Twin Cities-------best places to stay?

Hello,
There have been several postings on great Twin City eats as of late, which I thank you all for and will take to heart. In Aug., we will be going there to help celebrate good friends anniversary and would like a special place to stay since it is my birthday weekend. Where do you stay when in the Twin City area? We've been going there for years and are always surprised at how expensive the hotels in the area area and how plain or sometimes run down they seem to be. Are we staying in the wrong places-----please give me your recs. Thanks.

For a special occasion, I highly recommend staying at the Nicollet Island Inn. http://www.nicolletislandinn.com.
LO