In search of something reminiscent of a Parisian cosmopolitan hotel experience in the epicenter of town? Mais oui, we’ve found the perfect destination at Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton!
One of the area’s newest hotels, you’ll find Le Méridien in a coveted spot along Bonhomme Avenue in the center of Clayton’s business district. Following a top-to-bottom multi-million-dollar makeover of its exterior and interior spaces, Le Méridien is ready to show off by treating guests to luxurious creature comforts, elevated cuisine and a dash of local culture, all in a setting that could only be described as très, très chic.
The 17-story property unveiled its new European-inspired surroundings in October 2020. Its façade, a nod to the simple, minimalistic mid-century modern aesthetic, is at once eye-catching and inviting.
Almost immediately, a large-scale piece of art named “Dog Walker” draws your eye to the building’s lower-right corner, where you’ll find a pack of dogs ready to be taken for an Insta-worthy “walk.” (If you do take your picture with it, tag the hotel @LeMeridienClayton, along with the hashtag, #LeMeridienClaytonDog, and the hotel will donate $1 for every photo tagged to the Animal Protective Association/APA in St. Louis.)
Once inside, you’ll be dazzled by the array of eye candy – artwork interspersed throughout the public spaces, tucked into cozy corners and even along a flight of stairs. The fabulous display is comprised of thoughtfully curated work from local and national artists, and include everything from subtle pieces to more whimsical compositions.
In “The Hub,” a reimagined concept of the traditional hotel lobby, guests can gather, work on their laptops or sip contentedly on an Illy espresso as they observe the hustle and bustle around them.
General manager Andrew Hargis notes Le Méridien commissioned artist Gregory Gove to create the centerpiece of The Hub, an abstract triptych behind the main reception desk incorporating St. Louis landmarks. The St. Louis love extends throughout the hotel, Hargis points out, even along the hallways, where the custom-designed carpeting is an homage to the city’s beloved Tower Grove Park.
The property’s 268 guest rooms have been fully renovated and now feature floor-to-ceiling windows that invite plenty of natural light. A mix of mid-century modern and French influences to the décor showcases clean, crisp colors on the bedding, furnishings and walls, as well as thoughtful touches like backlit headboards and European-style butler stands to hang your hat.
Le Méridien also has 17,000 square feet of tastefully designed event space, from ballrooms to conference rooms, that can accommodate parties of up to 400 people to small groups for meetings and intimate gatherings.
The fitness center – a former storage room, according to Hargis – is now a bright, well-equipped exercise space, complete with Peloton bikes and an expansive view of the cityscape.
Still not impressed, mon chéri? Head to the third-floor rooftop and prepare for a jaw-dropping view: Le Méridien’s rooftop pool deck is not only a sight to behold, it also offers one of the most incredible views of the Clayton skyline!
The pool is simply irresistible. What’s more, the pool is heated, making it one of the few outdoor pools to remain open through October. But you don’t have to get wet to have fun in this playful space: There’s a giant Jenga game and oversized chess board calling your name, and plenty of comfy, casual seating to relax with a poolside drink – or take on an impromptu selfie photo shoot, if that’s how you roll.
CAFÉ LA VIE
The hotel’s on-site restaurant is the place to be for Illy coffee crafted by a master barista, breakfast, lunch and dinner fare, and daily “Sparkling Hour” Petit Plates and cocktails – it’s French, after all!
Executive chef Michael Frank oversees the kitchen and is proud of the menu he helped create.
“There are no pretensions behind the food,” he tells Gazelle.
Among the solid standouts, the Café la Vie Burger, served atop a brioche bun with Bordelaise sauce, Gruyère cheese, fried shallots and, of course, pomme frites! The Alaskan Halibut comes beautifully plated with Missouri rice perloo, rock shrimp, seasonal vegetables, schmaltz, and drizzled with red pepper pistou and citronette. For even heartier fare, try the Steak Au Poivre – prime New York strip loin with roasted broccoli and fingerling potatoes, and finished with onion crème and brandy green peppercorn sauce.
The cocktail and Sparkling Hour offerings are as mod as you’d expect, with classics such as the French 75 alongside more modern creations like the Clayton Cosmo (Meyer lemon vodka, rose aperitivo and lime juice).
And we can’t forget the full-service Illy gourmet coffee bar, where expertly made espresso drinks, from lattes to macchiatos, can have you savoring the most indulgent caffeine fix to jumpstart your day. Want an extra-special treat? Try the signature Affogato, a shot of hot espresso poured over a scoop of gelato. cafelaviestlouis.com
COMING SOON TO LE MÉRIDIEN:
FIRST ANNIVERSARY / INTERNATIONAL COFFEE DAY CELEBRATION
The hotel is marking the one-year anniversary of its opening on International Coffee Day with free coffee and treats for the community.
On International Coffee Day, Friday, Oct. 1, Le Méridien is inviting St. Louisans to enjoy a complimentary coffee or coffee treat to celebrate its one-year anniversary.
Choose from a small cup of Illy coffee, an Illy coffee affogato or a scoop of Illy coffee gelato from Gelato Di Riso from 7 to 10 a.m. at Café la Vie’s coffee bar.
The affogato, an Italian coffee-based dessert of espresso and gelato, is among the specialty coffee-forward drinks available on site. Hargis explains “coffee culture” is a definite vibe throughout the space, part of the brand’s signature feel that makes the property a welcoming spot not just for visiting guests, but for the locals, as well.
LA FÊTE
As a toast to the upcoming holiday season, the hotel is celebrating the art of entertaining with La Fête. The festivities draw inspiration from European holiday traditions and invite guests to revel in style with seasonal menu offerings, from drinks to dessert.
A soon-to-be-available La Fête room package includes parking, high-speed internet, up to five presents gift-wrapped in Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton’s specialty wrapping paper and a unique in-room cocktail experience.
Say “Oui, s’il vous plait!” to a cocktail cart coming to your room for a featured La Fête drink made before your eyes. For les enfants, the hotel will have decorate-your-own gingerbread treats.
Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton is owned by Silverwest Hotels and managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts. The property is part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.
For more information on Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton or to book your stay, visit the hotel’s official website.
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