Where to Stay in St Louis

Where to Stay in St Louis

Founded in 1764 by French fur traders, St Louis lies on the Mississippi River in the heart of areas of the United States. Located on the eastern border of Missouri, it’s currently a medium-size city (with a metro population of just over 2 million), though it played a pivotal part in the expansion of the country and is consequently filled with world-class attractions, from major art museums to the monumental Gateway Arch. Most sights in St Louis can be found in the central downtown region, near the river, or in Forest Park, 5 miles to the west. In between are Midtown, the Grand Center Arts District, and Central West End, with their own sprinkling of sights and best known for their restaurant, art, shopping, and bar scenes. South of Downtown, Soulard is home to the city’s most historic market, while northwest of Forest Park, the Delmar Loop is another entertainment and culinary hub worth seeking out.

While exploring Downtown on foot provides easy access, public transportation or a motor vehicle are needed to fully experience all that the city has to offer; locations are quite spread out.

• St. Louis Lambert International Airport is 13 miles northwest of Downtown. The MetroLink light rail connects it with the city center.

• The public transport system MetroLink in St Louis is fast, affordable ($2.50 per ride), and convenient, connecting Downtown with Central West End, Forest Park, Delmar Loop, the airport, and Maplewood.

Most accommodations fall inside the city core, however more choices are progressively arising in St Louis’s identifiable outer neighborhoods. We’ve examined our most loved neighborhoods to visit and remain in more profundity beneath, however with more time, these regions are additionally deserving of investigation:

– Cherokee Antique Row: Around 3.5 miles south of Downtown St Louis, Cherokee Street west of I-55 is renowned as “Antique Row” thanks to the wealth of vintage items, collectibles, specialized shops, and art galleries in this area. There are even a couple historic homes to explore – Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion and Lemp Mansion. Lemp Mansion is also one of the few places to lodge in the vicinity; its reputation as one of the most haunted houses in America is part of the appeal for visitors. Benton Park Inn is a lovely bed and breakfast not too far away.

• The Hill: The city`s historic Italian quarter lies 6 miles west of Downtown. There isn`t much to see here in terms of attractions, but it`s a great place to eat with many Italian restaurants, grocery stores, and bakeries. Gian-Tony’s Ristorante is our favorite pick. There isn`t much reason to stay here, but there is an inexpensive Red Roof Inn PLUS+ motel, and the considerably better Drury Inn & Suites Forest Park and Clifton Heights Inn on the western edges of the neighborhood.

• Motels and chain hotels line the length of I-70 to the northwest of Downtown, (including just outside the airport); there are also clusters in Maryland Heights in the western suburbs and along I-64 to the southeast, over in Illinois. These motels can offer low rates but are only recommended for those with vehicles, and are not especially atmospheric or practical for the city center.

Best Places to Stay in St Louis

• Best Luxury Hotels in St Louis
  Four Seasons • Le Méridien Clayton • Le Méridien Downtown • Ritz-Carlton
• Best Boutique Hotels in St Louis
  Angad Arts • Hotel Saint Louis • Moonrise Hotel • St Louis Union Station Hotel
• Best Cheap & Mid-range Hotels in St Louis
  Courtyard Downtown/Convention Centre hotel,Drury Inn & Suites Forest Park hotel,Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown hotel,Hampton Inn & Suites Forest Park hotel
• Best B&Bs in St Louis
  The Benton Park Inn,Casa Magnolia Bed and Breakfast,Clifton Heights Inn, and Fleur-de-Lys Mansion are highly recommended lodging options in St. Louis

Best Neighborhoods in St Louis for…

• Best Area to Reside for First Timers/Sightseeing: Downtown St Louis
  No surprise here: Downtown boasts the biggest choice when it comes to accommodation, from the best business hotels to cheaper motels, as well as the most important attractions in St Louis. Boats zip up and down the Mississippi from the riverfront and the monumental Gateway Arch, while a little inland the City Museum is a big family-favorite. There’s also the redeveloped Union Station, a vast range of restaurants, shops, and bars, and Busch Stadium (home of the Cardinals). Thanks to MetroLink, it’s also well-connected to the western parts of the city.
• Most Romantic Quarter: Compton Heights
  Though located a couple miles outside downtown, Compton Heights merits consideration for partners seeking a romantic escape in St. Louis. The compact neighborhood contains beautiful residential architecture from the city`s 19th century prime, such as the striking Fleur-de-Lys Mansion B&B, the top place to lodge ( Forget Me Not B&B is another good alternative). The B&B sits opposite the leafy Reservoir Park and is a brief ride from the Missouri Botanical Garden, whose trails and seasonal flower gardens make it a favorite local date spot. Just to the south, South Grand is an emerging strip of diverse eateries like Pho Grand and the Vine Cafe and Market. You’ll need a vehicle to make the most of the Compton Heights location, but parking usually isn’t a problem
• Best Neighborhoods for Nightlife: Downtown, Soulard, and Delmar LoopLaclede’s Landing on the Mississippi bank just north of Gateway Arch is Downtown’s traditional nightlife district, with a scattering of bars and clubs along its pedestrian-friendly cobblestoned streets. Other common watering holes are dispersed throughout Downtown, with many along Washington Avenue (the Flamingo Bowl is a good choice, combining drinks with bowling).

  To the south, Soulard is another fun relaxed neighborhood for a drink, particularly known for its live music and blues and jazz pubs: 1860 Saloon,Hammerstone’s, and John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub among them. Finally, Delmar Loop is home to renowned Blueberry Hill (Chuck Berry’s old local), bars such as Three Kings Public House, and other live venues like Delmar Hall and The Pageant. Note that Grand Center, a few miles west of downtown, is the city’s premier theater district.

• Top neighborhoods for food and dining include Delmar Loop, The Hill, and Maplewood.

In recent years, St. Louis` culinary scene has flourished significantly, yet locals tend to roam around the entire city sampling top-rated restaurants – options are quite widespread. While there are plenty of good eateries downtown (such as in Laclede`s Landing), food enthusiasts will want to check out choices in the outer neighborhoods.

We appreciate Delmar Loop; a lot is packed into its 6 easily walkable blocks, ranging from high-quality barbecue at Salt + Smoke and Blueberry Hill, to the amazing cakes at Sugar Momma’s Traditional Treats and ice-cream sandwiches at The Baked Bear.

The paragraph stated that for authentic Italian cuisine, the Hill district offers top-quality options like ” Mama`s On The Hill” and ” Gian-Tony’s Ristorante“, and that ” Gioia’s Deli” has excellent hot sandwiches dating back over a century Far out in the west suburbs, Maplewood is somewhat of an up-and-coming dining location, with the main route along Manchester Roadway (Hwy-100). Top picks below comprise micro-breweries Schlafly Bottleworks and Side Project Brewing, as good as Strange Donuts,Kakao Chocolate,Boogaloo Cuban bistro, and Great Harvest Bread Co. There are no motels in central Maplewood; take MetroLink to the Maplewood station and stroll eastern along Manchester, or drive (usually several free lots and street parking spots accessible) `

• Neighborhoods like Maplewood, Antiques Row, and Richmond Heights offer diverse shopping opportunities.

Downtown St. Louis lacks notable shopping but diverse boutiques and independents thrive in neighborhoods such as Delmar Loop and Central West End. However, much local activity centers in suburban areas with robust commercial options.

Maplewood offers fun shopping, with various independent gift stores plus food specialists ( Kakao Chocolate,Pie Oh My,Great Harvest Baking), leather goods at Sole Survivor,Bee Naturals Spa, bath and candle items at Maven, and Reset Vintage Apparel.

In addition to vintage and antique shops, the Antique Row on Cherokee Street is also home to Latin American markets and indie favorites like Dead Wax Records,Infinite Spin Records, and Apotheosis Comics. For major shopping centers, head to Richmond Heights to find Saint Louis Galleria and The Boulevard, with additional outlets in neighboring Brentwood (to the south) and Clayton (to the north). Convenient hotels include the Drury Inn & Suites Brentwood and TownePlace Suites Brentwood.

• Best Neighborhood for Local Vibe: Lafayette Square
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One of the city’s most alluring neighborhoods and just a mile south of Downtown, Lafayette Square is a great place to escape the tourists. Centered around leafy Lafayette Park, it’s filled with stunning Victorian mansions (aka the “painted ladies”) and dotted with coffee shops, specialty stores, bars, and small restaurants. Highlights include Park Avenue Coffee and Square One Brewery on Park Avenue (the main street), frozen treats at Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery, and SqWires Restaurant & Annex along with its adjacent fountain and plaza. It’s feasible to stay here, too, in one of those magnificent historic homes: the Lehmann House Bed & Breakfast.

• Unsafe Areas of St Louis
  Most of the locales described here are generally quite safe during daylight hours, though customary precautions should be taken at night. In 2014, unrest broke out in the suburb of Ferguson over the shooting of the African American teenager Michael Brown by law enforcement, and acts of violence remain elevated in some neighborhoods. In 2020, the city documented its highest homicide rates in 50 years. Areas to avoid include Peabody-Darst-Webbe (directly east of Lafayette Square), Old North Saint Louis (just north of Downtown), and Wells-Goodfellow (in the northwest suburbs). Northwest St Louis generally experiences raised crime rates. Central West End, Soulard, and The Hill are usually the safest neighborhoods.

The 6 Best Neighborhoods in St Louis for Tourists

1. Downtown St Louis

The central part of St Louis known as the historic French settlement location from 1764 and remains the city’s primary commercial center. It’s a region rich in history and sights, starting with the Mississippi River itself and the landscaped parks surrounding the Gateway Arch National Park. This remarkable feat of engineering was conceptualized by Finnish-born architect Eero Saarinen and accomplished in 1965 – visitors can ride to the top of the 630ft-tall stainless-steel parabolic structure on unique trains. Nearby is the old Basilica of Saint Louis,King of France, and the Old Courthouse (location of the landmark Dred Scott case). Busch Stadium is the home of the beloved Cardinals (Downtown gets filled with fans on game days), while on the north side of the Arch, Laclede’s Landing is a tight-knit neighborhood of warehouses transformed into bars and restaurants. Furthermore inland, the quirky City Museum is a major attraction with children, while the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum commemorates local veterans. The memorial is attached to the Gateway Arch by a mile-long chain of parks, sculpture gardens, and green spaces, which culminates at the renovated Union Station, home to the giant St. Louis Wheel and St Louis Aquarium. Along Washington Avenue, the main dining and drinking strip, visitors will discover the fascinating National Blues Museum.

• The largest collection of hotels in the city is found here and usually has good deals available.
• Downtown is easily explored on foot and it’s also served by several MetroLink stations and a downtown trolley.
• Most Esteemed Accommodations: Drury Inn Situated Adjacent To Union Station – Drury Plaza Hotel Next To The Iconic Arch – Four Seasons – Hotel Saint Louis – Hyatt Regency Near The Arch – Live! by Loews – Le Méridien Downtown – St Louis Union Station Hotel
• Recommended Budget and Mid-Range Hotels: Courtyard Downtown/Convention Centre – Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown – Holiday Inn Downtown – Indigo Downtown – Pear Tree Inn

2. Midtown & Grand Center

The heart of St Louis in terms of geography is actually Midtown, located just west of Downtown beyond Jefferson Avenue. It’s perhaps best known for housing the campuses of Saint Louis University (and Harris-Stowe State University), but we’ve also grouped it together with the Grand Center Arts District, just to the northwest. Unsurprisingly, the main attractions in the latter neighborhood are art galleries and theaters. Heading a lineup of cutting-edge, modern facilities is the Contemporary Art Museum,which includes the Pulitzer Arts Foundation,St. Louis University Museum of Art,International Photography Hall of Fame, and Sheldon Concert Hall & Art Galleries. Live entertainment also thrives here, with numerous venues housing the incredibly opulent Fabulous Fox,Kranzberg Arts Center, ornate home of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Powell Hall, and many others.

• While there is limited lodging available, the Angad and Element hotels are two of the most appealing boutique options in the city.
• It’s not far from Downtown; take public transportation like the bus or Metro Link train to the Grand station. Auto travelers also benefit from ample parking.
• Top accomodations:Angad Arts – Element Midtown
• Where to Stay in India for Nightlife: Mumbai

3. Central West End

Welcome to the Central West End, one of the city’s most appealing (and safe) regions. It`s a pleasant experience to stroll its tree-lined paths (especially the main route Euclid Avenue), admiring the historical structures, trendy shops, and bars, though there are no major sights apart from the Romanesque-Byzantine Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. Completed in 1914, this is a truly spectacular church, with a lavish interior containing the world’s largest collection of mosaic art. Chess experts will want to check out the World Chess Hall of Fame, which boasts the world’s largest chess piece (14ft tall). The region also plays host to the city’s biggest Halloween party every year. Another major plus of staying here: the greenery and attractions of Forest Park are a short walk away.

• There’s a sprinkling of hotels (and rentals) here, like one of the best (Chase Park Plaza), and the neighborhood is also an easy ride from Downtown by way of the MetroLink light rail.
• Accommodations near Heathrow Terminal 4: The Premier Inn Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 hotel • The Holiday Inn Express Heathrow T4 • The YOTELAIR Heathrow Airport
• Best Affordable to Mid-Priced Hotels:Aloft Cortex • Central West End Bed & Breakfast • Home2 Suites Forest Park

4. Forest Park

Spread over 1,300 acres in the heart of the St Louis metro region, Forest Park is a vast natural retreat full of trees, meadows, ponds, and playgrounds, though it`s best known for its world-renowned museums which are all free to attend. Kids will enjoy exploring the Saint Louis Zoo and the St Louis Science Center on its southeastern edge. Otherwise, be sure to visit the Missouri History Museum, built in 1914 using funds from the 1904 World`s Fair, and the grand, Beaux Arts-style Saint Louis Art Museum, home to the world`s largest public collection of works by German Expressionist Max Beckmann.

• While there are no lodging locations directly within the park boundaries, there are several hotel accommodations within a short walk from it.
• The Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink station is a brief stroll from the park’s main entrance and the Missouri History Museum.
• Recommended Mid-Priced Accommodations:Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta – Kasa Forest Park – Hampton Inn & Suites Forest Park – Cheshire

5. Soulard

Just south of Downtown St Louis, the red-brick Soulard neighborhood is primarily historic residential and draws visitors for two reasons. First, it`s one of the best places for live music in the city (particularly blues and jazz), with several pubs, bars, and live venues scattered throughout, culminating with the Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery itself, home to a beer garden and a museum. Touring the 19th-century factory allows seeing its beloved Clydesdale horses. The second draw is the venerable Soulard Farmers Market, which has conducted business since 1779 and offers a wonderful spot to shop for fresh fruit and foodie gifts. Soulard also houses the city’s oldest church ( Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church) and several “haunted” houses, including Hammerstone’s restaurant (in a building dating back to 1884) and The Darkness Haunted House. Finally, Soulard hosts the third largest Mardi Gras Festival on the planet, usually debuting on January 6.

• Besides rental residences, there are few lodging options here, and visiting from Downtown or elsewhere in Savannah is preferable. A outlier is the outstanding Dwell Nine Twelve private apartment bed and breakfast near LaSalle Park.

6. The Loop (Delmar Loop)

The Delmar Loop is popularly known as one of St. Louis` premier areas for entertainment, spanning six blocks of Delmar Boulevard just northwest of Forest Park. It`s especially well-liked among pupils from the neighboring Washington University, but there isn`t much to see in the way of attractions – this is mainly a place to shop, dine, and drink. Check out the legendary Blueberry Hill, haunt of the late Chuck Berry and numerous other stars of blue and rock music, and sample the delectable sweets at Sugar Momma’s Traditional Treats. Also here are Planet Walk, where scale models of the solar system are arranged from a sun plaque implanted in the sidewalk, and the St Louis Walk of Fame, which honors over 150 of the city’s most famous citizens with a brass star. There are quite a few: Maya Angelou, Josephine Baker, Yogi Berra, Chuck Berry, Miles Davis, TS Eliot, Scott Joplin, Kevin Kline, Nelly, Joseph Pulitzer, Tina Turner, and numerous others. Aside from the exceptional Moonrise Hotel, there`s nowhere to stay directly on the Loop itself. Hence, we`ve included hotels in close-by Clayton (a 7-minute drive away).

• The Loop Trolley ($2–5) runs along Delmar Blvd and continues to DeBaliviere Ave for easy access to Forest Park.
• MetroLink trains provide quick transport between Downtown and the Delmar Loop Station, and street parking is usually readily available.
• Top Hotels: Hampton Inn and Suites Clayton – Le Méridien Clayton – Moonrise Hotel – Ritz-Carlton – Seven Gables Inn