Weekend in St. Louis

[Jaralen]

Planning a mini vacation to St. Louis next weekend with the kids, any help or suggestions on hotels in the Zoo area that are not too expensive with a pool would be greatly appreciated. Usually when we go, it's with other family members or friends and the cost is split. We can't really do a big spring break vacation because we are saving up for a christmas vacation but we wanted to do some little something with the kids and they are excited at just being able to swim and get out of the house. I've been looking at few places and just when I think I found something I read the reviews and get disappointed. TIA for any help or suggestions!!

 

[SarahKate]

We live in central IL and go to St. Louis several weekends a year.

I provide content for a local family resource website and a I wrote a post about things to do in St. Louis. Here is the link if you'd like to take a look: http://springfieldmoms.org/st-louis-day-trips-and-attractions/

We usually stay out in the suburbs when we go, so I am not that familiar w/ the hotels in Forest Park. But I will tell you that Drury Hotels are THE BEST. As far as family friendliness goes - free long distance, wi-fi, great pools, free hot breakfast, evenings snacks/drinks etc. And the hotels are always very clean. You would think I work for Drury but I really don't!!!

I just put in a random date for their Forest Park location and the cheapest rate I found was 109 a nite which is a little high for them. But it's going to be higher since it's a new hotel plus it's in a "touristy" area.

I think you would find better rates out in the suburbs (which are still easy to get to places, everything's pretty easy to get to in STL), but then again it's spring break time so places might be higher.

Take a look at the link and you'll see all KINDS of other things to do. One hot spot for us is Yucandu which is an art studio where you make your own creations. Very funky and cool. We were actually just there this past weekend and DD7 painted a paper mache skull (yes, a skull!). The pic next to the Yucandu blurb is my daughter.

Might also consider Grant's Farm, as it is FREE to get into (there's a fee for parking but I don't think it was too expensive)....it's a lot easier to manage than the zoo (STL zoo is wonderful but it's just so big!). Plus, grownups can get free alcohol samples!

Magic House is a really great experience, in the event of inclement weather this weekend. I think there's a link on the article w/ coupons and you can get buy one get one free tickets. Just get there when they open or soon after because it gets busy fast!

Fitz's has always been one of our fave places to take DD. It's very reasonably priced, and you can watch them bottle root beer. Great food too!!!

As for the highway information, I need to update that because I-64 is now open!

I know this is a lot of information, but you can tell we love coming to STL!!! We even bought our new car there last weekend. Good luck in whatever you decide and let me know if you're wondering about anything else. I'm sure STL residents will be able to give you some great info as well!!!!

 

[WizardLarz]

Not really. The closest one that might be inexpensive is the Dury Inn at Union Station.

From the west you might want to check is the Chesterfield Valley area there are several hotels right off the highway there and it is a straight shot 25 mintues from the Zoo.

If your coming from east of St. Louis look into the Fairview Heights Area also about 25 minutes from the Zoo.

SarahKate must have been typing at the samie time as me! The Science Center is across the highway near the Zoo and currently has a big Dino Show!

 

[SarahKate]

Yes, Chesterfield! I wasn't going to recommend because it's out of the city a bit and OP wanted closer to the zoo area, but this is where we stay pretty much every time (Drury, of course). It is right on I-64 and pp was right, it's about 25 minutes. Easy drive to anywhere, just avoid rush hour times.

This one is a Drury Plaza which is a step up from a regular one. I just checked and tried the "stlfun" promotional code and it worked - showing a rate of $79.99 a ntie (put in 3/20), which is fantastic. You would NOT be disappointed here. All the extras you get, I don't know how they can be that cheap. Between the free breakfast and free food in the evenings (not full on meals, but you could get away with eating dinner there - chicken strips, hot dogs, that kind of stuff), you could really save some money. And each adult gets free alcoholic drinks every evening as well.

Also, you have Trader Joe's just down the road and are across the street from Chesterfield Mall which is one of the best malls in St. Louis area. Also, this one has a Cheesecake Factory. Yum. Oh, let me wipe away that drool. We don't actually eat there often, but will stop and pick up cheesecake to bring back to the hotel. If you keep going west on I-64 they have a super, super long strip mall with lots of shops and restaurants (including Chick-Fil-A, which is always a novelty for us!).

Chesterfield also down the road from the Butterfly House, but to me it's a little expensive unless you have a coupon.

Good luck!!!

 

[SnowWhitee]

I grew up in the St. Louis burbs and now live in the next county to the West/Northwest (St. Charles). You've already gotten a lot of great suggestions. Check out the www.explorestlouis.com site under 'visitors'. You will see all sorts of things to do for families, kids, adults, etc. You can also look at hotel info.

You might already know this, but the zoo admission is free. There is a charge for parking if you use one of their lots, but you can also park alongside the road in Forest Park for free. They also charge if you want extras like sea lion show, train ride, carousel ride, etc. But just to look at all the animals is free - and that can take you all day. Food is pricey, but if you pack a picnic lunch you could tailgate or eat in Forest Park outside the zoo.

Forest Park also holds the History Museum and Art Museum, both of which have free admission.

The City Museum is popular with kids, but does charge admission and parking. If you have young kids I must say it's hard to keep track of them if it's busy, so fair warning. The Magic House can be like that too if it's real busy.

Have fun!

 

[Stargazer]

Also - don't forget that you can bid on priceline.com - I book all of our hotels this way when we go for Cardinals games.

My tip is to narrow it down to 3-star hotels in the Westport-Chesterfield area and bid between $40-48 (I've always had luck in that price range - will be $53-60 after taxes are added in).

You honestly can't go wrong with whatever hotel accepts your bid in that category -- we've stayed at the Courtyard Marriott and Doubletree in the past and on our next trip, we're staying at the Residence Inn (all-suites and free breakfast).

I would just second the advice given by OP about attractions - especially the science museum and the zoo.

 

[Alesia]

Look at hotwire.com for your hotel. We're going to St. Louis next week and got a room at the Hilton at the Ballpark for $57 per night.

 

[Jaralen]

Thank you so much for all your info and advice. I'm definitly checking into the Drury hotels, so far it's been the better deal with the breakfast and snacks. I was first looking at the one in Fairview Heights, but will definitly check on the Drury plaza in chesterfield as well. Thanks for all the info on what to do, the plan is the zoo and museums, possibly Grant's farm(the free stuff), and I will check out your page Sarahkate. I haven't been to Hotwire.com yet so will be heading there and check on the bidding on Priceline. I'm so excited now, so much to do, don't know where to start. Will let you know our final plans and good deals I find. Now I just have to wait until next Thursday when we plan on leaving, that will be the hard part...lol

 

[beansmom]

DH seconds the City Museum...he went last summer and really enjoyed it. And he's just a kid of 65!

 

[SarahKate]

Be sure to give us a trip report afterwards!!! STL is a great city to visit, I'm sure you'll have a fun time!!!

Just my personal opinion but we like the Chesterfield area wayyyyy better than Fairview Heights. There's just a lot more there. Plus, F.H. gets extremely congested on the weekend and there's not that much in the way of shops and restaurants aside from the mall. And the Drury in Chesterfield is the "newer concept" and more upscale whereas F.H. is the original one....just my 2 cents!

There's sooooo much you can do there, it's just a matter of finding out what you think your kids will enjoy most.

 

[Mammaz]

You might look into the Hampton Inns. We always stay at the Hampton Inn downtown and walk everywhere. There is also a Hampton Inn at Forest Park. St. Louis is a great place to visit and lots of stuff is free to do.

 

[hsmamato2]

subbing...BTW love the springfield mom blog.....

 

[jgates]

We have often stayed in either St. Charles (Fairfield) or Fairview Hts also. Kind of opposite ends of the city, but St. Louis is easy to travel thru. We have normally stayed at Fairfield Inn, however that is because we have no Drurys around here so I want to get my points at a chain I can use them at later.

We also love Grants Farm, but I don't believe it opens until April - check their website - may have limited weekend hours. However, you should be able to glimpse a Clydesdale on the brewery tour.

We love to wander the shops in St. Charles, go to the Arch, tour the Brewery (you also get 2 samples there after tour), visit Ted Drewes for frozen custard (website says its open for season at main location on Chippewa), Cahokia Mounds, riverboat tour (prob not open for season yet). The National Museum of Transport is interesting (SW area of St. L), but focuses mainly on trains.

 

[deerhart]

Yes, Chesterfield! I wasn't going to recommend because it's out of the city a bit and OP wanted closer to the zoo area, but this is where we stay pretty much every time (Drury, of course). It is right on I-64 and pp was right, it's about 25 minutes. Easy drive to anywhere, just avoid rush hour times.

This one is a Drury Plaza which is a step up from a regular one. I just checked and tried the "stlfun" promotional code and it worked - showing a rate of $79.99 a ntie (put in 3/20), which is fantastic. You would NOT be disappointed here. All the extras you get, I don't know how they can be that cheap. Between the free breakfast and free food in the evenings (not full on meals, but you could get away with eating dinner there - chicken strips, hot dogs, that kind of stuff), you could really save some money. And each adult gets free alcoholic drinks every evening as well.

Also, you have Trader Joe's just down the road and are across the street from Chesterfield Mall which is one of the best malls in St. Louis area. Also, this one has a Cheesecake Factory. Yum. Oh, let me wipe away that drool. We don't actually eat there often, but will stop and pick up cheesecake to bring back to the hotel. If you keep going west on I-64 they have a super, super long strip mall with lots of shops and restaurants (including Chick-Fil-A, which is always a novelty for us!).

Chesterfield also down the road from the Butterfly House, but to me it's a little expensive unless you have a coupon.

Good luck!!!

LOL, guess I am spoiled because I live out here and this is all normal to us! We think the West County mall is actually nicer then Chesterfield since the update (chesterfield has WAY to many teens in it at night etc)

Chesterfield Valley is WONDERFUL! It has Walmart, target, tons of places to eat etc.. Also there is a choice hotel right down the road (at Chesterfield Airport Road and 109) that is pretty convenient.

Usually when my relatives come down they end up staying at a hotel around Westport (I-270 and I 70 intersection area).

Also, if your heading to the zoo, don't go the Hampton exit. They put in a roundabout and its making traffic into the zoo area a nightmare (we were there 2 weekends ago and it took us over 40 minutes to get through traffic and we ended up parking below Art Hill and hiking to the zoo). A better option is to come in from the Skinker side and it will probably be much easier to find street parking from there, especially if the weather is nice.

From Chesterfield valley to the zoo without traffic on highway 40 (driving at about 65) you will hit the Forest Park area in about 15 minutes (it only takes me about 20 minutes, on weekdays heading down to Clayton).

Grant's Farm doesn't open until mid to late April.

At Forest Park, the zoo, science center, art museum, and history museum are all free.

Out in the chesterfield area, Faust park has the butterfly house (it runs about $5-$7 per person to enter) and the St. Louis Carousel (las we were there rides were $1.00 per person). There are also a number of parks - Rockwood Preserve, Babler Park etc that all have hiking trails, some have horseback riding etc.. (if its good weather)

Fitz is wonderful, but VERY VERY busy. It is down in the Delmar loop and well Delmar is not always appropriate for young kids, especially on a weekend night (lots and lots of college kids and lots of bars).

I'll be happy to answer any questions, point ya in the right direction etc about stuff to do, areas... Also with te Arch you want to buy your tickets ahead of time
http://ticketsforthearch.com/ecom/eacts/home.do?groupSearchId=2&storeName=arch&brandId=arch

because otherwise you could end up with a LONG wait if your going to go to the top

 

[SarahKate]

subbing...BTW love the springfield mom blog.....

Thank you for the kind words! We just love going to STL so much, this was a wonderful outlet for me to tell people what we know. If you're in the Central IL area, definitely subscribe to the e-updates because there's always great information there.

Oh, and thanks pp for mentioning hours for Grant's Farm - just looked and you are right, they don't open til mid-April.

STL zoo is a really good zoo, one of the best in the country. Nice that it's free, but if you can't find parking on the street you'll have to pay for parking, and there are several things w/i the zoo that are an extra charge - so it really could end up being an expensive day if you do any extra things (and eat there!). We just don't go all that often because it's sooooo big and we don't want to spend an entire day at one place since our time is limited.

I also forgot about the Botanical Gardens.....it's a really beautiful place and they have a newer Children's Garden which has lots and lots of fun things for them to climb on, as well as a "surprise fountain" (not sure if that's open yet though). You can usually find coupons for discounted admission. Looks like admission is 13 for adults and 5 for kids 3-12. You could probably spend a good part of the day here, and there's also a restaurant which has decent food and isn't too badly priced.

Oh, enough already.....I just keep adding more!

 

[deerhart]

STL zoo is a really good zoo, one of the best in the country. Nice that it's free, but if you can't find parking on the street you'll have to pay for parking, and there are several things w/i the zoo that are an extra charge - so it really could end up being an expensive day if you do any extra things (and eat there!). We just don't go all that often because it's sooooo big and we don't want to spend an entire day at one place since our time is limited.

I also forgot about the Botanical Gardens.....it's a really beautiful place and they have a newer Children's Garden which has lots and lots of fun things for them to climb on, as well as a "surprise fountain" (not sure if that's open yet though). You can usually find coupons for discounted admission. Looks like admission is 13 for adults and 5 for kids 3-12. You could probably spend a good part of the day here, and there's also a restaurant which has decent food and isn't too badly priced.

Mo Bot gardens are open year round. I believe right now they are still having their orchid show. Its like $4 per person for admission (its the only thing in the museum district that charges admission).

As for the zoo, if your going to to all the extras (kids zoo, rr etc) then get the wristband which is like $10 or $12 per person. Much cheaper then buying everything separately. Things like the Insect House are now free. Food is VERY expensive at the zoo (we usually eat before we go). Lots and lots of people will pack picnics and leave it in their car then just leave the zoo to eat and have a picnic in the park!

Also there are paddle boat rentals for some of the "lakes" in Forest Park and you can go visit places like the World's Fair Pavilion (just down from the zoo), the Muny, etc.. LOTS of history in Forest Park.

 

[Jaralen]

Had a blast! Thank you again to everyone who gave advice and suggestions. We went to the Science center and City Museum(pretty cool). The Drury Inn was awesome and it totally spoiled us, don't know if we could stay anywhere else..lol It was too cool to go to the zoo so we will just have to go back...

 

[SarahKate]

Yay you! So glad that you had a good time!!! We haven't taken our DD7 in a long time to City Museum, but I definitely want to take her one of our upcoming trips. Did you go to the roof? I hear it's crazy up there.

Glad you enjoyed the Drury. See why I'm always plugging it? The ones in St. Louis are especially nice (most anyway, there are a few that haven't been remodeled). Which one did you stay at?

Now you're making us want to plan our next trip!

 

[Juliet25]

Thank you so much for all your info and advice. I'm definitly checking into the Drury hotels, so far it's been the better deal with the breakfast and snacks. I was first looking at the one in Fairview Heights, but will definitly check on the Drury plaza in chesterfield as well. Thanks for all the info on what to do, the plan is the zoo and museums, possibly Grant's farm(the free stuff), and I will check out your page Sarahkate. I haven't been to Hotwire.com yet so will be heading there and check on the bidding on Priceline. I'm so excited now, so much to do, don't know where to start. Will let you know our final plans and good deals I find. Now I just have to wait until next Thursday when we plan on leaving, that will be the hard part...lol

There's a new Drury hotel on Hampton (in the city) at the I-44 exit. It's close to Forest Park and the botanical gardens. Plus it has plenty of parking spaces available.

 

[EllenFrasier]

Now I've got that song "meet me in St. Louie, Louie meet me at the fair" from Judy Garland's movie, stuck in my head!!!