by Leah O’Donnell, Healthy Planet Lifestyles Editor
When you are looking for a vacation from the “everyday,” sometimes you literally don’t have to look any further than your own city. St. Louis has so much to offer that I think we sometimes take it for granted. Recently, my family decided to “stay” here for vacation and ended up with one of our most memorable “trips” ever. We wanted to have an affordable, yet revitalizing vacation that did not require gas money and too much planning ahead. We chose the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch for our accommodations, a trip up in the Arch, a night out to dinner at St. Louis’ own Schlafly Tap Room, and a fabulous show at the Fox Theatre to enjoy a vacation that offered something for everyone in our family. We just touched on some of the spectacular things to do in St. Louis.
The Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch exceeded my expectations with their service, expansive suite with a Jacuzzi tub, included meals, exercise room, indoor pool, two whirlpools, and perfect location. This hotel is also Certified Green. Some of the environmentally friendly initiatives in place include green laundry and cleaning products, a “Save the Planet” laundry program, water conserving fixtures, and CFL light bulbs throughout most of this hotel. “The Extras Aren’t Extra” is the tagline of Drury Hotels and they really mean it. Just a few of the things included are a delicious hot breakfast, a hot dinner buffet with complimentary drinks, wireless internet, and my daughters’ favorite-fountain drinks and popcorn in the lobby. There is no greater happiness than freshly made popcorn followed by a trip to the pool. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Whether I needed help getting a high chair or just walking through the hall, the staff consistently offered any assistance possible or a friendly hello. The two room suites at the Drury Plaza Hotels are laid out beautifully as are the single rooms. The attention to detail is impressive with the bathroom walls covered in marble, the modern furniture, and beds so comfortable, it was almost hard to get up for our delicious breakfast. The Jacuzzi tub in my family’s suite was incredible. My youngest thought it was another pool! The actual indoor pool, whirlpools, and other included amenities at this hotel make this a perfect vacation spot. We loved having a refrigerator and microwave in the room, making it easy to have a quick lunch or snack. All the “extras” really are included when you stay at Drury. Drury Hotels are family-owned and operated and based here in St. Louis. They have 130 hotels in 20 states, so whether you stay at the Drury Plaza at the Arch or in one of their other hotels, your dollars support our local economy. They have also been recognized for the past five years by J.D. Power and Associates for “Highest in guest satisfaction among mid-scale, limited service hotel chains.” On your next vacation, be sure to book a Drury hotel to support local and have an unforgettable experience.
When planning to stay in St. Louis for vacation, there are limitless options for family entertainment. My family decided to visit the Gateway Arch. What a fun experience! If you have not been in awhile or have never been, I highly recommend including this in your downtown adventure. The view from the top is amazing and actually had changed quite a bit since our last visit. The new stadium is great to see from the top of the Arch and the view offers a true appreciation for our city. The Museum of Westward Expansion in the base of the Gateway Arch is also a neat family experience. The life- like animatronic figures provide you with historical information and are captivating for the kids. I highly recommend the trip to the top of The Gateway Arch and enjoying the history offered in the Museum of Westward Expansion. Create memories that will last a lifetime here. To learn more about planning your visit to the Gateway Arch, visit www.gatewayarch.com or call 877-982-1410.
In keeping with our “local theme,” we had dinner at the Schlafly Tap Room located at 2100 Locust Street (at 21st) in downtown St. Louis. The Schlafly Tap Room offers a diverse menu with dishes made with local products and fresh ingredients. They have a large selection of freshly brewed beers and live music on the weekends. There is something for everyone on their menu and the atmosphere is fun and laid back.
Visit www.schlafly.com to learn more about St. Louis’ own brewery. A show at the Fabulous Fox Theatre is an outstanding way to wrap up the evening. My family was fortunate enough to see Stomp at the Fox Theatre during our vacation. Any show at the Fox is a worthwhile family experience. The history, beauty, and entertainment available here will leave a lasting impression. The Fox Theatre offers a variety of family friendly shows throughout the year. Be sure to visit www.fabulousfox.com to see what is playing for your family to enjoy.
Start planning your St. Louis vacation today. Rediscover what makes St. Louis such a wonderful family destination. To book your stay at the Drury Plaza at the Arch or any Drury Hotel, visit www.drury.com or call 1-800-DRURYINN.
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