Forest Park Hotel (St Louis, USA)

Fifteen minutes' drive to downtown St. Louis, eleven minutes to the Gateway Arch, and five minutes to Forest Park.  Easy off/on the Interstate 44 to outlying regions.  Clean and adequate for an older hotel.  Recent renovations have given most areas a much-needed sprucing, while others are in process.  The new Forest Park Cafe is on-site, offering breakfast and lunch until 1 pm.  The Forest Park Bar and Lounge, also on-site, opens at 5 pm, and provides cocktails, micro-brews and tasty bar grub, with room service offered until 10:00 pm.  A business center, gym, outdoor pool and laundry facilities are also available, although some have been disappointed in warmer months to find the pool covered on sunny days.

Beds are comfortable, bathrooms are large, and rooms are clean.  Basic, decent amenities are offered and the Bath and Body Works toiletries are fresh-smelling and lovely.  Remember to request a room facing opposite the highway if you're a light sleeper.

Friendly and efficient staff are ready to provide optimal comfort.  Don't hesitate to call the desk if there's anything you need!

The side of the hotel facing the road is notoriously noisy - the hotel provides earplugs in these rooms. Request a room on the opposite side for a greater chance at undisturbed slumber.

Although the hotel claims newly renovated rooms, you may wish to ask to see yours before paying.  Some reported chipped paint, dirty smudges and finger prints on appliances, dusty fixtures, torn chairs, missing expected amenities (such as refrigerators and microwaves in the "deluxe" rooms), constantly running toilets and noisy air conditioners.

The elevator has a few quirks and operates slower than most prefer.  Take the stairs if you're in a hurry.