Typical Residence Inn: Nice Neighborhood
Written: Jun 01 '03 (Updated Jun 01 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good location. Nice amenities.
Cons: Showers may be hazardous.
The Bottom Line: Although there were some improvements indicated, this is a typical Residence Inn in a terrific location.
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| fhkerr's Full Review: Residence Inn St Louis Westport |
Overview
Location might not be everything when it comes to hotels, but it matters. The Residence Inn Saint Louis Westport stars in the location game. It sits in the Maryland Heights suburb of St. Louis, a very nice upscale residential and office building development. Lambert St. Louis International Airport is about five miles to the northeast, and the location is adjacent to belt loop I-270. As far as other issues are concerned, this property, owned by Buffalo-Westport Assoc., L.L.C., is pretty much a typical Residence Inn. That places it well up on the range of choices. Of course, it also offers Marriott Rewards points and participates in the Marriott reservation system.
Facility
Like many Residence Inns, this one consists of collections of small buildings around a central court with a gatehouse near the entrance. There are 16 buildings with 167 guest units plus the gatehouse. The court includes an outdoor pool and spa together with a sport court.
As we drove up to our building, I noticed that the screen on one of the first-floor sliding doors was off track and leaning against the window. Sure enough, that was our unit! Once inside, we found a queen bed, couch, easy chair with ottoman, a desk with chair, and the usual full kitchen. The bath was quite adequate with a tub shower. The room was clean, and everything worked well, including the large-screen TV.
One small problem was the presence of constant traffic noise from the freeway below a bank adjacent to our suite.
It was not until we took showers that we discovered quite a hazard. The bottom of the tub was rounded, and there were no strips or any other means to increase traction. As soap coated that floor, things got a bit slippery. Not only that, but there were no grab bars or anything else to help prevent falls.
Service
At check-in, the desk clerk was businesslike and efficient. My observation of results suggested that the housekeeping and maintenance service was adequate. When we went to the gatehouse for breakfast on Memorial Day, I was surprised to see the general manager in his office. As we left, I stopped him and explained what I considered a hazard with the slippery tub. He expressed gratitude and indicated that he would check on the issue, indicating that recent renovations were supposed to have produced no-slip surfaces. He seemed interested and concerned.
Food Service
Residence Inns offer a complimentary breakfast buffet, and they also provide complimentary food during a social hour in the late afternoon during the week. Since we were there on a Sunday afternoon, we missed the latter. The front desk staff provided a list of restaurants and offered good advice. We found a delightful place nearby, Bristol Bar & Seafood Grill.
The next morning, breakfast was as expected. There were powdered scrambled eggs with salsa, pancakes, bacon, oatmeal, and waffle batter with makers. Fruit offerings included fresh bananas and apples as well as mixed fruit. The orange juice dispenser was out of order, but there was apple juice. Of course, coffee and two kinds of milk were also provided. There were good pastries and bread with a toaster. Peanut butter was available in addition to the jelly and cream cheese.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
fhkerr
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Location: AZ, USA
Reviews written: 80
Trusted by: 6 members
About Me:
I am retired. Interests: travel, gourmet food, wine, books and film.
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