Residence Inn by Marriott St Louis Downtown

The one real drawback was parking: it costs $26 overnight. That should be included in the advertised stay price so guests can make an informed decision. Knowing about that charge beforehand might have made me reconsider booking. The hotel itself was great and very clean. I saw staff cleaning places other hotels might ignore for years, and it was clear they take pride in keeping it well maintained.

Breakfast was amazing, with a range of choices that beats what many other hotels offer. The location is excellent too, with easy access to downtown and the Union Station train stop. Our room was good, though there was some dampness that I suspect came from the AC. The constant strong cannabis smell on our floor was unpleasant. Service was generally good, but some staff could have shown more warmth and engaged with guests more genuinely.

The evening staff were extremely helpful and nice, and they managed to cancel my reservation so I could stay for just one night. The room was comfortable and clean, though a few spots, including the bathroom door and wallpaper, are starting to look worn. I spend 6-10 months a year living in different Residence Inns for work, and this was the first one that asked me to pay for the whole stay upfront. None of the other Residence Inns I've used required full advance payment, which is difficult when my work can change how long I need to stay.

Everything else was okay, but I came back from my weekend trip with large, tender bumps all over one arm. My sister also got bitten all over her arm and neck. They have bed bugs, and that's what I'll remember.