Best Hotels in St. Louis

St. Louis has an unusually good stock of historic building conversions — the city’s population decline from its 1950 peak left a large inventory of well-built 19th- and early 20th-century commercial and industrial structures available for adaptive reuse. The result is a downtown hotel scene with more architectural character than comparable Midwestern cities. Washington Avenue (the “Loft District”) has the densest cluster of boutique properties; the Central West End and Clayton suburbs offer smaller, more residential options near Forest Park.

Downtown and Washington Avenue

The Last Hotel — 1501 Washington Ave. A 2018 conversion of the International Shoe Company headquarters (1906), once the world’s largest shoe manufacturer. The 142 rooms retain the original building’s industrial character: exposed concrete ceilings, factory windows, and materials that reference the building’s manufacturing history. The Laces bar and the rooftop pool are the standout amenities. The Washington Ave Loft District is walkable from the hotel. From approximately $130–$210 per night as of 2026.

Angad Arts Hotel — 3550 Samuel Shepard Dr, Grand Center Arts District. A 146-room art hotel in the city’s arts and culture district, where rooms are themed around colour-coded emotional states (Exuberance, Tranquility, etc.). The art curation is more serious than the concept sounds; the location places guests within walking distance of the Fox Theatre, Powell Hall, and the Fabulous Fox. From approximately $150–$250 per night.

Marriott St. Louis Grand — 800 Washington Ave. A 1917 building that served as the Statler Hotel, converted to a Marriott Grand property in a substantial 2017 renovation. 917 rooms; the largest hotel in the city. Connected to the America’s Center Convention Complex via skywalk. From approximately $140–$220 per night.

21c Museum Hotel St. Louis — 1528 Locust St. A contemporary art hotel in a 1914 building; the in-house gallery is open 24 hours and exhibits rotating work. 173 rooms. Consistently one of the more interesting hotel experiences available downtown. From approximately $160–$260 per night.

The Cheshire — 6300 Clayton Ave, near Forest Park. A Tudor Revival complex (the original building from 1923) that operated as a motor court before its 2018 renovation into a full-service boutique hotel. 107 rooms; the Fox & Hounds English-style pub on site is one of the better hotel bars in St. Louis. Located 3 miles from downtown, close to Forest Park and the Central West End restaurant district. From approximately $140–$230 per night.

Near Forest Park and Central West End

Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta — 212 N Kingshighway Blvd, Central West End. The largest hotel in the Central West End, a 1922 apartment hotel in operation since as a hotel since 1929. 270 rooms; two pools (outdoor and indoor), a movie theatre within the building, and a spa. Location on the eastern edge of Forest Park makes it the most convenient hotel for the Art Museum, Zoo, and History Museum. From approximately $160–$280 per night.

Napoleon’s Retreat B&B — 1815 Lafayette Ave, Lafayette Square. A Victorian townhouse B&B with 5 rooms in the Lafayette Square historic district, approximately 2 miles south of downtown. From approximately $120–$160 per night; breakfast included. Niche option for visitors who prefer neighbourhood atmosphere over downtown amenities.

Near the Arch and Riverfront

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch — 315 Chestnut St. The closest major hotel to the Gateway Arch, with views of the Arch from upper-floor rooms on the east side of the building. 910 rooms; connected to the Ballpark Village entertainment complex adjacent to Busch Stadium. From approximately $150–$260 per night.

Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark — 1 S Broadway, Ballpark Village. Attached to Ballpark Village and within a 5-minute walk of Busch Stadium. The primary choice for Cardinals game visits. From approximately $140–$230 per night; prices spike significantly on game days.

Clayton (St. Louis County)

Clayton is the county seat of St. Louis County, approximately 7 miles west of downtown — an upscale commercial district with several business-travel hotels. It is a more residential area than downtown but has good restaurant density.

Sevens — 7777 Bonhomme Ave, Clayton. A 25-room boutique property in the heart of Clayton with a restaurant and bar that function as neighbourhood social anchors. From approximately $160–$250 per night.

Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis — 100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton. The metro area’s luxury standard-bearer, in a high-rise tower at the western end of Clayton’s commercial strip. 301 rooms; full spa, indoor pool. From approximately $250–$450 per night.

Budget and Extended Stay

HI St. Louis Hostel — 1908 S 12th St, Soulard. A 45-bed hostel in a converted Victorian house in the Soulard neighbourhood, walking distance from the blues clubs and Soulard Market. Dormitory beds from approximately $35–$50 per night; private rooms from approximately $80–$100 as of 2026.

Residence Inn by Marriott St. Louis Downtown — 525 S 4th St. Extended-stay format with kitchenette-equipped rooms — useful for longer visits where self-catering matters. From approximately $120–$180 per night.

Choosing Where to Stay

Stay downtown for proximity to the Arch, Busch Stadium, City Museum, and the Washington Avenue restaurant and bar scene. The Last Hotel and 21c are the most interesting options.

Stay in the Central West End / near Forest Park if the itinerary centres on the Art Museum, Zoo, Missouri History Museum, and the CWE dining district. The Chase Park Plaza is the most convenient anchor.

Stay in Clayton for business travel or visits that are more suburban in character (the Clayton and Ladue restaurant cluster, suburban day trips). The Ritz-Carlton is the area’s best.

Booking Notes

St. Louis hotel demand peaks for Cardinals home games (April–September), with the biggest spikes around Opening Day, division rivals, and postseason if the Cardinals qualify. Mardi Gras in Soulard — the second-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States — fills nearby hotels well in advance, typically in February. Outside these windows, St. Louis hotels offer competitive rates relative to other Midwestern cities.