St Louis Downtown Hotels

Weigh pros, cons of flying to San Antonio

I'm traveling with a friend to San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 29-Oct. 3.

1) Are there cheap airfares or should we drive?

2) We mainly want to sightsee, shop and eat local fare, while getting some sun at a hotel pool. What suggestions for hotels might you have which easily access some of these amenities?

3) Lastly, any must-sees? We've both done the Alamo in high school and weren't super impressed. We loved the Riverwalk at that age, so can only imagine that's going to take a lot of our time.

-- Bob N., Springfield

1. Putting in your dates, here's what I found for airfare. Leaving from Springfield was $332 on Expedia, but it's only $200 out of St. Louis. Keep in mind, you'd have to rent a car later or take taxis, so factor in those costs if you fly.

If you drive, it's about 11.5 hours from Springfield, so will eat up two days of vacation. It would be nice to have a car, but then factor in gas and the cost of parking in a big city. If you stay close to where you want to be, you won't need a car often.

2. As for hotels, I don't know your budget, so here's a variety. I almost always book through Hotels.com or Priceline, which are often less expensive than booking through the hotel.

I book on Priceline when I bid on a hotel. The downfall is you don't know what hotel you are bidding on until you have purchased. However, I easily save 30-55 percent on hotels that way. If you're flexible, it's a good bet.

These prices don't include taxes or fees:

» Travelodge Alamo/ Riverwalk (2 stars) is located within a half-mile of the Riverwalk and Rivercenter Mall, has a pool and complimentary breakfast. Cost: $47 on Hotels.com; $59 on hotel website.

» Four Points by Sheraton San Antonio Downtown, 524 S. Saint Marys St., (3 stars) is within a half-mile of the Riverwalk. It has a beautiful outdoor pool and a fitness center (take a photo tour online). Price: $114 on Hotels.com; hotel website: $119.

» Hyatt Regency Riverwalk, 123 Losoya St, (4 stars) is located on the Riverwalk and is one block from the Rivercenter Mall.

If you don't stay there, pop in for a drink because the hotel's multitiered atrium overlooks a diverted portion of the San Antonio River that runs through the hotel. Cost: $149 on Hotels.com.

3. As for food, I contacted Edmund S. Tijerina, food and dining writer for San Antonio Express-News, and asked him where to find the best margaritas and local fare.

Renaissance St. Louis Grand & Suites Hotel Boasts All New Shop ...

St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) October 18, 2007

Get ready for the holiday season with the Renaissance Saint Louis Grand & Suites Hotel’s new Shop ‘Til You Drop Getaway Package with prices starting at $ 114 a night.

Start the holiday season in style this year with the fabulous Renaissance Grand & Suites Hotel shopping St. Louis vacation package. Come with friends or with that special someone and make it a vacation to remember. Buy some gifts for others and splurge a little on yourself. With all the amazing discounts the Renaissance offers on local shopping, there is sure to be money left over for some fun.

The Shop ‘Til You Drop St. Louis getaway includes:     Prices from $ 114 – $ 154 per night

After long days of shopping, relax in the hotel’s luxury accommodations. Complete with breathtaking city views and lavish and spacious bathrooms highlighted by the newly upgraded “lather bath” amenity. Every guest room and downtown St. Louis suite boasts classic elegance which flirts with touches of whimsy in the perfect balance of class and comfort.

Experience delectable dining with a succulent dinner at either Capri Restaurant, which is known for its bold Mediterranean flavors and 30 foot palm trees, or try the Washington Avenue Bistro with its eclectic atmosphere and classic bistro ambiance. An American Place is also a wonderful option when looking for a beautiful Saint Louis, Missouri restaurant which offers classic American cuisine.

Whether coming for a night or for a long weekend, Renaissance St. Louis Grand & Suites Hotel offers premium packages whether it’s a romantic getaway or a shopping vacation that you’re looking for.

About Renaissance St. Louis Grand & Suites Hotel: Located in the heart of downtown, this historic Saint Louis hotel invites guests to experience the city on a grand scale. The Renaissance St. Louis Grand & Suites Hotel is an architectural masterpiece, seamlessly blending distinct amenities with the lavish style of early 20th Century America. As the premier luxury hotel in St. Louis, MO, the Renaissance exceeds expectations in every detail from the opulent lobby to the elegant Crystal Ballroom, complete with panoramic city views. Sensational business and social events have a place among exquisite surroundings at this stylish downtown St. Louis hotel, offering the business conveniences of a modern convention property. Enjoy a short walk to Washington Avenue restaurants and nightlife from this St. Louis luxury hotel, situated among upscale dining and entertainment venues. Discover the appeal of luxury at this Saint Louis hotel, boasting a prime location near the area’s top attractions, including the America’s Convention Center and Gateway Arch. For more information or to make a reservation call 314-621-9600 or visit http://www.RenaissanceStLouisGrand.com.

The Grand Hotels of St. Louis

Insiders' Guide to St. Louis

Living Downtown, The History of Residential Hotels in the United States

JAMA., The Journal of the American Medical Association

Dun's review