We're bringing our small children to the Clayton area to visit the zoo, etc. Any suggestions for a quality family friendly hotel nearby? Thanks!

It's downtown, but the Drury Plaza is a gem. It's in an historic building, relatively newly opened as the hotel. Great rates, breakfast buffet included, evening 'manager's reception' included, garage parking is cheap. Fabulous service there. We were just there for two nights, for a family reunion, and everyone was extremely impressed with it.

P.S. Also, you can get a room with a view of the Arch.

There are lots of good hotels in downtown St. Louis that will only be a 5 or 6 mile drive to Forest Park.

There is a Hampton Inn literally right across Highway 40/I-64 from Forest Park. It's about 2 years old.

There is a brand new Drury Inn about 1 mile south down at the I-44/Hampton Ave interchange. There's also a Holiday Inn at the same interchange, but I've heard it's fair to okay at best.

Most of the Clayton hotels are aimed at business travelers. You don't tend to see a lot of families staying at them. However the Crowne Plaza might be a nice option.

Also: you should have put St. Louis in your subject line. Portland Oregon has a large Forest Park.

I would say even though Clayton is a business district - they are also family friendly hotels.

Depending on your budget - there is a Ritz Carlton that does offer summer specials, it is near the metro for the zoo ands downtown attractions.

The Crowne Plaza - it is walking distance of the metro to the zoo etc and family friendly restauratns.

I also agree that you may want to look at the new Hampton Inn right across from Forest Park, but there is really nothing else in walking distance.

Have Fun!!1

Hello:

Two places I would suggest..
Clayton on the Park and the
Chase Park Plaza.

You can get an efficiency
type place at the Chase as well.

http://claytononthepark.com/location.html

Hi Again:

Here's the website for the
Chase.

http://www.chaseparkplaza.com/

I grew up in St. Louis many
moons ago...will be visiting
there this month.

Love the Zoo!

Chase Park Plaza is fabulous, and it's right across the street from Forest Park.

Hi!

Yes, I agree "The Chase Is The Place"...

It's actually a city of its own. If you stay in one of
the efficiency type rooms.. you have a stove, refrig, microwave, dishwasher, dishes, pots, etc. and a stackable washer/dryer.

There is a movie theatre within the hotel, several restaurants...including one of my favorites..The Tenderloin Room, St. Louis Fitness downstairs and Straub's grocery just outside the hotel. Plus the Central West End is within walking distance..with ..cafes, restaurants, shopping, etc. You're also not far from "The Hill" with all those GREAT restaurants and Forest Park is moments away.

There is a lot of history at the Chase...my parents used to go there in the 1920's to ballroom dance in the Starlight Room.

Yes, Yes the Chase park Plaza - I put my parents up in a wonderful room last fall and it was fairly reasonable - sitting room with kitchen and bedroom all redone beautifully!!!

There is a spa there now too next to fitness center.

There is a new crepery right around the corner - it serves breakfast and lunch and ice cream too!!!

When you're done at the zoo, be sure and walk across the Highway 40 via-duct (right outside the main south zoo entrance) and let the kids play in the 'turtle park' ... turtle and serpant sculptures ... fun for climbing (and an old school playground as well).

Clayton on the Park should be closed. I thought they were converting the tower to high-end older adult assisted living.

The Old Spaghetti Factory downtown is a good suggestion, especially if the kids want to see the Arch. We were just there, and the restaurant has been recently spruced up and it looks nice. Great place for kids.

Also, since Steak 'n' Shake is so unique, I'd take them there one day, too. White Castle "sliders" are called that for a reason! I wouldn't want to be on a bus with a number of kids who have recently eaten those things! Eeeyew.

Oops- sorry, posted to wrong thread!

Dweebe - they are making it in to an upscale assisted Living place, They got rid of the music Venue there too which is a huge loss for us!

Love the Chase, and can't beat the location, but here's website for the Drury Inn, in case cost is an issue:
http://www.druryhotels.com/properties/forestpark.cfm

My friend just mentioned the other day that it was nice; she put her family up there recently.

What is the name of the creperie by the Chase Park Plaza? We love crepes and visit St. Louis every November for Parent's Weekend at Washington University. We can never find a good place for breakfast/brunch.

How about: Banh Mi Boba Tea and Creperie
243 N. Euclid Ave.

Nadoz, on Olive across from the SLU Pius Library, also serves pretty good savery crepes. I used to eat there a lot on my way too/from the library.

Tracy

re: the crepes restaurant - you may be thinking of "Crepes, etc" it located next to and shares a kitchen with Scape. They both are lovely venues with great food.

It located on Maryland Ave - right across from the lovely fountain.

I highly reccomend both!!!
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