Located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, the Hilton St. Louis Downtown at the Arch is located in the former Merchants Laclede Building. The Greek Revival building dates back to 1889 and St. Louis’ thriving economic days when it was a bank. After a major renovation in 2014, the bank was turned into a boutique hotel for the Hilton chain.
The large lobby and ground floor level is marble, with some of the features from its days as a bank. Columns have been retained and the former bank vaults have been turned into a gift shops and business center. It gives new meaning to the phrase “it’s in the vault.”
Although at times it might feels like you’re at a teller’s cage at your bank, the front desk staff is quick with a smile and helpful answers and recommendations.
I stayed in an entry level King room, with decor of sage green, off white, and beige. It was a great room for a business travel, a large work desk and and well placed plug ins, and the high ceilings made it feel more spacious than it was. The windows were high and narrow, and were decorative, but didn’t let in a lot of light. If you like a bright room, consider requesting a corner room. All rooms have refrigerators, complimentary bottled water, and 37-inch flat screen televisions. Bathrooms have granite counters and upscale amenities. Wi-fi is available for purchase.
The Hilton St. Louis Downtown at the Arch has attractive packages and amenities for families, ranging from special family rates, available playpens and cribs, and children’s menus. Since St. Louis boasts a large number of free attractions, it becomes a very family friendly choice for vacation.
And if your definition of family includes your four-legged fur baby, the Hilton is a pet friendly hotel and offers special treatment for your pet. A $50 non-refundable deposit applies.
The fitness center is open 24 hours, a nice feature when you need to burn off some jet lag. The front desk offered helpful suggestions for running and walking routes.
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The Merchant’s Lounge, located just off the lobby, is a good spot to meet up with people, whether you’re staying in for a drink or heading out for a day of exploration. Lunch is also served here. A Starbuck’s is also located in another corner of the lobby. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served at 400 Olive.
One of the best things about this hotel is its location.The downtown historic district put you in close proximity to many of the city’s significant attractions. The Gateway Arch (for which it is named, Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village, the adjacent America’s Center Convention Complex, along with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes, are all nearby.
The hotel is about 15 miles from the airport. You can opt for a cab (about $45), or take the Metro Link to the 8th & Pine stop, about four blocks away ($4). With easy access and lots of nearby attractions, this is a good city to go go car-free.
The Hilton St. Louis Downtown at the Arch is located at 400 Olive Steet in St. Louis. The main entrance to the hotel, however, is at 210 4th Street. Rates start at about $149 per night, double occupancy. Valet parking is $30/night and self parking is $23/night. You can compare rates and make a reservation through one of the many booking sites such as Hilton.com or Booking.com.
