Hotel near Arch
Hello,
We will be in St. Louis for one night in August and want to stay near the Arch. We are debating between staying at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch or Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch. I am reading that parking at Hyatt can be a nightmare, but the parking garage at Drury is very cramped. The price is comparable at both places, but Drury has the perks of free breakfast and nightly snacks/drinks. Does anyone have a strong opinion about either of these places?
If your goal is to stay as close as possible to the Gateway Arch, both the Hyatt Regency at the Arch and the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch are excellent choices since they are essentially adjacent to the park grounds and within walking distance of most downtown attractions. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide:
Hyatt Regency at the Arch
- Pros: Larger property with more modern amenities, spacious rooms, high-rise views of the Arch and Mississippi River, and a full-service restaurant. It feels more like a traditional city hotel.
- Cons: Parking is expensive and can be challenging. Valet is often the only convenient option, and self-parking is limited. During busy periods (weekends, events), finding spots can be frustrating.
- Other notes: Close access to the Arch grounds and riverfront, making it convenient if you want to do the tram ride or explore the museum.
Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch
- Pros: Includes free hot breakfast, evening snacks, and drinks (a perk for budget-conscious travelers). Rooms are comfortable, and the hotel is slightly smaller and more intimate. Parking garage is on-site.
- Cons: Parking garage is tight; larger vehicles or SUVs can be difficult to maneuver. While included amenities save money, the hotel doesn’t have the high-rise city views that Hyatt offers.
- Other notes: Also extremely close to the Arch and downtown attractions. Guests often praise the friendly staff and value of included meals.
Summary and recommendation
- If you prioritize spacious rooms, river or Arch views, and don’t mind paying for parking, the Hyatt Regency is likely the better choice.
- If you prefer added perks like free breakfast, evening snacks/drinks, and slightly smaller hotel size with a cozier feel, Drury Plaza may be the better value. Just be aware of tight parking spaces.
- Since you are only staying one night, parking ease may be less critical if you plan to leave the car parked during your sightseeing, but if you have a larger vehicle, Hyatt’s valet might be simpler than squeezing into Drury’s garage.
Both hotels are excellent bases for a short stay near the Arch, so your choice mostly depends on whether you value amenities and views over free meals and convenience of a smaller property.
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