The Hotel Majestic St. Louis

The Hotel Majestic in St. Louis has remained true to the building's storied past. This is first apparent upon arrival when guests get a glimpse of the elegant facade.There are a few parking spots in front of the entrance, but it is easiest to use valet parking (with in and out privileges) or to self-park at one of the nearby lots (the doorman can provide directions). Porter service is available.The antique front desk offers sit-down service rather than a traditional check-in. Two brass elevators playing Jazz music transport guests to their rooms.The lobby is decorated with plush seating areas, Persian rugs, and a baby grand piano. Business travelers are found having meetings here or in the attached Mahogany Grille -- a popular place for nightly happy hours, often frequented by locals who work nearby. The hotel receives a steady flow of clientele from nearby corporations (an AT&T branch is across the street).

The Hotel Majestic is in the heart of downtown and offers easy access to corporate offices and tourist attractions in the area. The St. Louis Arch, Busch Stadium, Citygarden, and Laclede's Landing are all within a short drive. Union Station -- once the world's largest train station and now home to dozens of shops and eateries -- can be reached by foot.St. Louis is a thriving Midwestern city, perhaps best known for the Gateway Arch -- the Gateway to the West. St. Louis has plenty of historic character, which can be experienced by visiting the city's distinct neighborhoods. These areas are quite spread out, and most people will find they need a car while visiting. However, the hotel does offer a free shuttle service for drop-offs within a three-mile radius.- 13-minute walk to Union Station

• 6-minute drive or 18-minute walk to Laclede's Landing
• 7-minute drive or 17-minute walk to the Gateway Arch
• 9-minute drive to Fox Theatre
• 9-minute drive to Anheuser Busch Brewery
• 10-minute drive to the St. Louis Contemporary Art Museum
• 10-minute drive to the St. Louis Science Center
• 13-minute drive to Forest Park (home of the St. Louis Zoo, amphitheatre, museums, and activities)
• 15-minute drive Washington University campus
• 17-minute drive to downtown Clayton
• 21-minute drive to Lambert St. Louis International Airport
• 31-minute drive to Chesterfield

The Hotel Majestic has just 91 rooms and suites. The decor is classic, if a little bland -- white duvets, wood furniture, and long red drapes. All rooms have sitting areas with at least two chairs, bathrobes, coffeemakers, and iPod docks; some have flat-screen TVs while others have dated tube TVs.The Premier King rooms offer sofa beds for families. The Ambassador and Presidential Suites have spacious bedrooms and sitting areas separated by French doors, as well as flat-screen TVs, whirlpool tubs, two bathrooms (one full and one half), and two private entrances.- Duvets and triple sheeting

• Foam and feather pillows
• Terrycloth robes
• Minibars
• Coffeemakers
• iPod docks
• Shower/tub combos
• TVs -- either flat-screen or tube
• Free Wall Street Journal or USA Today delivery

Located on the lower level of the hotel is a small fitness center, available free for guests. It's a clean space decorated with wood floors and floor-to-ceiling mirrors, which help make the space feel larger than it is. There are a few Precor cardio machines, but no weights. Towels, a scale, and cold water infused with lemon are provided.Portable treadmills are available in rooms upon request. The front desk can also provide a Fit Kit, along with jogging and walking paths in the area.

• Premier King rooms and suites offer sleeper sofas for families.
• Kids receive free milk and cookies delivered to the room on the first night.
• A rolling backpack full of toys, books and games can borrowed for the duration of the stay.
• The restaurant offers children's options and high chairs.

The casual Mahogany Grille, located next to the lobby, serves an American-style menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As its name suggests, the entire space is decorated with beautiful dark wood, as well as hand-painted murals. Look closely for historic touches, such as the large built-in clock on the corner of the bar. During the day, street-side windows bring in natural light and the restaurant caters to a business crowd. At night, the ambiance becomes a bit cozier with low lighting. Room service is also available.The restaurant scene in downtown St. Louis has grown steadily over the decades and hotel staff can offer recommendations. A steakhouse, a French bistro, and Asian, pasta, and seafood restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel.

This boutique hotel offers one bar -- belonging to the restaurant -- serving a range of beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic drinks. Guests can pull up a stool along the long mahogany wood bar, or plunk down at one of the wood tables overlooking the street. Due to its location close to downtown businesses, it receives a good crowd during the week for happy hour specials. Guests may also order drinks through room service.The surrounding area offers more bars and nightlife, which can be recommended by the concierge. For instance, Laclede's Landing, which is close to the hotel, has a number of options for drinks, live music, and dancing.

• Business center with notary and secretarial services upon request
• Concierge service and 24-hour front desk staff
• Valet parking with in and out privileges
• Porter service
• Free shuttle service within a three-mile radius of the hotel (airport not included)
• Sedan and limo service available
• Same-day dry cleaning and laundry service
• Pets under 25 pounds allowed (for a one-time non-refundable fee)
• Free water infused with lemon provided in the lobby
• Postal service
• Check cashing

The historic building does not have the large function rooms found at some newer hotels in the area, but there are a few on-site options for private events. These rooms have traditional decor and contain some historic touches. Audio/visual services can be arranged, and high-speed Internet access is available for an extra fee.- The Majestic Suite offers two connecting rooms totaling 1,450 square feet, which can be used separately or together

• The Executive Boardroom has 10 oversized chairs and a flat-screen TV.
• The Mahogany Grille restaurant on the main floor can be reserved for private events for up to 110 people.
• The lobby offers plush seating areas for small, casual meetings.
• Small business center for Internet and print services

The hotel's historic character makes it an appealing pick for wedding events such as receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and brunches. There is banquet space on the lower level for more traditional events, or guests can reserve the Mahogany Grille restaurant, a beautiful space decorated in dark wood with windows looking out onto downtown St. Louis.

The hotel's ADA-accessible rooms come with the following:- Enlarged door openings

• Shower/tub combos, hand-held showerheads, and grab bars
• Toilets with grab bars that are 29 inches from the floor
• Visual notifications for the hotel's alarm system, doorbells, and phones

• Video surveillance system throughout property
• The front desk is manned by a 24-hour staff.
• Guest rooms are equipped with safes and bolt locks.
• A safety deposit box is located behind the front desk.
• Valet parking in well-lit lots