St. Louis
We have been to St. Louis several times and always stay at the Chase Park Plaza. The
suites there are roomy and among the most comfy we find anywhere. The fitness club
is excellent as are the restaurants.
The CentralWest End neighborhood around the Chase is not what it once was, at least as far as retail shopping. Most of that has moved west to Clayton and Ladue and the malls.  There are still blocks of
beautiful homes in the area, and there is some good food.  Our favorite is Duffs, which is a
short walk from the Chase.  They are very good to vegetarians at Duffs and the food is
wonderful.

The Chase Park is right at the corner of Forest Park, and it's a short drive to the St. Louis
Zoo, the Art Museum, and the Missouri Historical Society.  It's about a mile walk down
Lindell Blvd. from the Chase to the Historical Society and you go by some very nice homes.
We enjoy that walk.  You can spend days in Forest Park, for very little money.  If you don't
want the expense (or elegance) or the Chase, there's a nice Holiday Inn very close. We stayed there
once and it was just fine.

A few blocks from the Chase is the beatiful Cathedral of St. Louis, which is worth a look if you
like church architecture.

Probably our favorite place in St. Louis is the  Missouri Botanical Garden   which is not too far from the Chase Park.  Beatiful gardens of all kinds. Also on the grounds is the Shaw House, which gives nice
tours.  We spent an afternoon there talking with the people and touring the old mansion.

St. Louis is just about the worst cab town we visit.  You can't hail cabs from the street, and they are often
slow in responding to calls.  It's probably a little better downtown, but very poor on the westside, in our experience.  If you don't have a vehicle, we suggest a private car service.  They cost a bit
more, but are nicer and much more reliable.  Check at your hotel for suggestions on good car services.

If you like Italian food, there are many places in The Hill neighborhood.  The best food we've
had is at Gian-Tony's.  Lo Russo's is a friendly place, and is pretty good too.  Favazza's serves
huge portions and you won't leave hungry.  Good, basic Italian cooking.