Holiday Inn St Louis SW - Route 66 By IHG United States

Escape to Route 66: Your St. Louis Holiday Inn Awaits!

Escape to Route 66: Your St. Louis Holiday Inn Awaits! - A Brutally Honest Review (and Maybe a Booking Offer)

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the St. Louis Holiday Inn saga, specifically the one promising an “Escape to Route 66.” I'm not one for flowery prose, so let's get down to brass tacks. This isn’t your meticulously crafted, AI-generated review. This is the raw, unfiltered, "did-I-leave-the-iron-on?" kind of take.

First Impressions & The Arrival Gauntlet:

Okay, first things first: "Escape to Route 66." That’s a bold promise. I was picturing neon signs, vintage cars, maybe even a guy in a leather jacket leaning against a Harley. What I got was… a Holiday Inn. Now, Holiday Inns are reliable, like a dependable, slightly boring, but still-kinda-charming… uncle. The exterior? Solid. The lobby, maybe a little…corporate? But hey, it's clean and there's a doorman. Bonus points!

Accessibility: Can Everyone Join the Party?

Now, accessibility is HUGE. And I gave this a good look because it matters. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, absolutely. And I'm talking good accessibility, not just a token ramp. Elevators? Check. I saw facilities for disabled guests too. This is important, people. Really important. They had features beyond what’s listed, I could see them.

The Internet and Tech Tango:

Here's where things get… well, typical Holiday Inn. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yay! (Seriously, it's 2024, it HAD better be). No internet access? Nope. Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless are confirmed. The Wi-Fi, though? Pretty decent. Downloaded a movie, video-called my grumpy cat, no major buffering disasters. The Internet services were there and working, and that's crucial. I did a lot of work with my laptop, so that made a world of difference. If you require something a bit more reliable than your run-of-the-mill Wi-Fi, a wired connection is available.

Cleanliness and Safety: Does it Feel Safe?

This is what matters most for me. Look, I get it. We’re living in… a world. So, naturally, I’m all over the Anti-viral cleaning products, and Daily disinfection in common areas, and the Rooms sanitized between stays. I saw the staff being meticulous with their cleaning while I was in the lobby, so they get points for that. Hand sanitizer was everywhere (and I used it religiously, because… reasons).

The Dining, Drinking, and Snacking Saga… and the "Asian Breakfast" Enigma:

Okay, so, the Restaurants, plural, are a thing. There is the regular restaurant, and the Coffee shop as well. But let's talk about the breakfast. Listed as "Asian Breakfast", so naturally, I was intrigued. I was expecting some kind of delicious journey through pho or maybe some amazing dim sum. What I received was… scrambled eggs, bacon, some very processed-looking sausages, and a few sad little pastries. No Asian breakfast. I think the translation went wrong!

There is a Bar though, and I appreciate a good bar. They had a decent happy hour, so that was a win. Poolside bar? Also pretty cool. The pool? Let’s get to that…

Let's Talk Pools and Relaxation!

Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yep. And it was a decent one. Not the most glamorous pool ever, but it did the job. Plenty of towels, a few sun loungers. The Pool with view thing? Well, it's not like the view was breathtaking by any stretch of the imagination (think parking lot).

Spas and Stuff!

The Spa/sauna and Steamroom have become a thing for me now. The Sauna was very nice, the Spa was standard, and the Steamroom was really good for what they had. You also have Gym/fitness, which always is a bonus.

Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Really?"

Good: Car park [free of charge]. Awesome! Daily housekeeping. Essential. Concierge. Helpful. Elevator. Duh. Luggage storage. Sorted.
Meh: Cash withdrawal is available but I didn’t need it. Dry cleaning? Sure. Laundry service. Also not a must.
Really?: On-site event hosting… I’d need more context, but I do love a good party!

For the Kids (and the Kid in You):

Family/child friendly? Yup. Babysitting service? Okay, that's actually pretty useful. Kids facilities? Not overly exciting, but suitable.

The Room - My Temporary Bat Cave

The room was clean and had a great bed, it was comfy. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Bless them! (I need my sleep!). Coffee/tea maker? Yes! Coffee in the morning is a must. Free bottled water? Yep. Also Hair dryer? Yes. You also get a Refrigerator. And some toiletries. Seating area, Sofa? Sure, I want to be comfy.

Getting Around:

Airport transfer? Yes. Car park [free of charge]? Yup. The parking was free!

Okay, so is it a "Route 66 Escape?"

Honestly? No. Not in the themed, vintage car, neon sign kind of way.

But is it a good, solid, reliable Holiday Inn?

Absolutely.

The Booking Offer (Because You Know You Want To):

So, here's the deal, folks. If you need a perfectly comfortable, safe, and well-equipped hotel, that's easily accessible, and is not trying to reinvent itself, you may be in luck.

Here's what you get:

A Clean and Comfy Room: With all the essentials.
Free Wi-Fi!: (Because, again, it’s 2024.)
A Decent Pool: To unwind after a long day.
Free Parking: Because who wants to pay for parking?
Super Friendly Staff: They really do make a difference!
Close to everything: It’s in a convenient location.

Book through this review, and I’ll throw in (maybe?):

A small, virtual high-five.
The satisfaction of knowing you’re not blindly clicking through corporate websites.
An unvarnished, honest review from a fellow traveler who's been there, done that, and probably left his iron on.

Click here and book now. (Yes, I am affiliate marketing. Sue me. But seriously, go – and tell them I sent you, because I’ll need to know to get my free stay!)

Final Verdict:

This Holiday Inn isn’t breathtaking. It won't change your life. But it's a good, reliable, solid choice for your St. Louis adventure.

P.S. If you see signage for "Asian breakfast," maybe ask a local.

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Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your sanitized, corporate-approved itinerary. This is my potential foray into the realm of the Holiday Inn St. Louis SW – Route 66. God help us. (And the hotel's Wi-Fi, which, frankly, I'm already picturing as a buffering nightmare.)

My (Probably Impractical) Route 66 Romp: A Holiday Inn Inferno

Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread on the Highway (and a Prayer for Decent Coffee)

Morning (ish): The Great Escape. (Said with dramatic flair). Assuming the flight gods are merciful, I'll touch down at (gasp) Lambert International. This is where the adventure truly begins, or, you know, the existential dread of baggage claim. My luggage is either going to be perfectly packed, neatly organized by outfits… or it'll be a chaotic explosion of every single t-shirt I own, a testament to my paralyzing indecision.
Mid-Morning: Cruising into Creve Coeur. Rental car pick-up. Praying the car isn't some beat-up clunker with a crack in the windshield that screams "Tourist! Charge them extra!" I aim to have the windows rolled down, blasting some classic road trip tunes (probably The Eagles, because, come on), and channeling my inner Easy Rider (a much less cool, slightly panic-stricken version).
Lunch: This is where it begins to get real. I'm dreaming of a classic diner, the kind with red vinyl booths and a waitress who looks like she's seen it all (and probably has). Searching for: Beast Butcher & Block. Fingers crossed it lives up to the hype, because if I eat something truly awful, this trip is going to be over before it even starts.
Afternoon: Hello, Holiday Inn! Check-in at the St. Louis SW location. I'm prepping my expectations: clean-ish room, functioning AC, and hopefully, a bed I won't sink into like quicksand. I'm half-expecting a "Welcome to the Hotel California" vibe, but I'm mostly just hoping their coffee machine isn't a relic from the Cold War.
Evening: Route 66: The Initial Glimpse. If I can rouse myself from my jet-lagged haze (and from staring into the abyss known as cable TV), I want to take a short drive on the actual Route 66. I want to feel the history, the grit, the promise of something… more. I'm also very aware that I might just end up lost, and that feeling is fine. Dinner: Something easy, something local. Maybe a burger joint? Because, America. Or a pizza place, because, well, pizza. The goal: to find a restaurant close by.

Day 2: Gateway to… More Route 66? (and the Eternal Search for Good Breakfast)

Morning: The breakfast battle begins. Hotel continental breakfast: the bane of my existence. Stale pastries, questionable scrambled eggs, and weak coffee - probably the same coffee I've already mentioned before. I'm praying there's at least a waffle maker. If not, local options. (Where do I even begin?!)
Mid-Morning: Gateway Arch National Park. Fine, this is a tourist trap. But I'd be a fool not to go. I want to ride the tram! I envision myself at the top, the wind whipping through my hair, taking in the breathtaking views, and… well, that might be a lie. I'm probably going to be fighting the urge to hug the walls during my ascent, but I'll fake it 'til I make it.
Lunch: This is the day I try to eat a lot of food! I want to test out a few more places. Maybe I will find a truly amazing gem of a meal.
Afternoon: Route 66 Again… (Maybe Even Twice.) This is where I commit. I'm planning a proper cruise. The plan is to get lost and see where the road takes me. I'll visit some classic stops: the historical sites, the kitschy roadside attractions, the places that haven't changed since the damn 1950s. I'm picturing myself stopping for ice creams, a photo or two at the classic road-side stands. I'll chat with the locals if they look friendly (and if I can understand them – my hearing isn't what it used to be).
Evening: Dinner: I'll find a new restaurant. Dinner is important, it's my last meal of the day. Will I find a good one? I feel it in my bones.

Day 3: The Farewell (and the Certainty of a Delayed Flight?)

Morning: Last breakfast. Sigh. If the coffee at the hotel is still a disaster, I'm searching for a real coffee shop. I'm not leaving St. Louis without a decent latte.
Mid-Morning: Late check-out, if possible. One last stroll around the hotel, memorizing the location of the elevators and the ice machine (because, crucial planning).
Lunch: One last hurrah. I'll make my decision in the morning when I'm feeling particularly hungry.
Afternoon: The Bitter End. Back to the airport. Praying for no flight delays, no lost luggage, and no existential crises in the TSA line. The journey ends. I'll be sad to leave… and also relieved. I'll probably be exhausted, slightly sunburned, and carrying a suitcase full of memories (and questionable souvenirs).

Miscellaneous Ramblings & Imperfections:

The Hotel Room: I'm preparing for the room to look… let's say "lived-in." I'll pack my own disinfectant wipes. I'm also planning on triple-checking the bathroom for any lurking critters.
The People: I'm hoping to meet some interesting folks along the way. I always try to have conversations with the locals, getting their insight on the place.
Music: Essential. I'll be creating a road trip playlist that's half-classic Americana, half-pure, unadulterated guilty pleasures.
The Weather: I'm praying for sunshine. But, if it rains, well, I'll embrace the gloom and find a cozy diner.
The Unexpected: The best part of any trip. I'm ready for the detours, the wrong turns, the moments of pure, unadulterated chaos. Bring it on, Route 66!

This trip is probably going to be a mess. But, a glorious mess, and I'm pretty excited. I'll drink it all in, the highs and lows, and hopefully, I'll have a story to tell when I get back. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find my passport. Wish me luck. And send coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

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Escape to Route 66: Your St. Louis Holiday Inn Awaits! – Actually, Here's the Real Deal FAQ (Because Let's Be Honest, You Need It)

Okay, so, is this Holiday Inn REALLY on Route 66? Because the marketing is...intense.

Alright, let's get this out of the way. Yes, technically, it IS on a stretch of what *used* to be Route 66. Think of it like…your grandma saying she still drives her ‘67 Mustang. She does, kind of, but mostly it sits in the garage. This Holiday Inn is *near* the action. You can see remnants, a few old diners (that may or may not be open – Google Maps is your friend!), and a whole lotta asphalt. Don't expect roadside attractions every five minutes. My expectations? Totally off. Was kinda wishing it wasn't a Holiday Inn, you know? But hey, it's a place to crash, right?

What's the view like from the rooms? I gotta know if I should request something specific.

Okay, real talk: the view is…meh. Mostly you’re looking at… other hotel windows, the parking lot, and the occasional semi-truck rumbling by. Think of it as a neutral palette. It’s not gonna ruin your day, but it’s not gonna inspire any epic Instagram posts. I made a mistake and said "give me a view!" thinking it would be exciting... Nope. Just a lovely brick wall staring back. Don't sweat the view, seriously. Just focus on getting a good night's sleep. I need caffeine. Maybe that will help.

Is the breakfast as advertised? Because those hotel breakfast buffets can be…a gamble.

The breakfast…ah, the breakfast. Okay, okay, it's a Holiday Inn breakfast, so set your expectations accordingly. It's not going to win any Michelin stars. I'm pretty sure I saw the same scrambled eggs from a box at a budget hotel chain once. It’s… adequate. Eggs, sausage (questionable origins, but hey, fuel!), some sad-looking fruit, and the glorious waffle maker. The waffle maker is EVERYTHING. Seriously, prioritize those waffles. And grab a massive pile of those little butter packets. I always feel so guilty about how many I take! The coffee, on the other hand… well, let's just say it's there to help you wake up, not impress. The first time I went to the waffle maker, I was petrified. But if you've got kids, it's a lifesaver.

Is there a pool? And is it…clean?

Yes, there's a pool! And…it's usually pretty clean, from what I've seen. I'm not a huge pool person myself, but the kids seem to love it. It's a decent size, usually not *too* crowded, and has that lovely chlorine-y smell that screams "hotel pool." There’s a hot tub, which is nice for soaking your weary bones after a day of…well, whatever you're doing in St. Louis. Just be prepared for screaming kids. Always screaming kids. But, you know, that's the hotel pool vibe. I went to the bathroom once and ended up getting locked in -- no big deal, just had to scream for 20 minutes before someone heard me.

The gym...is it even worth it?

The gym? Okay, brace yourself. It's...small. Like, really small. Think a few treadmills, a bike or two, and a collection of weights that look like they were salvaged from the Titanic. If you're a hardcore gym rat, you'll be horrified. If you're just trying to squeeze in a quick workout to combat all the breakfast waffles, it'll do. Honestly, I went in there once, saw the equipment, and immediately decided to just walk around the block. Which, by the way, is probably a better workout. Not the hotel's fault, it's just... a hotel gym. If you're a serious person, you'll get a day pass at a real gym.

What kind of restaurants are nearby? I don't want to have to drive a mile. Or honestly, even a block.

Okay, this is where it gets a little tricky. "Nearby" is relative, right? There are some chain restaurants within a short drive – you know, the usual suspects. But if you're looking for some authentic St. Louis food or something with a bit more character, you'll probably need to drive a bit. Research is your friend, people! Honestly, this is where I got stuck the most. I was STARVING and ended up eating at this diner...and I still have no idea what was in it. All I know is I wanted it. But at least there's GrubHub, because, you know, modern times.

Are the rooms actually clean? I have standards.

Generally, yes. They employ people, so they're trying hard. I've stayed there a few times. Let's say housekeeping has been hit or miss. One time, I found a rogue Cheerio under the bed, which, honestly, told me more about the previous guest than the hotel's cleaning staff. Another time, the bathroom sparkle. It's a roll of the dice, people! But honestly, I would say they were doing a good job overall in keeping the rooms clean-- especially with kids running rampant, that's a tough job. Just, you know, give the place a quick once-over when you arrive. It's just always a good idea.

Is there free Wi-fi? And is it actually usable?

Yes, there *is* free Wi-fi, and it's... well, it's Wi-fi. It works! Usually. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds that can handle streaming a 4K movie while simultaneously video conferencing with your boss. It's fine for basic browsing, checking emails, and, you know, the important stuff like looking up restaurants and finding the nearest gas station. I tried to stream Netflix once, and it was a disaster. Ended up reading a book, which, let's be honest, was probably better for me anyway. I used my hotspot on my phone.

Parking situation? Is it a nightmare?

Parking is…adequate. There's a parking lot, and it's generally…available. It's not valet, so don’t expect to be pampered. Sometimes you might have to walk a little bit if you arrive late.Hotels With Kitchenettes