Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay

The hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its exceptional complimentary breakfast buffet and a unique indoor/outdoor heated pool. These features make it an ideal choice for families seeking leisure and convenience, as well as sightseers and business travelers who appreciate a central location and comprehensive amenities. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff, comfortable accommodations, and the overall value provided. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to clarify the parking validation process upon arrival and consider requesting a room away from high-traffic areas or connecting doors for a quieter stay.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a distinctive indoor/outdoor heated pool that is a major draw for guests, though some note its confusing location and occasional cleanliness issues, with calls for remodeling. A 24-hour fitness center is available and generally well-regarded. The game room, while present, is often described as small with several non-functional arcade games, though it still offers some entertainment for children. Guests have access to a laundry room, but obtaining quarters and detergent can be a challenge. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests reported connectivity issues. The hotel's lobby is often praised for its grand and traditional appearance, providing a pleasant first impression.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Rooms are generally found to be clean and well-maintained, though some guests noted specific areas like floors or nightstands could be cleaner, and some blankets had stains. The beds are widely described as comfortable, though some found them very firm or unusually high. Noise levels vary, with some guests experiencing disturbances from hallways, adjoining rooms, or ballroom events, while others found their rooms quiet. Bathrooms are often spacious, featuring modern digital showers that some found complex or prone to leaks, and some noted issues with water pressure. In-room amenities like outlets and mini-fridges occasionally had functionality issues, and guests frequently mentioned a need to request additional towels or toiletries.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast buffet is a consistent highlight, frequently described as excellent, fantastic, and a major perk. Guests particularly enjoy the made-to-order omelets and waffles, praising the wide variety of hot and cold options available. The restaurant staff during breakfast hours are often commended for their attentiveness. However, the hotel's main restaurant is primarily open only for breakfast, and some specific food items served outside of the buffet received mixed or negative feedback. Coffee available in the lobby was also noted by some as not being particularly tasty.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a great location, offering convenient access to various attractions including Forest Park, the zoo, and downtown areas. Guests appreciate its proximity to numerous restaurants and shopping options, making it easy to explore the surrounding area on foot. Its central location also provides easy highway access and is close to public transit, including the metro. Parking is available in an adjacent garage, which requires validation from the hotel; while some guests found it convenient and free on weekends, others encountered confusion or issues with the validation process and noted potential charges.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receives high praise for being very friendly, helpful, and attentive, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many guests highlighted the professionalism and welcoming demeanor of the front desk and restaurant teams. The check-in process is often described as smooth, though some guests experienced initial delays or issues with room keys. While staff are typically responsive to requests for additional towels or amenities, some guests reported instances of staff appearing annoyed or indifferent when fulfilling these requests. Overall, the hotel's commitment to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, despite a few isolated instances of mixed interactions.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a strong pet-friendly policy, welcoming dogs with amenities like treats at the front desk and convenient access to nearby parks for walks. Guests should be aware that while the hotel has a traditional charm, some areas show signs of age and could benefit from updates, particularly in common areas like carpets and certain facilities. Housekeeping services are typically provided upon guest request, which is a policy some guests found inconvenient. The hotel also offers unique features such as a protective overhang at the driveway, enhancing arrival convenience.