Diversicon 17 Hotel

Best Western—Bandana Square, 1010 Bandana Blvd. W., St. Paul (651-647-1637)
(click on the link for a map)

We are returning to this Saint Paul location. Built inside an historic train repair shop, the hotel incorporates the original train tracks and wood beams in the lobby. It has a sauna, hot tub, exercise room, heated swimming pool, free wireless, and a guest computer in the lobby. A free continental breakfast is served in the lobby for hotel registrants on a platform that replicates a stop along a train's route.

Historic Bandana Square, next door, contains the Twin City Model Railroad Museum (admission $4). A nearby restaurant is Gabe's Roadhouse, in Como Park at 991 Lexington Parkway N. (about three blocks from the hotel), and a wide variety of restaurants lies within a mile to a mile and a half.

This unique hotel has a strong connection to the fan community: in 2009 it will host Con-Sarnit (June), a Western convention, for the second time; Diversicon for the fifth time; and Arcana (October), a horror convention, for the 18th consecutive year.

The Diversicon room rate is $97.99 + 13.25% tax per night; mention Diversicon when reserving a room. Deadline: July 10, 2009.