My wife is going to Citicorp St. Louis on business (from LGA). We have never been to St. Louis (or the mid-West at all other than Chicago). Anything that we have to know about the area (distance from airport; safety; lack of civilization). She is staying at the Marriott/St. Louis West apparently near all the corporate parks in the area.

Thank you.

Lack of civilization?? Oh come on, give me a break. St. Louis, as well as the rest of the Midwest, has flushing toliets, running water, and electricity. You don't get out much do you?

The Marriott you are staying at is located in the Chesterfield/Town & Country area. The hotel is in a mostly residential area; it is safe but you will need a car to get anywhere. I think the distance from the airport is approx. 20-25 miles. If you post the location(street adress) of Citicorp St louis I could give you a idea of the distance from the hotel.

Well Paul, where to begin!

Lack of civilization? St. Louis has the second oldest(and some say the best) symphony orchestra in the U.S., the largest and oldest outdoor musical theater in the U.S., the Muny, which you can see for free, the largest collection of art mosaics in the world, (yes, the world) the best baseball fans in the country, a world-renowned zoo which is also free, an art museum which is world-class and free, one of the best botanical gardens in the world which only costs a pittance to get in, friendly people, which is more than NYC often has. So you get the picture, I hope. Oh by the way, we have the tallest national monument too. Perhaps you've heard of the Gateway Arch?

I used to work in the building next door to Citicorp. The best way to get to most of the attractions in St. Louis, is to go east on Highway 40 to Forest Park (zoo, museum, theater) continue on 40 to Kingshighway North to Lindell, then east to the Cathedral Basilica for mosaics, continue east on Highway 40 to downtown to the Arch. Don't miss the museum in the base of the Arch! Don't forget the Old Courthouse just west of the Archgrounds, site of the Dred Scott decision, which led to the Civil War. South on Broadway to the world's largest brewer's main brewery, with free tours. Then cap off your visit by heading west to Chippewa & Jameson Streets to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.

Paul, I've lived all over the US, including the midwest, and what you'll notice is that St. Louis is the last city going west that still has an 'old' eastern flavor to it. No, it's not NYC or Boston. But it ain't Wichita, either. Unfortunately, you'll be staying a long way from town. As Jane so nicely described, there's plenty to see/do in St. Louis to occupy some idle time. It's very hot and humid during summer, so plan accordingly.
As with all trips, the level of enjoyment is partly determined by one's perspective and expectations. If your goal is to prove to yourself that life in St. Louis is nowhere near as enjoyable as that of the eastern metro, you'll succeed. If it's to make the most out of a few days in a new town, you'll find it a worthwhile trip.

Above posts are right - you are definitely in the suburbs. to get a feel for st. louis definitely take above suggestions. For things to do in chesterfield -
good eats - crazy fish by chesterfield mall, annie gunns in chesterfield valley and ya yas on olive/chesterfield parkway. the ymca and chesterfield pool are close and both outstanding.

check out previous posts on the wineries - 20 minute drive from where you are staying and definitely worth a trip.

Thank you.

P.S. Melba chill