I have been researching where to stay in St. Louis. It seems the Central West End or Lafayette Park are the best? Does anyone have ideas? My boyfriend and I will be in St. Louis for about a day and a half and would like to stay in a neighborhood that has a local flare, but is also convienent to sightseeing, dining and nightlife. Anyone have ideas?

If you're lucky enough to get a room at Chase Park Plaza in the Central West End you'll be within walking distance of great night life and lots of good restaurants.

Lafayette Park is a terrible neighborhood...don't stay there. Clayton, Central West End and University City are all good!

Striebee, Lafayette Square definitely has charm, however you couldn't pick a much worse choice as to where you'd stay. It's a high-crime area, undergoing serious rejuvenation by its residents. As for the Central West End, that is probably exactly what you're looking for. It's a wonderful conundrum of casual funk and sophisticated elegance, with just about something for everybody. You're within walking distance to so many neat things... Forest Park (the Art Museum, Zoo, etc... all FREE), great restaurants like Balaban's and some really nice clubs. And I second the vote for staying at the Chase. It's beautiful! Look up "St. Louis" on Fodor's destinations (if you haven't already); it won't steer you wrong.

Yes the chase Park plaza is a lovely hotel, walking distance to great restaurants, shops, and even Forest Park. There is a nice little theatre there and a Nice Restaurant called Cafe Eau -
Clayton - This is also a nice area with local flavor. There is the Seven
Gables Inn or theDanielle Hotel. There are great bars, and restaurants... Nice neighborhoods to walk through.
You would need a car to go to sights
Have fun.
Anne