The Look

It’s difficult not to be taken with the Chase Park Plaza, which dates back to the roaring twenties. The stately facade overshadows those of its Central West End neighbors, and the chandelier-lit lobby harks back to another, grander time, with its gleaming marble floors, ornate crown molding and colorful flower bouquets. It’s no surprise this space has hosted Hollywood celebs (Frank Sinatra, George Clooney) and a dozen past U.S. presidents.

Bed and Bath

Built in 1922, the old-school hotel has 338 rooms and suites — deluxe, one-bedroom and two-bedroom — spread over 11 stories. A tasteful palette in beige, cream and navy blue contributes to the elegant vibe, and though the rooms’ electronics are a bit dated, the comfortable bed and soft, pure cotton sheets more than make up for it after a busy day spent out and about.

Beyond

There’s practically everything you could want here: a Mediterranean-style outdoor pool (open April through October), a five-screen cinema just off the lobby and five restaurants. Chaser’s Lounge, which sits in an alcove along the bustling lobby, provides the perfect perch for listening to live jazz and people watching. In the hotel’s Café Eau, a live cover band rocks out with Corey Hart’s “Sunglasses at Night” and a small group of revelers shimmy near the stage. Cozying up near the patio’s glowing firepit, which is flanked by columned archways and potted palms, is an ideal way to wrap up the evening after exploring one of St. Louis’s lively neighborhoods.

In the Area

Nearby, Crepes Etc. brews the best hot chocolate — topped with homemade marshmallows — in town. Larger than New York’s Central Park, the 1,300-acre Forest Park offers an 18-hole golf course, a free zoo, museums and an open-air theater. Hidden behind the West End’s towering buildings, the ivy-covered patio of Scape American Bistro serves fruity cocktails like the Tall Ginger and the Razberry Martini. Or stay out late at Mandarin, an exclusive lounge where bottle service is a must. The largest collection of mosaics in the world is right down the street; head to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis and take it all in.