You’ve probably seen the sign from the Hanley exit or while driving through the manicured streets of Clayton. The lion and the crown. It’s a permanent fixture of the 63105 skyline. But honestly, there is a weird disconnect between what people think happens inside The Ritz Carlton Clayton MO 63105 and the actual reality of the place in 2026.
Most locals think of it as that "stuffy place for weddings." You know, the one with the heavy curtains and the 1990s mahogany.
Well, things changed. A lot.
If you haven't stepped into the lobby at 100 Carondelet Plaza lately, you're basically looking at a totally different animal. The hotel just finished a massive multi-year "reimagination"—that's corporate-speak for a top-to-bottom gutting—of its first floor and event spaces to celebrate its 35th anniversary. It’s less "your grandfather's library" and more "modern Italian coastal chic."
Why the 63105 Zip Code Matters More Than You Think
Location is everything, but in St. Louis, it’s specifically about being in Clayton. Why? Because Clayton is the "second downtown," but with better sidewalks and significantly more espresso. Staying at The Ritz Carlton Clayton MO 63105 puts you exactly two miles from Forest Park. That’s close enough to jog to the Art Museum but far enough that you don't have to deal with the zoo traffic on a Saturday afternoon.
The hotel sits right in the "Arts and Garden District." If you walk out the front doors, you’re hitting some of the best food in the Midwest within three blocks. Places like 801 Chophouse or Pastaria are right there. It’s a very specific kind of walkable luxury that you just don’t get in downtown St. Louis or out in the county.
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The Casa Don Alfonso Shift
For years, the main dining room was... fine. It was classic. But then the Iaccarino family showed up. If you aren't a food nerd, the Iaccarinos are essentially Italian royalty. They run Don Alfonso 1890 in Sant’Agata, Italy, which is a legendary two-Michelin-star spot.
When they opened Casa Don Alfonso inside the Ritz, it flipped the vibe.
The room is bright. It’s got these cascading wisteria chandeliers and hand-painted tiles that make you forget you’re in a Missouri business district. It’s not "red sauce" Italian; it’s Sorrento coast Italian.
- The Tagliatelle Don Alfonso is basically just garlic, chili, and tomatoes. It sounds simple. It’s not.
- They have a 3,000-bottle wine list. Most of it is exclusively Italian.
- The "Midnight Pizza" with spicy 'nduja is actually better than the fancy entrees.
One thing to watch out for: the holiday buffets. They are legendary, but the 2025 Thanksgiving price point hit nearly $100 per person, and some regulars have noted that the portion sizes on the prix-fixe menus can be "European," shall we say. If you're starving, go for the lasagna or the steak.
The Lobby Lounge: 200 Martinis and a Sushi Swap
The most dramatic change happened in the summer of 2024. The Lobby Lounge used to have a sushi bar right in the middle of the room. It felt a bit like a mall food court if the mall was made of marble.
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They finally moved the sushi bar to the back.
Now, the center of the room is a massive bar with a dance floor. It’s become the "living room of Clayton." On a Thursday night, you’ll see venture capitalists, local politicians, and couples on first dates all packed into the same velvet chairs.
They still serve over 200 variations of martinis. Yes, 200. It’s a bit overkill, but it’s their "thing." The live music usually starts around 8:00 PM, and it actually gets pretty loud. If you're looking for a quiet place to read a book, this isn't it anymore. It’s a scene.
What’s Actually New in 2026?
The 35th-anniversary renovations wrapped up with the Grand Ballroom. If you've been to a charity gala there in the last decade, you remember the old-school gold chandeliers. Those are gone.
They replaced them with Venetian mouth-blown crystal chandeliers from Murano. It looks way more "2026" and less "1991."
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The Club Level Secret
If you can swing it, the Club Level (18th floor) is still the move. It’s basically a hotel within a hotel. They do five food presentations a day. You can honestly eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner there without ever leaving the building.
Is it worth the extra $200+ a night?
- Business travelers: Yes. The "Technology Butler" and the private workspace are lifesavers.
- Families: Maybe. They do supervised kids' activities, which is rare for a luxury city hotel.
- Solo travelers: Probably not, unless you really love free-flowing champagne and quiet corners.
Real Talk: The Pros and Cons
No hotel is perfect, even one with a Forbes Four-Star rating.
The Good:
The staff. They use the motto "Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen." It sounds corny until you’re there. They actually remember your name. If you mention you like a certain type of pillow, it’ll be in your room before you get back from dinner. Also, the Missouri Red Rock Massage in the spa uses actual Missouri red granite. It’s a cool local touch.
The Not-So-Good:
Parking. It’s Clayton, so everything is valet or a tight garage. It’s not cheap. Also, the hotel is 18 stories of concrete and steel, which means if you have a room facing the interior or a lower floor, the view is mostly of other office buildings. You want a high floor facing East if you want to see the Forest Park greenery.
Survival Tips for Your Stay
- The Sushi: It’s hand-rolled and only available five nights a week. Don’t show up on a Monday expecting a spicy tuna roll.
- The Cigar Club: It’s one of the few places left where you can actually smoke indoors in style. You have to be a member or an overnight guest to get in. It feels very "old world" St. Louis.
- The Metro: There’s a Metrolink station within walking distance. You can take the train straight to a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium or out to the airport (Lambert) without paying $60 for an Uber.
- Pet Policy: They are surprisingly pet-friendly for such a high-end spot. Just don't be surprised if you see a French Bulldog in the lobby wearing a sweater.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you are planning a trip to The Ritz Carlton Clayton MO 63105, do these three things to get the best experience:
- Book the "Missouri Red Rock" treatment at least two weeks out. The spa is small and fills up fast, especially on weekends.
- Request a room with a balcony. Not all rooms have them, but the ones that do allow you to actually step outside and see the skyline. It makes the room feel twice as big.
- Eat at Casa Boutique for breakfast. It’s the casual side of the Italian restaurant. The espresso is better than anything you'll find at the Starbucks down the street, and the pastries are made in-house.
The Ritz isn't just a place to sleep anymore; it’s become the cultural anchor for Clayton. Whether you're there for a high-stakes board meeting or just a really expensive martini, it’s the only place in the zip code that feels like "Old St. Louis" trying its hardest to be "New St. Louis."