Cosmic Influences at the Moonrise Hotel in St. Louis

What’s not to love about a hotel where a “Manager of Desires” is on call?  Okay, so you really get the concierge desk when you push the button at the Moonrise Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. It’s the idea that someone has obviously had some fun and paid attention to the details at this boutique lunar-themed hotel with the world’s largest man-made moon rotating on top of it.

Located in the city’s trendy Delmar Loop neighborhood, the AAA Four Diamond Moonrise Hotel is actually the quirky sophisticated product of a creative Delmar Loop promoter—Joe Edwards. Edwards just also happens to be a moon and space lover—and his hotel showcases some of the coolest vintage intergalactic collections of toys you’re apt to see anywhere. (And there’s a well thought out little gift shop of retro space toys like metal wind-up robots, ray guns and laser rocket pens for sale.)

But I digress. The eight-story (125 rooms) hotel is fun without being kitschy. It’s stylish and uncluttered. Framed vintage moon related artwork as well as actual photos of the moon are strategically placed throughout the hotel and rooms. There’s even a photo of astronaut Neil Armstrong with Edwards on display in the lobby—along with items that made the first trip to the moon! (Did I say Edwards is a serious moon memorabilia collector?)

Room categories include Superior Kings (or Double Queens), Jacuzzi Kings and 10 “Walk of Fame Suites” named after famed St. Louis stars (ie Vincent Price, Shelley Winters). My room was a Superior King on the 6^th floor and I liked it a lot. There was a small entry way where the coffee maker and refrigerator were tucked away as well as the closet (with iron and ironing board), plus a handy little shelf for keys, etc.

The carpeted room was spacious with a loveseat, plasma t.v. and desk area. I loved the comfy King bed and linens, plus extra touches like a Nomedics noise machine, and outlets on the bedside lamps for plugging in phones, ipads, etc. There’s turndown service which includes the next day’s weather info and phase of the moon noted (of course), plus free Wifi throughout. Added security: Guest key cards are needed for the elevator to get to your floor.

 

The bathrooms are 21^st century upscale with rain showers, H20 amenities, soft towels and luxurious robes (I’m still thinking of ordering one, I loved it that much.)  Rates for specials on mid-week rooms can start as low as $129 depending on the season and go upwards.

In the bright full- windowed lobby, an open staircase flashes neon colors and there’s plenty of George Jetson inspired space-aged furniture for lounging. Besides a complimentary coffee station set up for guests near the check in desk, the hotel is pet-friendly, so there’s even dog and cat dishes with treats set out.

The Moonrise prides itself on being one of the region’s leading “green” hotels too—including the use of solar panels that power its entire rooftop bar –and the rotating moon atop. Oh, and if you need your electric car re-charged, they offer a charging station as well. Although I did not eat dinner at the hotel’s Eclipse Restaurant, I did have breakfast there; a bar/lounge is adjacent and it’s another spot worth checking out: more moon-related memorabilia on display too.

If you’re lucky enough to be staying here (or plan wisely enough) for a Wednesday night in the middle of the month, the hotel offers packages that include a concert by The Father of Rock and Roll, Chuck Berry at nearby Blueberry Hill Restaurant and Music Club. (It’s fantastic!) Afterwards, a cocktail on the Moonrise Hotel’s rooftop bar under that rotating moon should not be missed. Like the hotel, it’s totally cosmic.

Reservations can be made and more hotel information can be found on the website. Compare rates at Hotels.com.

Review and photos by Donna Tabbert Long who was a guest of the hotel while in St. Louis for a conference.