The Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch is the best-value base for a first visit and our budget pick, because its rate includes so much. It stands about one block from the Gateway Arch, so you can walk to an early tram time and to the Old Courthouse in minutes, and Busch Stadium is a short stroll. The hotel occupies a historic downtown building restored by Drury, the St. Louis-based hotel family, and has 351 rooms. The real draw is what comes with the room: a free hot breakfast every morning with dishes such as scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy and oatmeal; the 5:30 Kickback every evening, with free hot food and cold drinks including beer, wine and mixed drinks; and free popcorn and soft drinks in the lobby in the late afternoon and evening. For a family or a group, that can save a meaningful amount on a short trip. There is an indoor pool with two whirlpools, free Wi-Fi throughout, and Carmine’s Steakhouse on site for a sit-down dinner. Rooms are comfortable and practical rather than luxurious, but the location and the inclusions are hard to beat downtown.
Location and getting around: the hotel is at 2 South 4th Street, about one block from the Arch grounds, with the Old Courthouse and Kiener Plaza a few minutes away and Busch Stadium a short walk south. The trolley tour starts a short drive north, and MetroLink stations downtown link to the airport and Forest Park.
Rooms: rooms are clean and comfortable, in a straightforward style, and some have views toward the Arch or the river; ask when you book.
Who it suits: first-timers who want to walk to the Arch, families who will make the most of the free breakfast and evening food, baseball fans in season and budget-minded travelers who still want a central, full-service hotel.
Good to know: breakfast runs from 6:00 to 9:30 on weekdays and 7:00 to 10:00 at weekends, and the 5:30 Kickback runs from 17:30 to 19:00. The indoor pool is open from 9:00 to 22:00. Covered parking is charged per night, can rise during big events, and has a low clearance that rules out oversized vehicles.
Why stay here
- ✓Free hot breakfast
- ✓Free 5:30 Kickback with hot food and drinks
- ✓Free evening popcorn and soft drinks
- ✓Indoor pool and two whirlpools
- ✓Carmine’s Steakhouse
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Fitness center
- ✓Covered parking for a fee
Good questions
How close is the Drury Plaza Hotel to the Gateway Arch?+
It is about one block from the Arch grounds, an easy walk to your tram time. The Old Courthouse and Busch Stadium are also within walking distance.
What is the 5:30 Kickback at Drury?+
It is a free evening spread of hot food and cold drinks, including beer, wine and mixed drinks, served from 17:30 to 19:00. Free hot breakfast is also included every morning.
Does the Drury Plaza at the Arch have parking?+
Yes, covered parking is available for a nightly fee that can rise during big events. The garage has a low clearance, so oversized vehicles cannot park.
