The Refined Skin Medi-Spa offers guests a range of relaxing spa services and medical treatments performed by professional therapists in modern and comfortable treatment rooms.

Spa services include massage therapy, body treatments, body sculpting, microdermabrasion, VISIA skin analysis, Botox/Juvederm laser treatments such as peels, vein removal, hair removal, skin lesion removal, acne treatment, esthetician services, and makeup/lash treatments. The spa also offers a range of customized spa packages for special occasions such as weddings, honeymoons, and birthdays.

Next read: 20 Great Minnesota Vacation Packages

4.Weddings & Conferences

The St. James Hotel features a variety of venues that can accommodate a range of functions from business meetings and conferences to weddings, receptions, and social events. Historic charm merges with modern technology in 14 stylish meeting rooms, which range from 750 to 400 square feet and can cater for up to 350 guests.

Meeting spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology capabilities, including video monitors, LCD projectors, a complete array of audio visual equipment, tripod screens, and laser pointers, as well as superb banquet facilities and complimentary high-speed wireless internet. Professional event coordinators are on hand to take care of every event detail while the catering team provides excellent food and drinks. Additional amenities include dedicated phone lines, photocopiers, fax machines, speakerphones, floor or table podiums, flip charts, easels, projection stands and carts, whiteboards, and laptops. Extra function services include ample covered parking and a shuttle bus.

The St. James Hotel also offers premier full service venues and banquet rooms for weddings, receptions, and other special social events. Wedding packages include a beautifully appointed ceremony, banquet and ballroom spaces, creative catering menus, state-of-the-art audio visual capabilities, and added services such as shuttle services, and ample guest parking.

5.Plan This Vacation

The St. James Hotel is located in the heart of the port town of Red Wing, which boasts the spectacular natural scenery of the Mississippi River and its bluffs, and offers a wealth of cultural and recreational activities to enjoy.

Resting on a bend of the Mississippi River at the head of Lake Pepin where the river splits in two, the area around Red Wing is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including more than 260 species of birds. Birdwatchers and wildlife lovers will delight in the variety of animals.

Thousands of acres of public land in and around the city offer a plethora of recreational activities, including three golf courses, the Cannon ValleyTrail and miles of trails in Memorial Park. Cross-country trails can be found in the Welch Village Ski and Snowboard Area and the scenic hiking trails near Barn Bluff. Enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River.

Cultural buffs can enjoy several art galleries such as the Red Wing Arts Association and the Anderson Center, museums like the Red Wing Pottery Museum and the Red Wings Shoes Factory Store, and the Sheldon Theater.

Activities and events in the area include Concerts in the Park every Wednesday evening during the warmer summer months, the Plein Air Art & Musical Festival, featuring music, community events, and local arts and crafts, and the Red Wing Collectors Society Annual Convention, which celebrates the history and collections of pottery.

Treasure Island Pow Wow is a celebration of Native American Culture through traditional food, art, music, and dancing while the Rolling River Music Festival offers musical enjoyment for all ages. Red Wing’s annual River City Days summer festival boasts a range of live entertainment, an art and crafts fair, sports tournaments, parades, and beer gardens while the Fall Festival of the Arts is a juried art festival that celebrates the fall colors of the Mississippi River valley through art.

The St. James Hotel, 406 Main Street, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 800-252-1875

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