Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

This Four Seasons is housed in a sleek 19-story glass building with an iconic ribbon of light that wraps around the edges, displaying endless patterns and colors. Special features are found inside as well, including a dramatic 40-foot chandelier that hangs in the three-story curved glass stairway. The hotel also has a multi-million-dollar modern art collection that is on display throughout the property. The lobby is modern and chic, with striking purple rugs atop a white tile floor, modern sculptures, fresh flowers, and huge windows allowing in plenty of natural light and providing superb views. Leather sofas and chairs provide places for guests to gather and hang out, and there also are vibrant pink upholstered sofas. A gift shop off the lobby sells high-end clothing and accessories, magazines, and travel essentials. The hotel even has its own scent, created by a local perfumer, that's piped into the common areas. Many business travelers find this hotel suits them well, but well-heeled leisure travelers also make their way here to take advantage of the luxurious surroundings and convenient location. 

The location of this hotel is a major draw, especially when compared to other high-end hotels in the city. It's situated on the edge of the Mississippi River, overlooking the old port of St. Louis. The building stands in sharp contrast to the 19th-century abandoned warehouses and industrial buildings that are being transformed into an entertainment district called Laclede's Landing. The hotel sits next to a casino, and is a five-minute walk along cobblestoned streets takes guests to bars, restaurants, and a few shops. But in the other direction are abandoned buildings, a working railway, and the interstate. The Gateway Arch is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and the three major sports venues -- Busch Stadium, the Dome at America's Center, and the Scottrade Center -- are all located within walking distance. The Dome at America's Center, where the Rams play, is the closest. The other two take 20 to 30 minutes to reach on foot for those wanting to explore the city, or a five- to 10-minute cab ride. Business travelers will find many businesses and corporations in the area, and the Financial District is less than a mile away. The St. Louis International Airport is about 30 minutes northwest. 

The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites that are all attractively designed with a neutral color scheme of beige and white, light wood contemporary furniture, white upholstered headboards, and beige patterned carpeting. Modern art adds a splash of color to the walls, which are beige or white except for a taupe accent wall. Keurig coffeemakers sit atop a granite bar with a minibar in the cabinet underneath. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs, iHome docks, CD players, and free Wi-Fi. Glass-topped work space and a chaise lounge are nice extras in the rooms, and suites offer separate living areas. The luxurious bathrooms are modern and chic, with their own TVs in the mirrors, modern art over the tub, a separate marble-tiled shower with a rainfall showerhead, granite countertops, modern lighting and fixtures, and magnifying mirrors. Upscale toiletries (L'Occitane products during our visit), hairdryers, and robes are provided (slippers by request). Large floor-to-ceiling windows provide excellent views of the city, with the Gateway Arch visible from many of the rooms, all of which are above the eighth floor. Turndown service and twice-daily housekeeping are included with all rooms, and butler services are available on request.

There are a number of features on offer here that help this live up to the Four Seasons' luxury reputation. The hotel's dining spot, Cielo Restaurant & Bar, serves Italian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. Led by executive chef Gian Nicola Colucci, a native of Italy, it serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The interior space is lovely and elegant, with leather and wood chairs, gleaming wood tables, and chic lighting and artwork. Guests also can opt to dine on the terrace, which is an especially striking space, with oversized wicker chairs with orange pillows, a red fountain in the middle, and bar tables and chairs with orange cushions. Views are of the city, including the Gateway Arch. Room service is provided around the clock. 

The large outdoor pool on the eighth floor provides beautiful views of the city. It's a breezy, attractive area that feels like South Beach by way of St. Louis. Lounge chairs and umbrellas line the pool deck, and planters with colorful foliage and trees add a nice touch, as do red fountains. Private cabanas can be rented and offer two lounge chairs, a TV, snacks and water, and Wi-Fi. 

With 12 treatment rooms, the spa is luxurious and elegant, offering a full menu of services, including massage, body and facial treatments, steam rooms, whirlpools, and salon services. The spacious fitness center is well-equipped with cardio and weight-training machines, exercise and kettle balls, and free weights. Towels, water, and fruit are provided, and there's a relaxation space. Large windows look out onto the city. 

The spacious 24/7 business center offers a range of services, including computers, laptops, and printers for guests to use, international newspapers, printing services, secretarial services, and office space. Attractive meeting space with large windows and audiovisual equipment also is available. Children are welcomed to guest rooms with age-appropriate treats and milk and cookies. The hotel also provides board games, books, DVDs, coloring supplies, and puzzles. Pets also are welcomed with special treats, as well as beds, food, and bottled water.