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I think I am going to go to Missouri using a train I've never used, the Missouri Mule. I see that I can leave Chicago at 7AM and, if my train is on time, have a few hours in St Louis between the Lincoln Service and Mule trains. Will I be able to go see the Gateway Arch in that time? Can I leave luggage (for a fee if need be) at St Louis station to do it?
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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It's a fairly short ride from the Amtrak Station to the park where the arch is using St. Louis' light rail also. You could probably squeeze it in in under two hours if you had to.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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Ms. Sojourner, should you choose to add an overnight at St Louis, which would enable you to take the later 303 rather than your planned 301, accomplish your sightseeing, and next day take the earlier 311 River Runner (nee: Mule) enabling you to view the scenic ride along ther Missouri River, be sure to stay at the Union Station Marriott. While possibly you will consider it "pricey" (seems like "you're moving up to the East Side" with your Kansas City selections), guarantee you "it's worth it" - and it is a walk from the present Transportation Center (Amtrak station).
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Use caution if you go for a stroll along the Mississippi River promenade that runs along the eastern perimeter of the Gateway Arch park.
The City of St. Louis routinely removes manhole covers, apparently to drain parts of the road and sidewalk periodically submerged by high Mississippi water levels.
As I discovered in late July, some of those open manholes aren't marked with barriers or warning signs. Why not? Who knows? But they were a serious safety hazard to pedestrians.
In the event that a manhole or two is still wide open and unmarked (which wouldn't surprise me, since I spotted several more in other neighborhoods), watch your step when you're out walking around.
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Sojourner, The Arch is a pretty quick Metrolink ride from the Amtrak Station. Here is a link for the Light Rail/Metrolink website http://www.metrostlouis.org/Default.aspx
Union Station Marriott is within eye-shot of the Amtrak station and 1 MetroLink stop away. As Mr. Norman notes, the Marriott is said to be a very good hotel, although I haven't stayed there myself. I have visited Union Station and spent some time in the main Lobby of the Marriott, checking out the architecture. A couple years ago they still had a display/museum of St. Louis Railroad history in Union Station near the food court.
I am pretty sure that I paid $5 to store my travel bag and carry-on at the Amtrak station a couple years ago, but if you call them, they should be able to verify this.
If you do decide to spend a night in St. Louis, I can recommend the Sheraton which is across the street from the Amtrak station.
Here is a link to some of my photos of one of my most recent train trips to St. Louis. The photo "StLouis11" is from the Amtrak station with the Sheraton in the background...
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OK, I have stayed at St Louis Union Station Marriott (I also stayed there January 1962 during my college days when it was the Terminal Hotel - rate was $4.00/ni and you signed in on a carousel register just like in the Western movies) and to me it is "worth it" (of course @ "not exactly" Terminal Hotel rates). I acknowledge that the Sheraton noted by Mr. Meyer is closer to Union Station, but it simply is another chain commercial hotel. More times than not when traveling that's what I want, but this is an exception.
One "plus" for Ms. Sojourner; I'll bet that in the Food Court at Union Station her "penchant' for ethnic foods could be satisfied.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Thanks for all the tips. I wish I could overnight in St Louis but that will have to be another time. I hope for a little daylight on the Missouri River Runner, but I definitely hope to get back to St Louis, and take that train again, another time. PS to Mr Norman, I am not staying in those KC hotels, they WERE too rich for my blood.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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News: I have figured out I can and should overnight in St Louis and then be able to take the Missouri River Runner train by day up the river. BUT I cannot stay at the Marriott Union Station, not only too pricey but BOOKED. Does anyone know anything about the Drury Inn Union Station? Prices are better, and it has good comments at tripadvisor, but as far as tripadvisor goes, I have found them not entirely reliable. I would be taking a taxi to the hotel from the train station as I'd be coming in on the TX Eagle (after dark).
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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Sojourner, I have stayed at the Drury Inn you mention in my business travel days. Since then my wife and I have stayed at several other Drury Inns. I put them at the top of the moderately priced chains - better than Marriott Fairfield or Holiday Inn Express. Much better breakfast, a social hour in the evening (wine and beer) and best of all, allows well behaved pets - with a welcome treat. Unfortunately they are mostly a midwest chain, so we aren't often in that territory (but there is a very nice one in Flagstaff).
The St. Louis one is in walking distance of the train station and the Marriott Union Station. Unlike most hotels it is a unique building - formerly was the railroad YMCA for all the train crews. Their logo is still proudly shown on the lobby floor. My only caveat - it's been 6 or 7 years since I was there.
But do stop in at the Marriott. When I stayed there it was an Omni hotel but it is a beautifully restored building. Perfect spot for a morning cup of coffee or nightcap and imagine you have a bedroom on the Midnight Special to Chicago.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Thanks for all the advice. I look forward to my first Drury Inn stay. If I can squeeze seeing the Marriott in before the morning train leaves, I will do so. How far is it from the Druly Inn to the Marriott and then to the train station? I will have some luggage (but with wheels).
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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Ms. Sojourner, "twirl' this linked photo to "A" your "Q" regarding Drury and Union Station.
This photo will help regarding Amtrak to Union Station (Union Station is that red spire barely visible atop the Expressway near the billboard).
I would still be checking back with Union Station Marriott (maybe some party has a "block' of rooms from which some will be released closer to whenever you plan to make this trip) and just "pay what you must' for a unique railroad-themed hotel experience.
I have had no experience with Drury; one way or the other.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I stayed at the Drury Inn, I just walked along the the road along the tracks and the wye and it took me right to it. It was about a ten minute walk. Nice place with a good free breakfast.
Chris
Posts: 711 | From: Santa Ana | Registered: May 2003
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As Chris says, it's a short walk and you will be paralleling the massive train shed for the station. You might ask; there might be a way to walk through the shed rather than on the city street, but I suspect it's blocked off.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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