Book Hotels in St. Louis, MO

The small bucket-seats in the cabin are not necessarily restricting; they are more ergonomically correct. Once settled in, the ascent pod is closes, and you and your cabinmates prepare for liftoff. Someone’s knees may knock with apprehension; a wry smile may form on another’s visage, unable to conceal their excitement; another clinches their fists and silently chants a calming refrain. Beads of sweat form on five brows—equal parts nervousness and glee. All five stomachs sink as the pod lifts upward. Ultimately, the vessel reaches its destination and the group begins to exit. No, you have not rocketed to the moon, though you may be equally awe-inspired by the vista. No, you’ve boldly taken the elevator to the top of the St. Louis Gateway Arch—rickety step-like adjustments and all. Once outside, you are directed up a small flight of stairs that leads to the observation area. Because of the weird angles, you have to lean over and support yourself on your elbows, making the ordeal all the more precipitous for those with a fear of heights. The expansive horizon comes into view, as your face nears the small window, with the curvature of the window seemingly mirroring that of the arch. After a few brief moments of appreciating your unique vantage point, you climb back into the elevator and descend to terra firma so you can make your way to one of the many nearby St. Louis hotels to decompress from your trek into the sky.

Where are the Best Places to Stay in St. Louis?

The iconic Gateway Arch isn’t the only attraction in St. Louis. But, it absolutely belongs on the bucket list for the not-so-faint-of-heart. Trying to decide where to stay in St. Louis all depends on what brings you to town. The easy answer is to find a room downtown. That said, downtown has so many points of interest as well as some of the best hotels in St. Louis that it could be divided into smaller districts—primarily the Gateway Arch, Convention Center, and Ballpark.

Gateway Arch

That rocket ride to the stratosphere was really “only” 630-feet above Mother Earth. Still, the vista delivers a breathtaking view of the Gateway to the West and its surrounding areas. If the Gateway Arch, a multitude of museums, and government offices are a core part of your itinerary, you should look into the following hotel:

• Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch: While the post-modern facade perfectly matches that of its sleek next-door neighbor, the Hyatt Regency offers some enticing attractions in its own right. Not only can you dine at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse on the property, the hotel’s Brewhouse restaurant dishes out mouthwatering St. Louis barbecue. And with recipes influenced with ingredients pulled from the chef’s rooftop garden, the farm-to-table RED Kitchen offers an inspired alternative. If you happen overindulge (which is par for the course in a foodie town like St. Louis), there are yoga classes and a 24-hour gym where you can sweat off a few of your new extra pounds.

Convention Center

As a major metropolitan area—as well as being centrally located in the heart of the nation—many visitors to St. Louis are business travelers. Because of that, the America’s Center Convention Complex is an ideal location for industry conferences, large group meetings, and other corporate events. Not surprisingly, the convention center is also close to a large number of eateries, shops, and art galleries.

Ballpark

There is no getting around it; St. Louis is a baseball town to its core. When the local MLB Cardinals are battling their divisional rivals at Busch Stadium, the neighborhood is a dynamic hub of activity. Even if you are unable to make it to the game (or if the Redbirds are out of town), you can feed off the frenzy at Ballpark Village, adjacent to the stadium.

• The Westin St. Louis: The Westin offers a lot more to its guests than a comfy bed for after the game. Located a foul ball away from home plate, the red-brick façade mirrors that of its nationally known neighbor—although the interior is completely contemporary. With wedding facilities, a full-service business center, day spa, and a health club—all on-site— the hotel knocks it out of the park with its services and amenities. Need a place to grab a bite between games of a doubleheader? The Clark Street Grill has great food and an even better beer selection.

Forest Park

The reality is, not every trip to St. Louis is going to be peanuts, Crackerjacks, and homeruns—or even business for that matter. Perhaps you plan on stopping by all of the major attractions, but prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, closer to more outdoor opportunities. The Forest Park neighborhood offers an oasis amid the city’s concrete and steel. Just inside the park’s boundaries alone, you’ll find the zoo, an outdoor theater, the St. Louis Art Museum, a number of open lawns, and two golf courses. Plus, the Magnificent Fox Theater, Muny Opera, and Powell Symphony Hall add even more culture to the surrounding area.

When you use Travelocity to book your stay in the Gateway City, you’ll enjoy a wide selection of accommodations, ranging from cheap hotels in St. Louis near many downtown attractions to refined, luxurious resorts in neighborhoods throughout the city. Plus, you might even save enough money for a second ascent up the Arch…or maybe just front row seats at a ballgame.