Luxury Redefined: Uncover the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza Secret
Luxury Redefined? My Chaotic Love Affair with the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza (and Why You Should Probably Just Go)
Okay, so. The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza. Just the name sounds… grand. Regal. A little bit intimidating, honestly. And, well, it is. But after wrestling with my suitcase, dodging a rogue pigeon, and nearly tripping over a very chic dog at the valet, I can tell you this: it's a gloriously imperfect symphony of luxury and… well, let's just say "character."
SEO & Metadata (Because Apparently, the Internet Demands This):
- Keywords: Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza, St. Louis Hotel, Luxury Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Bar, Events, Family Friendly, Free Wi-Fi, Accessibility, St. Louis, Missouri, Hotel Review, Chase Park Plaza, Hotel Amenities, Business Travel, Romantic Getaway
Metadata:
- Title: Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza Review: Grandeur, Quirks, and the Search for the Perfect Martini
- Description: A brutally honest (and a little bit rambling) review of the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza. From its opulent decor to its surprisingly good (and some not-so-good) features, find out if this St. Louis landmark lives up to the hype. Plus, accessibility, dining, amenities, and everything in between.
- Focus: Hotel Review, Travel, Luxury Travel, Midwest Travel
Let's Dive In, Shall We? (And Maybe Grab a Mini Fridge's Worth of Snacks First)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag… But Mostly Good!
First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me, and honestly, the Chase Park Plaza did a solid job. The website, naturally, promised all the right things – and they mostly delivered! Ramps were plentiful, elevators were easy to find (and thankfully, not eternally slow!), and I saw several other guests moving around comfortably. Now, sometimes the automatic doors decided to play hide-and-seek, but hey, nobody's perfect, right? The staff was generally very helpful, always offering assistance without me even having to ask. (A definite plus!)
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Dining with Delights (and occasional hiccups)
They do a good job here. The main restaurant (I'll get to the food in a sec) had plenty of space, the bar area was manageable, and I felt like I could actually maneuver around without feeling like I was blocking everyone’s path.
So, how about those actual amenities?
Things To Do, Ways to Relax (aka, My Weekend of Bliss… and Regret)
Okay, this is where the Chase Park Plaza really shines. The Pool with a View? Holy moly. It's like something out of a movie. (I may or may not have spent a full afternoon just staring at the architecture & sun reflecting off the water. Pure bliss, people, pure bliss.)
The Spa… Oh, the Spa! Look, I’m a sucker for a good spa day. And the Chase Park Plaza spa? It did NOT disappoint. I booked a massage, and let me tell you-- the masseuse could probably knead out the knots in a rusty old bridge. Incredible. She even managed to make me forget about the fact that I'd forgotten to pack my favorite bath salts (minor tragedy, I know). Plus, the sauna? The steam room? Heaven. Pure, unadulterated, sweaty, relaxing heaven. I may have even dozed off in the sauna. Don't judge.
The Fitness Center: (I won't lie. I barely touched it.) It looked quite impressive, though. Lots of shiny equipment, and I caught a glimpse of a treadmill overlooking the pool, which is a pretty good incentive, I guess.
Here's Where Things Get… Complicated (and Humorous): The Dining, Drinking, and Snacking Saga
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This is where things get interesting. The Chase Park Plaza loves its food. And its drink. And its snacks. The sheer volume of options is overwhelming, and the quality?… well, it's a rollercoaster.
The Restaurants: The main restaurant served up some truly fantastic dishes. I had a perfectly seared steak one night - cooked to perfection and melting in my mouth. The Caesar salad? Divine. But then there were… other moments. Like the time my soup arrived lukewarm. (Cue the internal eye-roll). But hey, things happen, right? The staff were always incredibly gracious and accommodating, quickly fixing any issues. And I have to mention the desserts. Oh my god, the desserts. I’m fairly certain I gained five pounds just from looking at the menu.
The Bar: Ah, the bar. A crucial part of any luxury experience. They made a mean martini. Seriously. I may have had one (or three) while watching the sunset over the city. The Poolside Bar was also fantastic.
Room Service (24-Hour, Praise Be!): Now, this is where things got really good. After a long day of… relaxing (yes, it's a hard life!), I’d order a small bite to eat and watch a movie. It’s the perfect indulgence, especially with the plush robes and extra-large bed.
Breakfast! (Breakfast Buffet, Asian Breakfast, Western Breakfast, Takeaway) The Breakfast buffet? I'm a sucker for them. Bacon? Check. Eggs? Check. Pastries? Check, check, check! There's also Asian breakfast, which I was hesitant to try, but did on one of the days. They have some amazing dishes. A perfect way to start the day.
The Coffee Shop: Okay. This is a crucial part of my day. Coffee is my life. The coffee shop there was so good and it was a must that I went every day.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (and Protected from Germs)
In this day and age, cleanliness is paramount and this hotel was on top of it!
- Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere! I mean, you couldn't walk a foot without seeing a hand sanitizer station. I appreciated it enormously.
- Rooms sanitized between stays, room sanitization opt-out available. Felt safe and sound.
- Individually wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items It's the small things.
- Staff trained in safety protocol. They knew their business.
Services and Conveniences: A Little Bit of Everything… And Sometimes a Bit Too Much?
The Chase Park Plaza boasts a dizzying array of services:
- Concierge: Super helpful. Sorted out my transportation, gave me some excellent restaurant recommendations, and even managed to track down a specific brand of sunscreen I needed.
- Daily Housekeeping: Fantastic. My room was always spotless, and the staff was friendly and efficient.
- Laundry Service/Dry Cleaning: Used both. No complaints!
- Valet Parking/Car Park [on-site]: Valet was a breeze.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Seminars: Didn't use any of these, but the spaces looked impressive.
- Business facilities: They have Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids: (And the Kid in All of Us)
Babysitting service and Family/child friendly!
Kids facilities, kids meals? I don't know, I wasn't traveling with kids but I saw plenty of families. The pool and bar area seemed very laid back and family friendly!
Available in All Rooms:
I'd like to mention some of the things that were amazing and I'd like to rant about some of them.
- Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]: Excellent - I needed access to many websites and was able to work with no issues.
- Mini bar: The worst - Way overpriced and some of the items were nearly expired.
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Always a bonus!
- Wake-up service: Didn't need to use this, but it's there!
- Air conditioning: Worked well!
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because Let's Be Real)
- The Price: Let’s be honest, the Chase Park Plaza is not cheap. You're paying for the experience, the location, and the reputation.
- The Quirks: As I mentioned earlier, this hotel has character. And sometimes, that character means a slightly creaky elevator, a slightly slow Wi-Fi connection now and then, or a tiny hiccup with your room service order. But hey, it all adds to the charm, right? (Mostly.)
My Final Verdict: Should You Stay at the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza?
Absolutely. Yes. Without a doubt.
Despite the occasional minor imperfection, the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza offers a genuinely luxurious experience. The combination of opulent surroundings, excellent amenities, and a dedicated staff makes it a truly memorable stay. Is it perfect? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Go. Indulge. Order the martini. And maybe, just maybe
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to wade knee-deep into my chaotic attempt at experiencing The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis. This isn't your perfectly polished travel blog. This is real me, trying to navigate luxury while being, well, me. Prepare for a roller coaster… and potential spills.
Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza: Operation "Treat Yo' Self… Then Regret It Slightly" (AKA My Itinerary)
Day 1: The Grand Entrance & "Did I pack enough cheese?" Panic
- 1:00 PM - Arrival and Grand Entry-Induced Jaw Drop: Okay, so I rolled into St. Louis after a flight that felt like a never-ending episode of "Tantrums in Tiny Seats." But then… THE CHASE PARK PLAZA. Y'all, it's impressive. Like, gasp-worthy. The lobby is all soaring ceilings and shimmering chandeliers that make you feel like you’ve accidentally wandered into a wedding for royalty. I nearly tripped on my own feet just gawking. The front desk staff were all smiles and efficiency (they're probably used to me, the wide-eyed tourist).
- 1:30 PM – The Room Reveal & The Suitcase Struggle: Opened the door to my room, and let's just say, "oohs" and "aahs" were happening. Gorgeous, spacious, and with a view that made me want to simultaneously nap and write the Great American Novel. My suitcase, however, was a disaster zone. You know that feeling when you've packed everything…and then, still, you're convinced you've forgotten the one essential thing? For me, it's always a specific cheese I feel the need to procure. This time, it's a local gouda. The room itself, though, was perfect. I spent a good ten minutes just rolling around on the bed, enjoying the plushness. Ah, the life.
- 2:30 PM - Poolside Perplexities: Thought I knew how to relax by a pool. Nope. I spent the next hour awkwardly trying to look cool, failing miserably, and simultaneously burning my already pale skin. I kept dropping my book in the water. I also, I swear, saw a squirrel plotting world domination from a nearby tree. Seriously. The pool is lovely, mind you, with attentive staff, but I think I'm more of a "read in my room with the curtains drawn" kinda gal. Who knew?
- 4:00 PM – Afternoon Tea (and Existential Dread): I decided that a fancy afternoon tea was just the thing to lift my spirits after the pool debacle. The tea offerings were extensive, the pastries were miniature works of art, and the scones? Forget about it. Perfect. However, as I delicately nibbled on a cucumber sandwich, I realized I had no idea what I was doing with my life. The sheer luxury of it all made me question everything. Like, am I worthy? Seriously, the existential dread was real.
- 6:00 PM – Dinner at The Tenderloin Room – A Glorious, Meaty Debacle: I'd heard amazing things about The Tenderloin Room, the hotel's fancy steakhouse. So, naturally, I went. The ambiance was perfect - low lights, the murmur of happy patrons, and the smell of delicious beef! I went for the biggest steak on the menu. Now, I’m not usually a huge steak person, but it came highly recommended. IT WAS GLORIOUS. I ate every single bite. I ended the meal feeling like a queen. I probably should have ordered a smaller portion, but hey, when in Rome (or, you know, a fancy steakhouse)…
- 9:00 PM - The Chase Club & Post-Dinner Regrets: The Chase Club promised a relaxing end to the day. Maybe a nightcap, read a book, soak in all the luxury… Nope. Turns out it also had a dessert station. I ended up eating an entire slice of chocolate cake. And then another. And then a third. I blame the butter in the frosting. I now have sugar-induced regrets. But hey, I'm on the road!
Day 2: Culture, Coffee, and the Burning Question: Is This Really My Life?
- 7:00 AM – Woke up, and the sugar crash hit hard: So much for luxury sleep. Decided to at least get a look at what the gym had to offer. Realized I didn't pack any workout clothes. (Cue the eye roll at myself).
- 8:00 AM – Coffee and the Art Museum Anxiety: St. Louis Art Museum. Free! Amazing! But… crowds. I made a beeline for the Impressionist paintings, because that's what I always do. They're gorgeous. I tried to look cultured and contemplate the meaning of life, but honestly, I spent most of the time just elbowing people out of the way. Is that bad? Probably.
- 11:00 AM – Brunch at the hotel- The perfect spot: decided for a full brunch at the hotel. They have a Sunday brunch that is a dream. Waffles, eggs to order, even a bloody mary bar. You can't get better. I took a moment to re-evaluate my life choices (see, a theme!).
- 1:00 PM – Exploring Forest Park (and Losing My Way): Forest Park, the city's crown jewel, is gigantic. Lush, beautiful, and easy to get lost in. I got lost. Multiple times. I wandered for at least an hour, taking selfies, admiring the landscaping, and wondering if I needed to start a GoFundMe to hire a guide. Finally found my way back.
- 3:00 PM – Spa Time (and a Moment of Zen… Maybe): Okay, this was the highlight. The spa at the Sonesta is pure heaven. A massage, a facial, and time to just breathe. It was the one moment of the trip when I felt truly, deeply relaxed. The masseuse was a magician. I almost fell asleep on the table. Almost. Definitely worth the splurge.
- 6:00 PM – Pre-Dinner Drink & People Watching: Another night, after finding a local spot for dinner around the corner. The hotel bar is super pretty, and I got a chance to people-watch. Realized that people-watching is a pastime I find endlessly entertaining.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner - The Best of the West: Dinner was at a super popular modern restaurant. The food was interesting, though I'll admit that what I ordered was slightly more complicated than I expected, and it took me a bit to work out what I was eating. The atmosphere was great. I'd recommend it.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime. I was exhausted. But happy.
Day 3: Farewell Chase Park Plaza & Leaving a Little Bit of Me Behind
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast in the Room (and packing!): Room service, a last gasp of luxury. Pancakes and coffee while I slowly, reluctantly, started packing. Every moment felt like a precious memory.
- 9:30 AM – Final Strolls and Goodbyes: I wandered around the hotel one last time, soaking in the atmosphere, trying to memorize every detail. I also left a little bit of my heart (and probably a few stray hairs) in that room.
- 11:00 AM – Check Out and the Bitter Sweet Goodbye: The front desk staff were, once again, incredibly efficient and charming. They handled my excessive luggage with grace. I handed over my keys, and I knew. I wouldn't be the same person when I left.
- 12:00 PM – Heading home & the "Where's the Gouda?" search Begins: Back to reality. Back to the little things. And definitely back to planning my next escape. And finding that gouda. This time, I won't forget.
Overall Impression: The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza is an incredible hotel. Luxurious, beautiful, and with a service that’s genuinely excellent. But for me? It’s also a reminder that even in the fanciest of places, I'm still just me – easily flustered, slightly clumsy, and always on the hunt for cheese. And that, I think, is the best part of the trip.
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Luxury Redefined: Uncovering the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza's Secrets (Maybe?) - FAQ & Rants
Alright, alright, alright... Let's talk Chase Park Plaza. Luxury "Redefined," they say. My bank account definitely *felt* redefined after this stint, but was it truly luxurious? Let's stumble through some questions, shall we?
1. Okay, So...What Even IS "Luxury Redefined"? Did I Get It?
Ugh, honestly, I'm still figuring that out. Their website throws around words like "refined," "sophisticated," blah blah blah. To me, "luxury redefined" kinda translates to, "We hope you have a credit card with a very, very high limit." Did I get it? Well, the room was certainly *nice*. The bed? Heavenly. The view of Forest Park? Absolutely stunning. But... the mini-bar situation? Let's just say it was a carefully curated collection of things that made me shudder at the thought of the final bill. *That's* maybe how they redefine luxury: through sheer financial fear.
The valet parking guy was REALLY nice though. That helped. Shout out to Mark, you were a sanity saver, buddy!
2. The Pool! Tell Me About the Pool! Did You, Like, Relax? Or Panic?
The pool... oh, the pool. It's gorgeous. Seriously. Huge, the water perfectly clear (probably because they filter it with gold dust, or something). But here's the thing: I am a VERY easily embarrassed person. And the pool area? Glamorous. Like, models-in-sunglasses-sipping-fanciful-cocktails glamorous. I, on the other hand, am more of a "sweaty-man-in-a-slightly-too-small-bathing-suit-awkwardly-trying-to-not-drown" kind of guy.
So, did I relax? Not really. I mostly hid behind my oversized sunglasses and pretended to be deeply engrossed in my book (which, by the way, was "Dune." A very *not* poolside-appropriate book, FYI). I think I made eye contact with a very attractive woman and accidentally snorted a mouthful of pool water. Super sophisticated. Luxury Redefined, folks. I’m a walking disaster.
2a. Hold up. Let's Circle Back to the Pool: The Towel Conundrum
Okay, the towels. OH. MY. GOD. The towels. These weren't just towels; they were *fluffy clouds of absorbent joy.* Seriously, I think they were made of unicorn mane and the tears of angels. Like, you wrap yourself in these things, and suddenly you feel like you *deserve* the $20 cucumber water (which I also had). The problem? There were never enough. Seriously. Always a towel shortage. Always someone awkwardly trying to snag one. The whole scene was less Bond villain poolside and more Hunger Games for terrycloth. The ultimate luxury test: can you secure a towel, or are you doomed to shiver in your soggy Speedos?
3. The Restaurants! Did You Eat? And if So, What Did You Do to Your Bank Account?
I ate. Look, I'm a human. I need fuel. And there are a *lot* of restaurants. And yes, my bank account weeps even thinking about it. The food was good, don't get me wrong. Exquisite, even. But I swear, I think they're charging extra for the ambiance. The waiter at the breakfast place gave me a *knowing* look when I asked if there was a cheaper option than the $40 omelet. He actually sighed. A *sigh!* I felt like I had personally insulted the entire institution of fine dining with my mere existence.
Okay, a slightly less judgmental observation: The food at the Chase Club was, perhaps, the best of the best. I mean, the prices still made my stomach churn, but the steaks? Worth the impending debt. The cocktails? Perfection. Just... don't look at the receipt. Seriously. Just don't.
4. The Service. Was It, You Know, *Luxury* Service?
For the most part, yes. The staff were incredibly polite, attentive, and generally seemed to know all the secret handshakes of high-end hospitality. They anticipate your needs before you even know you *have* needs. Except, for a moment there, when I accidentally locked myself out of my room at 2 AM. THAT was a comedy of errors. The security guy, bless his heart, was clearly not used to dealing with half-asleep, panicked hotel guests. But, eventually, door opened. I think I apologized 50,000 times.
Overall? Exceptionally good. But even luxury service can’t completely erase the lingering trauma of the mini-bar prices.
4a. The Elevator Adventures - Real Talk
And the elevators! Okay, this is a minor thing, but still: I'm convinced the elevators at Chase Park Plaza are powered by the sheer, unadulterated wealth of the guests. They're smooth. Silent. And they somehow *always* know where you're going. They also seem to have a very specific (and judgmental) sense of appropriate elevator etiquette. I accidentally coughed once, and I swear I heard a collective intake of breath from the other passengers. Like, are we at a spa? My bad! I think I saw a few people in full evening gowns glaring at me too. It was wild.
On the upside, you can usually find someone really interesting to bump elbows with. One time, I shared an elevator with a guy wearing a ridiculously expensive suit who smelled vaguely of sandalwood and told me he was on his way to a private poker game in the Regency Room. I mean, talk about a vibe!
5. Bottom Line: Would You Go Back? Is it Worth it?
Ugh. This is the question, isn't it? Look, the room was lovely. Forest Park is beautiful. The service? Mostly faultless. But the prices… they trigger a primal, fear-based response in me. I mean, my inner cheapskate is screaming. I *think* I'd go back. Maybe. If I magically win the lottery, or suddenly inherit a small fortune. Or,Low Price Hotel Blog
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