“Once grande dame of city needs serious renovation”
Back in the summer of 1991 when this mall and hotel were re-opened after renovations saved it from neglect and possible demolition, it was a jewel of the city. Oscar winner Adrien Brody and the whole cast of Steven Soderburgh's movie "King of the Hill" stayed in the hotel. A Banana Republic, a Limited Express and a B Dalton store all anchored it. Now this place is dingy, dirty, full of souvenir stores and a sad remnant of an urban renewal project that withered without the support of surrounding investment. The Grand Hall is still grand and definitely worth the experience as an architectural marvel. The rest of the hotel, though, and mall, and surrounding area, are desolate, lack food options other than fast and cheap or slow and expensive -- and not that tasty. Despite being well-served by Metrolink mass transit and sporting an outdoor pool, reasons we chose this location -- it is not worth the expense versus newer hotels in more vibrant areas like Central West End or University City. Staff was very attentive but our room was musty and smelled like bacon and cigarettes for all three days. Word to the wise -- despite multiple assertions that the Marriott does not allow coolers or drink -- there were coolers everywhere on bell hop carts, in the halls, etc. -- so if you want a stay on the cheap with your own eat and drink, you could do that.
Area recommendations
Recommended neighborhoods: Central West End, Clayton, University City: All of these areas are more vibrant, have better food and drink options and have more young people. Food in St. Louis is kind of like Wisconsin in the everyday places: fried, often overcooked, with cheese on it -- suffering the German roots of its extraction. 'Mixed greens' in a salad can mean 80% iceberg lettuce, so not the world's gastronomic capital. In terms of attractions, though no longer free even to St. Louis residents, the Botanic Gardens, along with Forest Park, the Zoo, History Museum -- all good, close together and a great value for traveling families.
