Where To Stay in St Louis, MO [5 BEST Neighborhoods!]

St. Louis is one of the largest cities in America’s Midwest and the largest city in Missouri. This sprawling metropolis has everything from great food, vibrant nightlife, green spaces, and world-class shopping.

But there is one problem with this city and that’s its sheer size. It can be difficult to decide where to stay in St Louis for your first visit or on a return trip. That’s why we’ve created this St Louis neighborhood guide. It will help you find the perfect place to stay for your trip without breaking the bank.

So, if you’re ready to explore St Louis on your next holiday, this is where you should base yourself for your trip.

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in St Louis

Where to Stay in St Louis

There are lots of great places to stay in St Louis, here are some of the best that we’ve found.

Best Airbnb in St Louis – Unique Carriage House

This studio is ideal when you’re trying to decide where to stay in St Louis for families as it fits up to five guests. It’s a fun and bright space that has a shared patio and garden, great for kids. You’ll have the entire guest suite to yourself and it has an open floor plan, games, local artwork, and plants to make your stay more colorful. Similarly, top-rated workflow tools for teams can create a fun and efficient environment for teams to collaborate and achieve their goals, making the process more colorful and organized, just like this vibrant space.

 

Best High End Airbnb in St Louis – Shaw Hidden Treasure

This apartment is a good choice if you’re trying to decide where to stay in St Louis for couples. It’s sleekly modern, with all new fixings and amenities, and has a brand new kitchen. It’s also within walking distance of lots of local restaurants, so you definitely won’t go hungry when you stay here!

 

Best Hotel in St Louis – Hyatt Regency St Louis

Located right in the heart of the city, this hotel has a little of everything. It’s close to local dining and shopping areas, and has its own coffee shop, two bars, and restaurants on-site. You can work out at the gym during your stay or just relax in the large, modern rooms with all the modern amenities.

 

St Louis Neighborhood Guide

St Louis is a huge city that covers 65 square miles and has 79 neighborhoods, each of them different. This can make it hard for you to find the best neighborhood in St Louis close to everything, but we’ve got your back.

The first area to look at is St Louis’s Downtown. Located in the east of the city, this area offers easy transport to other parts of the city, as well as lots of restaurants, shopping areas, and bars. All this makes it a good choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in St Louis for your first visit.

The second area to look at for accommodation is Benton Park. Busy and bustling, this a good choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in St Louis on a budget because it offers lots of cheaper accommodation options.

If you’re trying to find the best neighborhood in St Louis for families, then you should stay in The Loop. Located in the west of the city, it has a good combination of museums, galleries, restaurants, and shops to keep everyone happy and occupied.

Lafayette Square is the best neighborhood in St Louis for nightlife as it’s close to the Downtown area. It’s also a posh neighborhood with lots of tree-lined streets and a great atmosphere, so enjoy it.

And then finally we have Laclede’s Landing, one of the most historic areas in the city and offering a unique vibe and lots to see and do.

St Louis’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in:

Do you need more information before you decide where to stay in St Louis for families, couples, or on your own? Well, here’s some more information that might help you make a good choice.

Neighborhood#1 - Downtown

(Where to stay in St Louis first visit)

COOLEST thing to do in Downtown – Visit the National Blues Museum to learn more about this city’s most famous export
BEST place to visit in Downtown – The Peabody Opera House for the best performances and shows in the city

St Louis’s Downtown is a busy, modern center with numerous shops, restaurants, and accommodation options. If you’re looking to have a busy stay with lots to do, or won’t be spending too much time in the city and want to see as much as possible, this is the best choice for your trip.

The Downtown area is also a good choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in St Louis for nightlife, as the bars and clubs really come alive at night. You’ll have your choice of numerous hip clubs and will probably make a lot of new friends during your stay.

More awesome things to see and do in Downtown:

• Cheer your lungs out at a baseball game at Busch Stadium
• Get on the Downtown Trolley to see popular sites and get an overview of the city
• Take in the quirky and always changing displays at the City Museum
• Relax in the green space and check out the sculptures at the Citygarden Sculpture Park
• Head down to the Mural Mile for striking works by more than 250 graffiti artists
• See a show with Zi the Mentalist
• Have a delicious meal at Union 30, Sauce on the Side, or the Sugarfire Smoke House
• Head out for a few drinks at Jack Patrick’s Bar and Grill, Hair of the Dog, or The Red Kitchen and Bar

Where to Stay in Downtown

Best Airbnb in Downtown – Downtown Apartment

If you want to stay in the best neighborhood for nightlife, then check out this Downtown apartment. It’s within walking distance of the city center’s best attractions and perfect for up to two guests. The furnishings and spaces are clean and modern, plus there’s a gym and free parking in the building that you can use, as well.

Best High-End Airbnb in Downtown – Arch, Dome, Downtown Apartment

If you’re traveling with a group of friends or your family, this two-bedroom apartment has room for up to five guests. With industrial-chic decor, it’s steps from the city’s best restaurants, shops, and nightclubs. It has a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and a workstation in case you need to catch up on some work while you’re away.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Downtown – Embassy Suites Saint Louis

This hotel’s proximity to local restaurants and shops makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in St Louis close to everything. The rooms are large and modern and contain a microwave and mini-fridge, as well as a living area. During your stay, you can eat at the hotel’s restaurant or relax in the hot tub. You can also get in a few workouts at the fitness center so that you have more room for the local food!

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown – The Last Hotel

Ideal for families, singles, or business travelers, this hotel offers luxury accommodation in the heart of the city. It’s close to local attractions and offers a restaurant, swimming pool, fitness center, and bar on-site. The rooms are spacious, come in a variety of sizes, and have all the usual luxury amenities.

 

Neighborhood#2 - Benton Park

(Where to stay in St Louis on a budget)

COOLEST thing to do in Benton Park – Visit Cherokee Antique Row for history and unique boutiques and restaurants
BEST place to visit in Benton Park – The Little Mexico neighborhood, for unique food and culture

If you’d like to be out of the busiest part of the city and maybe spend a little less cash for your stay, then try looking in Benton Park for your accommodation. It’s well connected to the city center by public transport and has its own atmosphere and attractions, so you won’t be cut off from all the fun!

Benton Park is the best neighborhood in St Louis if you are on a budget as it has lots of cheaper accommodation options. It’s also a fascinating multicultural neighborhood where you’ll get to experience how the locals live.

More awesome things to see and do in Benton Park:

• Visit Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion to see how the other half live
• Take a trip to Soulard, the next-door neighborhood and one of the most historic areas in the city
• Have a meal at the Peacemaker Lobster and Crab, Blues City Deli, or Hodak’s Restaurant and Bar
• Relax in the greenery at Benton Park
• Take the kids to Ramp Riders for skateboarding, BMX riding, and inline skating
• Have a drink at the Irish Corner Pub or the Fortune Teller Bar

Where to Stay in Benton Park

Best Airbnb in Benton Park – Historic Elegance in the Heart of the City

With enough room for up to five guests, this apartment is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in St Louis for families. It’s completely private and offers elegant, historic decor within steps from some amazing restaurants and bars. There’s also a laundry downstairs from the apartment that you can use and a full kitchen.

Best High End Airbnb in Benton Park – Cozy, Old World Charm Apartment

When you travel, you want to feel as if you’re somewhere different. And that’s exactly what you’ll enjoy most in this apartment. Located right in the heart of the city and close to restaurants and nightlife, it offers high ceilings, old-world decor, and a relaxing ambiance that you can only enjoy in the South.  It has one bedroom but enough space for up to five guests.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Benton Park – Hotel Avyan

This budget hotel is close to Benton Park and within a five-minute drive of the Downtown area, making it a great compromise between quiet surroundings and convenience. The rooms have a fridge and there’s a fitness center on-site that you can use, as well as business facilities on request.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Benton Park – Casa Magnolia

For a cozy, homey touch during your stay, why not spend your time at this B&B? It has a shared lounge where you can sit and socialize, a seasonal swimming pool, and a lovely garden so you can enjoy the outdoors during your stay. Each room has a desk and private bathroom; some even have their own patio. With unique and charming decor, this is the perfect antidote to the busy modern city.

 

Neighborhood#3 - The Loop

(Best neighborhood in St Louis for families)

COOLEST thing to do in The Loop – Relax in Forest Park with the kids and enjoy the family-friendly amenities
BEST place to visit in The Loop – Get onboard the streetcar to see the best the neighborhood has to offer

The Loop is the most creative neighborhood in St Louis. This is mostly because it’s located just to the north of the beautiful, family-friendly Forest Park. This park is huge and offers a whole range of activities for children of all ages.

But the Loop has more than greenery to keep you occupied. It’s also a wonderfully creative and vibrant neighborhood. It’s also very safe and offers a more alternative flair than other parts of the city—great for when you’re deciding where to stay in St. Louis for families when you like things to be a little different than normal!

More awesome things to see and do in the Loop:

• Check out the art at the St Louis Art Museum
• Explore the city’s past at the Missouri History Museum
• Discover the famous names that hail from the city at the St Louis Walk of Fame
• Explore the city’s creative heart at the Craft Alliance Center of Art and Design
• Have a meal at the Banh Mi shop, Sauce on the Side or the Capital Grille
• Relax with a drink at Krueger’s Bar or the Bemiston Cocktail Club

Where to Stay in The Loop

Best Airbnb in The Loop – BJ Hospital Apartment

This apartment is close to the hospital, but don’t let that put you off. It’s also bright, modern, clean, and has enough space for up to three guests. This urban oasis has been set up to pamper and relax you, with soft colors and cozy furnishings that will make for the perfect, idyllic stay in the busy city.

Best High-End Airbnb in The Loop – Forest Park Apartment

Close to The Loop as well as to the zoo and Forest Park, this one-bedroom suite can hold up to three guests. It has brand-new appliances, sleekly modern furnishings, and yet is still ridiculously comfortable. The apartment has its own kitchen and laundry facilities, and you’ll also have access to the facility’s gym during your stay.

 

Best Budget Hotel in The Loop – The Holiday Inn Express

This hotel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in St Louis on a budget. It’s close to Forest Park and all its beautiful spaces and offers modern rooms with private bathrooms. There’s a buffet breakfast in the restaurant every day and a fitness center that you can use during your stay.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in The Loop – The Moonrise

This hotel is in the ideal location on The Loop, the best neighborhood in St Louis close to everything. It’s surrounded by shopping, eating, and entertainment options and has modern rooms with bright decor and all the usual amenities. The hotel also has a fitness center, on-site restaurant, and a rooftop bar where you can enjoy amazing views of the city.

 

Neighborhood#4 - Lafayette Square

(Best area to stay in St Louis for nightlife)

COOLEST thing to do in Lafayette Square – Go for a walk and do some people watching in the square
BEST place to visit in Lafayette Square – Square One Brewery for handmade and delicious beers and spirits

Lafayette Square is technically a part of the Downtown area but a little more south than the main part. It’s the best neighborhood in St Louis for nightlife as there are lots of bars, clubs, and pubs close by. Even if you don’t like to drink, the area around the square is filled with plenty of places for eating and shopping, and the people watching is first-rate too.

Lafayette Square is one of the most charming neighborhoods in St Louis with its tree-lined streets and interesting architecture. It’s centered around a leafy park that’s surrounded by stately Victorian townhouses and great shops. You’ll also find a good range of accommodation in this area at every budget point.

More awesome things to see and do in Lafayette Square:

• Check out the first Czech Catholic church in the US, the St John Nepomuk Church
• Take the kids down to relax in Lafayette Park
• Go shopping on Park Avenue
• See another side of the city’s past at Benton Place, a gated communication that is a remnant of segregation in the South
• Have a meal at Vin de Set, the Polite Society Restaurant and Bar, or the Bellwether
• Have a drink at Planter’s House

Where to Stay in Lafayette Square

Best Airbnb in Lafayette Square – Curated Comforts Apartment

Like to stay somewhere a little different? This apartment is bright, cheerful, and utterly unique. It offers easy access to the highway and transport around the city as well as all the comforts of home, including a library, patio, garden, deck, and fire pit. Suitable for up to five guests, it has its own fully-stocked kitchen and free parking.

Best High End Airbnb in Lafayette Square – Minutes to Downtown Apartment

Understated and modern, this apartment is a good choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in St Louis cl0se to everything. It has one bedroom and one bathroom, enough space for up to three guests, and is right in the center of Lafayette Square. With unique charm and modern amenities, this apartment will provide a sanctuary away from the noise of the city.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Lafayette Square – Lehmann House Bed and Breakfast

If you’d prefer a homier feel for your stay, then why not spend some time in this classical accommodation? It’s close to the Gateway Arch and offers rooms with seating areas and private bathrooms. There is a shared lounge you can use, along with a friendly host and a delicious breakfast every morning.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Lafayette Square – The Westin

This 4-star hotel is close to the historic heart of the city and has spacious rooms with a soaking tub. There’s an on-site spa and fitness center, as well as an international restaurant and car rental desk. The Gateway Arch is a short drive away and so are lots of other restaurants and places to shop.

 

Neighborhood#5 - Laclede’s Landing

(The Coolest place to stay in St Louis)

COOLEST thing to do in Laclede’s Landing – Take a picture next to the iconic Gateway Arch
BEST place to visit in Laclede’s Landing – Take a bike ride along the river and enjoy the views

This riverfront area is the oldest neighborhood in the city and one of the most atmospheric. Most of the buildings in the area are over a century old and you’ll even find a few cobblestone streets throughout the area. That’s what makes it the best neighborhood in St Louis for couples because it’s certainly the most romantic!

This neighborhood has a good combination of everything. It offers easy access to the Downtown area, as well as great restaurants and shopping. So, if you’d like a touch of history with your stay, this is the coolest choice!

More awesome things to see and do in Laclede’s Landing:

• Try your luck at the casino
• See what’s on at America’s Center convention venue
• Have a meal at Kimchi Guys, Morton’s The Steakhouse, or Al’s Restaurant
• Have a drink at the Sports Bar or Zenia Bar and Grill
• Learn more about Thomas Jefferson at the Gateway Arch National Park

Where to Stay in Laclede’s Landing

Best Airbnb in Laclede’s Landing – Heart of Downtown

This apartment is a gem whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in St Louis for nightlife or want a quieter stay. It’s in a very safe neighborhood and offers a full kitchen and five bedrooms, ideal for up to 10 guests. With lots of huge, open rooms and spaces, it’s the perfect apartment for a large group or family who needs a little extra space during their trip.

Best High-End Airbnb in Laclede’s Landing – Entire Guest Suite

When you stay in this apartment, you can look out onto the famous Gateway Arch from your own windows. It’s also within walking distance of the Downtown area and great restaurants and shops, which is why this is the best neighborhood in St Louis close to everything. Suitable for two guests, it has one bedroom and bathroom, as well as complete privacy for your trip.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Laclede’s Landing – Hampton Inn

If you want all the extras on a budget, then that’s what this hotel offers. It has spacious, modern rooms with incredibly comfortable beds and all the usual amenities. There’s a restaurant, pool, and fitness center on-site, as well as parking in case you decide to hire a car during your visit.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Laclede’s Landing – Four Seasons St Louis

Like to see some beautiful views during your trip? Then how about views over the Arch and the river? This hotel offers stunning views from every spacious, modern room. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also within walking distance of local shops and restaurants, has a restaurant, bar, indoor and outdoor pools, plus a fitness center. And if you’re traveling with the kids, make sure that you ask about the free babysitting services during your stay!

 

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in St Louis

St Louis is a vibrant, exciting city, with a culture that’s both modern and touched by the city’s past. Whether you’re looking for a weekend break or planning a longer trip, there’s a lot to see and do in this city. So to get the most from it you need to choose your accommodation carefully whether you’re looking for the best neighborhood in St Louis for your first visit or are on a return trip.

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