Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis/South I-55

On the outside, this four-story Hampton Inn & Suites is fairly typical of the chain: It's a basic beige stone-accented rectangular building that's nothing special. A parking lot surrounds the building, and a few trees, bushes, and potted plants by the entrance add color. The lobby is warm and welcoming, though, with a fireplace and two purple lounge chairs across from the check-in desk. Free coffee, tea, and lemon water are available 24/7, and there are plenty of places to have a seat to sip your beverage. A TV keeps guests up-to-date on the news and the weather, and a bowl of fresh apples sits on the bar-height table. Cookies and milk come out in the evening. Overall, this is a cozy, inviting hotel that attracts all types of travelers who don't mind being a bit removed from the action in downtown St. Louis.

This Hampton Inn is situated outside of downtown St. Louis off Interstate 55, set back from the road about 500 feet. In addition to I-55, the location is convenient to travelers using I-255 and SH-67. The area around the hotel is rather barren, though, with an office park next to it and a gas station across the street. Downtown St. Louis is about 15 minutes away by car, as are popular attractions such as the Gateway Arch and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Lambert-St. Louis International Airport is about 30 minutes north of the hotel, and Six Flags St. Louis is about 30 minutes west. 

Rooms are homey and modern, with a warm color scheme alongside mid-tone Shaker-style wood furnishings. One accent wall is burnt orange while another wall consists of built-in wooden shelves with a desk and a window in the middle. Earth tones complete the look. All rooms feature mini-fridges, coffeemakers, microwaves, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, lap desks, ergonomic desk chairs, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are fresh and provide ample counter space, hairdryers, and curved shower curtain rods. Suites add more space, with a large desk and TV separating the sitting area from the sleeping area. 

A free hot breakfast is served daily in the modern breakfast area next to the lobby. Guests can dine at booths, tables, or at a bar-height table. The heated indoor pool is suitable for swimming laps, and there's a hot tub, too. Lounge chairs and cafe seating allow for relaxing and dining poolside, and towels are provided, One wall of windows lets in the daylight. The small fitness center has cardio machines, free weights, and exercise balls, and towels are provided as well. A nice-looking business center with granite countertops has two computers and a printer for guests to use, along with business supplies such as staplers, paper clips, pens, and paper. Modern art hangs on the wall, and there are cabinets above the desk. There's another computer and printer in the lobby. The Suite Shop sells snacks and beverages, while a small laundry room has a single coin-operated washer and dryer, along with a flat-screen TV and folding table. A meeting room accommodates up to 50 people and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.