Moonrise Hotel

The Moonrise Hotel, completed in 2009, was inspired by owner Joe Edwards' passion for outer space. This is evidenced not only by the hotel's name but by its decor: The LED-lit staircase in the lobby changes colors, and there are numerous space-related artifacts and art pieces on display -- many from Edwards' personal collection, such as the enlarged photo of him and Neil Armstrong. Edwards himself is something of a local celebrity for his efforts in rejuvenating the Delmar Loop neighborhood where the hotel is located.Both the lobby and restaurant are popular places for guests to congregate, and The Rooftop Terrace Bar receives a buzzing crowd during summer months. Its backdrop of neighborhood views and the largest man-made moon in the world -- revolving day and night above the bar -- make it a great spot for photos. Both the restaurant bar and rooftop bar can stay hopping until late, especially on the evenings when there is an music act at the theater next door.

The Delmar Loop is a historic, up-and-coming area near the Washington University campus, with easy driving access to Forest Park and Clayton. Joe Edwards, the hotel's owner, is in large part responsible for the rejuvenation of the Delmar Loop area, and it all started with his famous restaurant, Blueberry Hill, which is within walking distance of the hotel.Moonrise Hotel is walking distance to dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as concert venues, such as the Pageant Theatre directly next door.St. Louis is a thriving Midwestern city, perhaps best known for the iconic Gateway Arch -- the Gateway to the West. The city of St. Louis is quite spread out, and most people will find they need a car while visiting. Self-parking is available behind the hotel, but space is limited. Valet parking is offered for a nightly fee.- 2-minute drive or 9-minute walk to Washington University campus

• 6-minute drive to downtown Clayton
• 8-minute drive to Forest Park (home of the St. Louis Zoo, amphitheatre, museums, and activities)
• 10-minute drive to the St. Louis Science Center
• 10-minute drive to the St. Louis Contemporary Art Museum
• 11-minute drive to Fox Theatre
• 14-minute drive to Busch Stadium
• 17-minute drive to Lambert St. Louis International Airport
• 18-minute drive to Anheuser Busch Brewery
• 19-minute drive to Laclede's Landing
• 20-minute drive to the Gateway Arch

The hotel's 125 contemporary rooms have beige walls, moon-themed art, and striped carpeting, as well as quality touches such as Eurotop beds, swivel chairs, and glass walk-in showers. Modern amenities include iPod docks and flat-screen TVs.Room types include Superior King or Double Queen Rooms, Jacuzzi Kings, and Suites. The 10 Walk of Fame Suites are named in honor of St. Louis stars. Families can request connecting rooms.- Serta Entrapture double pillow-top mattresses

• Moon-themed art
• Desks with executive swivel chairs
• iPod docks
• Coffeemakers
• Flat-screen TVs
• Glass and tile walk-in showers with rain showerheads and H20 Spa products
• Lighted mirrors and mounted sinks

The fitness center is a small room with cardio and weight machines located on the second level next to the business center. This fitness center offers a hint of style with contemporary wallpaper and large mirrors -- but no windows.- Matrix treadmills, ellipticals, and a recumbent bike, all with individual TVs

• Paramount multi-stack weight stations for upper and lower body workouts
• Fresh towels and cold water

Eclipse Restaurant, though located off the lobby in the historic section of the property, has cosmic-inspired contemporary decor. It attracts a good mix of guests and locals ranging from trendy young people, to business people, to families with kids who appreciate the space memorabilia. The casual but refined American cuisine includes a variety of healthy items such as salads and sandwiches as well as burgers and specialty dishes. Sample dinner entrees include Pork Chop and Peaches or Roasted Tomato and Boursin Ravioli. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus change seasonally with the equinox. Dessert includes the signature Full Moon Marshmallow Pies.The Rooftop Terrace Bar offers snacks and small plates until late. Room service can also be ordered 24 hours a day from a separate late-night menu.

The hotel's two bars attract a young, stylish crowd, particularly post-work for happy hour during the week; on the weekends the action can continue until late night. When concerts at the next door theater let out, it is not uncommon for the crowd -- band and all -- to congregate to the Moonrise.The year-round bar in Eclipse Restaurant has blue fiber optic lights. There is a full cocktail list as well as wines by the glass or bottle. Beer aficionados can choose from over 40 options from around the world.During warmer months, the seasonal Rooftop Terrace Bar -- highlighted by the world's largest man-made moon -- is the place to see and be seen. Though the cocktail list isn't as extensive as at the restaurant bar (due to space, it has a smaller selection of liquors), the bartenders are creative and will create custom drinks from what they have access to. There are great views of the Delmar Loop district, and on a clear day, the St. Louis skyline can be seen from a distance.

• The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day.
• Concierge service
• Pets allowed for a one-time fee, which covers the use of food and water bowls and a litter box for cats.
• Self-parking is available but limited. Overnight valet parking is available for a fee.
• 24-hour room service with a late-night menu
• Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel
• Laundry and dry cleaning service
• 24-hour fitness center
• 24-hour business center
• ATM machine

The Moonrise Hotel attracts business travelers due to its location close to Washington University and downtown Clayton. There are a number of business-friendly amenities on-site.- Two private meeting rooms: Apollo 8 (which can fit up to 100 people) and Apollo 11 (which can fit up to 70 people)

• Business center with printer, open 24 hours a day
• The Eclipse Restaurant has a semi-private room for less formal meetings.
• The Rooftop Terrace Bar can be used for private meetings and events.
• Walk of Fame Suites have separate sitting areas for meetings.
• Free Wi-Fi throughout
• All guestrooms come equipped with spacious desks and swivel chairs.

• A sixty-foot solar roof over the Rooftop Terrace Bar powers the rotating moon and the outdoor bar.
• An electric vehicle charging station in the parking lot allows guests (and locals) to re-charge electric cars.
• A property-wide recycling program includes a cardboard recycling dumpster and a glass crusher to minimize space in recycling bins.
• Limited bottled water usage
• A composting system
• The restaurant features locally sourced food from nearby farmers.
• The hotel is host of the annual Green Ball, which benefits the Missouri Botanical Garden's EarthWays Center.

• Talking elevators for the blind
• TDD/TTY blind and deaf kits available to install in rooms upon request
• Wide door frames to accommodate wheel chairs
• Five rooms with roll-in showers and toilet grip bars
• Handicap designated parking spots

• The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day.
• Security cameras with recording devices are placed throughout the property.
• Parking lots are patrolled by overnight security.
• There is weekend overnight security on premise.