St. Louis is a weird city for hotels. You’ve got these massive, sprawling historic buildings like the Union Station Hotel that cost a fortune, and then you’ve got the mid-range spots that always seem to be "just okay." If you're looking for the Days Inn by Wyndham Downtown St Louis, you're basically looking for one thing: value. But "value" in a city like this can be a double-edged sword.
Located specifically at 2012 Chestnut Street, this property is basically the gatekeeper of the downtown West end. It’s right there. You see it as you're driving toward the Gateway Arch or heading to a Blues game at the Enterprise Center. Honestly, it’s one of those spots people book because the price point hits that sweet spot where you feel like you're saving money without sleeping in your car.
But does it actually hold up?
Location: The Real Reason You're Looking at Days Inn by Wyndham Downtown St Louis
Location is everything. If you’re staying at the Days Inn by Wyndham Downtown St Louis, you’re about a ten-minute walk—maybe less if you’re a fast walker—from the Enterprise Center. This is huge. If you’ve ever tried to park in downtown St. Louis during a St. Louis Blues game or a massive concert, you know it’s a nightmare. It’s expensive. It’s crowded.
By staying here, you basically bypass the $40 event parking fees.
You’re also incredibly close to St. Louis Union Station. It’s right across the street. This isn’t just a train station anymore; it’s basically a mini-theme park with the St. Louis Aquarium and the Wheel. If you have kids, this is a lifesaver. You don't have to load everyone into the SUV; you just walk across the road.
That said, the area is urban. It's "downtown" in every sense of the word. You’re going to hear the city. You’re going to see the hustle. It isn't a quiet suburban cul-de-sac.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Let’s be real for a second. You aren't booking a Days Inn because you expect 500-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and a personal butler. You’re booking it for a bed and a shower.
The rooms here are functional. They’re standard Wyndham-fare. You get the microwave, the mini-fridge, and the desk. For a business traveler who just needs to hammer out some emails and crash, it works. The WiFi is usually decent—enough to stream Netflix without that annoying buffering circle spinning every five minutes—but don't expect gigabit speeds for heavy gaming.
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One thing that surprises people is the size. For an older downtown building, the rooms don't feel like closets. There’s space to breathe. But, keep in mind, this is an older property. You might see some wear and tear on the carpets or a bathroom fixture that looks like it’s seen a few decades. It’s clean, but it’s seasoned.
The Parking Situation: A Rare Downtown Perk
Parking in St. Louis is a headache. Most downtown hotels (the fancy ones on Washington Ave) will charge you $30, $40, or even $50 a night for valet parking. It’s a total racket.
The Days Inn by Wyndham Downtown St Louis usually offers surface lot parking. While policies can change and it’s always smart to double-check your specific booking rate, having a dedicated lot right there is a massive advantage.
It makes the "budget" aspect of the hotel actually real. If a hotel costs $120 but charges $40 for parking, it’s a $160 hotel. If this spot stays under that threshold, you’re winning.
Navigating the Breakfast and Food Scene
They have a breakfast. It’s the "Daybreak" breakfast. Think cereal, muffins, coffee, maybe some fruit. It gets the job done if you’re in a rush to get to a 9:00 AM meeting or you want to feed the kids before hitting the City Museum.
But honestly? You’re in St. Louis.
Don't eat every meal at the hotel. You are a short trek away from some of the best food in the Midwest. If you want a real experience, walk over to Maggie O'Brien's. It's a staple for sports fans. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, head into Union Station for some of the higher-end sits.
And if you don't mind a five-minute Uber, go to Pappy’s Smokehouse. It’s world-famous for a reason. Seriously. Get the ribs.
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Safety and the "Downtown" Vibe
People always ask: "Is it safe?"
St. Louis gets a lot of heat in the news. Here’s the truth: Downtown is like any other major city. If you stay aware of your surroundings, you’re usually fine. The Days Inn is in a high-traffic area because of the stadium and the station, which means there are usually people around.
The hotel has basic security measures in place. Is it the Ritz? No. But it’s a legitimate, franchised hotel in a busy part of town. Use common sense—don't leave a laptop sitting on your passenger seat in the parking lot. That applies to every city on earth.
Who Should Stay Here?
This isn't for everyone. If you’re on a honeymoon, maybe look at something with more "wow" factor.
But for these groups, it’s a goldmine:
- Sports Fans: If you’re in town for a Blues game or a St. Louis City SC match (the soccer stadium is also very close), the convenience is unbeatable.
- Families on a Budget: You get the fridge and microwave, which saves you a ton on snacks and leftover storage. Plus, the proximity to the Aquarium is huge.
- Road Trippers: It’s easy to hop on and off I-64. You don't have to navigate a maze of one-way streets for forty minutes just to find the entrance.
- Construction/Contract Workers: It’s affordable enough for longer stays and has the basic amenities needed to stay comfortable.
The Wyndham Rewards Factor
If you’re a frequent traveler, you’re probably already in the Wyndham ecosystem. The Days Inn by Wyndham Downtown St Louis is a solid place to burn some points or rack them up. Because it's a downtown property, the "value" per point can actually be pretty good during high-demand weekends like the Fourth of July or during major conventions.
What to Watch Out For
Let's talk about the downsides. It’s an older building. Elevators might be slow. The decor isn't "Instagrammable" in the modern sense. If you’re looking for a chic, boutique experience with avocado toast and artisanal cocktails in the lobby, you're in the wrong place.
Sometimes, because it is a budget-friendly option, the lobby can get crowded during check-in. If there’s a massive event at the Enterprise Center, expect the hotel to be buzzing. It won't be a library.
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Comparison to Other Downtown Options
If you look at the Drury nearby, you might pay a bit more but get more food options. If you look at the Pear Tree, it’s a similar vibe. The Days Inn usually wins on the raw "price-per-night" metric.
It’s about trade-offs. You trade the "new hotel smell" for an extra $60 in your pocket to spend at the ballpark or the zoo. For many people, that’s a trade worth making.
Final Advice for Your Stay
When you book the Days Inn by Wyndham Downtown St Louis, do yourself a favor and call ahead if you have a specific room preference. Since the building has a specific layout, some rooms have better views of the city skyline than others.
Also, check the event calendar for the Enterprise Center. If you’re staying on a night when a major artist is performing, the traffic around the hotel will be heavy. Plan to arrive a bit earlier than check-in or after the show starts to avoid the gridlock.
Next Steps for Your St. Louis Trip:
- Confirm your parking: Call the front desk directly to see if their parking fee is currently included in your specific booking tier, as downtown policies fluctuate.
- Map your walk: Open Google Maps and plot the walk to Union Station; it's shorter than you think, and it helps to know which crosswalks to use.
- Check the Blues schedule: Even if you aren't a hockey fan, a home game will affect the "energy" of the hotel lobby and local bars.
- Download the Wyndham app: It makes the check-in process significantly faster if the lobby is slammed with a tour group or sports fans.
- Pack earplugs: If you’re a light sleeper, downtown sirens and traffic are a reality of the location. A cheap pair of foam plugs ensures a solid night's sleep regardless of what's happening outside.
Staying at a place like this is about being smart with your money so you can enjoy the city itself. St. Louis has so much free or cheap stuff to do—the Zoo, the Science Center, the Art Museum—that it almost feels wrong to spend $300 a night just to sleep. This Days Inn solves that problem. It gives you a home base in the heart of the action without the heart-attack-inducing bill at the end.
Just keep your expectations grounded. It’s a clean, safe, well-located budget hotel. Nothing more, nothing less. And in today’s travel market, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.