You’re scrolling through travel sites, and every single shot of the ameristar casino resort spa st charles photos looks like a scene out of a high-end Bond movie. The lighting is perfect. The Missouri River looks like a shimmering ribbon of blue silk. But let’s be real—we’ve all stayed at places where the "luxury suite" in the picture turned out to be a cramped box with a view of a dumpster.
Honestly, Ameristar is different, but not always in the ways you’d expect.
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If you’re looking for the truth behind those glossy professional galleries, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent enough time wandering those 130,000 square feet of gaming floor and lounging in the "sunken" living rooms to tell you what’s actually worth your phone’s storage space and what’s just clever marketing.
The Room Reality: Sunken Living Rooms and Bathroom Ego Trips
When you see the ameristar casino resort spa st charles photos of the suites, the first thing that jumps out is the floor plan. Every single one of the 400 rooms here is a suite. That’s not just a fancy label.
The "sunken" living room is the real deal. You walk in, and there’s a distinct drop-off—usually two steps—that separates the sleeping area from the lounging area. It makes the room feel massive. From a photography standpoint, it creates these cool angles, but if you’re stumbling around in the dark after a long night at the craps table, watch your step. Seriously.
Then there’s the bathroom. Most hotel bathrooms are an afterthought. Here? They’re basically a spa.
- Double Vanities: No fighting over the sink.
- The Soaking Tub: It’s deep. Like, "hide from your responsibilities" deep.
- The Shower: Separate from the tub, which is a huge plus.
One thing the official photos don't capture well is the "aged" vibe of the architecture. The hotel tower was designed to look like the historic brick warehouses in downtown St. Louis. It’s got this intentional weathered look. Some people think it looks "old," but it’s actually a very deliberate nod to the Missouri River's industrial history.
The aRa Pool: The Most Instagrammable Spot on the Property
If you want to take ameristar casino resort spa st charles photos that make your friends jealous, head straight to the aRa pool. It’s a 7,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor setup that honestly feels like a little oasis.
The transition between the indoor and outdoor sections is seamless. In the winter, you can swim in the heated indoor portion while watching the snow fall through the massive glass walls. In the summer, the outdoor deck is the place to be.
Pro Tip: The outdoor hot tub is strictly for adults (18+). If you're trying to get a peaceful shot of the steam rising against the sunset, that’s your best bet.
The lighting at night is spectacular. They use these soft purples and blues that reflect off the water, making it look much more expensive than the room rate might suggest. Just remember the "armband" rule. You get four per room, and they are strict about it. Don't lose yours, or you’re stuck taking photos from behind the glass.
Capturing the Flavor: Dining Interiors
Most people focus on the casino floor, but the restaurants are where the design really shines.
Take Charter 18 Modern Tavern. They just did a massive overhaul on this place. The photos show a 27-seat island bar, but what you don't feel until you're there is the texture. They’ve got herringbone oak floors and black-washed brick walls. It’s got this "industrial elegance" thing going on.
Then you have Bugatti’s. It’s the opposite. It’s dark, intimate, and feels like a classic Italian steakhouse from a different era. The "mood" here is hard to capture on a phone camera because it’s so dimly lit, but the food plating is top-tier for your feed.
The Hidden Gems (and the Smoke)
Let's talk about the casino floor. It's huge. 130,000 square feet. But here is the thing: it’s a casino.
Photos often make it look bright and airy. In reality, it can get a bit hazy. While they have great ventilation and designated non-smoking areas (like the 5th Street Deli and RYSE Nightclub), the main floor still has that classic casino scent. If you’re looking for a "clean" photo, head to the Brilliance Level conference space. The natural light there is actually some of the best in the building.
What Most People Get Wrong About the View
You'll see plenty of ameristar casino resort spa st charles photos featuring the Missouri River. People assume every room has a river view. Not true.
If you’re on the wrong side of the tower, you’re looking at the parking garage or the highway. It’s not "bad," but it’s definitely not the romantic riverfront vibe you see on the website. When you check in, ask for a "River View" specifically. The higher the floor, the better. On a clear day, you can see the lights of St. Charles reflecting off the water, and it’s genuinely beautiful.
How to Get the Best Shots During Your Stay
If you’re actually trying to document your trip, timing is everything.
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- The Lobby at 10 AM: This is when the light hits the floor-to-ceiling windows just right. The lobby has these massive, ornate chandeliers that look incredible when the sun catches them.
- The 25th Floor: Even if you aren't staying on the top floor, try to get a peek. The perspective of the river bend from up there is unmatched.
- RYSE Nightclub: Don't even bother with photos here unless you have a high-end phone with great low-light capabilities. The "virtual confetti" and laser shows are cool, but they usually just turn out as a blurry mess on most cameras.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
Don't just take the photos; experience the spots that make them worth taking.
- Book a Spa Treatment: If you want access to the hydro-pool and the truly quiet areas of the aRa spa, you need a treatment. The photos of the "Swiss shower" aren't exaggerated—it’s a total reset for your body.
- Check the Event Calendar: Ameristar often hosts concerts and outdoor events. The "Discovery Ballroom" is massive (nearly 10,000 square feet), and the setups for weddings or big galas are often much more impressive than the standard "empty room" photos.
- Walk to Main Street: Take your camera and walk the 11 minutes to Historic Main Street. The contrast between the modern Ameristar resort and the 19th-century brick buildings of St. Charles makes for a great "before and after" story for your trip.
At the end of the day, Ameristar St. Charles is a blend of "Vegas Flash" and "Midwest Charm." The photos might get you in the door, but the actual scale of the suites and the quality of the aRa spa are what usually bring people back. Just keep your expectations grounded regarding the smoke on the gaming floor and the "vintage" exterior, and you'll have a killer time.