lls

We'll be passing through St. Louis this summer with our three kids (12, 10, 8). This is just a one-night stopping point (we'll be spending more time in St. Louis on the other leg of our trip) so I really just need a hotel that is a fun destination in and of itself. Doesn't need to be downtown or in St. Louis proper, anywhere in the area would be fine.

Is there a hotel in St. Louis with a really nice pool or on-site miniature golf or something else to set it apart as a fun place for families?

Thank you!

SusanCS

The Hyatt at Union Square is in a complex filled with retail and restaurants; the Chase Park Plaza is across the street from the park and has an in-house movie theater. It's so well-located for kids it'd probably make a better stop when you have more time. There's a hands-on science center on the other side of the park that's really popular with kids of all ages.

slipperblue

I second the Hyatt. It's downtown adjacent/inside Union Station. The lobby/bar area has been restored and a "step back in time." Union Station is now a mall filled with specialty shops (my favorite thing is when the workers start singing at the fudge factory downstairs). There's also nice fountains & seating areas outside. The Hard Rock Cafe is just a few steps away, too.....almost connected. There's an outdoor pool and a nice restaurant inside Union Station. Our family had a memorable time there for a 24-hour period.
http://stlouis.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml. See if that address will get you there.

wsoxrebel

FYi - Most, if not all, of SL museums are free.

indytravel

The most excellent St Louis City Museum is just a few blocks north of the Hyatt Union Station.

Though not free it is very unusual and worth the fee.

www.citymuseum.org

beachkomer

I would suggest staying near Six Flags and trying to spend part of the day there, and swim at the hotel after the park closes. The Union Station Hyatt is ok, but the shops are all souvineer stores and get old really quick.

Chase Park is beautiful, but not really for kids. I stayed there in November. It's in a great location, near the Park and Science center.

A trip up to the top of the Arch is a must!!

ziggydoo

Since you said it didn't have to be right in St. Louis, you might try the Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton, IL - north of Alton, IL.

Try this site:
http://www.greatriverroad.com/Pere/lodging.htm

There is an indoor pool (and a huge water park called "Raging Rivers" nearby), horseback riding, hiking - and one of the most huge chess sets you have ever seen in the lodge's lobby.

It is a fun place.

lls

Thanks, everyone, for some great suggestions! The Pere Marquette Lodge sounds great since we can have fun at the hotel without venturing out.

Any other suggestions for lodging in the St. Louis area where the hotel itself makes a good destination? I know KC has a Great Wolf Lodge -- anything similar to that near St. Louis?

Thank you!