The Covington Inn

Absolutely amazing experience! I booked one weekend night at the Covington Inn and it was an absolute pleasure, best night I've spent in a hotel! My girlfriend and I had a romantic night drinking wine with a night view of St. Paul. The communication we had with the owner Kayla couldn't be easier. Kayla shared some intriguing wild stories about the complexity of running the boat-tel. Its a treasure she's put a lot of work into and we appreciate the culture of the old river oat being preserved. She served a simple and exquisite breakfast in the morning, there was air-conditioning in the rooms, cold water in the fridge. It has such a great feel with all the rustic boat themed furnishings. I can't believe anyone would have anything poor to say about this place. One review had said "The boat wasn't even there, it didn't exist!" FALSE. It was closed and towed up river TEMPORARILY for an Emergency flood. We'll be back again in the future, hopefully!

You guys this place is CRIMINALLY underrated, I had such a great time! My boyfriend surprised me with a night here and oh my god our room was so freaking cute, very clean and very comfortable. The room he booked even had a little upstairs with a little living room and our own private deck! We got to sit out at night under the fairy lights, there were lots of little electric candles provided that we set up and we drank wine, ate sushi, and watched fireworks over the river (we were here the day after the 4th). It was very hot and humid during the day we went but the AC onboard was immaculate. The owner was so kind and chill, she made us coffee and breakfast the morning of our checkout and chatted with us, and then actually let us stay on the boat/in our room as late as we wanted because she didn’t have it rented out the next day! And the main room of the boat is so adorable and comfy, lots of plants and books and little gizmos to look at, my boyfriend found a guitar to play. And I’m so glad we went! Looking at the few negative reviews here we were feeling skeptical beforehand - but we had absolutely no issues. The owner told us about all the hardships she’d faced since buying the place like a year ago. I guess there was bad flooding last summer and the boat had to be chaotically emergency moved (hence the guy who gave a one star view, saying that this place doesn’t exist 🙄) and because of that, and over the winter, there were so many issues with water lines freezing and a bunch of crazy stuff! So honestly, don’t listen to the negative reviews. Maybe when the owner first bought this place things were in rougher shape, but with all the extenuating circumstances, cut an entrepreneurial badass woman some slack guys my god. When we stayed here the water and everything was working great, with plenty of free bottled water provided besides (like seriously, the lady who gave a negative review because she had to *resort* to drinking tap water with her hands… MY GOD THE HORROR 😱☠️ I hope she survived and is doing ok). The negative reviews really made me roll my eyes 😂 My boyfriend was always able to easily get in touch with the owner. Yeah the location is right near Harriet Island park in the heart of Saint Paul, so if you don’t feel comfortable in downtown areas probably don’t come here. But like seriously… it’s an unhoused person sleeping on a bench not a wild jackal Traci, I think you’ll be fine. I felt perfectly safe at the Inn. So all in all I’d totally recommend this place. The owner is running this whole operation by herself and, from my experience, she’s doing a great job 👏 I hope to be back!

Was an fun and adventurous weekend the captain suite was cool the city was working on the water hookup for the dock so we had to adjust slightly but we made it work and it was still a fantastic and cool time the vibe of downtown st paul from the boat is second to none . She was very helpful and accommodating can't wait to go back

Staying here was my favorite thing about my visit to St Paul. It was so comfortable, relaxing, and interesting in the best way! Harriet island is very nice to walk around. On the Inn you'll also experience excellent views. I watched the sunset from the upper deck. Lot's of peaceful entertainment watching the birds. Not far from downtown but really feels like an escape. Has every modern amenity, despite being a boat! Came to St Paul for a conference at the intercontinental and stayed here on my last night, I wish I had stayed here the whole time! It is a very short walk. The owner is very kind and accommodating. I'm vegan and she made me a delicious breakfast. Staying at the Covington is really a must-do! I hope I have an excuse to come back and cannot recommend it highly enough!

I couldn't review this hotel because it was physically gone when we got there. The hotels website had taken a reservation along with our money. Sent us a confirmation number. Then never return phone calls or emails when we had questions about the check-in time. Imagine our surprise when we showed up to enjoy our $300 room to find no boat floating in the river and the former neighbors saying it was hauled up River months ago. So if you are thinking about booking you might want to find something else. This place has that problem of not existing.

I made an appointment for a stay online, which I needed to adjust soon after. After over 20 phone calls, voicemails, emails, text messages, and contacts through their website, they have never responded to me. At this point I'm so frustrated that I would just like to cancel my stay but I literally can't because no one will answer anything.

My husband and I have stayed here for many years. It is a unique property with a very relaxing atmosphere. We loved our stays here. But this trip we found it had a new owner and the experience was vastly different. The previous owner, Liz, made you feel welcome from the very beginning, and was very accommodating. We didn’t feel the same way this time. When in the evening we wanted a drink of water, we noticed there were no cups in the room, nor in the main sitting area. We had to drink water from a faucet using our hands in order to take our meds. At registration I asked the hostess about breakfast, and she said breakfast was at 9:00. Previously that would mean Liz would start breakfast at 9:00, but it would run for an hour. There was always serve yourself coffee prepared while you waited, but she would bring breakfast out as you arrived. She would also visit with her guests and we had some great discussions. This time when we went from our room at 9:35 there was a note saying that the hostess had waited 30 minutes but had to leave for a doctor’s appointment.🤷‍♀️ She left us a container of instant oatmeal ( don’t know what we were supposed to do with that) and a stale breakfast bar. Thankfully there was coffee. There was no one there to cheerfully send us on our way as there always had been in the past. It was a real disappointment after our wonderful experiences in the past. Very disappointing. We won’t be back.

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival and the Covington Inn are a perfect combo. And definitely book two nights, not just one. Expect a very laid-back look and feel, almost a youth hostel vibe, except for the very private, unique rooms, and flavorful breakfasts . We had read from another review that drinking water is from the tap, so we brought our own. No problem for us.

DO NOT STAY HERE! This is not the same owner that is in the video! The owner kept us and another couple waiting to check in for over 30 minutes while she talked on the phone. She was confused and out of it when she did try to check us in. After she gave us our room key she just walked into her room and closed the door. I knocked twice and she wouldn't answer. We had no idea where or how to get to our room! In the room we found live spiders in the head board, above the bed and on the air conditioner. The bathroom towels were dirty! We told the hostess we were leaving and didn't stay. We have not been able to get a response from her sense for a refund. The parking area is defiantly sketchy at night and didn't feel safe. We have stayed at a LOT of B&B's and this is the worse one ever!

DO NOT BOOK THIS PLACE! Apparently the new owner is NOT as enthusiastic as the old owner Liz. She does not answer phone calls emails or texts. I have tried to cancel with her and have now filed a dispute over the charges with my bank and pay pal. After reading recent reviews I changed my mind on the stay and now I can't get my money back. She is MIA. BEWARE! If I could I would give her 0. No stars just a 0! The old owner is heartbroken it's come to this. Stay and pay at your own risk.

Amazing little tow boat turned bed and breakfast. My bride and I enjoyed staying in the Pilot's House Suite, which included the bedroom, a separate living room in the Pilot's House, and a private deck on top of the boat. We sat on the deck enjoying views of the Mississippi, falcons, scully teams, barges and so much more. It's right next to Harriet Island and walking trails. You're in the city of St. Paul yet feel like you're miles away. The quarters are cramped, but quaint, cute and enjoyable. I highly recommend if you like unique experiences.

It's a bed and breakfast. On a boat. That's pretty much all I needed to know. My friend and I stayed at the Covington Inn (an old tugboat now permanently docked on the Mississippi across the river from downtown St. Paul) as a treat to ourselves at the end of a long and eventful week in the Twin Cities. And we enjoyed every minute we could. We checked in to the Pilot Suite (the top two levels). Our suite included a private bath, a bedroom (with both a fireplace and a/c depending on what you need), a sitting room (the former wheel house) and outside deck. We enjoyed dinner (takeout we had picked up before arrival) on the outside deck as we watched the sunset. Alarms were set for sunrise and we took that in as well. The setting could not have been more relaxing on our private deck. It was the calm we needed after a busy week. As we watched the setting and rising sun reflecting off the river, it felt like we were worlds away. As we descended into the common area, we were greeted by Liz who served us breakfast (French toast with berries and whipped cream) and gave us a history of the boat. She has also put together several photo albums showing how it came to be the Covington Inn. This place was a wonderful find but seems to be a bit of a hidden gem. I'd recommend it for out-of-towners and locals as a great getaway.

My husband and I stayed at the Covington Inn for the first time last night. It was wonderful! We were in the Master's quarters; the room was comfortable, cozy, and peaceful. While we weren't able to take advantage of the deck access (far too cold), we are sure it would be a perfect addition to the experience. We hope to stay again in the warmer months to walk the river and explore a bit more!

I was super nervous about a tugboat B&B before we arrived. I get sea sick and love a good ol' boring hotel room. I am SO glad I let the hubby make the reservations, because this place was AMAZING!!! I CANNOT recommend this place highly enough. Zero motion (I'm sure that sounds silly, but I was paranoid!), connected to city water, THE MOST COMFORTABLE bed I have slept on in years and easy walking distance to the arena (we were there to see the Wild play the Bruins). GREAT food every morning and the most kind, entertaining host (Liz). The only thing that stunk was leaving! One of the hidden gems for SURE!!!!!

My husband and I stayed in the Master's Quarters on the Covington Inn last night- Liz met me and helped me with my bags, leading me up a beautiful spiral staircase to a breathtaking room. The Master's Quarters has a beautiful bed, two comfy chairs, a fireplace and several windows. There was a wonderful breeze coming off of the Mississippi- the windows were open (An AC unit is available, had it gotten to hot) and the views of downtown and the river were stunning! The deck off of the suite was enormous, with tons of seating (there was even a beautiful outdoor day bed) and lots of fun décor. In the morning, Liz made amazing French toast and sausages. She even kept me company, as my husband had to go to work this morning before breakfast. I couldn't have dreamed up a better getaway! Thank you Liz! Go to the Covington Inn- you will enjoy every moment! -Megan

We love this place. Just hosted a party on the roof deck for 50. We catered ourselves. Then a handful slept over. Breakfast was awesome. The views are unique and stunning. And our guests loved exploring the boat's nooks and crannies. Liz, the owner, is super helpful and accommodating. This place is a gem in the Twin Cities--nothing else like it! Perfect for a couple's getaway or hosting a group party.

Super inexpensive and one awesome little place. It's a boat!!! Walk over the bridge to down town St. Paul. This place is a gem. Groceries, restaurants and shopping g is all within 20 minutes walking distance.

Love everything about the Covington Inn. We had a small wedding ceremony on the upper deck last weekend, which Liz officiated. It was absolutely perfect! Liz was warm and welcoming in every way. Our guests raved about the place. The boat has a wonderful view of downtown St Paul, with the Mississippi River rolling past in between. We stayed the night in the Mates quarters, which was a terrific space, loved nodding off to the lights across the river, and the few boats and barges sputtering through the night. Huge thanks Liz!!

I had never heard of this place until I read about it in the B&B issue of one of our local MSP mags. It's a tugboat (towboat?) that's been converted into a bed & breakfast, docked near Harriet Island. Crazy, huh? I thought so too! So, away we go for a little romantic winter get-away near downtown St. Paul. The place was pretty much what I imagined, very quirky....a little worn-in, without being too shabby. This isn't a prissy Victorian-esque B&B and I can see men enjoying the fact that they can wander around and check out the old boat controls? and whatnot. Rooms all have fireplaces and views of downtown St. Paul which makes for a cozy winter stay and deck access which would rock in the summer. I'd love to go again and bring friends and have cocktails on the deck watching the boats go by. Don't expect much in the breakfast department, we had very weak coffee and french toast with strawberries & whipped cream. It wasn't horrible, just not the gourmet spread you get at some B&Bs. Call and ask about seasonal or off-peak rates as the website only lists one price, but the owner will probably give you a deal.