AC Hotel by Marriott St. Louis Central West End

The staff were friendly, and the hotel is in a great spot near coffee shops, restaurants, parks, and museums. The Korres products in the room were excellent, and the gym equipment was great, though it could use a weight scale. Parking was a nightmare. It took me over 40 minutes: the garage opposite the hotel wouldn't take AMEX, and neither the street meters nor the city app accepted it. The garage around the corner that they recommended had a broken gate arm and signs warning that cars would be towed. They suggested free parking a block away on a busy street, but it wasn't secure, spaces were limited, and cars could get hit. I ended up parking on the hotel's block and had to move the car before the meter started early each day. Dust was another problem. It was visible in the air and thick enough to write my name on the door and some walls and furniture. I changed rooms, but the second room was just as dusty. The beds weren't comfortable, though the pillows were good. The shower pressure was so weak that rinsing my hair took ages.

The bar team were quick and exceptionally friendly. Across the hotel, from housekeeping to the front desk, the staff seemed to enjoy their work and pull together for guests. Nee Nee at the front desk was especially great with my flight crew. She helped us when we unexpectedly needed to extend our booking, suggested nearby restaurants, offered tips about the St Louis area, and was just warm and easy to talk to. I've stayed in plenty of hotels as flight crew, and she was a breath of fresh air.

We hardly needed the car during our one-night visit. You can walk to Forest Park in a few blocks, Whole Foods is two blocks away, and there are lots of restaurants and shops nearby, including Subway, Insomnia cookies, Clementine’s ice cream, and the Cup right next door. The world Hall of Fame for chess is around the corner. We enjoyed walking around, and the neighborhood felt very safe. I'd stay here again when I'm in St. Louis. I was worried about parking, but it turned out easy. You can use the valet spots while checking in, then park in the garage directly across the street. We paid $15 overnight, and the garage is close. The workout room has plenty of gear, including a Peloton bike, free weights, and several treadmills. Our room, 224, was spacious, clean, and quiet, with a view of The York's patio. The warm welcome from staff continued every time we came and went. Housekeepers greeted us in the hall and elevators, and the bartender chatted with us, too.

Marc made arrival and departure much easier. I had a lot of heavy bags, and he was friendly and helped unload them when I arrived and load them again when I left. The whole valet team greeted me and offered help each time I came in or went out.