Crime in Downtown St. Louis

Question

I am planning to visit St. Louis to see a Battlehawks game (and maybe a Cards) game sometime in either April or May. I will be flying. Would it be best to stay downtown or near the airport to catch Metrolink downtown? I have seen and heard the stories about crime downtown and just wanted to know if it would be safe to stay down there? Thank you!

Answer

Staying in St. Louis for sports events like a Battlehawks or Cardinals game requires balancing convenience with safety. Downtown St. Louis offers the closest access to both Busch Stadium (Cardinals) and The Dome at America’s Center (Battlehawks), as well as Metrolink stations, restaurants, and nightlife. However, it is true that some areas of downtown have higher crime rates, particularly after dark, so it’s important to be aware and take precautions.

Here are some considerations for choosing where to stay:

Staying downtown: Advantages include walking distance or a short ride to stadiums, restaurants, bars, and attractions such as the Gateway Arch. Many hotels in the Central Business District (CBD) and near Ballpark Village are well-maintained and cater to tourists, offering extra security measures.
Safety tips: Stick to well-lit, populated streets, especially at night. Hotels in areas like Ballpark Village, the Central West End, and near the Arch are generally considered safer for visitors. Avoid wandering into less busy blocks or industrial areas after dark.
Staying near the airport: Some travelers prefer hotels near St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and taking the Metrolink downtown for games. This can offer a quieter, lower-crime environment for overnight stays, but it adds commute time and may limit spontaneous visits to bars, restaurants, or post-game activities downtown.

Recommended areas and hotels for safer downtown stays:

Ballpark Village / Ballpark District: Convenient for Cardinals games and near Metrolink stops. Hotels like Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch or Drury Plaza Hotel offer easy access and security.
Central West End: A lively, upscale neighborhood with good restaurants, boutique hotels, and a reputation for safety. A short drive or Metrolink ride to downtown.
Downtown near the Arch: Hotels like Marriott St. Louis Grand or Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark offer secure accommodations and walking access to attractions and Metrolink stations.

Additional advice:

Use rideshare or hotel shuttles at night instead of walking in unfamiliar areas.
Keep personal belongings secure and avoid flashing valuables.
Plan to arrive at stadiums via Metrolink or rideshare rather than parking far away, as parking lots in some areas can be less secure.
Check hotel reviews for recent safety updates and proximity to well-trafficked streets.

In summary, staying downtown offers convenience and easy access to games, restaurants, and nightlife, but requires attention to personal safety, especially at night. Hotels in Ballpark Village, near the Arch, or in the Central West End strike a good balance of convenience and security. Staying near the airport is safer in terms of crime exposure but less convenient for game-day activities and walking to restaurants or bars. Either choice can work with proper planning and awareness.

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