The hype
Travelers love the 'castle-like' lobby and staff who remember your name, but many are shocked by the lack of a pool.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
$499-650+/ night
Book this if You want the old-school, white-glove service of a grand hotel but prefer the safety and walkability of Clayton over downtown St. Louis.
Why People Love It
- The Club Level food presentations are legendary (5 times a day)
- Casa Don Alfonso brings genuine Michelin-pedigree Mediterranean food to the lobby
- Located in Clayton, meaning you can actually walk to 50+ high-end restaurants safely at night
Quick Take: It's a 'Democratic Republic of Ritz-Carlton' enclave that feels like 1995 in a comforting way, but don't expect a pool.
Reviewed by @mlverbanick: I checked into The Ritz-Carlton in Clayton and was blown away. The marble bathroom was pure luxury, but stepping out onto the balcony to watch the sunset over the city was the highlight of my stay. It felt like a total escape from the busy day.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Juliet balconies' in some rooms are just sliding doors with a railing—you can't actually step out and sit.
- You are a business traveler with an expense account
- You prioritize a high-end Club Lounge experience over a swim
- You want to be near Washington University or Forest Park
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Top-tier. Twice-daily service including turndown is standard and reliable.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate marble. No grout issues found in recent audits.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition, though some decor feels 'classic' (read: older style) rather than worn.
- Linens & towels: High thread count, crisp, and plentiful. Robes are plush.
- Odors & scents: Signature Ritz floral scent in lobby; no mustiness reported in rooms.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Wedding bands/DJs in the ballrooms (affects lower floors)
- Elevator dings if you are right next to the lift lobby
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is in Clayton, not downtown St. Louis (this is generally considered a 'pro' for safety and dining)
- The Cigar Club is a rare indoor smoking venue, which can be a draw or a deterrent depending on your sensitivity
- Breakfast is not included in standard rates and the buffet is pricey (~$36/person)
What to pack
- Business casual attire (Clayton is a suit-and-tie financial district)
- Walking shoes for Forest Park (5 mins away)
- A jacket for the lobby (AC is kept brisk)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Club Level rooms (Floors 17-18) for the lounge access and best views
- Executive Suites for actual separate living areas
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms (below 5th floor) on weekends due to wedding noise
- Rooms near the elevator bank if you are a light sleeper
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor (10+) away from the elevators. If possible, a room with a full balcony rather than a Juliet balcony would be wonderful.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. This is the most common complaint. There is no pool on the property.
Is it near the Arch?
Not really. It's in Clayton, about a 15-20 minute drive west of the Arch and downtown.
Does it have a resort fee?
No specific 'resort fee', but expect to pay for wifi ($14.95) and breakfast ($30+) a la carte.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, very. $150 non-refundable fee per stay. Weight limit is technically 25lbs but often flexible.
How is the parking?
Valet is $45/night. Self-parking is $33/day in the attached garage. The garage is safe and covered.
What is the Club Level?
A 'hotel within a hotel' on the top floors with a dedicated concierge and 5 food presentations daily. Highly recommended if you plan to eat/drink at the hotel often.
Insider Tips
- ✨
You can walk to 'The Crossing' or 'Louie' for dinner—two of the best restaurants in the entire city are blocks away.
- ✨
The lobby bar has a sushi bar that is surprisingly excellent and popular with locals.
- ✨
Ask for a 'Park View' to see the treetops of Forest Park instead of the Clayton skyline.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Juliet Balconies' are often just a sliding door you can open for air, not a place to stand.
💡The Cigar Club ventilation is good, but you might catch a whiff near the entrance if sensitive.
💡It hosts a LOT of local weddings, so the lobby can be a fashion show on Saturday nights.
💡The gym is open 24/7 and is actually quite large for a hotel without a pool.
💡There is no coffee maker in some standard rooms—you have to request one or go to the lobby.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis is located and what's nearby.