The St. Louis Union Station Hotel is the most atmospheric family base in the city and our mid-range pick for families. It occupies the grand Romanesque railway terminal that opened in 1894, once one of the busiest stations in America, and keeps its great Grand Hall with gilded arches and a stained-glass window, now the hotel lobby and bar. In the evenings the vaulted ceiling becomes the screen for a 3D light show. The hotel is part of Hilton’s Curio Collection and a member of Historic Hotels of America, with 567 rooms spread between the historic building and newer wings, including suites in the Clock Tower and Grand Hall Wing. Under the old train shed, Union Station has become an entertainment complex: the St. Louis Aquarium, the St. Louis Wheel, a mirror maze, a ropes course and mini golf are all on site, together with around ten bars and restaurants such as the Train Shed, the Station Grille and the Union Station Soda Fountain. There is a seasonal outdoor pool and a 24-hour gym. City Museum is a few blocks away, which makes this the easiest place to stay for a family weekend built around both.
Location and getting around: the hotel is at 1820 Market Street in Downtown West. City Museum is within a few blocks, the Arch and Busch Stadium are less than two miles east, and the Union Station MetroLink stop beside the complex connects to the airport, the Central West End and Forest Park.
Rooms: rooms vary widely between the historic building and the newer wings, so check the room type when you book. Historic rooms and the Clock Tower and Grand Hall Wing suites have the most character, while standard rooms are more straightforward.
Who it suits: families above all, thanks to the aquarium, the wheel and City Museum nearby, plus railway and architecture lovers and travelers who want plenty of dining under one roof.
Good to know: self-parking and valet are both charged per night. The outdoor pool is seasonal, so it will be closed on a winter visit. The light show in the Grand Hall does not run every evening, so ask at the desk for times. Breakfast is usually charged separately, and the complex is busy with families on weekends and school holidays.
Why stay here
- ✓Grand Hall bar with 3D light show
- ✓About ten on-site bars and restaurants
- ✓St. Louis Aquarium on site
- ✓St. Louis Wheel on site
- ✓Seasonal outdoor pool
- ✓24-hour fitness center
- ✓Historic Clock Tower suites
- ✓Self-parking and valet
Good questions
Is the St. Louis Aquarium in the Union Station Hotel?+
Yes, the St. Louis Aquarium and the St. Louis Wheel are attached to the hotel in the Union Station complex. City Museum is a few blocks away.
When is the Grand Hall light show?+
The Grand Hall hosts a 3D light show on its vaulted ceiling in the evenings. It does not run every night, so ask the front desk for times.
Does the Union Station Hotel have parking?+
Yes, there is self-parking and valet parking, both charged per night. The Union Station MetroLink stop next door is an alternative to driving.
