The Best Hotels to Book Near the Missouri Botanical Garden

It might only be 100 years old, but the Cheshire’s half-timbered building channels an Old English style that feels much older. Wood paneling and leaded windows, together with opulent interiors and antique furnishings, give any stay at this boutique hotel a real sense of occasion. Suites, named after classic works of British literature, are especially fun, with colorful decor and cheeky design touches – while three restaurants give guests the option to eat Italian, American or British pub grub.

This downtown hotel attracts a young professional clientele with its central location, bold styling and rooftop bar. Slick, modern and knowing, it exhibits a strong commitment to its art theme throughout: rooms, designated one of four colors and “moods,” all have color-coded statement bedsteads and throw pillows. As it’s just around the corner from Grand Center Arts Academy, the Contemporary Art Museum and Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries, this is a great choice for any art lover.

Like the rest of Marriott’s Aloft chain of music-inspired design hotels, this St Louis three-star is aimed at a young audience of urban travelers. Unlike some of the others in the chain, though, this Aloft comes with its own indoor pool, has electric car charging on site, plus you can bring your pets, too. After a day at the gardens, or hitting up the nearby Selfie Room, you can chill over signature cocktails at the WXYZ Bar with live music on most nights. For 20-somethings, this is the one.

The idea behind the Element chain was to create hotels that have lower ecological impact and create a calm space for travelers. This Midtown property is a great example, and just a five-minute drive or 40-minute walk from the Botanical Garden. “Rise” breakfasts encourage guests to start their day right, studio apartments have their own kitchens so you can self-cater your own healthy meals, and a gym and pool mean you don’t need to leave your fitness routine at home. At the day’s end, the beds are Heavenly in both name and impact.

There’s a real sense of warmth to this guesthouse, and you can’t help but feel it’s because of the love and care its hosts have put in. Lilibet and Jordi renovated the whole building from scratch in the early 2000s, and they continue to go the extra mile for their guests. The three bedrooms all have royal titles – King, Queen and Duchess – and you’ll wake to a royal breakfast, too: freshly baked treats, buttermilk pancakes, waffles and quiches are on offer. After that, you may struggle to walk even the five short minutes to the gardens.

One of the city’s most illustrious addresses, this hotel offers five-star perks in a downtown location. Not only is it home to the hands-down most gorgeous pool in St Louis – an opulent, Italianate number – but there’s a fully equipped gym and five-screen cinema, too. Built in 1922, it’s decorated in a grand style that adds bombast, but may feel formal and a bit austere for younger guests.

Hilton’s Curio Collection is made up of independent hotels that have been curated for the particular charm and character of their buildings – and you can see just why this one is on the list. A transformation of the old Union Station, built in 1894, this hotel even does a sound and light show – featuring fire and water – that tells the story of its creation. Other than the setting, the hotel is a pretty standard high-end choice, with pool and gym, decent restaurants and clean and comfortable rooms.

You can’t help but wonder, when gazing around this space-themed hotel in the university district, whether some savvy interior decorator had Instagram in mind when designing its decor. The style is just so very extra – from the huge moon that dominates the rooftop garden bar, to the light up disco stairs and Jetsons’ style furniture. Whatever the truth, this place is great fun, and the theme certainly sets it apart from more vanilla options. Opt for the Whirlpool King Suite where you get your own jacuzzi.

The story goes that this historic stay was the first place to put chocolates on a guest’s pillow – the lucky guest in question was Cary Grant, when in town to star in To Catch A Thief back in the 1950s. That was when the hotel was in its original guise as the Mayfair, built in 1924 and one of the Midwest’s stand-out stars. Today, it’s part of the Magnolia chain, but still harks back to the glamour age, with high ceilings, opulent furnishings and huge chandeliers throughout.

It might be last on our list, and in name, but there’s nothing about this hotel that feels like an afterthought. Its rooms are bang-up-to-date in terms of comfort and decor, and its rooftop pool is a sought-after summer space for overnight guests and day visitors alike. Not to mention the three in-house restaurants, which showcase exciting cooking and cocktails. Located in a former shoe factory’s art deco building, this is one cut above the norm for hotels in the Midwest.