Darija Stojanovic 
Howdy, reader! I’m here to help you plan where to stay in St. Louis, and I could not be more excited about it!
The best area is definitely Downtown St. Louis. It’s where most of the attractions and the best hotels are located.
Read this post because not only will you learn all about the 4 best areas for tourists to stay but also about the best accommodation in St. Louis for each of those areas. I also went ahead and compared pretty much all the hotels and apartments out there and manually chose the best of the best for you for each price category!
This way you can book your ideal place in a matter of minutes!
Just please book your stay in St. Louis in advance so you can secure the best deals!
If you are in a hurry
Book the best hotels in St. Louis now and start packing:
Contents
- If you are in a hurry
- 1. Downtown St. Louis – where to stay for the first time
- 2. Forest Park – where to stay in St. Louis for sightseeing
- 3. Grand Center – the coolest area and safest place to stay in St. Louis
- 4. Clayton – the best place to stay for foodies in St. Louis, MO
- BONUS: Best family accommodations in St Louis, MO
- FAQs about St. Louis lodging
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here is a map with the 4 best areas where you can stay in St. Louis so you can easily visualize them:
- Downtown: for first-timers
- Forest Park: for sightseeing
- Grand Center : the coolest area
- Clayton: for foodies
1. Downtown St. Louis – where to stay for the first time
Downtown St. Louis is the heart of the city, where you will find the main tourist attractions, lively nightlife, and trendy restaurants. That’s why if you are visiting St. Louis for the first time and want to be within walking distance of the action, my answer for where to stay in St. Louis is definitely Downtown.
The first thing that will catch your attention in downtown St. Louis is the impressive Gateway Arch. Walk by the beautiful Mississippi River to admire its glory and discover many great museums and art galleries like the National Blues Museum or the City Museum (just next to the iconic The Last Hotel).
With its 630-foot height, The Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the USA and was built to resist the strongest winds and largest earthquakes!
Check out the many cool music shops you will pass by on your way to the Blues Museum. Even if you’re not into blues, if you are a foodie or feel like going out at night, you won’t have difficulty finding nice places among one of the many nice restaurants and bars here.
In Downtown St. Louis, you will find a great selection of hotels and I’ve already picked the best of the best ones for you. In order not to miss them, do not forget to make your reservation in advance. If you are looking for another cool city with many attractions for your next trip, check out the best places to stay in Kansas City.
Set by the Missouri River, Four Seasons is one of the best St. Louis Downtown hotels. I love the comfortable rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows with epic river views and the rooftop swimming pool. There is a fully-equipped fitness center, a spa with a hot tub and indoor pool, and a business center with modern amenities. America’s Center Convention Complex and the iconic Gateway Arch are within walking distance.
Other accommodation options in Downtown
Located near Union Station, this hotel offers spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, an indoor swimming pool, and complimentary breakfast
Drury Inn is one of the best cheap hotels in St. Louis that features an indoor pool, comfortable rooms, and free Wi-Fi
This Airbnb has modern rooms with luxury amenities, a beautiful living room, and a fully furnished kitchen and is close to the Union Station
Things to do in Downtown Saint Louis
- Take a photo of the iconic Gateway Arch in Gateway Arch National Park
- Check out the amazing sculptures at the Citygarden Sculpture Park
- See an amazing performance at the Stifel Theater
- Learn about the history of blues music at the National Blues Museum
- Catch a football game at Busch Stadium or the Dome
- Learn about the history of beer in the nearby Anheuser Brewery
- Take a walk around the nearby Lafayette Park in Lafayette Square
2. Forest Park – where to stay in St. Louis for sightseeing
Forest Park is 3 miles (5 km) West of Downtown St. Louis and between Clayton and the Central West End neighborhoods. If you want to stay in a quiet area surrounded by beautiful nature and discover the city’s famous museums, Forest Park is the best place to stay in St. Louis.
St. Louis Forest Park is a beautiful area with a huge, lush green park, tree-lined streets, and many nice cultural and fun attractions, such as the Saint Louis Zoo and the Saint Louis Science Center.
If you are a museum enthusiast and history lover, this neighborhood is filled with tons of art galleries and historic museums (including the Missouri History Museum), so make sure to allow enough time to discover them!
By staying in St. Louis Forest Park, you will have easy access to the Downtown attractions, but at the same time, you will be able to start your day with a morning stroll in lovely parks without the city center crowds.
Before discussing the best hotels I carefully picked for you, I want to remind you to make a reservation in advance to secure your favorite place and get better hotel deals. Speaking of museums and fun attractions, if you are looking for another fun city to travel to, check out the best places to stay in Memphis.
Now, here are the best places to stay in Forest Park, St. Louis:
Chase Park Plaza is the best hotel in Forest Park with its upscale facilities. You will love the fancy restaurant with a great selection of gourmet food and a heated outdoor swimming pool. The rooms are very comfortable and have beautiful city views. You can have special cocktails at the chic hotel bar and dance at the hotel’s rooftop club. St. Louis International Airport is just 10 miles (15 km) away, and Saint Louis Zoo is a short drive.
Other accommodation in Forest Park
This hotel offers spacious guest rooms with a kitchen, free Wi-Fi, an indoor swimming pool, and free parking
This the best hotel to stay on a budget in Forest Park that offers a fitness center, a swimming pool, and modern rooms
Centrally located in Forest Park, this Airbnb has beautifully decorated rooms, a nice dining area, and free parking
Things to do in Forest Park, St. Louis
- Visit the Missouri History Museum
- Go to the Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park
- See the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis in the Central West End
- Explore the World Chess Hall of Fame
- Walk through the Missouri Botanical Garden or Tower Grove Park
- Get nerdy at the Saint Louis Science Center
- Marvel the artworks in the Saint Louis Art Museum
3. Grand Center – the coolest area and safest place to stay in St. Louis
Grand Center is between Downtown St. Louis and Forest Park and has a very convenient location for all kinds of entertainment events and cultural attractions. From art galleries to trendy cafes and shops, you will find a bit of everything here.
Grand Center is famous for its great galleries; the good news is that many have free entrance! Take your time visiting as many as you wish, including the Clayton Lane Fine Arts or the Contemporary Art Museum, then head to the lovely SLU Dog Park & Sculpture Garden, where you can have a picnic or check out the impressive sculptures.
At night, head to the lively restaurants and bars with live music to mingle with locals.
Here you will find many nice accommodation options that have easy access to the city center, and I have already chosen the best of the best ones for you:
Angad Arts Hotel is the best hotel to stay in Grand Center which has unique rooms with contemporary design and luxury facilities. I love the colorful room decoration and fancy lounge area in the hotel where you can enjoy signature cocktails. There is a fully-equipped fitness center and an amazing terrace to have dinner with a beautiful view. Simply perfect!
Other accommodation options in the Grand Center
This hotel offers modern rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a good breakfast, and is within walking distance to Forest Park and attractions
This Airbnb has great access to the city center and offers comfortable rooms, a fully furnished kitchen, and free parking
This Airbnb has floor-to-ceiling windows with a beautiful view, spacious rooms, a nice terrace area, and free Wi-Fi
Things to do in Grand Center, St. Louis
- Go to the International Photography Hall of Fame Museum
- See an exhibition at the Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries
- Visit the Contemporary Art Museum and the Pulitzer Arts Foundation
- Go for a stroll at the SLU Dog Park & Sculpture Garden
- Visit the Saint Louis University Museum of Art
- Have the best BBQ at the Pappy’s Smokehouse
4. Clayton – the best place to stay for foodies in St. Louis, MO
Didn’t I already promise you great food in St. Louis? Clayton is located 3 miles (5 km) West of Forest Park and is a foodie heaven with tons of nice restaurants and cafes! It will be so much fun to discover each corner of this neighborhood that is full of surprises!
In Clayton, you will see high-rise modern buildings surrounded by lush green parks. The best way to discover this area is to get lost in the streets, taste local and international flavors, and check out the cool boutiques. If you are a luxury traveler, you will love the upscale restaurants and wine houses here!
From Japanese Sushi Ai to Italian Pastaria to the fine-dining The Capital Grill, you’ll find something for every taste!
For those who prefer to stay outside Downtown but are into trying new things and experiencing local vibes, I highly recommend staying in Clayton!
The Ritz Carlton is no doubt the best hotel to stay in Clayton, St Louis. This 5-star hotel has luxury rooms with panoramic city views, 3 on-site restaurants, and a fancy bar. I love the fitness center overlooking the city and the lounge area with a fireplace where you can have drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
Other accommodation options in Clayton
This hotel has spacious rooms with quality amenities and a business center, which is perfect for business travelers
A new hotel with spacious suites for 4 guests and complimentary breakfast perfect for groups of families
This Airbnb features beautifully decorated rooms, a furnished kitchen, and street parking
Things to do in Clayton, St. Louis
- Go for a walk at Shaw Park
- Have a drink and mouth-watering food at Avenue Restaurant
- Go shopping at Saint Louis Galleria
- Have dinner at Dominic’s Trattoria
- Take a pint or wine at Louie’s Wine Dive & Clayton Kitchen
- Sip a good coffee at Coma Coffee Roasters
We spoke about the 4 main areas to stay but if you are looking for more options, let me give you a brief list of further good areas to check out:
- Midtown
- The Loop (Delmar Loop)
- The Grove & The Hill
- Soulard
| 👑 Luxury price: | $180 |
| 🏨 Mid-range: | $140 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $100 |
| 📍Best area: | Downtown St. Louis |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Four Seasons St. Louis |
| 🧳 Best mid-range: | Drury Plaza Arch |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hampton Inn & Suites |
BONUS: Best family accommodations in St Louis, MO
Thanks to its family-friendly attractions like the Saint Louis Zoo, SLU Dog Park & Sculpture Garden, and many nice museums and parks, St. Louis is a great city to travel to with your kids!
Now, I would like to talk about the safest hotels to stay in St. Louis that have spacious rooms and kids facilities for you to have a memorable family holiday.
- Luxury
Hyatt Regency at the Arch – Located in Downtown St. Louis this hotel is the best hotel to stay for families. The hotel is highly rated for families with kids because of its location; you can walk to the baseball game, the Arch, and restaurants! You can even bring your pet and enjoy all the luxurious amenities like a swimming pool, a gym, private parking, and room service. - Mid-range
Pear Tree Inn – Centrally located in Downtown St. Louis, this pet-friendly hotel offers spacious, family-friendly rooms and allows you to bring your fur friends so no member of the family needs to be left behind. The breakfast has enough variety for every taste, and there is an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center. While your kids are playing in the pool, you can catch up on some work in the modern business center (but only if 100% necessary, you’re on holiday!). - Budget
Missouri Athletic Club – Located near St. Louis Gateway Arch, this hotel is within walking distance of the main city attractions and has beautifully decorated family rooms. There is a good on-site restaurant with kids’ meal options, a bar where you can have a great selection of drinks and a nice lounge area to relax. Missouri Athletic Club also offers free shuttle service to sports events in the city and some city attractions. - Airbnb
Old World Charm – This Airbnb has a fabulous location near Downtown St. Louis and can accommodate up to 5 people. The rooms have very nice decorations that will make you feel like you are staying in your own home. There is a fully equipped kitchen and a charming patio with a beautiful view. You can use the BBQ facilities to have a family dinner in the large living room and use free parking, a laundry room, and free Wi-Fi
FAQs about St. Louis lodging
🗺️ What are the best areas in St. Louis?
Downtown St. Louis and Forest Park are the best areas to stay in St. Louis. They are packed with attractions, have plenty of hotels, and are easy to get around.
👨👩👦👦 Where to stay in Saint Louis with family?
Forest Park is the best area to stay in Saint Louis for families thanks to its safe and relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best family-friendly hotels here are Chase Park Plaza and Home 2 Suites.
❌ Which areas of St. Louis are dangerous to stay in?
The northern part of the city near St. Louis Lambert International Airport is where not to stay in St. Louis.
🤔 Is it safe to stay in St. Louis?
Downtown St. Louis is a safe place to stay in St. Louis. Some of the safest hotels to stay in here are Drury Plaza Arch and Four Seasons St. Louis.
✨ What are some unique places to stay in Saint Louis?
Fleur de Lys Mansion and Angad Arts Hotel are some of the most unique places to stay in St. Louis due to their décor and amenities.
📷 What should I not miss in Saint Louis?
Some of the main tourist attractions you should not miss in St. Louis are:
● St. Louis Gateway Arch
● Saint Louis Zoo
● Saint Louis Science Center
● Missouri Botanical Garden
● City Museum
● National Blues Museum
● Busch Stadium
👍 Is St. Louis good for tourists?
Absolutely! St. Louis is a great tourist destination with plenty of hotels, attractions, and eateries around every corner. Don’t miss out on the St. Louis Gateway Arch, Delmar Loop, and the National Blues Museum!
📸 What is the most popular street in St. Louis?
Delmar Boulevard is the most popular street in St. Louis. It’s the home to the famous Delmar Loop featuring tons of restaurants, live music venues, shops, and other thriving entertainment options.
Conclusion
It is time for me to say goodbye, dear travelers. In this blog post on where to stay in St. Louis, I talked about the best places to stay, from luxury to budget, as well as Airbnbs in each area.
As I’ve already said, being close to the tourist attractions, Downtown St. Louis is the best place to stay for first-timers. However, each neighborhood has its own vibe, so I let you decide on the area based on your priorities.
Just remember to book your stay in advance so you can get the best deal on a hotel!
If you have trouble picking among the many hotel options, here are my 2 favorite hotels in St. Louis that have convenient locations and good reviews:
- Four Seasons St. Louis – The best luxury hotel to stay in Downtown St. Louis with an amazing rooftop pool and city views
- Drury Plaza Arch – A great place to stay in St. Louis Downtown that has easy access to the tourist attractions
If you have any other suggestions or questions about St. Louis and Missouri, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below. I’ll be glad to leave a reply to them!
Have a great time in St. Louis,
Darija
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