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The gateway to the west, St. Louis is a major Midwestern metropolis packed with history, culture, art, food, fashion and fun.
But there’s just one problem with St. Louis – it can be difficult to navigate and it is not cheap. Which is exactly why we wrote this guide for where to stay in St. Louis.
This article was put together with one thing in mind – to help YOU find the best place to stay in St. Louis. With the help of this insider’s guide, you’ll be able to know exactly which neighborhood in St. Louis is best for you based on your interests and needs.
So whether you want to party all night long, dine on local delicacies or simply want to find the cheapest bed in town, our guide has everything you’re looking for – and more!
Let’s jump into where to stay in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
- Where to Stay in St. Louis
- St. Louis Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in St. Louis
- St. Louis’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in St. Louis
- What To Pack For St. Louis
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for St. Louis
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in St. Louis
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in St. Louis.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Modern Castle-Downtown Saint Louis | Best Airbnb in St. Louis
This place has serious character—more old-school charm than your average stay and packed with antique furniture, books, and vintage details in every corner. You get the whole top floor to yourself, it’s spacious, comfortable, and well set up with a proper kitchen. Who wouldn’t want to stay in a castle?!
Newly restored historic home | Another Best Airbnb in St. Louis
I love a historic building and the restoration on this is *chefs kiss*. With exposed brick, creaky old timber floors and a proper lived-in feel, it has oodles of warehouse charm. Victor’s apartment is bright, spacious, and well kitted out, especially the kitchen if you’re keen to cook. It’s in a cracking location too—right downtown with all the main St. Louis spots an easy walk away.
Hampton Inn & Suites St Louis at Forest Park | Best Hotel in St. Louis
The Hampton Inn is one of our favourite hotels in St. Louis because of it’s great Forest Park location. It is close to the Saint Louis Zoo and offers easy access to downtown and the Grove. This hotel boasts spacious rooms, a fitness centre, and an excellent indoor swimming pool.
Airbnbs in Missouri have easy access to St. Louis and all the must-see spots!
Downtown
Downtown St. Louis is a lively and thriving neighbourhood. It is the central business district and is home to St. Louis’ main tourist attractions as well as the entertainment and nightlife districts.
Lafayette Square
Set south of downtown is Lafayette Square. Centred on the oldest publicly owned park west of the Mississippi, Lafayette Square is a charming neighbourhood with tree-lined streets and distinct architecture.
Downtown
In addition to being the cultural, business, and tourist hub of the city, Downtown is also our pick for where to stay in St. Louis if you’re looking for the best nightlife.
The Grove
The Grove is an up and coming neighbourhood set west of downtown St. Louis. It is centred along vibrant Manchester Avenue and boasts a vast array of popular bars and restaurants, including the Atomic Cowboy and Sauce on the Side.
Forest Park
Forest Park is a massive and lush green space located in western St. Louis. It covers an impressive 5.55 square kilometres and has played host to several significant historical events, including the 1904 Summer Olympics.
St. Louis is a massive and sprawling city. It is the largest metropolitan area in the state of Missouri and is one of the largest centres in America’s Midwest.
St. Louis is best known for its massive Gateway Arch and as the Gateway to the West. But, there’s more to St. Louis than meets the eye. The city is packed with lush green spaces and is home to world-class shopping, an incredible food scene, and boasts a wide variety of entertainment options.
The city covers an area of 170 square kilometres. It is divided into 79 government-designated neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and flavour.
To help you navigate the streets and alleys of St. Louis, this guide will look at the must-see activities and attractions in the best neighborhoods.
Downtown is located on the eastern end of the city. It sits along the banks of the Mississippi River and is home to skyscrapers and businesses, as well as restaurants, museums, art galleries and bars. It’s the perfect place to make your base if you’re visiting for the first time or are keen to explore the nightlife scene.
Head southwest from here and you’ll arrive in Lafayette Square. This neighborhood is centred on one of the oldest parks in the city and boasts incredible Victorian and heritage homes. It’s where you’ll find shops and cafes, and a selection of good-value accommodation options.
Continue travelling west and you’ll pass through The Grove. One of St. Louis’ up-and-coming neighborhoods, The Grove is home to plenty of art as well as hip eateries and lively lounges.
And finally, Forest Park is a beautiful neighborhood situated in western St. Louis. It boasts a great selection of museums and art galleries, as well as the St. Louis Zoo.
There are some great St Louis Airbnbs spread across the city. Still not sure where to stay in St. Louis? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
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St. Louis’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Now, let’s take a look in more detail at the best neighborhoods to stay in St. Louis based on your interests.
#1 Downtown – Where to stay in St. Louis the first time
Downtown St. Louis is a lively and thriving neighborhood. It is the central business district and is home to St. Louis’ main tourist attractions as well as the entertainment and nightlife districts.
Boasting everything from professional sports teams and corporate headquarters to trendy restaurants, world-class shopping and the iconic Gateway Arch, downtown St. Louis is a neighborhood packed with activities and attractions. Because there is so much to see and do, Downtown St. Louis is our pick for where to stay if you’re visiting for the first time.
Love to eat? Downtown St. Louis is for you. This exciting neighborhood is bursting with restaurants, cafes and bakeries where you can sample unique local dishes, like toasted ravioli or frozen custard.
Things to See and Do in Downtown
- Browse the Inside the Economy Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank.
- Catch a performance at the Peabody Opera House.
- Delve deep into the history of blues music at the National Blues Museum.
- Enjoy good food and music at BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups.
- Explore the tunnels, caves, slides and displays at the City Museum.
- Ride the Downtown Trolley.
- Root for the Cardinals baseball team at Busch Stadium.
- See the iconic Gateway Arch.
- Step back in time at the Campbell House Museum.
Modern Castle-Downtown Saint Louis | Best Airbnb in Downtown
This place has serious character—more old-school charm than your average stay and packed with antique furniture, books, and vintage details in every corner. You get the whole top floor to yourself, it’s spacious, comfortable, and well set up with a proper kitchen. Who wouldn’t want to stay in a castle?!
Newly restored historic home | Best Loft in Downtown
I love a historic building and the restoration on this is *chefs kiss*. With exposed brick, creaky old timber floors and a proper lived-in feel, it has oodles of warehouse charm. Victor’s apartment is bright, spacious, and well kitted out, especially the kitchen if you’re keen to cook. It’s in a cracking location too—right downtown with all the main St. Louis spots an easy walk away.
Hotel Hyatt Regency Saint Louis at The Arch | Best Hotel in Downtown: City Place St Louis
Yes, having a Hyatt on this list might seem a bit basic, but there was no way of leaving this hotel out of the top places to stay. With its incredible location next to the famous Arch, you know you’ll be in walking distance to the best attractions in St. Louis. It might not be the cheapest option, but the value and service you get for your money is worth it. The rooms are stylish, modern and incredibly clean. You can also choose from different accommodation sizes, starting from a single room to suites that fit up to 5 people – perfect for groups or families that was to stay together. There’s a restaurant, two bars and a starbucks on sight, ideal for a lazy day!
Missouri Athletic Club | Best Hotel in Downtown
The Missouri Athletic Club is an excellent 3.5-star hotel in downtown St. Louis. It has a wonderful location close to shops, bars and restaurants, and is within walking distance of popular tourist attractions. Rooms come complete with air conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, and wireless internet.
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View on Osprey#2 Lafayette Square – Where to stay in St. Louis on a budget
Set south of downtown is Lafayette Square. Centred on the oldest publicly owned park west of the Mississippi, Lafayette Square is a charming neighborhood with tree-lined streets and distinct architecture. It’s a fantastic place to make your base if you enjoy walking and gawking, dining, drinking and shopping.
Lafayette Square is also a great choice if you’re travelling on a budget. Tucked within this posh neighborhood are a handful of good-value hotels and affordable bed and breakfasts, so you can enjoy the best of St. Louis without breaking the bank.
Things to See and Do in Lafayette Square
- Check out the colourful St. Louis Graffiti Wall.
- Enjoy French and vegetarian fare at Vin de Set.
- Go for a stroll through Lafayette Square.
- Indulge in delicious American dishes at SqWires.
- Sample handcrafted beers and spirits at Square One Brewery.
- Sneak a peek at the amazing interiors of St John Nepomuk Church, the first Czech Catholic Church in America.
Stylish St. Louis Retreat | Best Airbnb in Lafayette Square
This is a sleek, narrow townhouse tucked into a beautiful historic district, with loads of great restaurants just a short stroll away. The apartment’s spotless, thoughtfully laid out, and feels surprisingly spacious. It’s split over two levels, so be ready for a few stairs—but it’s a solid spot if you don’t mind the climb.
The Westin St. Louis | Best Homestay in Lafayette Square
This place is spot on if you’re heading to catch a game at Busch Stadium. Loads of amenities around and some great restaurants nearby. It’s always clean, and the hospitality is genuinely welcoming. The bathrooms are spacious, and the bed is ridiculously comfy. Plus, the mini fridge is a nice touch. For a quiet stay with solid amenities, you won’t go wrong here.
Historic First Floor Unit in McKinley Heights | Best Hotel in Lafayette Square
If the usual cookie-cutter hostel vibe isn’t your thing, this holiday rental’s got a bit more personality. Tucked in a quiet spot but still central, it’s got that proper home-away-from-home feel. Comfy living room, fully equipped kitchen, and a few essentials like coffee and creamer to get you started in the morning.
#3 Downtown – Best area to stay in St. Louis for nightlife
In addition to being the cultural, business, and tourist hub of the city, Downtown is also our pick for where to stay in St. Louis if you’re looking for the best nightlife.
Cosy cafes, world-class restaurants, chill pubs, lively bars, and secret speakeasies are just a few of the things that make this neighborhood the city’s premier nightlife destination. No matter what you want, you’ll find something to pique your interest in the downtown neighborhood.
Things to See and Do in Downtown
- Dine on delicious local dishes at Schlafly Tap Room.
- Don’t miss the happy hour specials at Lucas Park Grille.
- Down a pint and watch the game at Cardinals National.
- Drink, eat and dance at the Wheelhouse.
- Enjoy after dinner drinks at Hair of the Dog.
- Escape from reality at The Boom Boom Room.
- Excite your senses at Sen Thai.
Apartment With Roof Deck and River Views | Best Loft in Downtown
This is a beautifully maintained loft in a revitalised part of St. Louis, just a few minutes’ walk from the Arch. It’s quiet, private, and feels like a proper escape despite being right in the heart of things. The location is spot on, with the Metro nearby and plenty to do within walking distance. Inside, everything is clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully set up for an easy stay.
Embassy Suites Saint Louis – Downtown | Best Motel in Downtown
This Downtown hotel strikes a solid balance between central convenience and a quieter atmosphere. The rooms are tastefully done, the staff are genuinely friendly, and the evening happy hour is a welcome touch. After a hot day out exploring, the pool is the perfect place to cool off and unwind.
Live! by Loews – St. Louis | Best Hotel in Downtown
The location of Live! by Loews couldn’t be better—right in the thick of it, with the ballpark, bars, restaurants, and the Gateway Arch all just a short walk away. The rooms are spacious, decked out with stylish decor, and offer some cracking views. The staff are friendly and switched-on, and the onsite restaurant and bar round things off nicely.
Luxurious and Open Downtown Loft | Best Airbnb in Downtown
This place is warm, cosy, and properly private, with plenty of space to settle in comfortably. Everything is immaculately clean and clearly well looked after. The kitchen is stocked with all the essentials for cooking, including pots, pans, and coffee to get you started in the morning. Towels and body wash are provided as well, which makes it easy to feel right at home from the moment you arrive.
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Grab an eSIM!#4 The Grove – Coolest place to stay in St. Louis
The Grove is an up and coming neighborhood set west of downtown St. Louis. It is centred along vibrant Manchester Avenue and boasts a vast array of popular bars and restaurants, including the Atomic Cowboy and Sauce on the Side.
This neighborhood is known for its high concentration of independently owned restaurants, bars, boutiques and shops. So, if you’re looking to try something new and take a break from the high street, the Grove is the neighborhood for you.
The Grove is also a haven for hipsters and artists. Simply take a walk throughout the area and you’ll feast your eyes on colourful murals and mindblowing street art.
Things to See and Do in The Grove
- Drink, dance and enjoy a great night out at Atomic Cowboy.
- Enjoy a unique and delicious dining experience at Confluence Kombucha.
- Excite your taste buds with a delicious Indian feast at Everest Café and Bar.
- Grab a pint and enjoy an afternoon on the patio at Just John.
- Indulge in delicious American fare at Layla.
- Sample beers from Germany, America and around the world at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company.
- Savour flavourful dishes at Sameem Afghan Restaurant.
- Sip cocktails at Rehab.
- Spot colourful and creative street art as you tour the neighborhood.
- Try the calzone at Sauce on the Side.
Holiday Inn Express St Louis Central West End | Best Hotel in The Grove
This three-star hotel is your best bet for budget accommodations near the trendy Grove neighborhood. It is located in St. Louis’ West End and is close to a variety of restaurants, shops and bars. This hotel offers a range of amenities, including a fitness centre and a BBQ/picnic area.
AC Hotel by Marriott St Louis Central West End | Best Hotel in The Grove
This place has a vibe you’ll love. The staff are spot on—super friendly and always ready to help. The room and bathroom are spacious, and the location’s perfect—grab a bite nearby and stroll to Forest Park without needing to get in the car.
Home2 Suites St Louis | Best Hotel in The Grove
This three-star hotel is our top recommendation for where to stay in the Grove. It provides comfortable and spacious rooms with modern amenities. There’s also a gym, laundry facilities and BBQ area on-site. This hotel is close to a great selection of eateries and bistros, as well as shops, bars and clubs.
Gorgeous condo in HEART of STL | Best Airbnb in The Grove
The apartment looks exactly like the pictures, and the neighbourhood is charming, quiet, and safe. You can tell the host really puts effort into making the place feel comfortable and well-equipped, with thoughtful touches everywhere. The bed is incredibly comfy, the water pressure’s perfect, and Michelle, the host, is responsive and really helpful. Plus, the location’s fantastic with plenty to do nearby.
#5 Forest Park – Best neighborhood in St. Louis for families
Forest Park is a massive and lush green space located in western St. Louis. It covers an impressive 5.55 square kilometres and has played host to several significant historical events, including the 1904 Summer Olympics.
Known as the heart of St. Louis, Forest Park is home to a variety of attractions and museums, including the St. Louis Zoo and the Missouri History Museum. Because there’s so much to see, do and enjoy in the area surrounding the park, this neighborhood is our pick for where to stay in St. Louis for families.
Things to See and Do in Forest Park
- Browse an incredible collection of art and artefacts spanning five millennia at the Saint Louis Art Museum.
- Delve deep into the history of the city and the state at The Missouri History Museum.
- Learn all about science and technology at the St. Louis Science Center.
- Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon enjoying the lush landscapes and glistening waterways of Forest Park.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Piccione Pastry.
- See more than 18,000 animals from around the world, including lions, penguins and giraffes, at the Saint Louis Zoo.
- Sink your teeth into a tasty slice at Pi Pizzeria.
- Snack on flavourful tacos at Mission Taco Joint.
The Cheshire | Best Hotel in Forest Park
This place is packed with proper British pub vibes. Each room’s themed after a different British author, and there’s a plaque inside each one telling you a bit about their story—such a cool touch. The hotel’s full of character, with quirky decor in every corner, and even the scent in the air is inviting; the warm apple-scented candle in the lobby makes everything feel extra cozy. To top it off, a drink in the snug British-style pub is the perfect way to wrap up your day.
Drury Inn & Suites St Louis Forest Park | Best Hotel in Forest Park
The Drury Inn & Suites is one of our favourite hotels in St. Louis because of its excellent location near the Saint Louis Zoo and Forest Park. Rooms are well-appointed with coffee/tea makers, refrigerators and ironing facilities. There’s also a fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi and free wifi.
Spacious Villa in Historic Dogtown! | Best Airbnb in Forest Park
This Airbnb has a great vibe—private, spotless, and full of character. It’s close to downtown attractions, so you’re right in the mix, but the space itself feels like a little retreat. The place is super cute and easy to figure out, but if you need anything, the host is quick to help.
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park | Best Family House in Forest Park
The staff at this Hampton Inn & Suites are super friendly, and the place is as clean as a whistle. It’s quiet, comfy, and has all the essentials, plus breakfast is decent—plenty to pick from. The view of Forest Park’s a nice touch, and you’ve got shopping and restaurants right on your doorstep.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in St. Louis
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of St. Louis and where to stay.
What To Pack For St. Louis
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for St. Louis
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in St. Louis
St. Louis is a unique city with so much to offer travellers. It has a rich and diverse history, a vibrant arts scene, unique dining opportunities and plenty of professional sports teams to choose from. No matter where your interests lie, we guarantee you’ll find something to love in St. Louis, Missouri.
In this guide, we’ve covered the best neighborhoods to stay in St. Louis based on interest and budget. While there aren’t any hostels in the city, we did our best to include affordable options alongside mainstream hotels.
If you’re still not sure which neighborhood is right for you, here is a quick recap.
City Place St Louis – Downtown Hotel is our pick for the best value hotel because it has a great location, excellent features and amenities – and all of that comes at an affordable price.
Another excellent option is the Hampton Inn & Suites St Louis at Forest Park because it offers easy access to the St. Louis Zoo and all of the city’s top tourist attractions.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in St. Louis instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
Buy Us a Coffee!
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