Getting Around in St. Louis, MO
 

Hello. A friend and I will be traveling to St. Louis in the spring to attend an event at Chaifetz Arena. We will not have a car. I assume that most hotels have shuttles or similar from the airport. How difficult is it to get around using cabs or Uber? I would really appreciate any hotel recommendations as well.

Thanks for any suggestions and advice.

Just looked at a map and the Arena is a little over half a mile walk north from the Grand light rail stop. No idea how the area is for walking around. Looks like the closest hotel is about half a mile away in the opposite direction on Olive Street, the Hotel Ignacio; no idea what it's like.

It may be an Uber weekend for us, then.

I don't know why you'd presume most hotels will have shuttles from the airport, they won't if they are in St Louis, such as around the university or arena. In most cities, the only hotels with airport shuttles are those very near the airport, and that airport is about 15 miles out. If you want that, you'd have to stay in an airport hotel.

See my post on your other thread, re: hotels.

Thank you both for your replies.

Tabernash, I have see your other response and I am going to research those hotels. Thanks a lot.

Loisde, I've lived in St Louis since 1979, and just saw your post.

Chaifetz is the venue for St Louis University's basketball program, as well as for various concerts and other non-university related events.

It's in the part of St Louis called Midtown or Grand Center. Not the best area to be walking around at night by yourself. But far from the worst, too. This area is home to our beautiful Fox Theater, where major Broadway plays are performed, and to Powell Symphony Hall, where the very well regarded symphony plays. Pappy's BBQ, which has put St Louis BBQ on the map, is also here.

As for where to stay, the Ignacio is close to Chaifetz and gets pretty good reviews on trip advisor. Other than that, without a car, I'd stay either downtown, or in the suburb "Clayton" which is due west of Chaifetz by about 7 miles. Clayton is very safe at night. Downtown can be sketchy.

I'd suggest using tripadvisor to find the quality, price and amenities you're looking for.

The Sheraton City Center is decent (though it's been a few years now). Very convenient to the MetroLink, with a stop (Civic Center) adjoining the hotel.

Using that, you can go straight to Union Station (one stop west, shopping and restaurants), Lacledes Landing (two stops east - restaurants and the Gateway Arch). The Grand stop is the closest to SLU and the Arena - about a 15 minute/.7 mile walk. Unless things have changed, I never minded walking around that immediate area.

Opinions vary on areas to stay. Clayton is more upscale suburban, but decent density and buzz. Safe feeling but not city feeling (IMO). I've personally always preferred staying in Saint Louis proper, but do think it's better to pick and choose your destinations. Even as a native who has traveled a bit, I don't feel that comfortable walking around down there after dark because it gets a bit too quiet in some areas.

My St Louis niece tells me Laclede's Landing is done for.

I agree that Clayton is more suburban, and possibly more safe.

A quirky St Louis hotel is the Cheshire Inn, on Clayton Road, dating back to,the 1920s. It is close to Washington U, which is a great campus to walk. Lindell Blvd is a beautiful stroll, as well, with its historic mansions. Forest Park is nearby. There are cute little coffee shops and cafes in the immediate neighborhood. Continental breakfast is included.

It used to be really affordable, but I'm not sure, now that it's been renovated.

CheshireStL.com

<i>My St Louis niece tells me Laclede's Landing is done for. </i>


That's such a shame. Not that it was one-of-a-kind or anything, but it was a decent enough place to center an entertainment complex and it encouraged preservation of the buildings. If anything, they really needed to keep it going by getting the locals invested in it's continuation... but it sounds like the opposite is happening. St. Louis has always been exceptionally good at doing the wrong thing as far as encouraging life in the city.

I agree, CC.
From my visits to Laclede's Landing, there were mostly tacky little shops and some basic pubs. Too bad because it's a great location. Now, it's Soulard that attracts the locals.