Never was the invitation to meet me in St. Louis more inclusive than it is today. Not only is this vibrant city a point of embarkation for the renowned paddle wheeler cruise line, American Queen Voyages, but it recently celebrated the introduction of nonstop air service with Lufthansa to Frankfurt.
If you decide to stay in the central downtown area in proximity of the iconic Gateway Arch, you will be within blocks of major attractions. The St. Louis Union Station Hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is a game changer. Staying in a historic AAA Four Diamond property is a trip in itself. The architecture, history, dining and activities make this a destination well worth a stay. The rooms are modern, spacious, and comfortable. Designed for business and leisure, the rooms include all the expected amenities of the upscale Curio Collection including gracious, accommodating staff ready to give you some insight into the history of this landmark.If architecture is an interest, plan to take the neighborhood walking tour on Saturday at 10 AM. It starts outside the hotel lobby and familiarizes you with the significant points of interest surrounding the St. Louis Union Station Hotel down to the Arch. The Executive Lounge offers complimentary breakfast and all-day snacks in a spacious, private setting. The fitness center and pool will keep you energized and ready to hit the street.
After checking in and getting settled, plan to spend time in the Grand Hall of this 1894 St. Louis icon that hosts hourly 3D sound and light shows. The 7PM Beatles tribute is a personal favorite, but every hourly show is a delight.
Spend one evening dining at The Train Shed located on the property at the lake where hourly Fire and Light Shows run from 12PM – 9PM. The vibe is casual, and the cuisine is a mix of St. Louis classics and international favorites.
We started with an appetizer plate filled with toasted ravioli, homemade hummus and bruschetta. The beet salad and the seasonal berry salad were perfect sides for the salmon and pizza mains that were cooked to perfection. The gooey cake and chocolate lava cake ended a delicious St. Louis evening on a high note.
The Union Station compound includes not only the hotel but an entertainment center including the world class St. Louis Aquarium, the St. Louis Wheel, a Soda Fountain, mini golf and a carousel all set around a large koi pond.
When you can tear yourself away from the attractions of this property, the possibilities are endless. The Missouri Botanical Garden is a must in every season. The daily volunteer tours and tram rides as well as the “Climatron” geodesic dome with its tropical plantings is a refuge even in the cold of winter.
The St. Louis Cardinals’ Busch Stadium Tour and Museum is a revelation of facts and lore that is of interest to non-sports minded guests as well as avid fans.
In close walking distance is The Eugene Field Museum, a restored row house from the 1850’s. The guided tour gives insight into the lifestyle of a bygone era that still influences the architectural style of housing found in many parts of St. Louis.
A visit to the St. Louis Gateway Arch is a must. Completed in 1965 and made part of the Gateway National Park System in 2018, its historic significance is magnified by the scope of its views from the top. Designed to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase and our country’s westward expansion from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean, it is a tribute to the ingenuity, courage, and sacrifice of so many brave explorers and pioneers who made The United States what it is today.
A riverboat ride on a paddle wheeler located near the Gateway Arch will give you an idea of how important the Mississippi River is to the commercial success of the region and country. Check out Gateway Arch Riverboats.
Having just scratched the surface of the downtown area, a trip back to St. Louis will guarantee countless additional discoveries, experiences and dining pleasures to ensure a worthwhile return to this big city with gracious small-town hospitality.
