One night visit to see the Arch Park

Question

Hello where would you suggest we stay for one night if our goal is to get into town early evening and see the Arch Park the next morning , do the trolley and maybe a boat ride? Not too worried about price it would be nice to walk out of hotel and see the arch at night:

Answer

If your goal is a one-night visit to St. Louis focused on seeing the Arch and enjoying nearby attractions like the trolley and a boat ride, staying as close as possible to the Gateway Arch National Park area will maximize your time and convenience. Here are some detailed recommendations and tips for planning your visit.

Where to Stay

For walking access to the Arch and nighttime views, staying in downtown St. Louis near the riverfront is ideal. Some recommended hotels include:

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch: Located directly across from the Arch, this hotel offers rooms with Arch views and easy access to the park, riverfront, and nearby restaurants.
Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis: A luxury option just a short walk from the Arch. High-end amenities and riverfront views make it perfect for a special overnight stay.
Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch: A centrally located, slightly more budget-friendly option with easy walking access to the Arch and city attractions.
Magnolia Hotel St. Louis: Stylish boutique hotel in downtown St. Louis, about a 10-minute walk to the Arch, offering comfortable rooms and good service.

Evening and Nighttime Experience

Arriving in the early evening allows you to enjoy the Arch and surrounding areas after sunset:

Walk along the riverfront for illuminated views of the Arch.
Take photos at the Arch grounds; the lighting at night is impressive.
Some nearby restaurants offer rooftop or riverfront dining for evening views of the Arch.

Next Morning Activities

For a morning visit:

Gateway Arch Tram: Go early to avoid crowds and take the tram to the top of the Arch for panoramic city and river views.
Mississippi Riverboat Cruise: Some cruises depart in the morning or late morning and provide narrated tours of the river and city skyline.
City Trolley or Old Courthouse: The trolley can take you around downtown highlights, and the Old Courthouse is a short walk from the Arch, worth a quick visit if time allows.

Additional Tips

Book Arch tram tickets online in advance, especially if visiting on a weekend or holiday, to ensure your preferred time slot.
Check hotel rooms for Arch-view options if that is important to your experience.
Downtown parking is available if you plan to drive, but walking from the hotel is easiest for your short visit.
Consider grabbing breakfast nearby before your morning activities; many hotels or local cafes offer convenient options.

In summary, staying at a downtown hotel like the Hyatt Regency, Four Seasons, or Drury Plaza will put you within walking distance of the Arch for both nighttime views and morning activities. Plan your tram ride early, and consider a riverboat cruise or trolley ride to round out your brief but enjoyable St. Louis experience.

One night visit to see the Arch Park

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