St. Louis...where to Stay?

I am not sure which holiday inns are express. There is a holiday in on Lindbergh at 55 that is a great location, and another at 55 and Butler Hill.

Both of these are close to my house and everything you want to see is convenient to where I live. Oh and I don't live in the ghetto or any crazy part of town. :)

Oh if you can try to fit in Magic House and City Museum.

Not sure how long it has been since Elisa has been to St Louis but not only does the fudgery not exist and has not for well over ten years, but Union Station is not known for its safey.

Hi! The kids would love the show at The Fudgery in Union Station, a ride to the top of the Arch, and a trip to the Soulard Farmer's Market to get goodies for a picnic. Have fun!

ETA---
So much for the internet, I know it's been a while so I looked to see if the Fudgery was still listed before I suggested it, it's too bad, it was cool. I'm sorry to hear about the state of Union Station too. You know, it's concept is based on our Faneuil Hall, which remains vibrant and fun and safe.
Oh well...

http://local.yahoo.com/info-17672475-hilton-st-louis-at-t...

This is where I stay when I go to St. Louis. It is next to the Cardinals ball park, walking distance to the Gateway Arch and in the right location for shopping and eating.

Jo W would be the best person to answer most likely as she lives there.

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!!

I actually checked out the website. There's quite a few good/safe choices for a Holiday Inn Express. Here's my opinion:

1. 6921 S. Lindbergh
2.10709 Watson Rd
3. 4234 Butler Hill Rd
4. 1848 Bowles Ave.
5. 13735 Riverport Dr.
6. 4901 Six Flags Rd

#1-4 are all on the south end of St Louis. All close to major hwys. All in good neighborhoods. They are close to Grant's Farm, but you will have to drive into the city for the zoo/museums. This is not an issue, & quite doable. :)
#5 is on the west end of St Louis, & is close to the major hwys. It's also near: Bass Pro, historic St Charles, Cabelas & St Louis Mills - which has a lot to do/see, but is best to do during the daylight hours. (sorry St Louisans, but when you go to the movies & there's more than 10 officers - not mall security - routing the ticket sales...then there's serious safety issues in the mall.)
#6 the address says it all. & 6 Flags is a blast for families. It's only a 20 minute drive to Grant's Farm, & about a 30-40 minute drive to the rest on your list.

& as Jo said...the Magic House & City Museum are excellent. If I had to pick, I'd go w/ City Museum. It combines nicely with Soulard Market, Gus' Pretzels, the Arch!!, & many other wonderful fun things in downtown St Louis!

If you choose from #1-4, Suson Park is also fun for kids. It's a farm-based county park. Good Luck & Have fun!

I have stayed at the Holiday Inn Select on 9th Street on 2 occasions - reasonable rates, near the convention center. It was very reasonable, and cheaper than the Renaissance which is just a few blocks away. There's a pool and I found the desk staff to be very helpful. Maybe your points are good at all Holiday Inns? I know we walked to the waterfront area where the arch is and there are lots of restaurants. There are also many restaurants (many with sidewalk tables) on the same street as the Conv Center just 3-5 blocks from the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel was simple and not expensive, but we always ate lunch/dinner at other places just to sample the city's offerings. I have used the mass transit system and it is clean and reliable. It's the best way to travel downtown from the airport - it's the first stop so you always get a seat and there's room for your luggage! During the summer, there were also information personnel where we came up out of the subway who were terrific at giving directions. Did you go to the city tourism website? It's very helpful. I was there for business so didn't have time for the zoo etc. Remember it's really hot there so dress accordingly.

You are pretty much in "safe" territory in South County or West County and will be close to major hwys. (Sorry don't know much about North area so not trying to offend and North siders)

Not sure how old your girls are...Magic House and Zoo are definites. The Arch is pretty cool w a museum in there as well. No one has mentioned the Science Center...very educational yet fun (and close to the Zoo) Six Flags can be fun (depends on how much you want to spend) The city museum is good for older kids, not so much toddler/younger ones. The new City Park is kinda neat too with fountains and mini pools that the kids can play in (bring suits)

I'm drawing a blank on places to eat! If I think of some good ones, I'll let you know.

If you like sports, don't forget to take in a Cards game!!! :)

If you're planning on activities such as the Magic House and Zoo, City Museum and maybe the Botanical Gardens (they have a lantern festival this Summer...super cool!) you are in good shape if you stay near kirkwood, you can hop on 44 to get anywhere. Staying in South County is going to be somewhat far for Magic House and the Zoo. You could stay in a much more central location. If it has to be a Holiday Inn Express, the one downtown will suffice. Downtown is fine, as well as central, south county, west county, lots of places. There's only a few places that I would call 'unsafe'. I would search google maps and stay anywhere near kirkwood, brentwood (very central), crestwood, forest park, and all the surrounding areas. If it can be a regular Holiday Inn, I recommend either the Kirkwood location or at Hampton and 44 (this would be a good distance to all attractions! Best bet).

As far as things to do/see>>>>

- Lantern festival at Botanical Gardens
- Zoo just opened the new sea lion exhibit!
- Magic House of course
- Grants Farm, you can even feed the elephants now!
- City Museum..it's so much fun at night they stay open till 1am on weekends
- The Arch
- Card's game!!!
- There's a new American Girl store in Chesterfield if that interests you
- Six Flags (Hurricane Harbor) but pick a day when maybe they have B1G1 to help on the cost. You can find all kinds of specials online.
- Raging Rivers
- Walk around the Delmar Loop for lunch/ ice cream
- Purina Farms
- Swing Around Fun Town
- Dave and Busters (daytime, the adults go at night)
- 5th Street in St. Charles
- Ice skating at a local rink
- Monkey Joes!!!!!
There's so much to do!

To Eat>>>>

- Buffalo Wild Wings
- CiCi's Pizza
- Fitz in the Delmar Loop
- Incredible Pizza
- Chili's
- Hacienda
- Dr. Jazz Ice Cream Parlor & Diner
- St. Louis Wing Company (All you can eat wings, fries, and soda for $10 during the week)
- FroYo in the Delmar Loop (Ice Cream)
- The Spaghetti Factory
- St. Louis Bread Co (classic)
- Imos (classic)
The list is endless, but these places are kid friendly.