Cork's & The Embassy Suites St. Paul - Your Spring Event Destination

It's mid-April and it's snowing! What better way to pass the time then to talk about all the upcoming happenings around here.

Room Renovations

This Tuesday, marked the halfway point in our Room Renovations. We're still full steam ahead and on target for completion in July of this year. The next time you're in, you'll have to check out one of our brand new suites.

Go Wild!

We have plenty of rooms available for the last three Wild home games this month. Take advantage of our Minnesota Wild Package and get overnight accommodations, complimentary transportation (for two) to and from the Xcel Energy Center, and a $25 Gift Certificate to Cork's Irish Pub!

Fingers crossed, they'll pull off a couple of wins and make the NHL Playoffs this year.

Xcel Energy Center Events

We still have plenty of rooms available for the Fleetwood Mac concert on Sunday the 28th as well. Make sure you're a fan of the Embassy Suites St. Paul Downtown on Facebook or follow the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown on Twitter, so you can take advantage of 10% off standard rates.

To book using our special social media rate, simply Like us on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter, then CLICK HERE to book through our special social media booking window.


Here's to the end of Winter. We hope to see you soon!

The Embassy Suites St. Paul - Your Hotel for Downtown Events

It's exciting to be in St. Paul lately. Lots going on from excitement over the new St. Paul Saints' Stadium and all of the energy that goes with that to the return of the Wild (without the vengeance we'd hoped for unfortunately). Plus, Tournament Season is just around the corner.

Here at Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown, you always have a home away from home no matter what adventure brings you to St. Paul.

Situated in the heart of downtown, the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown is an all-suite hotel conveniently located near some of the area’s most popular attractions. Spacious two-room suites provide the amenities needed for working, vacationing with family and feeling comfortable.

Don't worry, we still have availability for the following upcoming events:

HIGH SCHOOL TOURNAMENTS

February 20 - 23: Girls’ State High School Hockey
February 27 - March 2: Boys State High School Wrestling
March 7 - 9: Boys State High School Hockey

XCEL ENERGY CENTER CONCERTS

March 4: Maroon 5

March 15: Bob Seger and Kid Rock
March 19: Pink
March 24: Rihanna

No matter the reason that brings you to town, we're sure that with our complimentary cooked to order breakfast, evening manager's reception, pool, and whirlpool, you'll be able to unwind and enjoy your event to the fullest. We're even happy to shuttle you to and from your destination (within a five-mile radius for a nominal fee).

Plus, if you're a fan of the Embassy Suites St. Paul Downtown on Facebook or follow the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown on Twitter you get an extra 10% off standard rates. To book using our special social media rate, simply Like us on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter, then CLICK HERE to book through our special social media booking window.

Here's to an eventful Spring!

A Wintry Stroll Through Rice Park

Rice Park Powered by Xcel Energy

As we continue posting on all of the wonderful things there are to do and see in our favorite city during the winter, we just had to include Rice Park Powered by Xcel Energy. With just over two weeks left to enjoy this spectacular display of holiday wonder, we encourage you to head out to Rice Park once the sun goes down (and perhaps just before a lovely dinner). 

From 5 to 6pm nightly, Rice Park is transformed by millions of sparkling lights capturing the joy and spirit of the holiday season. Including a tree that's as big and bright as the one that graces Rockefeller Center in New York City, the lights in Rice Park are a sight that you just don't want to miss. This year's tree is lit by 15,000 LED lights and is complemented by the millions of other twinkling lights, classic Nutcracker and angel statues, as well as additional holiday decor.

Gather your family and friends and head into downtown St. Paul for the holidays, and while you're here, make sure you check out the lighted winter wonderland that is Rice Park Powered by Xcel Energy.

Winter in St. Paul: Wells Fargo Winter Skate

Wells Fargo Winter Skate

On a day like today (when we're actually reminded that we live in Minnesota and snow is not just a possibility but an inevitability), we just couldn't help but look forward to all of the great things about St. Paul in the winter. Therefore, throughout the month of December, our posts will focus on all of the happenings, fun, and general goings on in our great Capitol City when it's not Road Construction Season. Leave your hibernation and embrace the reason we're the toughest in the nation. It's not just anyone that can survive these winters, you know!

First up, Wells Fargo Winter Skate. Taking over Landmark Plaza just adjacent to Rice Park, Wells Fargo Winter Skate is St. Paul's premier outdoor, artificially-chilled and absolutely FREE ice skating rink! Sponsored by Wells Fargo, Winter Skate invites skaters, "to experience the unique urban setting of downtown Saint Paul." With the return of what appears to be a "real" Minnesota winter after last year's hiatus, you and your family should be able to enjoy the rink all season long.

Open at 11am seven days a week, the rink has been waiting for you since November 24. It closes at 5pm Monday through Thursday, 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9pm on Sundays. Skate rental is just $2 per person, unless you're a Wells Fargo customer, in which case rental is free for your entire family when you show your Wells Fargo Check Card or Debit Card. A waiver is required, and the rink will be closed in the event of cold or inclement weather. Otherwise, it's all fair game!

Make sure you check the calendar as Youth Hockey, Broomball, live music, and other special events grace the rink as well. For more information, or to plan your visit, we encourage you to visit their website: http://www.wellsfargowinterskate.com/.

Then, when your legs are skated out and you're ready to come in out of the cold for something to warm you up, we'll see you at Cork's!

Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown: Your Home for Holiday Events

With all of the exciting things happening in the Twin Cities this holiday season, we wanted to extend an invitation to stay. Know that here at the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown, you always have a great option for that home away from home when you need one.

Situated in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown is an elegant all-suite hotel conveniently located near some of the area’s most popular attractions. Spacious two-room suites provide the amenities needed for working, vacationing with family and feeling comfortable.

No matter the reason that brings you to town, we're sure that with our complimentary cooked to order breakfast, evening manager's reception, pool, and whirlpool, you'll be able to unwind and enjoy the wonder of your event(s) this holiday season. We're even happy to shuttle you to and from your destination (within a five-mile radius for a nominal fee).

The Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown still has availability for the following events:

GOPHERS FOOTBALL

11/24 - Gophers vs. Michigan State

VIKINGS FOOTBALL

12/9 - Vikings vs. Bears

12/30 - Vikings vs. Packers

XCEL ENERGY CENTER EVENTS

12/6-9 - Disney on Ice

12/29 - Trans Siberian Orchestra

We are also in close proximity to the Ordway, the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minnesota Children's Museum, Rice & Mears Parks, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and Landmark Center. No matter what brings you to town, we'll make sure you enjoy your stay.

Plus, if you're a fan of the Embassy Suites St. Paul Downtown on Facebook or follow the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown on Twitter you get an extra 10% off standard rates. To book using our special social media rate, simply Like us on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter, then CLICK HERE to book through our special social media booking window.

We hope you enjoy your stay this holiday season!

Top 10 Things to Do in the Twin Cities - Fall

Fall has arrived, and in a hurry no doubt. From the rapidly changing colors to the sub-freezing overnight temperatures, it's that time when we, as Minnesotans, buckle down and prepare ourselves for what we know is coming, the big S-word. Snow.

However, before those flakes fly, it's the perfect time to get out there and take advantage of some of the best our Twin Cities have to offer in the fall. We've kept you posted on a few of them, but make sure you round out the season with the rest of our list. That way, you won't feel guilty hibernating those dreary, cold winter days away.

Top 10 Things to Do in the Twin Cities - Fall Edition

1. Check out the gorgeous fall colors. From Afton State Park on the beautiful St. Croix River to Minnehaha Falls Park in Minneapolis to the phenomenal landscape offered at Mounds Park, foliage viewing is plentiful. Given our state's commitment to natural resource preservation, we'd be willing to wager that there is some good park space for leaf watching near you!
2. Cheer on some runners. (Or even get into the game yourself already!) From the world-famous Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon to Minnesota's own costume-encouraged Monster Dash races, October is the season for some good running. Watching the winner of a marathon cross the finish line or the outfits that some people can run an entire half marathon in are both equally entertaining. 
3. Head back to the Fair. The Minnesota State Fairgrounds host more than just the Great Minnesota Get Together. From car shows to book festivals, swap meets and auctions, there are often quite a few fun (and occasionally free) events to check out. 
4. Get your shop on. From Grand Avenue to the Mall of America and everything in between, fall is a great time to get a jump start on that holiday shopping. Beat the crowds (and the weather) and enjoy the peace of mind of being ahead of the game. 
5. Celebrate learning new things. Both the Science Museum of Minnesota and Minnesota Children's Museum are located in close proximity to one another in our beautiful capitol city. With Tornado Alley showing in the Omni Theater at the Science Museum to crawling around in an "ant hill" at the Children's Museum, two entire afternoons of fun await your whole family! 
6. Apples, apples, apples! Visiting the apple orchard has to be the quintessentially Minnesotan fall activity. From hayrides to getting to pick your own apples, visiting the apple orchard is a fun way to spend a beautiful fall afternoon. Then, you can use your freshly picked bounty to create a homemade apple pie, apple crisp, or even just some baked apples. Think of how great your house will smell as that pie finishes baking during the Vikings game. 
7. Skol Vikings! Speaking of Vikings, they're really on a roll aren't they?! (Knock on wood, of course). Catching tickets to a game at Mall of America field and tailgating the time to kick-off away is another fun fall activity. 
8. Zoo it up. From St. Paul's very own Como Zoo and Conservatory to the Minnesota Zoo, a visit transports you worlds away from Minnesota. Both zoos have tropics exhibits, where the warm humid air and brightly colored animal residents will have you forgetting all about winter's approach. Plus, visiting during the fall months means not only are there less crowds, but the animals are often more lively since they're not hot and sleepy as in the summer months.
9. Embrace the arts. We're so lucky here in the Twin Cities to have so many great art museums in our community. From the Minneapolis Institute of Arts to the Walker with its outdoor sculpture garden (Cherry on the Spoon ring a bell?), our art community is first-rate! Another great art museum is the Weisman on the U of M Campus. Make a day of it or have a scavenger hunt and try to find much-loved pieces at each site.
10. Enjoy a meal out. Now's the time when most restaurants are transitioning to their new Fall/Winter menus, highlighting the best the season has to offer. Look for more root vegetables and lots of delicious pumpkin, butternut squash, and spiced options. (Note: Also look for Cork's new menu in the next few weeks too!) 

We hope our list gives you a great starting point to a fabulously, fun fall. Make sure to let us know in the comments section if we've left anything out!