Retro Jewel Box Victorian Steps From Xcel Center and Harriet Island!

[ A QUICK LOOK AT THE JEWEL BOX ]
Settle into this beautiful Downtown Saint Paul 1890 Victorian apartment of your own. Steps from the historic brick paths of Irvine Park, the vibrant West Seventh corridor, and the city’s best breakfast spots, vintage shops, and craft breweries, this is a home with genuine soul.

The interior is a curated, cinematic mishmash of 1960s Hollywood Regency, 1970s Victoriana, and 1980s postmodern furnishings layered over a colorful, modern backdrop. Whether you are a traveling healthcare professional looking for a quiet home base blocks from the hospital, a remote worker craving a dedicated workspace, or a music fan heading into town for a massive stadium show, there is something here to capture your imagination.

We have filled the home with whimsical intrigues to satisfy your inner child around every single corner. Look closely and you will find nostalgic nod-and-wink details that make exploring the apartment an experiential journey in itself.
KEEP READING BELOW to see how we’ve completely dialed in the experience for your stay!

[ THE REOPENING: REFRESHED & OVERHAULED ]
To prepare for our official reopening, we took a brief hiatus to execute a massive operational and physical overhaul based directly on past guest experiences. We didn’t just sweep the floors—we completely revolutionized how the Jewel Box runs:

* LOGISTICS: Zero-Stress Check-Ins. We have completely replaced old management systems with a 100% reliable, automated keyless entry sequence backed by a 24/7 guest support line. You will never be left waiting outside in the cold.

* TECHNOLOGY: Dual-Era Entertainment. While everyone loves the analog nostalgia of our legendary, expanded collection of 1,000+ VHS tapes, a VCR-only setup didn't cut it for modern travelers. We have installed a comprehensive smart streaming projection system directly onto the viewing wall so you can toggle between 90s nostalgia and modern high-definition streaming effortlessly.

* SLEEP: Sleep Oasis. Say goodbye to hard, cheap mattresses. We completely stripped out the old bedding and outfitted our primary spaces with brand-new, premium, high-density supportive mattresses and luxury linens.

* AMENITIES: Fully Loaded & Fully Stocked. We have thoroughly serviced our major appliances—including our ultra-quiet built-in dishwasher and our in-unit laundry setup. Most importantly, we have permanently ended the "starter pack" approach. We now explicitly provide ALL paper products (toilet paper and paper towels), fresh washcloths, and plenty of plush towels for the entire duration of your stay.


[ THE ESSENCE OF THE HOME ]
The Retro Jewel Box is an experience in architectural character. Occupying the private upper-level duplex unit of a grand 1890 Victorian estate, the apartment boasts high ceilings, unique geometric roof lines, and sun-drenched windows.

The space functions as a highly versatile haven for up to 5 guests. Sleeping configurations include a premium Queen bed, a cozy Full bed, and a single luxury AeroBed air mattress. For remote workers, traveling academics, or medical commuters, the apartment features a dedicated, quiet desk workspace seamlessly integrated with a newly upgraded, high-bandwidth Wi-Fi network that handles heavy data loads and corporate VPNs with ease.

The culinary layout is built for real daily living and hosting. It features a full gas stove, oven, heavy-duty broiler, full-sized refrigerator and freezer, built-in microwave, an Instant Pot for effortless meals, and a vintage-style popcorn popper. We have stocked the pantry with dry goods and provided an exhaustive collection of dinner plateware, glassware, and flatware cutlery so you can comfortably host a dinner party for your group.


[ THE ESSENCE OF THE OUTDOOR OASIS ]
The exterior spaces are designed to slow down the pace of city life. Guests have access to a shared, beautiful sitting garden surrounded by lush, mature greenery—a perfect sanctuary for an afternoon read or a quiet laptop session.

The front porch serves as your personal viewing deck for the neighborhood. Spend a peaceful morning out there watching the neighborhood wake up with a hot cup of coffee, or transition into a quiet, breezy evening watch as the sun sets over the historic district.

In the backyard, you will find a wood-burning fire pit and a functional barbecue grill, transforming the yard into a cozy, authentic Minnesota hangout space for crisp evenings under the stars.


[ THE ESSENCE OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD ]
Living on McBoal Street means immersing yourself in the historic residential enclave of Irvine Park. Established in the late 19th century, the neighborhood feels like a quiet European square dropped right into Saint Paul, featuring a historic central fountain, towering old-growth trees, and brick-paved walkways. It is a whisper-quiet pocket with virtually zero commercial city noise, yet it sits immediately adjacent to the core downtown business district.

Everything you need is just a short, hyper-walkable distance away:

* Healthcare: United Hospital and Children's Minnesota are a 3-minute walk (0.1 miles) up the block.

* Transit: Essential bus lines (54, 63, 70, 74) are just a 4-minute walk away.

* Groceries: You are a quick 4-minute drive (0.9 miles) to Lunds & Byerlys downtown and a 7-minute drive (2.2 miles) to Trader Joe's on Grand Avenue.

[ WHAT IT'S REALLY LIKE TO STAY
STAYING OVERNIGHT]
An overnight stay at the Jewel Box is defined by its deep stillness. Because McBoal Street is protected from major traffic, your nights are incredibly peaceful. Slide into a bed outfitted with a brand-new premium mattress and high-end linens, pull down the shades, and experience the comforting weight of a historic home that has offered shelter for over a century. Wake up refreshed, make a fresh brew, and step out onto the porch to take in the morning air.

HOSTING A FAMILY FUNCTION OR GATHERING
When you have family over, the apartment shines as an entertainment space. Pop a massive bowl of popcorn using the vintage popper, put a classic movie on the smart projection system, and let everyone browse the 1,000+ VHS tape wall. The kitchen is fully equipped to handle a crowd—utilize the gas stove, broiler, and Instant Pot to prep a feast, and lay out the full collection of plateware and cutlery to throw a proper dinner party. When the sun goes down, move the entire family out to the backyard fire pit to grill dinner on the barbecue and chat late into the evening.

TRAVELING FOR A CONCERT OR MAJOR EVENT
If you are booking a stay to catch a massive show or a Minnesota Wild game, your location is a massive competitive advantage. The Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts are all within a direct 10-to-12-minute walk (0.5 to 0.6 miles). Skip the premium event parking, avoid the gridlocked post-concert traffic, and ignore rideshare surge pricing. Walk home effortlessly along the historic, tree-lined streets of Irvine Park.

[ YOUR LOCAL DINING & BAR ITINERARY ]
All spots listed below are situated within an effortless walking or short driving radius from your front door.

BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH

* Hope Breakfast Bar (1 S Leech St): 0.2 miles / 4-minute walk

* Cafe Astoria (180 Grand Ave): 0.2 miles / 4-minute walk

* Cossetta Pasticceria (211 W 7th St): 0.3 miles / 6-minute walk

* Day By Day Cafe (477 W 7th St): 0.5 miles / 10-minute walk

* 620 Club Weekend Brunch (620 W 7th St): 0.7 miles / 15-minute walk

* The Neighborhood Cafe (1570 Selby Ave): 3.1 miles / 8-minute drive

LUNCH AND DINNER

* Cossetta Italian Market (211 W 7th St): 0.3 miles / 6-minute walk

* Seventh Street Truck Park (214 W 7th St): 0.3 miles / 6-minute walk

* Parlour St. Paul (267 W 7th St): 0.4 miles / 8-minute walk

* DeGidio's Restaurant & Lounge (425 W 7th St): 0.5 miles / 10-minute walk
* Mancini's Char House (531 W 7th St): 0.6 miles / 12-minute walk

* Pajarito (605 W 7th St): 0.7 miles / 14-minute walk

* Phi Chay Thai Cuisine (967 W 7th St): 1.2 miles / 4-minute drive

* Tavial Grill (1199 W 7th St): 1.5 miles / 4-minute drive


BARS AND NIGHTLIFE

* Bad Weather Brewing Company (414 W 7th St): 0.3 miles / 7-minute walk

* Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub (258 W 7th St): 0.4 miles / 8-minute walk

* Patrick McGovern's Pub (225 W 7th St): 0.4 miles / 9-minute walk

* The Liffey Irish Pub (175 W 7th St): 0.4 miles / 9-minute walk

* The Lodge of Lazarus Crowe (560 W 7th St): 0.6 miles / 12-minute walk

* Sweeney's Saloon (96 Dale St N): 1.1 miles / 4-minute drive

* St. Paul Tap Arcade Bar (825 W 7th St): 1.1 miles / 4-minute drive

* The White Squirrel Bar (974 W 7th St): 1.2 miles / 4-minute drive

* Casper & Runyon's Shamrocks (995 W 7th St): 1.2 miles / 4-minute drive

* Dark Horse Bar & Eatery (250 E 7th St): 1.6 miles / 5-minute drive


[ LOCK IN YOUR PIECE OF ST. PAUL HISTORY ]
The Retro Jewel Box Victorian bridges historical architecture with completely overhauled, reliable hospitality. Select your dates on the calendar below to secure your long-term rate, and start planning your stay on historic McBoal Street!