Likes:
1. Downtown Location
The Magnolia Hotel St. Louis is a perfect downtown location for being walkable to sites, restaurants, and shops. It’s also convenient for visiting Gateway Arch National Park (the reason for our visit), the Mississippi River, or a game at Busch Stadium.
2. Rooms
My husband and I were pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to a spacious one bedroom suite! We enjoyed the oversized bathroom, separate living/bedroom areas, and the comfy king size bed!
3. Miscellaneous
With numerous of my clients being pet parents – you’ll enjoy this hotel being pet friendly and also no extra charges for this perk. As The Magnolia was originally built as a hotel in the early 1900’s – I appreciate some of the original lobby features with the beautiful stained glass and tile work.
4. Food Choices
The Magnolia offers in room dining and also daily choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their on site bar/restaurant (Robie’s). My husband and I noticed almost all the restaurants are closed on Sundays in downtown St. Louis – so this is extra needed during a weekend stay.
5. Marriott Bonvoy
If you’re a Bonvoy member – you’ll enjoy being able to earn points, upgrades, and use of their mobile key system (the Magnolia’s works easily – I had some Bonvoy hotels this trip where this feature wasn’t functioning).
Dislikes:
1. Valet Service
The valet service was by far the biggest negative of the Magnolia Hotel St. Louis. Besides being expensive ($55/night) in relation to the room prices – the valet service is a huge hassle! One is required to make an account to pay the charge separately, as it doesn’t get added to your room bill. Valet service is supposed to make our traveling lives easier, and this was just a ridiculous extra step that slowed down everyone trying to check out!
2. Rooms
Yes, you read correctly – the room category makes it on both lists, as the rooms can definitely use a little refresh. For a hotel suite – I expect a nicely tiled shower and not to be showering in a bathtub with a shower curtain.
Overall – I recommend the Magnolia Hotel for a short stay in downtown St. Louis – it’s a a great value for a boutique hotel!
Until the next adventure – bon voyage
Kris
