Fresh Stays at St. Louis Hotels

The welcome mat is out. Check in to check out the newest and coolest St. Louis hotels that have recently opened, or are about to. Considering 450 new hotel rooms have been added to the city’s offerings this year alone – part of an additional 2095 the region has gained since January of 2020 – it’s clear that tourism is on the upswing and visitors have much to explore.

Downtown

Believing everyone should experience the world in style, Le Méridien Downtown, a Marriott property which celebrated its grand opening this month, mirrors a glamorous era of travel. Built in 1913, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and architectural touches await guests who check into this historic downtown building. Blending history with modern art, guests also enjoy elegant dinners at on-site steakhouse Prime 55, a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center and rainfall showerheads in each of the 80 well-appointed rooms. The hotel is located just blocks from the city’s landmark attractions, including the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, America’s Center Convention Complex and Union Station. With a modern interpretation of the traditional hotel lobby, Le Méridien’s Hub offers an array of opportunities for guests to gather, connect and simply savor the moment against the background of a playlist that honors the upscale hotel brand’s French heritage.

Located in the former Shell Building on the corner of Locust and 13^th streets, the 200-room dual-branded hotel, Home2 Suites and Tru by Hilton St. Louis Downtown – the first of its kind in St. Louis – opened in May 2022. Originally built in 1926 and vacant for nearly a decade before its renovation, the site features both extended-stay rooms through Home2 Suites by Hilton and regular guest rooms through Hilton’s Tru brand, all in one beautifully renovated building.

An additional 567 downtown guest rooms are in the works and expected to be ready within the next two years. Among the projects is 21C Museum Hotel in the restored YMCA building located on Locust Street. The rooms, exhibition and meeting space will showcase rotating curated exhibitions, interactive site-specific art installations and a roster of cultural programming based on collaborations with local and national arts organizations. The 173-room hotel is scheduled to open later this year.

Geared toward millennials and younger travelers, Moxy St. Louis Downtown, a hotel built on a former parking lot in downtown, will feature small-but-smart rooms, stylish communal spaces and check-in at the bar. The 154-room Moxy, a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, is expected to open in late 2024.

Two additional downtown hotels in the final planning stages include the Residence Inn by Marriott St. Louis Downtown North (150 rooms) and the SpringHill Suites by Marriott St. Louis Downtown North (90 rooms).

Midtown

Nestled against the campus of Saint Louis University in Midtown, Marriott Bonvoy’s Element St. Louis Midtown and its stunning eighth floor rooftop mecca, UpBar, opened during the height of the pandemic. Located on Forest Park Parkway and featuring 153 rooms, the extended-stay hotel sits in the middle of the City Foundry entertainment district and the Grand Center Arts District. Featuring the SLU-blue colors and showcasing encompassing views of the city and campus, the popular indoor/outdoor bar is a designated hotspot for Billiken sports fans, students, alumni and anyone looking for a happy hour or late-night cocktail. Fire pits, elegant seating, sharable plates and funky cocktails keep fans busy.

Just blocks away in the Cortex Innovation Community and within walking distance to some of the city’s favorite restaurants and bars, Aloft’s pet-friendly spacious guest rooms feature bright accent colors and large windows. The open-air WXYZ bar offers signature cocktails and great views.

Central West End

Perfectly situated in the city’s vibrant and historic Central West End and just minutes from downtown, AC Hotel Central West End, a Marriott brand, opened in December of 2021. The hotel is close to Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo and the world’s largest chess piece at the St. Louis Chess Museum, with more than 100 restaurants, coffee shops, bars and boutiques within walking distance. The seven-story European-inspired hotel features 192 aesthetically designed rooms and breakfasts with a Spanish twist.

St. Louis County

Le Méridien Downtown’s sister hotel, Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton, opened its doors to guests in the fall of 2020 after a multi-million-dollar, full-scale renovation. The Clayton location, with 268 rooms, provides guests with a curated experience. The property features 17,000 square feet of meeting space, an open-air third floor pool deck, and artwork from more than 50 local and nationally acclaimed artists throughout the rooms and public spaces. Plus, the on-site restaurant, Café La Vie, offers French-inspired entrees, small plates, aperitifs and cocktails. The French-style design attributes featured at both the downtown and Clayton sites are a nod to the city’s European roots.

The new AC Hotel Chesterfield also opened its doors in March 2022. Part of the development surge happening in Chesterfield, the 128-room hotel is located next to Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Its AC Lounge includes a large welcoming, bar area and a menu of beer, wine, tapas and even cocktails inspired by their partnership with Aviator Gin.

The Aviator Hotel & Suites, BW Signature Collection, is located near South County Mall. The casual comfort, modern style hotel features an indoor pool and fitness center and is just minutes from downtown. The hotel, along with the Holiday Inn Creve Coeur, opened in the last year.

In Richmond Heights, the second phase of The Boulevard is in the planning stages. Located across from the Galleria Mall, the multi-use development will include new office, retail and living space along a 127-room Aloft Hotel.

Whether in town for business or pleasure – or, just looking for a local stay-cation – St. Louis is looking forward to having you as a guest.