St. Louis Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Unveiling Residence Inn!
St. Louis Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Unveiling Residence Inn (Or My Love Affair With Those Breakfast Waffles)
Okay, let's be real. Airports are…well, they're airports. Stressful, chaotic, and usually smelling vaguely of stale coffee and desperation. But the Residence Inn near St. Louis Airport? That's a different story. It's like stumbling into a warm hug after a particularly brutal flight. And trust me, I've had a few.
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- Meta Description: Discover the hidden gem near St. Louis Airport – Residence Inn! Read our detailed review of this hotel's accessibility, cleanliness, dining options, and amenities. Find out if it's the perfect stay for you.
The Arrival & The Vibe:
First impressions are key, and Residence Inn nails it. The lobby isn't just a sterile waiting area. It's actually…inviting. Granted, I'm someone who gets excited by a decent couch after being crammed in a metal tube for hours, but still. The staff are genuinely friendly – not just "customer service friendly," but actually like they enjoy their jobs. That goes a long way. There's baggage storage, and I dig that they have an elevator, a life-saver for my weary legs, especially after lugging my suitcase across the parking lot, which by the way, is mostly free – a big plus. They also offer airport transfers, which is key. After a long flight, who wants to wrangle a taxi?
Accessibility: A Big Win (And a Few Hiccups):
This is where Residence Inn shines. They get accessibility. From the moment you walk in, you can tell they've put thought into it. They offer facilities for disabled guests, and the entire property is wheelchair accessible. The rooms have things like grab bars in the bathrooms, which seems basic but is often overlooked elsewhere. Big thumbs up! I didn't need a couple's room, but for those who do, it’s available.
Now, a minor grumble. While the common areas are easily navigated, I think the entrance door to the gym could be a little wider (and maybe a button to push open would be a real luxury). But honestly, everything else was top-notch in terms of accessibility.
Cleanliness, Safety & COVID-19 Brainstorming:
Look, cleanliness is HUGE these days, right? And Residence Inn clearly gets it. They were all about the anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Seriously, you couldn't swing a cat (and I wouldn't recommend doing that, for so many reasons) without hitting a hand sanitizer dispenser. Rooms are sanitized between stays, and they have a hygiene certification. They even offer room sanitization opt-out, a thoughtful touch.
And let's talk about staff training. You could tell they were well-versed in safety protocols. They were wearing masks, and everything felt…safe. They offer contactless check-in/out, which is a huge bonus. They also provide facilities like a doctor/nurse on call - never used it, but appreciated the comfort.
I, being a bit of a nervous Nellie about germs, appreciated all these little things. Made my stay WAY less stressful.
The Food (Oh, The Waffles!):
This is where the Residence Inn transcends the ordinary. The free breakfast is a LEGEND. They have a breakfast buffet, and the real hero? The waffle maker. I may have, on more than one occasion, eaten, uh, several waffles. The breakfast takeaway service is great for when you’re in a rush. Their coffee/tea in the restaurant is good. I just love the whole Breakfast service.
I didn't try any other food aside from the breakfast.
Rooms & Amenities: The Little Things That Matter:
The rooms are… well, they're comfortable. They have all the basics: air conditioning (praise be!), a comfortable bed, a desk for working (if you have to), and decent Wi-Fi. And yes, there's free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I'm all about internet access – LAN and wireless. I enjoyed the daily housekeeping, fresh towels - heaven.
They provide complimentary tea & free bottled water. I love them!
The soundproofing is pretty good, so you won’t hear your neighbors' loud phone calls (unless you’re the one making them).
They offer laundry service, which is invaluable when you're traveling. Safety deposit boxes are provided.
Ways to Relax (Or, My Failed Spa Dreams):
Okay, so the Residence Inn has a fitness center. I intended to use it. Really, I did. I might have even packed my workout clothes. But… waffles. And naps. So, no, I can't tell you much about Sauna, Spa, or Steamroom, but hey, they're there for those who are less waffle-obsessed than I am. I did make a point of enjoying the pool. Lovely place overall.
For the Kids (Thank Goodness for Babysitting!):
I didn't travel with kids, but the "Family/child friendly" label is a HUGE plus, especially for a hotel near the airport. The babysitting service is a major convenience for those who travel with kids. But i couldn’t tell you much about it.
Getting Around & Other Conveniences:
Airport transfer is awesome. Seriously, it's essential. They also have a car park [free of charge], which is another win. The convenience store is a bless, and the staff at the front desk [24-hour] are always helping, and always smiling.
The Imperfections (Because No Hotel is Perfect):
- The Gym: As mentioned earlier, the gym entrance could be better for accessibility, and perhaps a few more machines or equipment.
- The Lack of a Full Spa: A proper spa could be a great addition.
The Verdict: My Heart Belongs to Residence Inn (and Those Waffles)
Okay, so I'm probably gushing a little, but I had a genuinely positive experience. Residence Inn near St. Louis Airport is more than just a place to sleep. It's a comfortable, accessible, safe, and genuinely friendly place to decompress before or after a flight. And the waffles? They're worth the price of admission alone. I highly recommend this hotel. It’s a winner.
Hickory's Hidden Gem: Baymont Wyndham Hotel Review (NC)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a trip to… Earth City, Missouri. Yep. Sounds thrilling, doesn’t it? This is probably going to be a chaotic whirlwind, knowing me. So, here's the "plan," which will likely unravel faster than a cheap sweater. We're basing our operations at the Residence Inn St. Louis Airport/Earth City. Prepare for a ride.
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Awakenings, and Airport Shenanigans
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival and Hotel Check-In - The Great Luggage Grapple: Okay, so the flight was a nightmare. Delayed, cramped, screaming kids… the usual. And upon arrival, my luggage, of course, took its sweet, sweet time. Finally snagged it, dragged it (literally) to the Residence Inn. The lobby smelled suspiciously of chlorine and stale coffee. Checked in (thank god), discovered the room key card worked. Success! We're talking about a small victory here, folks. Found a free cookie at the front desk, immediately devoured it. Jury's still out on whether that was a good decision.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance and Preliminary Disappointment: The room is… fine. Standard Residence Inn fare. A king bed, a pull-out sofa that might spontaneously collapse, a kitchenette (score!), and a view of… the parking lot. Wonderful. The air conditioning is blasting like a polar vortex. Fighting the urge to take a nap. (Spoiler Alert: I likely lost that fight.)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Earth City Scavenger Hunt… (Sort Of): Figuring out what’s actually in Earth City is proving to be a monumental feat. Google Maps suggests… a bunch of industrial parks and chain restaurants. Hrm. Decided to take a walk (because, health) and found the nearest Starbucks (also health, right?). Got a coffee and tried to find something, anything interesting on foot. Found a sad little patch of grass. Pretty underwhelming. Earth City, you're not off to a good start.
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Rescuing Dinner from the Abyss of Chain Restaurants: Okay, the dining situation is dire. There's a Chili's, a TGI Fridays, and… Olive Garden. My stomach is rumbling. (I think the earlier cookie is long gone) After much internal debate (and a minor existential crisis over the meaning of life in a chain restaurant), I opted for… gasp… Chili's. The burger was… edible. The chips and salsa were… acceptable. The waiter, bless his heart, seemed genuinely happy, which perked me up. Small wins.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: The Battle for the Remote… and the Meaning of Life: Back in the room. TV time. Successfully navigated the confusing maze of channels. Found a terrible reality show that, despite myself, I got hooked on. The pull-out couch did collapse slightly. Added it to the 'things to report to the front desk' list, which is already extensive. Started feeling like I should journal. Then forgot.
9:00 PM - Bedtime (Whenever That May Be): Attempted to charge my phone. Realized I’d left my charger behind. Panic. Begging the universe for a miracle. Luckily, remembered I had a spare one in my suitcase. Woo hoo! Fell asleep while channel surfing, dreaming of… better destinations.
Day 2: St. Louis, or Bust! (Assuming I Can Find a Bus.)
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast Battle and The Mysterious Waffle Maker: Oh boy. Breakfast at the Residence Inn. Free, which is always a plus. Decided to give the waffle maker a go. Epic fail. Burnt sacrifice. Embarrassing. Gave up and settled for a sad, dry bagel. The coffee was lukewarm. The plastic cutlery felt suspiciously thin. This is not the grand experience I was hoping for, to be frank.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Planning (Or, More Accurately, Panicking) for St. Louis: Okay, time to face the music. We're venturing into St. Louis proper. Pulled up the map. Realized I have no idea how to get there. Bus? Uber? Rent a car and risk my sanity navigating city streets? Rambled around and spent an hour googling 'how to go to St. Louis, Mo from the Airport' - the answer being many options.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Gateway Arch & Riverboat Tour - Overstimulation and the Power of Wind: Deciding to go with an Uber. It goes up in the time of the visit itself. Finally, after wrestling with the app (technology and I are not best friends), a car arrives! Hopped in, and the driver, bless him, was super friendly. The Gateway Arch: it's BIGGER than I remember! The elevator ride up… claustrophobic, but the view from the top? Stunning. The riverboat tour afterwards… slightly boring, but the wind felt amazing. Almost blew my hat off.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch in the Soulard Neighborhood - My Stomach is My Guide: St. Louis has districts with personality! A quick google search reveals Soulard. Decided to head there. Walking through Soulard, found a cute little place with some outdoor seating. Sat down, and was just thrilled to be amongst people. Enjoyed a fantastic meal. Feel like the trip's really started now.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: City Museum Madness and Existential Dread: Ahh, the City Museum. This. Place. Is. Bonkers. It’s a former shoe factory turned art playground. Climbing, crawling, sliding… I was simultaneously terrified and exhilarated, and wondering how many germs I was picking up. So much climbing. I'm pretty sure I'm not this flexible anymore. Got a bit confused, wandered around, and came to the startling conclusion that I'm too old for this crap. But it was also amazing. Felt like a kid again, even if I was also worrying about breaking a hip. Also, I may have lost my phone in a tunnel. Found it, thankfully.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Missouri Botanical Gardens - A Moment of Peace (and Maybe a Bug or Two): Needed a breather after the City Museum. Headed to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Gorgeous. So peaceful to wander through the gardens. Smells amazing. Took lots of photos. A bee landed on my arm. Screamed. Recovered. All good.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner in St. Louis - The Search Continues: Found a small restaurant. Enjoyed dinner.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Back to Earth City, and the Sweet Embrace of Inactivity: Uber back to Earth City. Spent the entire drive just staring at the city lights and the endless, flat Missouri horizon. Realized I'm utterly knackered. Back at the hotel. Sank into bed. Passed out.
Day 3: Departure and the Unsolved Mysteries of Earth City
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Goodbye, Burnt Waffles: Okay, no waffle this time. Just a banana and a quick cup of coffee. Checked out.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The Great Earth City Exit Strategy: One last desperate attempt to find something interesting in Earth City before my flight. Drove around. Still found nothing of particular note. Decided to head for the airport early, just in case anything went wrong.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Airport Debrief and the Bitter Sweetness of Leaving: Airport security. The usual. Waiting at the gate. Reflecting on the trip. St. Louis was awesome. Earth City… less so. But hey, I survived. I even enjoyed myself, mostly, maybe.
12:00 PM or Later: On to the next adventure! (Hopefully with a better itinerary and fewer burnt waffles!)
St. Louis Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Residence Inn - Uncensored FAQ
Okay, SO, What's This Buzz About the Residence Inn at STL? Is This Place, Like, ACTUALLY Good?
Alright, let's get this straight: Forget those dingy airport hotels you're picturing. This isn't some sad motel where you'll find questionable stains and a continental breakfast that resembles sadness. The Residence Inn at STL? It's... surprisingly decent. Look, I'm a frequent flyer, weathered yet jaded, and I've stayed in everything from opulent suites to something that felt like a repurposed broom closet. This one, though? It's a winner. 9 times out of 10. And that extra time? That's when the coffee machine is broken, and I'm one caffeine jolt away from a full-blown travel meltdown. But still.
Seriously, though, is it REALLY a secret? I thought everyone knew about airport hotels.
Good question! Maybe "best-kept" is an exaggeration. It's less of a locked-away treasure and more of a... well, a well-kept place that isn't always front and center. You know, the kind of place that gets overlooked in the mad airport dash. It's not plastered on billboards screaming for your attention. It's the quiet achiever. Think of it like the indie band that's way better than the corporate pop star everyone's obsessed with. It's got a certain... charm.
Okay, fine. What's the BEST thing about it? Gimme the goods!
Oh, hands down? The convenience. I CANNOT stress this enough. It's right there, practically attached to the airport. No endless shuttle rides, no frantic Uber searches, just BAM! You're there. And after surviving a delayed flight and the soul-crushing experience of baggage claim? That's a godsend. Seriously. My blood pressure *lowers* just thinking about it. It's a lifesaver, especially during those winter blizzards when the roads are a sheet of ice and your flight is already delayed by 6 hours. Pure. Bliss.
What about the rooms? Are they, you know, *clean*? (Because I'm a germaphobe, obviously.)
Okay, I'm with you on this. Cleanliness is KEY. And yes, they are. Mostly. Let's be real, no hotel is *perfect* (unless you're staying in a five-star palace and haven't touched anything), but I've never had a truly horrifying experience. The bathrooms are generally sparkling, the beds are comfy – though sometimes the pillows are a little... fluffy. (I like my pillows like I like my opinions: FIRM.) They're usually good about the details - fresh towels, good toiletries. I'd give it a solid 8 out of 10 on the clean scale.
Let's talk food. What's the breakfast situation? Is it worth getting out of bed for?
Breakfast is... decent. It's your standard Residence Inn free breakfast, which is better than *some* hotel breakfasts, let's be honest. You get your usual suspects: eggs (scrambled, usually), waffles (make your own!), pastries, cereal, fruit, yogurt... the works. Honestly? It *usually* does the job. It's enough to fuel you for the next flight and maybe keep the hangry monster at bay for a few hours. Don't expect gourmet, but you WILL find something to eat. Although I do make sure to bring some of my own snacks from home, just in case.
What about the overall vibe? Is it a loud, chaotic place?
It depends. Mostly, no. It's usually pretty chill. You know... airport hotel chill. It's a mix of weary travelers, business folks, and the occasional family. I *have* had a few experiences, though, where the hallways were filled with screaming children at 6 AM. That kinda ruins the vibe. I'm talking about a single, memorable time from last year that I still have flashbacks about.
Let me tell you about that *one* time. I had an early flight, was already running late (as always), and just wanted to have a quick breakfast and get some work done. I hear a thundering of little feet running up and down the hallway, followed by relentless shrieks. I opened my door and saw no fewer than *six* kids, all under the age of, oh, seven, apparently in training for a demolition derby in the hallway. Their parents were nowhere to be seen. Or, if they were, they were either asleep or completely oblivious. I tried to be polite, you know, with that forced smile of someone who’s had no coffee and is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. "Excuse me, can you please keep it down a bit?" Yeah. That helped. For about 30 seconds. I might have thrown a pillow at the wall, in a moment of pure, unfiltered frustration. In my defense, I was exhausted. It was a truly memorable experience. So, yeah. Some days...you get that. But mostly... it's quiet.
Are there any downsides? Anything I should prepare for?
Ah, yes. Nothing's perfect, right? First, the price. Airport hotels aren't cheap. Check multiple booking sites before you commit. It's the price you pay for convenience. Also... the location. It's *amazing*, but it's still near an airport. You *will* hear planes taking off and landing. It's not a huge deal, but if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. And, okay, I'll say it again: breakfast can be a bit hit-or-miss (remember my comments about the coffee machine?). Finally, sometimes… the elevators are slow. REALLY slow, especially if you're on a high floor and in a hurry. Plan accordingly.
So, final verdict: Should I stay there?
Absolutely. Especially if you have an early flight or a long layover. It's not perfect, but when you're stressed, exhausted, and just want a place to rest your weary head, the convenience and *usually* decent quality make it a winner. Just remember the earplugs and maybe pack some emergency coffee. And if you hear screaming children? Good luck, you'll need it. But odds are good -- it's going to be a solid, sensible stay.
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