Accomodations-Downtown vs. Outside

My husband and I are traveling on a budget, and plan to spend two nights in St. Louis. We hope to see much of the downtown area including the arch, but would also like to go to the casinos. Would you recommend paying more and staying in the city versus staying farther out and driving in? What are parking fees like? We are trying to do what is best financially. Thanks for your help!

Accomodations-Downtown vs. Outside

Harrah%26#39;s wasn%26#39;t close to downtown, in fact, when we were there, the casinos are all moved off of the river - except for one boat on the IL side of the Mississippi. You could stay closer to St. Charles if you want to be by the casino. There was parking at the arch, I can%26#39;t remember how much - but it wasn%26#39;t too expensive (if it cost anything at all.) We stayed at the Rennaissance by Marriott and it was very nice. I would imagine that you could priceline it and get it for well under $100. Their parking was a bit pricey though. Parking at Union Station was reasonable, about $3.50 or so. Parking at Bud was free, as was casino parking.

Accomodations-Downtown vs. Outside

There is a new casino right next to the water now, so depending on how much you want to drive, you may be able to get everything you want downtown. I would look at where you are going to be spending the majority of your time, the possibilities of wanting to take a ';quick stop'; by the room in case you need something, etc, and stay there. Given what you have said, you should be able to find a Drury or something similar downtown.

Did you go to the Lumiere Casino? It%26#39;s the new one right downtown. Also, the Casino Queen is right downtown, just across the river in IL.

Hotels- Drury Inn at the Convention Center downtown has free parking and hot breakfast. All our Drury Inn%26#39;s are real nice.

If you want cheaper, look at staying in Collinsville IL or Fairview Heights IL. Both have nice hotels, chain restaurants, and are about 12 miles from downtown. Fairview Heights has our biggest mall and lots of options for restaurants and hotels, and all free parking. It%26#39;s about a 20 minute drive to downtown from either.

Parking fees-downtown st. louis are pretty reasonable, compared to Chicago, new york, etc. Most places will not charge for parking. or it will be 5-10 dollars.

Lumiere Place is the only nice casino downtown and it is not anything like a ';budget travel'; destination. I think staying in St. Charles makes way more sense. The Ameristar and Harrah%26#39;s are both out there, plus Main Street St. Charlees is very charming, has fun shops even if you don%26#39;t buy plus a few nice restaurants.

St. Charles hotels will be less $$ than downtown. Downtown parking isn%26#39;t too bad (compared to Chicago).

The Drury Plaza at the Arch is a wonderful hotel and usually has very reasonable prices (unless the Cardinals are playing, if so their rates to up somewhat). Their rate also includes a free hot buffet breakfast, free appetizers, soda, and also 3 free alcohol drinks for each adult during their happy hour. Parking is $15.