The circumstances of being “stuck” in St. Louis when Hurricane Sandy hit the northeast coast turned a three-night stay into a totally unexpected seven-nighter that began as a major inconvenience and ended as a relaxing impromptu and memorable mini vacation. The organization I work for had just concluded a three-day around-the-clock business meeting at the Westin St. Louis, and I was SO exhausted and ready to go home. At meetings’ end, I checked out and after an all-day wait in the airport, “Sandy” had plans for colleagues and I to stay put due to cancelled flights. This is where the Westin staff made our extended stay so pleasant. We were all promptly re-booked and able to check-in without delay and my preference for a low-floor close to street level and gym was accommodated immediately.

After re-checking in, the Clark Street Grill staff warmly welcomed our party for a late dinner. The ‘Grill’ was such a positive experience with regard to its menu and service which together set it apart from the competition. Dining healthy on the road – and having vegetarian-friendly choices – is important to me and I’ll start by saying the salads and fresh veggies there are Awesome! Room service is prompt, courteous and friendly, and the oatmeal (which is amazing!), fruit smoothies (made to order), and Starbucks were an awesome treat to look forward to each morning!

The old brick building is aesthetically beautiful with 1890s character, having been converted from the turn-of-the-century Cupples Station railroad complex. Guest rooms are quiet, comfortable and well-appointed for a business or vacation stay.

The hotel – located right next to Busch Stadium – is in a prime location for walking to lunch/dinner, seeing historic sites, shopping, and walking, running or biking along the Mississippi at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial/Gateway Arch park.

Hotel gyms are usually an afterthought, but not at Westin Saint Louis! I was pleased to discover how complete the gym was with its expansive free-weight room to complement the adjoining aerobic/cardio/weight machine rooms. Have to say, I was completely in awe of the fact that the free-weight room had an “old school” t-bar rowing contraption that I haven’t seen in years…needless to say, I had to rib my gym at home for not having one of these gems!

I would highly recommend this hotel to other organizations for its comfortable and spacious meeting rooms, cordial and accessible information technology and hospitality staff and central U.S. location and proximity to the airport.

Lastly, a sincere thanks to the hotel and Clark Street Grill staff for the professional and personable, warm, homespun hospitality. Their attention to the small things and details of the day-to-day is where they excel to make this a 5-Star stay!