Top 5 Reasons to Stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch

Planning a family trip to St. Louis?

If you’re searching for a hotel that’s walkable, family-friendly, and packed with extras, this Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch review will show you why it’s one of our top picks for families visiting the city.

From its unbeatable location steps away from Gateway Arch National Park to free breakfast, dinner, and family rooms that are surprisingly roomy for a downtown hotel, the Drury Plaza Hotel makes exploring St. Louis simple and stress-free.

Note: This review is based on our family’s personal experience staying at the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch. Experiences can vary depending on room type, season, and availability, but I hope this gives you a realistic look at what to expect when staying here with kids.

After staying here multiple times, these are the five reasons we keep coming back to the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch.

1. Prime Location Downtown Location Near the Gateway Arch

The Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch has one of the best locations in the city, just steps from Gateway Arch National Park.

We loved starting and ending our days with easy walks to the Arch grounds.

Early morning strolls were calm and quiet, while evening walks offered stunning views of the Arch lit against the skyline.

The hotel is also a short walk to Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village, which makes it easy to grab dinner or catch a Cardinals game.

For family-friendly dining, our favorite nearby restaurant is Salt + Smoke, perfect for dine-in or take-out. We did both!

Additionally, the hotel’s downtown location makes it easy to explore some of the city’s best free attractions, like the zoo and Forest Park.

If you’re planning a budget-friendly itinerary, don’t miss my guide to the Top Free Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids.

➡️ Read next: Ultimate Family Guide to Exploring Gateway Arch National Park
➡️ Nearby: Exploring the St. Louis City Museum with Kids: Ultimate Guide

Expert Tip: The Old Spaghetti Factory in nearby Laclede’s Landing is another great family spot—just a 12-minute walk from the hotel.

2. Complimentary Meals That Make Travel Easier

The Drury Plaza’s 5:30 Kickback is one of our favorite perks, especially after a full day of sightseeing.

Once everyone’s tired and hungry, this light dinner and drinks setup hits the spot.

Each evening features a rotating menu that might include soup, salad, nachos, pasta, and hot dogs.

Plus, they have soft drinks available for the kids and beer, wine, or cocktails for adults.

It’s an easy, relaxing way to wrap up the day without having to find another restaurant.

If you’re traveling on a budget, you can easily use the Kickback as dinner for one or more nights, saving money for other fun experiences around St. Louis.

The mornings are just as good.

Start your day with a free hot breakfast that includes eggs, waffles, oatmeal, fruit, and more.

And throughout the day, you can grab free popcorn and soda in the lobby which is perfect for an afternoon break between attractions.

3. Family-Friendly Rooms and Suites

The Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch offers comfortable, family-friendly rooms that make city travel feel doable for larger families.

While the rooms aren’t overly spacious, they’re a good size for a downtown hotel, and trust me, we’ve stayed in much smaller ones before!

Our suite worked perfectly for our family of six.

It included a bedroom with two queen beds and a separate living area with a pull-out sofa, giving everyone space to spread out and unwind after a busy day exploring St. Louis.

Having a mini fridge and microwave made snack time and leftovers easy to handle, which is always a win when traveling with kids.

Must Know Information: Not all rooms face outside. Some look into the hotel’s atrium, so if a city or Arch view is on your wishlist, mention that when you book.

If you want to make your stay extra memorable, book a room with an Arch view. It’s such a fun way to start and end the day, especially for first-time visitors to St. Louis.

➡️ More St. Louis family tips: St. Louis Family Getaway: Where to Stay, Eat, and Play

4. 8th-Floor Terrace with Stunning Arch Views

The 8th-floor terrace is what truly makes this hotel stand out.

It’s connected to the pool area and features lounge chairs and tables, making it the perfect spot for breakfast, an evening snack, or simply unwinding with the Arch in view.

Our boys loved swimming, then drying off on the terrace while watching the sunset over downtown St. Louis.

This view alone makes the hotel feel extra special and totally worth it.

5. Exceptional Amenities and Clean, Comfortable Stay

The Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch shines when it comes to service and comfort.

The hotel is spotless, beautifully decorated, and full of little touches that make it feel upscale yet welcoming for families.

Highlights include:

• Indoor pool with two hot tubs
• 24-hour fitness center
• Complimentary hot breakfast and evening Kickback
• Free popcorn and soda in the lobby
• Spacious lobby with a Lewis and Clark water feature

We’ve stayed here multiple times and give it a 10/10 for family travel.

It’s rare to find a hotel that’s both convenient and such a great value, and this one continues to be our go-to for St. Louis.

We will definitely stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch again on our next visit to St. Louis.

I would give it a 10 out of 10 and recommend it to anyone looking to visit the St. Louis area.

Book Your Stay

We love this hotel so much that it’s now our family’s go-to place in St. Louis.
➡️ Check rates and availability at the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch

If you’re planning a full family trip, grab my Free Travel Itinerary Planner to make organizing your days simple and doable. ↓

May you love your adventure. KW