which is the best area to stay in st louis?

Which is the best area to stay in St Louis?

By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023

St Louis is a must-see city if you’re traveling along Route 66, with enough there to entertain you for at least a weekend. Recognized for its modern Gateway Arch, the city has retained its rich historical past since being founded by the French back in 1764.

The best area to stay in St Louis is downtown, located right next to the Mississippi River and the Gateway Arch. The other great attraction to visit on foot is the Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, the city’s baseball team.

If you’d like to visit other interesting attractions on the outskirts of town, such as the Forest Park or the Zoo, then you can use the metro (Metrolink), which is easily accessible downtown.

If you’re downtown then you’ll have a ball in St. Louis. The melodious tones of blues and jazz drift along Washington Avenue, and you can choose from more than 300 restaurants and every type of cuisine you can imagine, not to mention all the amazing shopping options.

If you’re driving along Route 66, then you’ll always be able to find downtown hotels that offer parking at a reasonable price.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in St Louis, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you are interested in where to stay in St Louis, you may also be interested in where to stay in Kansas City or where to stay in Chicago.

Other areas to stay in St Louis

Westport

Shopping

Westport Plaza is an upbeat and vibrant business park only 15 minutes from Downtown St. Louis and 10 minutes from St. Louis Lambert International Airport. This 42-acre commercial development is easily explored on foot, and you can wander at your leisure between restaurants, entertainment venues, and shops. Celebrate your special occasions here with friends and family, or visit to enjoy the annual festivals, concerts, and fantastic shopping!

Dine in top-notch restaurants such as the Drunken Fish for out-of-this-world sushi, or go for a taste of the Mediterranean at Dino’s Deli which serves authentic Greek cuisine.

For late nights, check out the Trainwreck Saloon, to enjoy live music and drink specials in a place that looks straight out of an old cowboy movie! Extend your awesome shopping experience by staying overnight at one of the two on-site hotels; the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel or the Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel.

Most booked hotel in Westport:  La Quinta by Wyndham St. Louis Westport  ⭐⭐⭐

Union Station

Families with kids

Union Station is a historical train station turned commercial center that makes the ultimate family getaway or day out. It is conveniently located downtown and is only 25 minutes west of The Arch on foot. There is so much to do and see here that boredom definitely won’t be an issue! Take a ride on the 200-foot high Ferris wheel or turn the adventure up a notch by trying out the thrilling ropes course. Union Station is also home to the St. Louis Aquarium, a must-see attraction that houses 13,000 animals.

Feed your appetite at the Soda Fountain and try their famous “Freak Shakes” and burgers, or for a more adult choice, The Train Shed serves great food plus creative cocktails and beer on tap.

If one day wasn’t enough, choose to stay at the heart of all the action at the Union Station Hotel, or nearby at The Last Hotel.

Most booked hotel in Union Square:  Drury Inn St. Louis Union Station  ⭐⭐⭐

Central West End

Walkable

Central West End is an exciting neighborhood in St. Louis located just west of downtown approx. 3.5 miles away from the city center. The best way to explore the area is to mingle at spacious, street-side patios next to antique stores. You can also play chess with the locals on the sidewalk outside the Chess Club which can be a great way to mingle with the locals.

There are some amazing places to dine at such as the Mandarin Lounge which offers drinks at the rooftop bar. You can also savor an ice cream cone with the kids from Jeni’s.

Other attractions at Central West End include Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis which has the largest collection of mosaics in the world. There are a few options to stay in this neighborhood which include Home2Suites by the Hilton and Parkway Hotel for a comfortable stay.

Most booked hotel in Central West End:  The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta St. Louis  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Where to stay near St Louis

Clayton

Sophisticated

Clayton is another sophisticated town located 8.3 miles away from St. Louis downtown. There are lots to do here in this neighborhood from exploring boutiques, galleries to having a meal at one of the great restaurants. There are many historic homes, high rises and coffee shops to explore throughout the city to keep you occupied.

Taste of Clayton food festival is another attraction which can be a great addition to your tour in Clayton if you’re here during that time. There is a Music and Wine Festival as well in the city in June.

There are many hotel options in the city which you can choose from like the Clayton Plaza Hotel or Hampton Inns and Suites which can make for a great family stay in the city.

Fairview Heights

Cheap Hotels

Nestled conveniently near St. Louis, Fairview Heights emerges as a fantastic area to stay, seamlessly combining comfort and accessibility. With its strategic location, visitors can relish the best of both worlds: the allure of a serene suburban atmosphere and the close proximity to the vibrant cityscape of St. Louis.

Fairview Heights offers an array of accommodation options, making it an appealing hub for travelers. Its range of dining establishments, shopping centers, and entertainment venues ensures there’s always something to do. Moreover, the city’s easy access to St. Louis’ iconic attractions like the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, and the vibrant cultural scene adds an extra layer of excitement to any stay.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an ideal base for urban exploration, Fairview Heights provides a welcoming and convenient haven, promising a memorable stay near the captivating city of St. Louis.

Hotels in Fairview Heights

Brentwood

Close to shopping and public transit

Situated just a stone’s throw away from downtown St. Louis, the charming City of Brentwood emerges as an ideal haven for those seeking an exceptional blend of urban proximity and suburban tranquility. With a population of around 8,200 residents, Brentwood encapsulates a distinctive essence, harmonizing high-quality residential neighborhoods with a vibrant commercial hub that ranks among the most prosperous in the St. Louis metropolitan expanse.

Brentwood’s allure as a lodging destination lies in its unique fusion of convenience and serenity. Visitors can revel in the convenience of being within mere minutes of downtown St. Louis, allowing easy access to the city’s renowned attractions and cultural landmarks.

Furthermore, the thriving business district adds an engaging dimension to the area, inviting both leisure and business travelers to experience a diverse array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Hotels in Brentwood