What to expect: The Country Inn By Carlson St. Paul East attracts both business travelers and vacationing families. A comfortable lobby features country touches, including honey-toned wood floors, overstuffed wingback chairs, a library, and a fireplace with a crackling fire. Complimentary coffee is served in the lobby, which also houses a snack and sundry shop.

Amenity highlights: The hotel offers a complimentary hot buffet breakfast and also has a Green Mill Restaurant and Bar on site. A 24-hour business center on the hotel's second floor has complimentary high-speed Internet access. A nine-foot-deep indoor pool and 12-person spa tub are located next to a gas-operated fire pit, which is turned on during winter months and creates a warm glow for swimmers. The hotel also has a complimentary fitness center.

Insider tip: Indian Mounds Park is two miles from the hotel. Situated atop Dayton's Bluff east of downtown St. Paul, the park is a burial site for at least two Native American cultures, the Hopewell and Dakota peoples. At least 37 mounds once stood in the park; six remain. There are great views of the Mississippi River and city skylines.