You've probably seen it from the highway. That sprawling, somewhat imposing structure tucked away at 3551 Pennridge Drive. It’s a place that carries a heavy reputation in the St. Louis area, and honestly, the internet hasn’t always been kind to it. The Lodge Hotel & Banquets St Louis Airport Bridgeton MO is one of those spots where your experience depends entirely on your expectations and which room you happen to get assigned.
It’s not a luxury resort. It’s not trying to be a Ritz-Carlton. Basically, it’s a massive, 150-room budget-friendly operation that serves a very specific purpose: providing a cheap place to sleep near Lambert International Airport. But there is a lot more to the story than just "cheap rooms."
The Strange History of the Building
The building itself has lived a thousand lives. Originally opening back in 1967 as a Holiday Inn, it was designed during an era when "the atrium hotel" was the height of architectural fashion. In the mid-70s, they enclosed the courtyard to create that massive indoor space you see today.
Over the decades, it’s bounced between brands like EconoLodge and Rodeway Inn. Every time it loses a franchise flag, it reverts to being simply "The Lodge." As of 2026, it’s operating independently, which gives the management a bit more freedom but also means you won't find those standardized corporate amenities you’d expect from a Hilton or a Marriott.
The Elephant in the Room: The Reviews
If you spend five minutes on TripAdvisor or Yelp, you’ll see some wild stories. People talk about everything from peeling paint to "interesting" interactions in the parking lot. Some travelers have even dubbed it one of the scariest hotels in the region.
💡 You might also like: Where to Stay in Seoul: What Most People Get Wrong
But here’s the thing: people still book it. A lot. Why?
Because at 3:00 AM when your flight is canceled and every other hotel in Bridgeton is charging $200, The Lodge is often sitting there with a room for a fraction of that price. It’s a "you get what you pay for" situation in its purest form. Some guests report perfectly clean sheets and a quiet night, while others... well, they have a different experience. It’s sort of a roll of the dice.
That Massive Indoor Pool
The crown jewel—and sometimes the biggest point of contention—is the indoor pool area. It’s huge. We’re talking about a heated pool and a hot tub that, on paper, look like a suburban oasis.
- The Reality: When it’s working and clean, it’s a kid’s paradise.
- The Caveat: The pool hours can be finicky (usually 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM), and maintenance issues have been known to pop up.
- The Fee: Be aware that some guests have reported having to pay a small extra fee or wear a wristband just to access the pool area.
If you’re booking specifically for the pool, it’s smart to call the front desk at (314) 298-0388 before you show up. There’s nothing worse than promising the kids a swim and finding a "closed for maintenance" sign on the gate.
📖 Related: Red Bank Battlefield Park: Why This Small Jersey Bluff Actually Changed the Revolution
Is The Lodge Hotel & Banquets St Louis Airport Bridgeton MO Right for You?
Let’s be real. This isn't the place for a romantic anniversary getaway or a high-stakes business meeting where you need to impress clients. However, it does fit a few specific niches.
The Budget Traveler's Perspective
If you just need a bed and a shower within 10 minutes of the airport, the location is hard to beat. It’s right near the intersection of I-270 and I-70. You can be at the terminal in about 8 minutes. For road trippers passing through Missouri who don't want to spend $150 on a room they'll only be in for six hours, the math works out.
Event Space and Banquets
One thing people often overlook is the 8,000+ square feet of meeting space. They host everything from small wedding receptions to local community meetings. The banquet halls are a relic of that 1960s grand-hotel era—spacious, if a bit dated. If you’re looking for a venue on a shoestring budget, it’s one of the few places in Bridgeton that can accommodate a large crowd without a massive price tag.
What to Expect Inside the Rooms
The rooms are standard for a 2-star budget hotel. You’ve got your 42-inch LED TV, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. The furniture is definitely "vintage," and the carpets might show some wear.
👉 See also: Why the Map of Colorado USA Is Way More Complicated Than a Simple Rectangle
A major quirk: There is no elevator. The hotel is spread over four floors across three different buildings. If you have heavy luggage or mobility issues, you absolutely must request a first-floor room during check-in. Lugging a suitcase up three flights of stairs in a humid St. Louis summer is a workout nobody wants.
Navigating Your Stay Like a Pro
If you do decide to stay at The Lodge Hotel & Banquets St Louis Airport Bridgeton MO, there are a few "pro tips" that will make your life much easier.
- Check Your Room Immediately: Don't just drop your bags and leave. Check the AC, test the hot water, and make sure the door locks properly. If something is off, go back to the desk immediately. The staff is generally helpful if you're polite, but they can't fix what they don't know is broken.
- Food Options: There is no breakfast. None. Not even a stale muffin. There are vending machines, but for real food, you’ll need to head out. Luckily, you’re close to plenty of spots in Bridgeton and nearby St. Charles.
- Security Deposits: They usually require a $50 refundable damage deposit at check-in. Make sure you have a credit card ready, as using cash can make the refund process a bit more of a headache when you’re trying to catch a flight.
- Parking: It’s free, which is a big plus compared to airport-adjacent hotels that charge $20 a night just to leave your car. But be careful if you’re driving a tall van or a truck—there are some height restrictions in certain parts of the lot.
The Neighborhood Vibe
Bridgeton is a busy suburb. You're close to the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre and the Ameristar Casino. If you’re in town for a concert, this hotel is a popular "crash pad" because it’s so close to the venue. Just expect some noise on concert nights; the hallways can get a little rowdy when the show lets out.
The Final Verdict
The Lodge Hotel & Banquets St Louis Airport Bridgeton MO is a survivor. It has outlasted multiple owners and brand changes. While it definitely shows its age and has its share of "character" (both the building and the reviews), it remains a staple for a certain type of traveler.
If you go in expecting a 5-star experience, you’re going to be disappointed. But if you go in expecting a budget-rate room with a big pool and a convenient location, it might just serve you well.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Call Ahead: Always verify the pool status at (314) 298-0388 if that's a dealbreaker for you.
- Request Ground Floor: Since there are no elevators, specify "Lower Floor" in your reservation notes.
- Bring Your Own Toiletries: While they provide basics, having your own shampoo and soap is always a good move at a budget independent property.
- Plan for Meals: Download a food delivery app or map out the nearby restaurants on St. Charles Rock Road before you arrive.