The Western Front Hotel — Hotel in St. Paul

This was almost a perfect stay (I'd give a 4.9 stars). the hotel appears to be a restoration from a row of downtown buildings, so some of the great original features exist (wood floors, large windows, etc). the room (suite) was well designed. It had windows on 3 sides, which let in a lot of natural light. The bed was very comfortable, and the bathroom was huge. the decor (in room and in public areas) was unique and attractive. the attached restaurant (mexican/seafood) was easily accessible from the lobby, and the food was delicious. the staff was super friendly and helpful

There are only a couple of minor negatives: the window treatments were attractive and of good material, but the chain to raise them was non-functional on several windows (internal ropes had detached), so they could not be easily opened to let in the light. This would likely just be a decorative repair. the large bathroom had two windows that were directly next to an outside patio. While there were heavy curtains, it still seemed to be potential exposure. I recommend that the hotel get the window "decals" that make the window appear to be frosted, at least on the bottom panes. Again, this is not a problem for the stay, just an area for improvement.

Also, the town of St Paul has limited local dining, options other than the attached restaurant, at the beginning of the week (we stayed Sun/Mon). There are some fast food places nearby, so food is available. It seems that the end of the week and weekend has more local establishments open. NOTE: this in no way detracts from the greatness of Western Front Hotel; its just a travel tip.

Western Front Hotel is a definite stay when we are in...

So glad to find a room at a reasonable rate near a family event in the area, at the last minute with a race also happening in Bristol! Didn't know this place existed until this year - what a find!

Wife loved the gift shop; glad for the attached restaurant after a long trip from middle TN. No hot breakfast; continental style only (note: hot options available across the street at Bluejean Bakery M-Sat (closed Sunday).)

Nice products available in-room (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion), from England; also available for purchase in the downstairs gift shop to take home.

A couple opportunities:

1. The King bed was a little bouncy - woke my wife up when having to get up in the middle of the night. Perhaps a firmer mattress if possible? (Eg, something along the lines of those found at newer Hilton Garden Inn locations.)

2. In-room climate control is done through a wall mounted unit and thermostat combination. The room retains humidity (guessing there is no return as there would be with central air, due to factors surrounding the original building construction that required the wall-mount alternative), leading to minor chest congestion for both my wife and me. Because of personal age-related conditions, we usually try to keep the room cooler than normal. (If not already addressed, suggest an in-room de-humidifier unit be made available per room as a counterbalance.)

At the end of the day, we were grateful for a gem of a boutique hotel in SW Virginia at such a reasonable price, and with very friendly front desk staff. The reasons for the awards were clear during our...

This was our second overnight stay, and matched the first in comfort and service. Everything was immaculate and I like the way the reconfigured building provides a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces. Our first room this time had one problematic shade, and the front desk fellow came up immediately and when he couldn’t make it work either, quickly moved us. Each room was so different in floor plan; our second room had a whole bank of windows overlooking downtown (and the cloth shades still allowed for room-darkening). Beds were comfortable. The old former movie theater a block away has occasional live performances, and you are also close enough to Carter Family Fold, the Barter Theater, and the Bristol Birthplace of County Music Museum and Paramount Theater to find plenty of local flavor. There is a variety of walking and bicycling trails nearby (Mendota Trail, for one), if you prefer your woods with no engines. As someone who spent some of my early working years in the area, I am delighted to now see the historical coalfields area being reimagined to share the natural and cultural unique qualities, and the Western Front Hotel makes it comfortable and easy to visit. The hotel shop had a few books by local authors, and on the walls there are photos from the early settlement days. It’s a delight to find this well cared-for, upscale hotel in this small town. There are a cafe, bbq spot, and coffee shop within a block (all are closed on Sunday, though, we discovered) and a chain breakfast place out on the main highway. I still hope the management will add small night lights in...