St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton — Hotel in St. Louis

If you choose to stay at this hotel only, and I cannot emphasize only enough, stay in a "Clock Tower" or "Grand Hall" room. For ease of room recognition do not stay in a room with a wooden headboard. ||I stayed at this hotel about 20 years ago and it was absolutely magical. It was before the days of the sideshow attractions of the ferris wheel and aquarium. It was simply an elegant, historic hotel that was absolutely breathtaking upon arrival. I have wanted to go back for years but St. Louis is kind of known for being a super high crime city so it's always gotten put off. ||Finally, 20 years later I'm back and boy I was not prepared for the disappointment that awaited me.||I reserved a room in the Grand Hall and the room upon arrival was everything I remembered it to be - absolutely beautiful and I was happy to be back. But then.... the elevator to our side of the hotel was out so the treck to the room was ... well, if you're trying to get your steps in you're in good shape here :) .... the AC in our room was on the super struggle bus and the room was super humid - it was almost uncomfortable, but something I could live with. Then we found out (the hard way) that the toilet barely flushed. Not great, but workable - just Lord help the embarrassment if it decided to completely not work in an inopportune time if you know what I mean.... Then when I went to take a shower water went all over the bathroom - they had put us in an ADA compliant room (no complaints) but the shower did not have a curtain and it was impossible to keep the water in the shower area without getting everything else wet. Not fun, but I could deal with it. What I could not deal with was the water not draining from the shower and flooding the floor. I could not and would not stand in dirty drain water to bathe. So 1500 steps later I'm back at the guest services desk. ||I explained what was going on and the gentleman at the desk said that he could move me but it would have to be to the "newer" side of the hotel as they were totally booked up in the Grand Hall. ||Fine.||When I heard the word "newer", I heard working accommodations and cleanliness. ||To say that I was not prepared for what I found would be a profound understatement.||First of all the "newer" room was literally like a mile away from our original room - I have never, ever, ever had to trek so far to get to a hotel room. Keep in mind I'm a person who works our regularly and walks my dog several times a day. I do not shirk from a good workout, but when I'm on vacation I do not want to have to hoof it that far to my room. It was ridiculous how long and maze like the hallways were.||Then when we got to the room it smelled like carpet freshener. To me that is a clear sign that an odor is trying to be covered up. I actually travel with a BlueAir air purifier so I plugged that bad boy in and ran it on high all night. ||Other than that the room and bathroom seemed clean, but it was a HUGE downgrade from the room we reserved and the bed was horribly uncomfortable. ||I was up at 6 AM (from not being able to sleep) and out of there as soon as possible.||We spent the day exploring St. Louis and it sad how poorly this once grand city is run. It's a dumpster fire now and in desperate need of an overhaul. Shame on the local government for allowing this once fine city to fall so badly.||Upon returning to our room and after having the BlueAir on all day now full blast I fully expected the room to be odor free and fresh. ||Believe it or not it was worse. And I don't even know how that's possible unless housekeeping sprayed something in the room. ||That was it for me.||We were supposed to stay 3 nights and I made it 1. ||We left. ||I was fully expecting to have to pay for the other two nights anyway and was completely shocked when the hotel agreed to allow us to check out early with no penalty.||They must know.||All of the staff we came in contact with were absolutely exceptional. The bellhop gentleman who helped us leave was so beyond kind and kept apologizing for our less than stellar experience. I felt bad for him. He was the epitome of professional and he was very kind but had to work in an environment that was crumbling around him.||Hilton does not deserve the wonderful staff they have. ||Hilton should apologize to them.||Hilton needs to do better. ||The "newer" side of this hotel needs to be its own hotel. Maybe a Hampton Inn? It's in no way a Curio and it's gross false advertising to call it a Curio. ||I walk away from this experience sad for St. Louis and completely disappointed in it's mayor for allowing this city to fall into such disrepair. ||I walk away sad for Hilton for not doing better to create an authentic Curio experience for it's guests.||And I mostly walk away sad for the wonderful people who work at this hotel and try to hard to make it a positive experience for guests. ||Do better Hilton.||Do better St. Louis.||You have the ability to be great so...

If you choose to stay at this hotel only, and I cannot emphasize only enough, stay in a "Clock Tower" or "Grand Hall" room. For ease of room recognition do not stay in a room with a wooden headboard. I stayed at this hotel about 20 years ago and it was absolutely magical. Finally, I'm back and boy I was not prepared for the disappointment that awaited me. I reserved a room in the Grand Hall and the room upon arrival was everything I remembered it to be - absolutely beautiful and I was happy to be back. But then.... the elevator to our side of the hotel was out so the treck to the room was ... well, if you're trying to get your steps in you're in good shape here :) .... the AC in our room was on the super struggle bus and the room was super humid - it was almost uncomfortable, but something I could live with. Then we found out (the hard way) that the toilet barely flushed. Not great, but workable - just Lord help the embarrassment if it decided to completely not work in an inopportune time if you know what I mean.... Then when I went to take a shower water went all over the bathroom - they had put us in an ADA compliant room (no complaints) but the shower did not have a curtain and it was impossible to keep the water in the shower area without getting everything else wet. Not fun, but I could deal with it. What I could not deal with was the water not draining from the shower and flooding the floor. I could not and would not stand in dirty drain water to bathe. So 1500 steps later I'm back at the guest services desk. I explained what was going on and the gentleman at the desk said that he could move me but it would have to be to the "newer" side of the hotel as they were totally booked up in the Grand Hall. Fine. When I heard the word "newer", I heard working accommodations and cleanliness. To say that I was not prepared for what I found would be a profound understatement. First of all the "newer" room was literally like a mile away from our original room - I have never, ever, ever had to trek so far to get to a hotel room. Keep in mind I'm a person who works our regularly and walks my dog several times a day. I do not shirk from a good workout, but when I'm on vacation I do not want to have to hoof it that far to my room. It was ridiculous how long and maze like the hallways were. Then when we got to the room it smelled like carpet freshener. To me that is a clear sign that an odor is trying to be covered up. I actually travel with a BlueAir air purifier so I plugged that bad boy in and ran it on high all night. Other than that the room and bathroom seemed clean, but it was a HUGE downgrade from the room we reserved and the bed was horribly uncomfortable. I was up at 6 AM (from not being able to sleep) and out of there as soon as possible. We spent the day exploring St. Louis and it sad how poorly this once grand city is run. It's a dumpster fire now and in desperate need of an overhaul. Shame on the local government for allowing this once fine city to fall so badly. Upon returning to our room and after having the BlueAir on all day now full blast I fully expected the room to be odor free and fresh. Believe it or not it was worse. And I don't even know how that's possible unless housekeeping sprayed something in the room. That was it for me. We were supposed to stay 3 nights and I made it 1. I was fully expecting to have to pay for the other two nights anyway and was completely shocked when the hotel agreed to allow us to check out early with no penalty. They must know. All of the staff we came in contact with were absolutely exceptional. The bellhop gentleman who helped us leave was so beyond kind and kept apologizing for our less than stellar experience. I felt bad for him. He was the epitome of professional and he was very kind but had to work in an environment that was crumbling around him.

I had more to say but Google cut me off with a...

Enjoyable stay with room for improvement!

We stayed for a little staycation for two nights on a weekend. A reoccurring issue that seemed to happen was unclear/not explained processes/amenities which started when we arrived. When you arrive there's multiple entrances and parking lot is on the side. I didn't want to park far away and then lug my luggage in so I parked at valet and asked them if I could leave my car there whilst I checked in. They allowed it, but it wasn't clear if this was normal process or what. No signage or clear indication.

When we checked in, the employee was very friendly and gave us some paperwork about the history of the building. And they let us check in early. However, no information about where the pool is, where fitness center is, restaurants, or how to get to the aquarium was provided. We just wandered around and figured it out. No info on housekeeping or checkout. No offer to help with luggage either in or out. No info was provided about the really cool light shows in the main hall that we just happened to stumble upon later. Overall, it just seemed very much like you check in and they say here ya go and you're totally cut loose. I'm one to figure things out pretty well but this is a very confusing building with lots of disconnected parts so guidance would be super helpful. Also, for the price I would expect a little more boutique/personalized experience.

We booked an executive courtyard room. Upon booking I selected the grand hall luxury room as optional add on if they have available for a bit more $. At check in, I mentioned this but it wasn't really acknowledged. So honestly I didn't know what room I got until I got in the room. We ended up getting the grand ball luxury room (and paid the additional $ for) which was beautiful! The hardwood floors, gorgeous bed, updated bathroom and the room is BiG. Decor is on point - historic but updated/polished. However - the layout is awkward. The TV is at an angle and far from the bed which was the biggest drawback. It was hard to watch and change channels from bed. Volume would never go down despite showing on TV it was decreasing.. I didn't bother calling to inquire about that.

The executive lounge was a let down. I didn't realize for the weekend it is ONLY open for breakfast. During the week they have other times mid day and evening they're open. If I knew that, I would have selected a regular room with breakfast which I believe is at one of the on site restaurants (vs. the lounge) and I've heard is much better. The lounge breakfast was powdered eggs, soggy potatoes, and rubbery bacon. They did have a variety of choices at least. The second day I only ate a muffin.

For the cost for two nights - almost $800 including valet parking which we ended up selecting - I would expect a lot more.

That said - there are good things! While it's hard to navigate, the building is gorgeous!! It's historic and they did a nice job keeping original touches but updating. The light show in the grand hall is so cool. There is a pool and it's good. The location can't be beat! It's in the same space as the aquarium and all the other union station amenities. We loved our time at union station exploring and had things to do everyday.

Overall I'm glad we stayed to have the experience and for convenience, but it's a one and done for me. Next time I'd choose a hotel that's cheaper and/or more attentive customer service. There are lots of choices in the area that are pretty close so that shouldn't...