Unique attractions, restaurants, shops, and adventures are drawing meeting groups to Missouri, and the city of St Louis in particular. Take, for one prominent example, the redevelopment of the downtown central business district, aimed in part at helping enhance citywide meetings and events. More broadly, some $5 billion worth of investments across the region are making the area that much more attractive for visiting groups.
"If you haven't been to St. Louis lately, then you need to take another look," says Brian Hall, chief marketing officer of Explore St. Louis. "With a vibrant convention package bolstered by a multibillion-dollar transformation, there's never been a better time to book."
He points to the more than 7,000 guest rooms downtown, includes 1,750 recently remodeled ones within steps of America's Center Convention Complex, adding that attendees will likely respond to the new restaurants and entertainment venues in the area, including Ballpark Village and the National Blues Museum. The latter venue will swing open its doors on Apr. 2 in downtown St. Louis. Strategically centered in the Mercantile Exchange, the National Blues Museum will serve as a hub of St. Louis' convention and tourism district, within walking distance of the Gateway Arch, each of the city's major-league sports stadiums, the convention center, and the Citygarden.
Blues icons and Grammy Award winners including Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, and Derek Trucks have supported the 23,000-square-foot museum, which will include more than 16,000 square feet of interactive technology and artifact-driven exhibits, an exclusive 150-seat performance area, special-event space, and classrooms.
Beyond the galleries and exhibits, the National Blues Museum will host public programs, educational events, and other community-based activities. Sugarfire Smoke House, a favorite spot for St. Louis BBQ, will open next to the museum and provide catering for events held there.
"The $380 million renovation of the grounds surrounding the iconic Gateway Arch will forever transform this beloved national monument and how it connects visitors with our downtown," Hall adds. "After taking a look at all we have to offer, you'll know why we say, 'St. Louis is back, and you will be too."
St. Louis may be home of the blues, but the city is alive with the rhythm of other music including jazz, country, and rock -- both national and local acts.
The city has plenty of outdoor spaces for attendees to enjoy. Often referred to as the crown jewel of St. Louis, Forest Park -- nearly twice the size of Central Park, offers approximately 1,293 acres for in-line skating, biking, walking, running, golf, tennis, and other activities, and is home to five of the region's major institutions: the St. Louis Art Museum, the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Science Center, the Missouri History Museum, and the Muny amphitheatre.
Named "Ultimate Sports City" by ESPN Magazine, St. Louis is home to the 11-time World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals. Busch Stadium offers a great view from every seat, ballpark favorites, and a variety of off-field activities for pre- and post-game entertainment. The Ballpark Village entertainment district features dining, nightlife, entertainment, and the Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum.
Hotel News
Downtown St. Louis boasts thousands of guest rooms from brands including Marriott, Four Seasons, Hilton, Embassy Suites, Drury, Holiday Inn, and Hyatt. But these properties are not resting on their laurels.
"From the newly renovated Magnolia to the Marriott St. Louis Grand, our hotel partners are continuing to make extensive investments and enhancements to their properties," says John Bettag, vice president of sales for the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission. "We are excited that many of the properties closest to America's Center are seeing revitalizations thanks to the commitment of our hospitality community to offer first-class accommodations to convention and meeting attendees."
The historic Mayfair Hotel was transformed into the Magnolia Hotel St. Louis last summer. The boutique hotel, which originally opened in 1925, played host to Hollywood greats during its heyday and now offers 182 rooms, 4,500 square feet of executive conference center space, and the 2,500-square-foot Mayfair Grand Ballroom.
Adjacent to America's Center, the Renaissance St. Louis Grand has undergone a $30 million renovation and has been rebranded as the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel. All 917 guest rooms have been renovated and the lobby has a new Marriott Great Room anchored by a lobby bar. The 8th Street Pantry, in the Great Room, features a grab-and-go menu, and the Great Room Restaurant and Bar offers local items as well as a variety of local beers on tap. The hotel has also added 6,400 square feet of meeting and event space.
Also adjacent and physically connected to America's Center, the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Convention Center, formerly the historic Lennox Hotel, reopened late last summer. Shuttered since 2011 when it was last operated as the Renaissance St. Louis Suites Hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott is completing a $15 million renovation that has transformed the property into a modern, boutique-style property reflective of the historic nature of the building. All 165 rooms have been renewed, the lobby has been updated with a mid-century modern design to complement the existing historic elements, and meeting space has been renovated.
Formerly the Ramada Plaza, the Holiday Inn St. Louis Downtown - Convention Center, has undergone a renovation of all 293 rooms and lobbies, as well as the pool deck, fitness center, and front desk. The sophisticated contemporary décor is a new look for Holiday Inn and the redesigned 11,000-square-foot grand ballroom and conference center offers a mix of crystal chandlers, modern furnishings, and classic touches. The new St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame Restaurant and Bar features memorabilia from renowned local athletes, along with some of their favorite dishes.
Centrally located in America's heartland, St. Louis is an easy drive or quick flight away. With an average of 500 daily flights and 68 non-stop destinations, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport sits just minutes from downtown with convenient access to interstates and the MetroLink light rail system.
Questions or comments? Email [email protected]
This article appears in the February 2016 issue of Successful Meetings.
ESSENTIAL Tool Box
CONVENTION CENTERS
America's Center Convention Complex (502,000 sf exhibit space; 28,000 sf ballroom)
ROOM TAX
15.9 - 17.9 percent
WHERE TO…
MEET - America's Center Convention Complex
This expansive venue includes 502,000 square feet of prime exhibit space, a 28,000-square-foot ballroom, the 67,000-seat Edward Jones Dome, the 1,400-seat Ferrara Theatre, and the St. Louis Executive Conference Center.
STAY - The Chase Park Plaza
This stately landmark with a celebrated history has 338 guest rooms, three restaurants, a five-screen movie theater, and expansive event and meeting facilities including the Khorassan Ballroom, the largest event space in the hotel.
PLAY - Tan-Tar-A Resort
Three hours southwest of St. Louis (directly on the Lake of the Ozarks)but worth the drive, this property not only has 750 guest rooms and 90,000 square feet of event space, but also boasts two championship golf courses, a full-service marina with jet-skis, a spa, and Timber Falls Indoor Waterpark (with 600 feet of water slides, an activity pool with water basketball, a 21-seat whirlpool, and lazy river for tube floating).
Hotel News
Downtown St. Louis boasts thousands of guest rooms from brands including Marriott, Four Seasons, Hilton, Embassy Suites, Drury, Holiday Inn, and Hyatt. But these properties are not resting on their laurels.
"From the newly renovated Magnolia to the Marriott St. Louis Grand, our hotel partners are continuing to make extensive investments and enhancements to their properties," says John Bettag, vice president of sales for the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission. "We are excited that many of the properties closest to America's Center are seeing revitalizations thanks to the commitment of our hospitality community to offer first-class accommodations to convention and meeting attendees."
The historic Mayfair Hotel was transformed into the Magnolia Hotel St. Louis last summer. The boutique hotel, which originally opened in 1925, played host to Hollywood greats during its heyday and now offers 182 rooms, 4,500 square feet of executive conference center space, and the 2,500-square-foot Mayfair Grand Ballroom.
Adjacent to America's Center, the Renaissance St. Louis Grand has undergone a $30 million renovation and has been rebranded as the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel. All 917 guest rooms have been renovated and the lobby has a new Marriott Great Room anchored by a lobby bar. The 8th Street Pantry, in the Great Room, features a grab-and-go menu, and the Great Room Restaurant and Bar offers local items as well as a variety of local beers on tap. The hotel has also added 6,400 square feet of meeting and event space.
The pool at Chase Park Plaza
offers a luxirious break
from businessAlso adjacent and physically connected to America's Center, the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Convention Center, formerly the historic Lennox Hotel, reopened late last summer. Shuttered since 2011 when it was last operated as the Renaissance St. Louis Suites Hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott is completing a $15 million renovation that has transformed the property into a modern, boutique-style property reflective of the historic nature of the building. All 165 rooms have been renewed, the lobby has been updated with a mid-century modern design to complement the existing historic elements, and meeting space has been renovated.
Formerly the Ramada Plaza, the Holiday Inn St. Louis Downtown - Convention Center, has undergone a renovation of all 293 rooms and lobbies, as well as the pool deck, fitness center, and front desk. The sophisticated contemporary décor is a new look for Holiday Inn and the redesigned 11,000-square-foot grand ballroom and conference center offers a mix of crystal chandlers, modern furnishings, and classic touches. The new St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame Restaurant and Bar features memorabilia from renowned local athletes, along with some of their favorite dishes.
Centrally located in America's heartland, St. Louis is an easy drive or quick flight away. With an average of 500 daily flights and 68 non-stop destinations, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport sits just minutes from downtown with convenient access to interstates and the MetroLink light rail system.
Questions or comments? Email [email protected]
This article appears in the February 2016 issue of Successful Meetings.