The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza Hotel, St. Louis, Missouri

It's hard not to notice the beauty, ambiance and courteous staff upon entering the hotel. The uniqueness of the theater and amazing Mediterranean-style pool with bar service really make the stay. And, you can visit the Chase Club to listen to live music, which can be amazing.

Here are some historical facts about the hotel:

The Italian Renaissance Hotel (known as “The Hotel Chase”) was built in 1922 by Chase Ullman and is located in the desirable Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis. Upon witnessing the building's amazing architecture, it's difficult to believe the fact that it only took nine months to build this nine-story, 500-room hotel. In 1929, Sam Koplar built the Plaza hotel, complete with 27 stories. In 1947, the hotels merged and became known as “The Chase Park Plaza Hotel”.

During the Prohibition Era, this hotel made its debut on the front page of the New York Times. This was directly after the famous whiskey raid of 1923, held just after midnight on New Year's Eve. Needless to say, it didn’t go well for the officers who came into the posh Palm Room and found themselves in a brawl with 200 men and women that night.

In the 1950’s, late civil rights icon and charismatic singer, Harry Belafonte was known for breaking the color barrier by being the first Black person to swim in the Mediterranean-style heated outdoor pool. Newspapers wrote “he was so proud and touched by the experience”. From that moment on, “The Chase” became a hotel where all could come and stay during an era where other St. Louis hotels weren’t accommodating.

In the 1960’s there was a television show called “Wrestling at the Chase” that aired for nearly 25 years. Maybe you heard of it or even watched the much anticipated wrestling show on Saturday evenings? If so, it all happened under the roof of this hotel.

In the 1980’s the hotel fell on some hard times and “The Chase” closed in 1989.

Some investors took an interest and recognized the history of “The Chase” and had it renovated and reopened in 1999.

In 2017, Sonesta International Hotels acquired the property, which now features 389 existing rooms.

Over the years, this hotel has been a city within a city. It had it’s own generator, gas pumps, print shop, telegraph office, two-level chocolate shop, jewelry store, drug-store, barber shop, hair salon, 'poodle palace' for the residents pups, paint shop, and so on.

There have been many US Presidents and celebrities who have walked the halls of this iconic place. Franklin D Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford and George Bush to Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Mick Jagger, Nat King Cole, Bob Hope, Cary Grant, Tony Bennett and George Clooney, just to name a few.

This luxury hotel offers a combination of timeless elegance, modern comfort and exceptional service, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Arrival and Lobby

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by attentive staff members in the hotel's grand lobby. It features a sophisticated design with elegant furnishings, high ceilings and luxurious décor, creating a welcoming and stylish ambiance.

Accommodations

The hotel offers a variety of spacious and well-appointed guest rooms and suites that blend classic charm with contemporary amenities. The accommodations feature comfortable bedding, modern technology and private bathrooms. The attention to detail and cleanliness is obvious throughout the rooms.

Dining Options

The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel offers several dining options to satisfy every palate. Guests can enjoy fine dining at The Preston, the hotel's signature restaurant, which offers a menu highlighting local ingredients and creative flavors. The hotel features a trendy lounge and bar called The Chase Club, which is open for lunch or dinner. Locally sourced and artfully prepared, you’ll find tempting delights like short rib mac and cheese made with cavatappi and aged cheddar alongside an assortment of inventive flatbreads, salads, sandwiches and burgers. Local beers on-tap, creative cocktails and live music on the weekends entice hotel guests and locals to linger awhile. If you’re in St. Louis on the weekend, brunch at The Chase Club should be on your itinerary. Sweet potato biscuits with chorizo gravy elevate comfort food to new heights. Rounding out the culinary choices at The Chase Park Plaza, the Tenderloin expertly blends its old-school steakhouse history with a refreshing new vibe. Under new ownership, it received its own facelift, reopening in December. Old favorites such as pepperloin a la tenderloin remain alongside a new bar menu of appetizers, shareable small plates and sandwiches.

There is also in-room dining for the times when you’d rather stay in, and for those productive work days when you’d rather not interrupt your pace. Limited offerings available.

Meeting and Event Spaces

The property features expansive and flexible meeting and event spaces, making it an ideal choice for conferences, corporate events and weddings. The ballrooms and meeting rooms are equipped with advanced audiovisual technology and can accommodate events of various sizes. Experienced event planners are available to help in creating memorable and successful occasions.

Amenities and Services

The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel offers a range of amenities to enhance guests experiences.

An 18,000-square-foot equipped fitness center.

Surrounded by fountains and stone-carved porticoes, the Mediterranean-style oasis offers a refreshing dip, high-end loungers, a large dining terrace, shaded seating areas and an outdoor fireplace for a romantic ambiance. Savor a refreshing cocktail or a light snack poolside or wade into the heated waters.

Chase Park Plaza Cinema: the wrestling matches have ended at The Chase, but entertainment lives on. A historic five-screen cinema, stadium seating and a theater bar. The Chase Park Plaza Cinemas remain within the hotel. New releases and old classics flicker on the screens as the enticing aroma of buttered popcorn permeates the Grand Hall and lobby.

A Barber Shop: CUTTERS & CO., the most iconic barbershop in the Central West End located at The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza, St. Louis. With a rich 100-year tradition of providing the finest men's grooming services.

Hours

• Monday – Thursday: 9:00am – 8:00pm

• Friday: 9:00am – 7:00pm

• Saturday: 9:00am – 6:00pm

Parking

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis offers various parking options, including hourly, overnight and valet parking. Enjoy unlimited in-and-out privileges for overnight parking in the attached garage.

Nightly Rates

• Valet overnight parking – $47

• Overnight self-parking – $37

Hourly Rates

• $8 for the first hour

• $10 for each additional hour Wi-Fi

• 24-hour front desk.

• Concierge desk

• Check in is 4:00pm and out is 11:00am.

Location

Situated in the Central West End neighborhood, The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel offers easy access to a variety of attractions, including Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo and numerous shops and restaurants within walking distance. The hotel's central location makes it convenient for exploring the city's cultural and entertainment offerings.

The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel is a standout property in St. Louis, offering a combination of historic charm, modern amenities and exceptional service. With its accommodations, versatile event spaces, dining options and convenient location, this hotel is an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers. Whether visiting for a relaxing getaway, attending a conference or hosting a special event. The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel provides a memorable experience in St. Louis.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Missouri. In need of further inspiration? Check out Tim Watson‘s guide, Family-Friendly Things to do in Branson, Missouri.