how safe?in downtown st.louis (St. Louis, Washington: lofts, hotel, safe area)

[lovegrove65]

Hi, i am visiting St.Louis for 3 days with my wife and we are staying at Day's inn (downtown).we want to visit the botanical gardens, arch, busch stadium,the old courthouse.i would like to take photo's at night,how safe would that be also to cross the river to film the skyline, we are driving up from Memphis but are from the U.K. really looking forward to visiting,

[aragx6]

The Day's Inn is somewhat north of downtown and definitely not in the nicest of neighborhoods. Was this a budget based decision?

I haven't ever actually been to this spot, but I've heard there are great views across the river from the top of the parking garage of the Casino Queen -- which is probably the safest place to get good shots --much of East St. Louis is definitely not somewhere you should drive around at night, but if you stick this this area you'll be just fine. I'd have far fewer concerns with you driving around the area during the day.

Maybe someone else can confirm that this would be a good place for pics?

[mike0421]

Last year I stayed at the Hilton on 4th Street, last week of March, for $66 a night, using Priceline. I suggest trying to find a hotel on 4th, as I believe that's a) optimal for evening pictures, and b) safer. You have a 30 story building there, I believe my room was on the 15th floor or so, and I had the fortune of having clear sight to the Arch from my balcony.

[illini84]

If you can cancel your hotel reservation, I would recommend doing so. That is not a particularly safe area of St. Louis, plus, you won't be within walking distance of any attractions (I wouldn't really consider the Days Inn to be in downtown St. Louis). I agree with mike0421 in using Priceline--I've gotten multiple deals at the Hyatt for around $45/night + tax. The Crowne Plaza is a great option, too. The nights I've stayed at the Hyatt were during the week, when they weren't particularly busy, so they've upgraded me to the top floor with an Arch view each time for free. The view from the room has been a great photo op in itself. The top of the Arch is always a great place for pictures, as is the roof of the Lumiere, although it's been awhile since I've been up there.

Overall though, I'd consider downtown St. Louis to be okay in terms of safety. I did just read an article the other day about tourists getting their cars broken into with some frequency (check out the link), but, I'd highly suspect that these people left their valuables out in the open. Just something to keep in mind if you're driving around the city. Enjoy your trip! I think you'll find St. Louis to be a neat city.

[MUTGR]

Originally Posted by lovegrove65

Hi, i am visiting St.Louis for 3 days with my wife and we are staying at Day's inn (downtown).we want to visit the botanical gardens, arch, busch stadium,the old courthouse.i would like to take photo's at night,how safe would that be also to cross the river to film the skyline, we are driving up from Memphis but are from the U.K. really looking forward to visiting,

Whatever you do, do not stop on the bridge between St. Louis and East St. louis to take pictures. If the cars happen to miss you, you might get shot:

Man shot while checking for flat tire on Poplar Street Bridge | KMOV.com St. Louis

[aragx6]

You might get shot anywhere. That's a pretty random thing right there and not really worth pointing out if you ask me.

[flynavyj]

As stated, I wouldn't stay in the Days Inn downtown...it was built in a pretty bad area, even though it's a fairly new hotel...I don't know what the owner was thinking with it's location.

As to dangerous, many other parts of St. Louis aren't particularly dangerous, at least no more than other large cities. I'd avoid most of North St. Louis City however, but the awesome restaurant "Crown Candy" should be pretty close to where your current hotel is located, and I'd totally try that out! Great food, and awesome milk shakes/malts.

[glamatomic]

Dear Lovegrove, as others have mentioned the Days Inn isn't the best choice. Downtown St. Louis is still in transition in a lot of areas. If you are able to cancel, I would suggest attempting to do so as soon as possible. The Marriott at Union Station, Hyatt, etc are all in far better locations and you can get some amazingly affordable deals on 3rd party internet websites (travelocity, hotwire, priceline, etc) or sometimes even by calling the hotel directly.

If you are looking for a limited service option however (ie: free continental breakfast, free parking, etc, as much as I love Hyatt they have a habit of nickel and diming you) there is a Hampton Inn on Market Street and although not really within walking distance to any attractions (I don't count Union Station as an 'attraction' apart from the main Grand Hall etc) it's usually fairly affordable. Additionally, there used to be a Drury Inn behind Union Station which I assume is still there. Again, it's more affordable than Marriott / Hilton / Hyatt if you're budget conscious, and I would assume not as much of a dive as the Days Inn.

As others too have mentioned- to get the best vantage point of the St. Louis City Skyline, try the Casino Queen. Although I have been to East St. Louis at night, I think I was young and slightly out of my mind in retrospect, although nothing 'bad' happened at all (I was with some other Australian girls, we thought it would be a kick). I wouldn't recommend the average tourist venturing to East STL however if they can avoid it, unless they enjoy urban decay as much as I do.

East St. Louis reminds me very much of a smaller, rougher version of the Hackney / Dalston area of London (where I've also ventured, again without issue, but I wouldn't exactly tell tourists going to London to go wandering around parts of Hackney at night either, unless they were specifically seeking history/architecture like I was.

I really hope you'll love St. Louis as much as I do, and as much as a lot of the posters on this board do.

I want you to enjoy it, as does everyone else, so we want your experience to be as positive as possible.

Rule of thumb in St. Louis is "don't go North, don't go East", although there are areas of North City which are architecturally gorgeous, I wouldn't recommend it for the average tourist.

There is so much to love in St. Louis, it looks like you have a great plan in your intentions to visit the Botanical Gardens, Courthouse, The Arch, etc. Don't leave out Forest Park either! And make sure you try some Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, and some Toasted Ravioli. Also, try to hit up a bakery or cafe for some St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake. You can't leave St. Louis without trying our classic food

If it's your thing, the Anheuser Busch brewery tour is also quite interesting if you have time for it. Lafayette Square and Soulard are also lovely historical districts which you may want to have a peek at.

Best of luck in your trip to St. Louis! I hope this advice (and everyone else's) has helped you!

Again, I hope you LOVE it! (it's better than Memphis by far! But I'm biased!)

Best Regards,
Amber

[pianist1972]

Downtown St. Louis is generally fine, though I agree that I wouldn't do the Days Inn...lots of other affordable properties with better locations and amenities. Downtown St. Louis can just be kind of empty...it's mostly a work environment, though more and more people are living in lofts in and around downtown. Washington Ave., the north edge of downtown is busy day and night with many shops and dining choices, and there will be people around and about at almost all hours. If there is a Cards game or other event downtown, different story for sure. Locust and Olive also have shops and restaurants.

[lovegrove65]

Thanks for your helpful advice everyone. We have now booked at the hyatt at the arch...but will keep an eye on price changes as it gets nearer to october. looking forward to trying some suggested restaurants, and the local food...o.k.will keep off the bridge!!