Hotel Indigo St Louis Central West End

The hotel stands out for its extensive recent renovations that have transformed an older building into a modern and comfortable stay, particularly highlighted by its impressive showers and updated room aesthetics. Its prime location in the Central West End neighborhood is a significant draw, offering easy access to medical facilities, cultural attractions, and diverse dining options. This makes it an ideal choice for medical visitors seeking proximity to Barnes Jewish and Children's Hospitals, sightseers exploring Forest Park and other city landmarks, and business travelers appreciating the convenient access to the university and downtown. The consistently praised friendly and helpful staff further enhances the guest experience. To ensure a smooth stay, guests should be aware of the ongoing construction in common areas, which impacts the breakfast setup, and it is advisable to confirm all potential fees, such as parking and local taxes, upon booking.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel's well-equipped fitness center, which is noted for being maintained and offering a good space for workouts. While there is no swimming pool, the other amenities generally meet guest needs. Most rooms are equipped with a Keurig coffee maker, a convenient touch for in-room beverages. However, some guests express disappointment regarding the absence of a microwave in individual rooms, noting that only a single, often busy, microwave is available in the lobby. Wi-Fi connectivity receives mixed reviews, with some finding it fast and reliable, while others report slow speeds and frequent disconnections. The elevators are sometimes described as slow, small, or dirty, and their operation can be affected by the ongoing renovations. The hotel is also pet-friendly, accommodating guests traveling with animals.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, with guests frequently noting that both the rooms and general facilities are spotless and well-maintained. The beds are widely described as very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few guests mentioned squeaky frames or beds being too soft. The bathrooms are a particular highlight, often lauded for their modern updates, spaciousness, and impressive rain showers with excellent water pressure. Some rooms feature bidet toilets, adding a touch of luxury. However, the barn-style bathroom doors are a point of concern for some, as they do not fully close, impacting privacy. While many guests find the rooms quiet, some report issues with noise levels from hallways or adjacent rooms due to seemingly thin walls, and construction noise can occasionally be a factor during the day.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining experience, particularly breakfast, is predominantly negative due to ongoing renovations. Most guests report that the complimentary breakfast is a "grab and go" setup, offered in a temporary, often cramped, location. The breakfast variety is severely limited, consisting mainly of pre-packaged, sugary items like pastries, cereals, and cold boiled eggs, with a notable lack of hot or protein-rich options. The coffee is frequently described as cold or low quality. Guests express frustration with the long lines for the single microwave available for heating pre-packaged sandwiches, and the absence of a proper dining area makes it difficult to enjoy the meal on-site. Many guests feel the breakfast does not meet the expected standard for the brand, though some acknowledge it is a temporary situation until the restaurant renovations are complete.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in the vibrant Central West End neighborhood is a significant advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous attractions, restaurants, and shops. It is particularly convenient for those visiting Barnes Jewish Hospital, Children's Hospital, and Washington University, making it ideal for medical appointments or academic visits. Guests appreciate its proximity to Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo, and the Botanical Garden, offering ample recreational opportunities. Public transportation, including a Metro station, is also easily accessible. While the location is highly praised for its walkability and safety, parking is a recurring point of mixed feedback. Although a secure parking garage is available, it comes with a daily fee and is often described as tight, limited, and occasionally full, leading some guests to park on the street.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests highlight specific individuals at the front desk for their exceptional service, attentiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests, provide local recommendations, or resolve issues. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient, contributing to a positive first impression. Guests also commend the housekeeping staff for their diligent work in maintaining cleanliness. The overall sentiment is that the staff creates a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere, making guests feel valued and cared for throughout their stay. However, a few isolated instances of perceived rudeness or lack of recognition for loyalty program status have been reported.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is undergoing significant renovation and construction, primarily affecting common areas like the lobby and dining facilities, which can result in some dust or noise during the day. This ongoing work also impacts the breakfast service, which is currently a temporary "grab and go" setup. A notable point of contention for many guests is the presence of unexpected additional fees, including a daily parking charge and a "green energy tax," which are often not clearly disclosed upfront and lead to frustration. While the hotel is pet-friendly, some guests found finding suitable outdoor areas challenging. One isolated but serious concern mentioned by a few guests was the presence of bed bugs, which led to a highly negative experience for those affected.