When planning your getaway to the scenic St. Croix River Valley, the accommodation you choose becomes a cornerstone of your experience. A bed and breakfast in Stillwater, MN offers so much more than just a place to sleep, it provides an authentic, immersive journey into the heart of this historic riverside town. Aurora Staples Inn stands as a testament to the charm and personalized hospitality that makes bed and breakfasts the preferred choice for travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary hotel experience.
The Personal Touch That Hotels Cannot Match
The most significant difference between staying at Aurora Staples Inn and booking a standard hotel room lies in the personalized attention you receive from the moment you arrive. Unlike hotels where you might be just one guest among hundreds, our innkeepers know your name, remember your preferences, and genuinely care about making your stay exceptional.
The Aurora Staples Inn has five luxurious guest rooms each boasting a jetted tub and a gas fireplace. Alongside the well-appointed amenities are innkeepers who pride themselves on creating customized experiences for the small group of guests at the inn. They are eager to offer insider tips about local attractions or simply engage in meaningful conversation about the area.
Historic Character and Unique Architecture
Aurora Staples Inn, built in 1892, offers something no chain hotel can-authentic historical character preserved through loving restoration. Each room tells a story through its architectural details and thoughtful décor that connects you to Stillwater’s rich past.
Hotels often feature standardized rooms designed for efficiency rather than character. In contrast, our bed and breakfast showcases unique spaces with features like ornate inlaid flooring and wood carvings around fireplaces and doors. There are historic elements such as leaded glass windows and pocket doors. The dresser that once belonged to Aurora Staples is in the St. Croix Suite. These elements do not just provide comfort, they transport you to another era while maintaining modern amenities.
Delicious Breakfasts: Beyond the Continental Buffet
The “breakfast” in “bed and breakfast” deserves special attention. Guests may redeem a tasty breakfast for two at Oasis Café, Mon Petit Cheri, or the Lowell Inn, depending on the day. (Note: $30 gift cards are provided for Oasis Café and Mon Petit Cheri. For the Lowell Inn, a voucher for breakfast for two from the special Aurora Staples Inn is provided.) All of this is included in the price of the room. Each of these breakfast spots is within a mile of the inn. Many guests choose to drive to Oasis Café, however, if guests choose to walk to breakfast, the morning stroll is part of the fun of the day.
Intimate Knowledge of Stillwater Lodging and Local Experiences
When staying at Aurora Staples Inn, you gain access to something invaluable-insider knowledge from locals who are passionate about their community. Our innkeepers, Rachelle and Eddie, can direct you to hidden gems that do not appear in guidebooks, from the best spot to watch the sunset over the St. Croix River to which local wine vineyard offers the most enjoyable tasting experience or which beer to order from a local brewery.
Unlike hotel staff who might be recent transplants or commuters from other communities, our innkeepers are deeply rooted in Stillwater and maintain connections with local business owners, restaurateurs, and artists. This translates to personalized recommendations, sometimes exclusive discounts, and authentic local experiences that most tourists miss.
A Sense of Place in Downtown Stillwater MN
Location matters tremendously when choosing accommodations, and Aurora Staples Inn offers an unbeatable position just steps from downtown Stillwater MN. Our location allows guests to immerse themselves in the riverside town’s charm without the need for constant driving, simply park at the inn and walk downtown.
From our doorstep, you can stroll to Main Street’s antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Experience the pleasure of wandering back to your accommodation after a delicious dinner without worrying about transportation. Watch the historic lift bridge from nearby parks or take a scenic morning strolls along the river. This walkable experience creates a deeper connection to Stillwater than staying at hotels typically located on highways or commercial strips removed from the town’s historic heart.
Sustainable and Community-Focused Travel
By choosing Aurora Staples Inn, you are participating in a more sustainable model of tourism that directly supports the local economy. Unlike corporate hotel chains that funnel profits to distant headquarters, our bed and breakfast reinvests in the community through local purchasing, employment, and preservation of historic architecture.
We recommend locally-owned restaurants and partner with nearby businesses to create packages and experiences. The money you spend on accommodation directly benefits the inn, the innkeepers, and the town. This approach creates a multiplier effect where your travel dollars continue circulating within Stillwater’s economy rather than leaving the community.
Creating Connections: The Social Aspect of a Bed and Breakfast in Stillwater, MN
One of the most unexpected joys guests discover at Aurora Staples Inn is the social connection they form with fellow travelers. Common spaces like the wrap around front porch become gathering places where conversations flow naturally, and new friendships often blossom.
Unlike hotels where guests rarely interact beyond a passing nod in the elevator, our bed and breakfast cultivates a warm social atmosphere while still respecting privacy. Many guests report that conversations with fellow travelers or with the innkeepers themselves become cherished memories from their stay-something rarely experienced in anonymous hotel environments. These conversations often lead to new travel ideas both within Stillwater and beyond.
Guests may discover a new park for a hike or the best ice cream parlor in town. Guests are encouraged to be part of a larger Aurora Staples Inn community by taking Spunky the Sock Monkey (the inn mascot) with them for the day. When Spunky is not out on adventures, he lives in the hallway of the main house. When he is on adventure in Stillwater, he has been known to show up in photos and videos on Instagram and Facebook. Do not forget to return Spunky to the hallway at the end of the day.
Why Aurora Staples Inn Is Among the Most Unique Places to Stay in Minnesota
While all bed and breakfasts offer advantages over hotels, Aurora Staples Inn stands out even among other Stillwater, MN lodging options. The architectural and historical significance of the building and carriage house make the inn part of a guest’s sightseeing adventure. It really feels like you are staying somewhere true to the roots of Stillwater.
Inside, you will find thoughtfully appointed guest rooms that balance period charm with modern luxuries. Amenities like jetted tubs, fireplaces, and luxury linens elevate the experience beyond typical accommodations. The Riverview Suite boasts an indoor four-season porch. These features, combined with our exceptional service, make Aurora Staples Inn one of the most unique places to stay in Minnesota.
Seasonal Fun Year-Round
Unlike hotels that maintain the same atmosphere regardless of season, Aurora Staples Inn transforms throughout the year to celebrate each season’s distinct character. From festive holiday decorations that make winter stays magical to summer gardens that invite outdoor relaxation, our inn embraces seasonal changes that enrich your experience.
Spring brings flowering trees and gardens, perfect for those seeking renewal. In May, the inn is part of the historic tour list. Summer offers lush landscapes and outdoor activities along the St. Croix. Fall dazzles with colorful foliage visible from our hilltop location. Winter transforms Stillwater into a snow-globe scene with holiday lights and cozy fireside evenings. Be part of the Christmas Open House fun when the inn features a harpist, food spread, and fun for little ones. Each season brings its own special appeal, with the inn adapting to showcase the best of that particular time of year.
Perfect for Special Occasions and Romantic Getaways
While hotels certainly accommodate special occasions, bed and breakfasts excel at making milestone moments truly memorable. Aurora Staples Inn specializes in creating unforgettable experiences for anniversaries, birthdays, proposals, and romantic escapes. Groups can rent the entire inn for family reunions, bachelorette parties, wedding parties, and retreats.
Our innkeepers can help arrange special surprises from wine packages to flowers and chocolates. Many guests return year after year to commemorate important occasions, creating traditions that become part of their relationship story.
The Value Proposition: Beyond Price Comparison
When comparing costs between a bed and breakfast in Stillwater, MN and traditional Stillwater MN hotels, looking at the nightly rate alone does not tell the complete story. Consider the included amenities at Aurora Staples Inn that would cost extra at hotels: gourmet breakfasts, concierge-level service, free parking, and Wi-Fi. In addition, all of the guest rooms are better than premium costs rooms as hotels.
Additionally, the intangible value of a curated, personalized experience in a historic setting can not be calculated in dollars and cents. Many guests find that their bed and breakfast stay becomes a highlight of their trip rather than just a place to sleep-creating memories worth far more than any price difference.
Experience the Difference at Aurora Staples Inn
As you plan your next visit to Stillwater, we invite you to experience the Aurora Staples Inn difference. Beyond providing exceptional accommodations, we offer a genuine connection to this remarkable riverside town, its history, and its community.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic weekend, a peaceful retreat, or an exploration of Stillwater’s many attractions, our bed and breakfast provides the perfect home base for creating lasting memories. Choose Aurora Staples Inn for an experience that transcends the ordinary and embraces the extraordinary-because your getaway deserves nothing less.
The Aurora Staples Inn stands ready to welcome you with open arms and warm hospitality that has made us one of the most beloved bed and breakfast Stillwater MN options for discerning travelers. Book your stay today and discover why a bed and breakfast in Stillwater, MN offers so much more than just a place to rest your head-it offers a doorway to experiencing this historic river town at its authentic best.
