As with most major tourist destinations, summer is peak season for St. Louis. Expect higher accommodation prices and larger crowds from May to August, and be careful to avoid popular festivals like Mardi Gras during the spring. The city's off-peak season is in December when you can find some of the best hotel rates, but remember that St. Louis experiences long, cold winters that may not be ideal for sightseeing.The shoulder seasons from January to April and September to November offer affordable rates and better weather, depending on when you visit. Also, keep in mind that hotels raise their prices during Cardinal home games and major conventions. Planning your vacation around major events will ensure the lowest rates and least amount of people. Regardless, St. Louis is a reasonable destination year-round, so you can't go wrong with planning a visit.
If you plan your trip in advance and know where to look, you can take advantage of special deals throughout St. Louis. For instance, the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission frequently offers discounts and travel packages that can help you save money on your hotel, Metro passes, and attractions. You also don't want to miss the city's numerous free attractions, including the St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Zoo, Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour, and the Missouri History Museum.In addition, many accommodations offer military and AARP discounts. Simply contact your preferred hotel to inquire about any special rates. In most cases, booking at least three weeks in advance will save you money regardless, as hotels tend to raise the prices for last-minute bookings.If you're planning a romantic getaway or honeymoon, many St. Louis accommodations offer romance packages. While these packages vary by hotel, they include amenities, such as a stay in an upgraded suite, late checkout, complimentary champagne, a box of chocolates, and other gifts.
St. Louis, Missouri, is packed with plenty of mid-range accommodations that offer you a great value for your money. The Omni Majestic Hotel is inside a beautifully restored historic building that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can enjoy a boutique luxury experience with a charming atmosphere, a state-of-the-art fitness center, room service, and the on-site Mahogany Grill restaurant – all for less than you'd pay at higher end hotels.For a modern high-rise experience, book a room at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. A mere four-minute walk from Busch Stadium, this accommodation features airport shuttle service, room service, a shoeshine stand, lounge, bar area, gift shop, business center, indoor pool, fitness room, and children's activities, making it a great option for solo travelers, couples, and families.Another high-rise option is the Crowne Plaza St. Louis-Downtown, which is situated on the Mississippi River. This mid-range hotel offers many conveniences, including available parking and valet service, Wi-Fi access, a Club Floor Lounge, full business services, and in-room dining. While it may be tempting to order room service, the on-site Union Grill is a must as it offers fabulous views of the St. Louis Arch and Mississippi River.
Knowing how to explore St. Louis like a local can help get you off the crowded tourist path and introduce you to some fascinating and quirky experiences. For instance, did you know that St. Louis is incredibly pet-friendly? In addition to its many pet-friendly hotels, St. Louis offers a number of attractions designed for both you and your canine companion.The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog is the world's only museum dedicated to canines, and its gift shop offers a variety of items for both you and your pet. What other fine arts museum not only allows you to bring along your dog, but also provides your pet with water and treats?Another insider tip worth knowing is the fact that St. Louis boasts more free attractions than anywhere else in the country.In addition to the St. Louis Zoo, take the family to Grant's Farm, Purina Farms, and the World Bird Sanctuary to observe barnyard animals and wildlife. If you prefer museums and historic sites, don't forget Camp River Dubois - Lewis & Clark Illinois State Historic Site, the MOTO Museum, the National Great Rivers Museum, and the Laumeier Sculpture Park and Museum. Downtown's Citygarden is also a must. You can even download the free iPhone app to learn more about the space as you tour Citygarden, which includes an interactive audio tour.
Below are reviews of the city of Saint Louis, MO from an actual visitor's perspective.
We love the Cardinals and Ballpark Village.
Unable to see St. Louis. Brother was having surgery at Barns Hospital.
Convenience of everything.
So many good restaurants, zoo is fun, arch is amazing.
We went to St. Louis for the Lauren Daigle concert.
I loved learning about the history from 1050 to the present!
Missouri Botanical Garden.
Lots of things to see and do!
St. Louis offers many amenities for a family. It is a wonderful city to visit.
Downtown and the food were excellent.
Metro is efficient.
Easy walking distance to Bush Stadium.
Great local life downtown and shows. I like running in the city early on the weekends when I stay downtown before the city wakes up. Through the ballpark to a little past Union Station. I want to check out a soccer game as the facility and area looks fantastic. It appears there was a running trail by the soccer stadium, right past Union Station that I didn't get to it.
We were there for the hospital so it was nice to have a comfortable place to relax.
Lots of history and the upkeep of the old buildings was very nice!
We like the City Museum, Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Science Center.
Muny Opera, Zoo and Barnes Hospital.
St. Louis is a favorite destination for live music. It offers a variety for couples or families. Lots to do anytime of the year.
We were attending Arch Madness. St Louis is a great place to visit as there is always something to do
Clean room, bed comfortable Actually the hotel was what I liked most.
It has a lot to offer for entertainment!
Dining places were very good!
Dining places were very good!
The museums, the blues music, restaurants and the Arch Way Monument including the Riverboat Ride were all memorable experiences!
Attractions are close with easy access.
The zoo and exploring downtown was great!
The people were truly friendly and we all blended really well a the bar/ arcade, and a bar called Troops, a great place with all ethnicities hangout together, laughing and having good old fun.
The hotel was close to shopping great food and fun.
Six Flags was awesome!
Zoo! it's Free!
I live here in St. Louis and I just reserved it for my family reunion.
There are so many great options for student appropriate experiences. My students enjoyed a Cardinals game, St. Louis Zoo, Science Museum, Arch and Riverboat Cruise, City Museum, and a show at the Muny.
Metro link. It allowed us to commute from the airport and the convention center.
Very easy to go sightseeing with an all day pass on the metro link. The Arch, Union Station, Beer tour, and Cathedral were all great sites to visit.
Nice hotel accommodations and It's a great city to be in.
Easy access to the convention center, the famous Arch. Restaurants in and around the convention center.
I came for a convention. Did not see much of the city, mostly the area around the hotel and convention center. I felt safe, and really enjoyed the area near the hotel. There were many choices for entertainment.
Six flags, Busch farm and brewery.
Lots to see and do within walking distance. Nice city views! Good restaurants! Loved it!
The people were so friendly. All the adults with the group noticed and said, "No one is in a hurry here, it seems more relaxed here!"
We attended the First Robotics Competition at the Edward George Dome and had a very good time. Some of our group walked around downtown and ate some good BBQ.
Enjoyed the science center, city museum and the zoo
The charm of older architecture mixed with contemporary buildings was well thought out. Public transportation needs more investment to be comparable to other metropolitan cities of its size.
We enjoyed visiting the Busch Stadium.
Loved the arch and city museum. Recommend both!
The banquet manager karen was professional and pleasant. Location with train and trolley was great transportation.
The architecture
Forest Park was my favorite attraction. We spent most of our time there.
It's my hometown I know what it's like and I love it.
City Museum is a must do! The Arch and Six Flags were also a big hit with high school group
Clean city, a lot to do
We were guests of the Missouri History Museum on Sunday. That was awesome.
The food in St. Louis is great.
Loved the City Museum, but go prepared to wear yourself out. Also enjoyed the Zoo.
“The Gateway to the West” centrally located with the St. Louis America's Center Convention Complex, arch, zoo, forest park, museums, restaurants, unique shops, lodging and nightlife. Home of the St. Louis Cardinals, Blues and Rams Sports Teams.
Our family was able to splurge on some STL Finest (carriage ride), brunch at Sweetie Pies Upper Crust, not to mention the beautiful wedding at The Bluffs on Broadway (which is the sole reason for the family gathering)! The family also were in walking distance of Lumiere Casino for the older family gamblers. The younger crowd hung out at BallPark Village. Nonetheless, there was something for everyone!
Enjoyed Sweetie Pies, Six Flags, the Zoo and the Outlet Malls.
Ted Drewes, Ballpark Village, and The Landing are all great sites to visit.
The City Museum & the Cardinals game was great. The walk to/from the hotel to both was a little scary but other than horrible baseball weather, we had a good time.
Visited the Union Station area. It was active, interesting and event focused.
Busch Stadium, Bar 350, and the zoo were all great experiences!
Our trip required attendance to the USFirst FRC robotics World Finals competition at Edward Jones Dome each day. We found the restaurants within walking distance most delicious! The cobblestone roads and historic buildings were quite interesting. The construction near the arch was a little annoying but understand that it's going to be much better when finished. The police presence was reassuring given the amount of kids involved at the event.
Edward Jones Arena, Spaghetti Factory, and the Arch were fantastic to visit.
If ever in the area, be sure to check out Sweetie Pie's, the best soul food you will ever eat. There are also the malls, shopping, and the casinos.
The City Museum is definitely worth the visit.
I always enjoy getting away from home. St. Louis has a lot to offer. Went shopping at the West County mall and came out with two bags of gifts for loved ones. Thoroughly enjoyed myself. Looking forward to return visit.
I like the White County mall and being able to go to Sweetie Pie's in the Upper Crust.
There is plenty to do and see.
Many places for our school trip to visit.
Saint Louis was a great place to visit.
The city of Saint Louis, MO offers the Arch, Helicopter rides and great food.
It is a great city with many things to do. Check out Six Flags, riverboat ride, Gateway arch and a Cardinals game. All great experiences and great people!
There are always more things to do there with your family than you can do in one weekend. I like being able to get to most attractions by walking. It is also fun to discover new and exciting places to eat.
I loved the opera Theater of St. Louis, at Webster University in Webster Groves
It was clean! Everywhere we went in the city, it was clean.
The arch was my favorite thing. And Sweetie Pies was yummy!!
There is so much to do, great restaurants and bars, the Arch is an excellent experience, the City Museum is outstanding, the Missouri Botanical Garden is beautiful. Definitely there is a lot to do in St Louis.
BB's Jazz Club, The Gateway Arch/Riverboat ride, City Museum and Busch Stadium Tour were all great.
Always a great time in the great city of St. Louis!