Four Seasons St. Louis: Luxury Redefined (MO)
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into the glittering, slightly intimidating, but ultimately fascinating world of the Four Seasons St. Louis. Forget the polished brochures and perfect descriptions; I'm here to give you the real deal, warts and all (mostly gorgeous warts). And, of course, craft a killer offer to get you there.
First, the Basic Rundown (Because We Gotta, Right?)
This place screams "luxury." It's the kind of hotel where you feel underdressed in jeans, even though they're probably designer jeans. Right off the bat, we're talking Accessibility. The Four Seasons generally gets it, but I'm not going to lie, luxury hotels aren't always the best at this. I did a little dig, and it seems they have facilities for disabled guests (a good start!), and while I don't have firsthand experience, I saw online reviews mentioning accessible rooms. Important: Call them directly and confirm. Don't trust the internet entirely. Always double-check.
- On-site Restaurants/Lounges: Got 'em. Lots of 'em. This is where the fun (and the potential for expense) begins. We'll get to the food in a minute.
- Wheelchair Accessible: See above. Call. Verify.
- Internet Access: The holy grail! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Huzzah! They also have Wi-Fi in public areas, which is pretty standard. They also offer Internet [LAN] for us old school folk.
- Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Oh, honey, this is where it gets good.
- Spa: Massive. Seriously, prepare to lose yourself in the spa. They have a pool with a view (the kind that makes you want to Instagram everything), a sauna, a steamroom, a body scrub, body wraps, and every massage imaginable. I once spent three hours in a hot stone massage and felt like a puddle of happy goo when I left, I will never forget it.
- Fitness Center: Top-notch. You can work off the calories you'll inevitably consume.
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: Gorgeous! The real deal!
- Steamroom, Sauna, Spa/Sauna: Yes, to all the above!
- Fitness Center: Is the real deal. Gym/fitness.
Cleanliness and Safety: Modern Worries Answered
Okay, let's be real. In this day and age, this is HUGE. The Four Seasons seems to be taking it very seriously. They tout: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out (if you prefer!), Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, and oh my god, a Doctor/nurse on call! Honestly, it's a reassuring list! But, does this mean it's perfect? Well, I once visited another luxury hotel during the pandemic and the sanitizing felt performative. I will be honest, I didn't look to hard at the crevices of the elevator buttons, which is a shame because I have been wanting to do that. I should have brought my mini-flashlight.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Prepare to Be Tempted (or Bankrupt)
This is where the Four Seasons really shines… and where your wallet might cry. You've got:
- Restaurants: Many.
- Bar: Yep.
- Coffee Shop: Definitely.
- Poolside Bar: Essential.
- Room service [24-hour]: Thank. The. Lord.
- Breakfast [buffet] & A La Carte in restaurant: Choices!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: If you're into that.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Because variety is the spice of life (and the joy of overspending)
- Happy Hour: Essential.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh yes.
- Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: All present and accounted for.
- Bottle of Water: Nice touch.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Good for the conscience.
Here's where I diverge: The breakfast buffet. Listen, buffets can be a gamble. Sometimes, they're glorious. Other times, they're… well, I've seen better choices at a truck stop. But the Four Seasons? Chef's kiss It's not just a buffet; it's an experience. Think mountains of perfectly ripe fruit, artisanal cheeses that make you weep with joy, and pastries that are so beautiful you almost don't want to eat them (almost). The coffee? Rich, dark, and probably brewed by a wizard. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but it's that good. And the staff? They're like tiny, elegant ninjas, refilling your coffee before you even realize your cup is empty. Anecdote:
I was at the buffet once, and I was having a truly terrible, awful, no-good, very bad morning. Everything pissed me off. The coffee was too cold. The toast was untoasted. I was about to storm out. Then, a server (wearing a suit, of course) noticed my misery. He quietly brought me a freshly brewed pot of coffee, a perfectly poached egg (with the yolk still running!), and a tiny, warm croissant. Suddenly, the world didn't seem so terrible. That is the level of service you are paying for here.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (That Cost Big Bucks)
This is where you get pampered silly. You've got:
- Air conditioning: (Phew!)
- Business facilities (if you must).
- Concierge: Your wish is their command. Seriously.
- Contactless check-in/out: Another pandemic win!
- Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery: Everything you'd expect.
- Indoor venue for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Projector/LED display: If you're feeling fancy.
- Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace: For your comfort.
- Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking: Getting around is easy.
For the Kids: Keep Them Happy (and Quiet)
- Babysitting service: Yay.
- Family/child friendly: Yes.
- Kids meal, Kids facilities: Good to know.
Available in All Rooms:
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: The works. Basically, everything you need to be comfortable, and then some.
The Real Review: Mixed Emotions and Honest Reflections
Okay, here's the deal. The Four Seasons St. Louis is undeniably glamorous. It's a place where you can escape the everyday and feel utterly spoiled. The staff is impeccable (though sometimes a little too attentive – I swear I could barely breathe without someone asking if I needed anything). The spa is heavenly. The food is divine. The rooms are beautiful. But it's also expensive. Like, "eat ramen for a month to afford the minibar" expensive. I almost had a panic attack looking at the price of a glass of wine!
The "Flaws" (Because Perfection is Boring)
- The Price: Let's get this out of the way. It's not cheap. You're paying for the experience, the service, and the location.
- The Atmosphere: Sometimes, it feels a little… stuffy. A place where you feel like you have to act a certain way. A bit pretentious, I would be honest.
- The "Luxury Tax": Everything costs more. The little things, like a bottle of water or a snack, add up quickly.
Overall:
If you have the budget and crave a truly luxurious escape, the Four Seasons St. Louis is a winner. But be prepared to loosen your purse strings, embrace the slight stuffiness, and enjoy the ride. It's an experience, not just a hotel.
Now, for the Offer (Because I'm Here to Sell You on This!)
**Escape to Luxury: Your Exclusive Four Seasons St.
Hamilton Inn Jonesville: Your I-77 Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a St. Louis staycay that's gonna be less "polished travel blogger" and more "slightly caffeinated, slightly hungover, but totally me." We're talking the Four Seasons, yeah, the fancy one. But trust, we're gonna bring the real to it.
Four Seasons St. Louis Chaos – A Traveler's Tale (and probably some regrets)
Day 1: Arrival and the Champagne-Fueled Panic
1:00 PM: Arrive at the Four Seasons. Immediately, the hotel staff swarmed me. Okay, first impressions: fancy. Checked in. My room is on the… 21st floor. Wow!
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Unpacked. Okay, I'm lying. I looked at my suitcase, vaguely threatened it, and then decided to 'unpack' later. The view, though? Holy guacamole, the Gateway Arch staring right back at me. Made me feel all patriotic and stuff. Right up until I realized I'd forgotten my phone charger. Classic.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Champagne at the Cielo Restaurant and Bar. Okay, this is where it started to get real. Free-flowing bubbly (thank you, Four Seasons!) kind of relaxed me. And then I ordered oysters on the half shell. Suddenly, I'm feeling like a bonafide socialite, even if my outfit screams "traveler who hasn't showered in 24 hours." I started chatting with the guy next to me, a total charmer, and before I know it, we're discussing the merits of jazz vs. blues. (I'm firmly in the jazz camp, for the record). I'm starting to think this fancy hotel thing might not be so bad after all.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Poolside "Relaxation" (aka, Mild Embarrassment). Walked to the pool. It was gorgeous, all shimmering blue and gleaming sunshine. Then, I tripped slightly getting into the pool and splashed two unsuspecting families. I'm never getting into another pool as long as I live. Decided, instead, to nurse a cocktail and people-watch. Got a little judgey about the swimwear choices. Don't worry, I am sure that I was being judged as well.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at Cinder House. The food… oh my god. I could eat that charred octopus every single day of my life. Seriously, someone get me a bib. The service was impeccable (even though I spilled red wine down my front. Twice). The conversation flowed, and the laughter was loud. You would never guess how many glasses of water I had.
8:00 PM - Midnight: Nightcap at Cielo and then to bed. Decided to go on an adventure. Well, actually, decided to "attempt" a nightcap. Found a cute bar, enjoyed the ambiance. Decided to take it easy this night, since I would be getting up early tomorrow.
Midnight -… Later: Slept like a baby. Or, at least, passed out like one. The bed was incredible. If anyone asks, tell them I want that mattress at home.
Day 2: Culture, Coffee, and a Whole Lotta Walking (and Regret)
8:00 AM: I intended to get up early to hit the hotel gym. Hah. Woke up at 10:00.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Vaguely remembered that I was supposed to be on a health kick, so I had to start with the fresh fruit bowl and some yogurt.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The City Museum, the City Museum, the City Museum! I heard it's wild. Oh my god, it is. This place is a playground for adults, and I, apparently, am a very enthusiastic child. Climbed through tunnels, slid down slides, and generally acted like a goofball. Did I feel a little silly? Maybe. Did I care? Absolutely not! We lost track of time, and I forgot to take any photos.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at a charming little cafe. Had a sandwich. Enjoyed the ambiance.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: A very successful trip to the Lemp Brewery. I could not care any less about beer, but wow, this place is so cool. It is full of cool designs and structures. Decided to go ahead and get some beer samples.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Coffee break. Needed caffeine after the Lemp Brewery.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Back to the hotel to freshen up. Then, I made the worst decision of the entire trip. I made plans to go on the town to see the streets. I also made the decision to just Uber around because it was easier. I feel like this decision backfired.
7:00 PM - Midnight: Dinner. Slept.
Day 3: Departure (and a Sad Farewell to the Bed)
8:00 AM: Actually woke up. The bed was calling my name.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Checked out. I wish I could stay forever.
10:00 AM - Departure: Driving away. A few final looks back at the arch. Overall, this was an amazing trip. I am sad to be leaving.
Final Thoughts:
The Four Seasons St. Louis? It's fabulous. It's luxurious. It's a place where I can get away from it all. But more importantly, it's a place where I can embrace the chaos, the laughter, the missteps, and the absolute joy of living a little outside of my comfort zone. St. Louis, you were good to me. And those oysters? Absolutely legendary.
Eagan's BEST Kept Secret: Country Inn & Suites Unveiled!
Four Seasons St. Louis: Luxury... or Laundry? My Rambling Thoughts
Okay, so the Four Seasons St. Louis. Yeah, yeah, luxury. I've *heard* the word. Seen the pictures online. But does it *actually* live up to the hype? Let's get REAL, people. I'm about to spill my guts... and maybe a bit of my morning coffee – which, by the way, they make a decent cup. That's a good start, right?
So, is it *really* worth the price tag? Let's cut to the chase.
Ugh. The money. *Always* the money. Look, it depends. Are you loaded? Then, probably, yes! Just go. Enjoy. I mean, it's gorgeous. The rooms... *are* pretty spectacular. Seriously, the views from those higher floors? Yeah, you might actually *feel* rich for a few minutes. But then reality (and your bank account) sets back in.
If you're like me – planning a vacation and secretly hoping to find a winning lottery ticket whilst you're there – it's a harder sell. You're mentally calculating how many ramen dinners you can eat afterward. But... the experience? It sticks with you. Maybe that's worth something. I haven't figured it out yet. It's a philosophical conundrum, really.
Okay, fine, the rooms. What's *actually* good about them? Spill the beans!
Alright, alright. Let's talk rooms. The bed! Oh, the bed. It was like sleeping on a cloud... a very, very expensive cloud. I actually contemplated trying to smuggle it home. (Don't judge me!). The linens? Impeccable. The pillows? A fluffy, sleep-inducing paradise. I swear, I slept better there than I have in years. Seriously, just *picture it* – the softest sheets, a perfectly firm mattress, and absolute silence. Bliss. Until the alarm went off, that is.
And the bathroom! Marble, granite, the whole shebang. The shower was HUGE. You could probably fit a small dance troupe in there. I spent a suspiciously long time in that shower, contemplating my life choices. Worth it. They also had those ridiculously fluffy robes... I may have accidentally spent half the morning in one.
Speaking of bathrooms... Did you *actually* try the spa? Was it as ridiculously expensive as I imagine?
The spa… Ugh, the spa. It was… *luxurious*. Yes, it was expensive. I had a massage, and my wallet is *still* whimpering. But… it was glorious. The massage therapist’s hands were like little angels, kneading away all my stress and my credit card debt. For a little while, anyway.
The waiting room was all hushed tones and soft lighting. I felt so out of place. I accidentally dropped a magazine. The awkwardness! But then the massage started, and all was forgiven. The only downside? The price made me feel like I should be monetizing my relaxation. Maybe I'll start a YouTube channel: "How to Relieve Stress While Crying Over Your Bank Account".
The food, the food! Is it all tiny portions and foams? Tell me it isn't so!
Okay, the food. Now, this is where things get… complicated. Cinder House, the restaurant at the hotel, is stunning. Views overlooking Busch Stadium, the whole deal. But the portions? Sometimes, yes, they lean towards the “artfully arranged” side. One time, I swear I saw a single, perfectly seared scallop, looking lonely on a giant plate. I almost felt bad for it. I wanted to order it a friend...of mashed potatoes.
The food *was* delicious, though. The flavors were incredible. Fresh, inventive. But I spent a lot of time silently calculating precisely how many more bites I could take before needing a snack. Breakfast, on the other hand? Amazing. The buffet was a glorious spread of pastries, fruits, and all the things I usually deny myself. I may have overdone it. Several times. Let’s just say I left feeling *very* satisfied. And the coffee? Still good!
Any awkward moments? Spill the tea!
Oh, yes. Awkward moments? Plenty. First, I walked into the wrong elevator. It was going to the staff areas, I was *mortified* and immediately backed out, muttering apologies to an empty hallway. Then, there was the time I tried to order room service. I got flustered and forgot the name of the sandwich I wanted. I tried to describe it: "It's the... the one with the... the meat and the bread and the... stuff." The person on the other end just politely humored my babbling. I died a little inside.
But the *most* embarrassing moment? On the last day, leaving the hotel. I accidentally stepped on the train of a woman's designer dress. I didn't see it. I was too busy daydreaming about all the free coffee I’d had. I tripped. She stumbled. It was a glorious mess of apologies and shared embarrassment. She was very nice, though. Even smiled (maybe she saw my face, after having already felt sorry for me when I’d ordered the "meat and bread and stuff" sandwich). Lesson learned: Always look down when exiting a luxury hotel.
Any downsides? Be honest! Tell me what you *really* thought.
Okay, okay, here's the unvarnished truth. Aside from the aforementioned money thing… it can feel a bit… *stuffy*. You know, the whole "perfect service" thing can be a little intimidating. Sometimes I just wanted to wear my pajamas, order a pizza, and watch bad TV. But, you know… *you can't*. Even in the privacy of your own room, there's a certain level of expectation. It's the curse of luxury, I guess.
Also, I kept feeling like I was accidentally touching expensive things. A little smudge, a dropped crumb… the guilt! You’re constantly aware of how much everything costs. It's like walking through a museum – you want to enjoy the art, but you're terrified of breaking something. But then, you know what? The staff is lovely. They want you to relax. It's just my own internal, neurotic monologue.
Would you go back? REALLY?
Ugh, that's the question, isn't it? Honestly? Yes. Absolutely. Despite the potential for social awkwardness, the price tag, and my general clumsiness, I would. I would go back in a heartbeat. Maybe I’d need to start saving *now*. But that bed? The spa? The (deliciously expensive) food? The feeling… theTrip Hotel Hub
