Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Live! by Loews St. Louis Review
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Live! by Loews St. Louis – My Slightly Chaotic, Utterly Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind stay at the Live! by Loews in St. Louis, and let me tell you, it’s… a lot. Not in a bad way, mind you. More like a glorious, slightly overwhelming, "should I be wearing a tiara?" kind of way. This isn't some meticulously curated travel blog post, this is real life, folks. And sometimes, real life involves a questionable decision to order room service at 3 AM and cry while watching a documentary about badgers. (Don't judge me, the blackout curtains were amazing.)
First Impressions (The Good, The Slightly… Messy):
From the second I pulled up, the Live! by Loews screamed "We're here to impress!" The valet parking? Smooth as silk. The doorman? Ready with a smile and a "Welcome back!" even though I'd never been there before (magic, I tell you!). The lobby? All gleaming surfaces and art installations that made me feel simultaneously sophisticated and like I was in a really fancy shopping mall. (Okay, maybe that's not a bad thing.)
Accessibility & Ease of Use:
Okay, important stuff first. I didn't specifically need wheelchair access, but I did check out the facilities. Wheelchair accessible? Check. Elevator? Absolutely. They seem to have put some serious thought into making sure everyone feels welcome, which is a huge plus. I saw a couple of guests using wheelchairs - and I'm always looking to see how smoothly everyone else can use those spaces, and I'm happy to report it passed the inspection. Now, I'd rate it as a solid 4.5/5 - all the basics are there, but one could also say that some spaces might benefit from a little more emphasis on user-friendliness.
Internet - Because Let's Be Honest, We Need It:
FREE WI-FI in all rooms?! YES. Hallelujah. Seriously, this is a major win. No tiny, overpriced hotel Wi-Fi plans here. Plus, Internet [LAN] is also available if you're feeling old-school. Internet services in general were solid. Zero complaints. I even managed to stream a whole season of something or other while simultaneously ordering room service, so the bandwidth was clearly there (and I'm eternally grateful).
Rooms - My Sanctuary (and the Badger Documentary's Viewing Platform):
Okay, the rooms. Oh, the rooms. Let's start with the blackout curtains (a gift from the gods, truly). Air conditioning? Yep, thank goodness, because St. Louis can get steamy. Extra long bed? Check. I slept like a log (after the badger documentary-fueled tears, obviously). Bathrobes, slippers, and bathrobes? Yes, yes, and yes. It’s the little things, people. Coffee/tea maker was also a lifesaver for those bleary-eyed mornings. The in-room safe box was a nice touch too. Felt fancy.
Here's a little anecdote: One night, I ordered tea, and they didn’t deliver the spoon with it. The utter injustice of it all nearly brought me to tears. But, I called down and the response was lightning fast. The staff were on-point.
Things to Do (Or, Where I Lost Track of Time):
The sheer amount of options is a bit dizzying. Fitness center? Yup, looked well-equipped, though I mostly observed it from the pool (priorities, people!). Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes, and with a view! The whole vibe was just… posh. I can't lie… it was a bit intimidating at first, but it turned out to be a pretty relaxing spot to, you know, contemplate life and the sheer absurdity of it all. And yes, I did get a tan. (My skin thanks you, Live! by Loews!)
Spa/sauna were available – I spent a delightful hour in the sauna, pretending I was a Scandinavian Viking god or something. I didn't experience the Body scrub or Body wrap - I'm more of a "curl up with a good book" kind of spa-goer. If you want the full pampering experience this place is a solid choice.
Dining - From Fancy to Fantastic (and That Breakfast, Though…)
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things get really interesting.
- The Good: The restaurants are top-notch. The a la carte in restaurant was well worth the time and money. The Happy hour was a great time.
- The Room Service Debacle (and Redemption): I mentioned the 3 AM room service, right? I ordered a burger (because, again, badgers). It arrived promptly, and it was… okay. Nothing spectacular. But the speed of service? Amazing. They also got my order right, and it was still warm.
- Breakfast [buffet]: I opted out of the breakfast in room, but my friend said the buffet was pretty decent, if a bit pricey. Options were many; from Asian breakfast / cuisine in restaurant to Western breakfast / cuisine in restaurant but I'm not sure, I didn't have any of it!
Cleanliness and Safety - The Modern Necessities:
In a post-pandemic world, this is crucial. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. I saw staff constantly wiping things down. Felt safe. Plus, hand sanitizer was readily available.
Services & Conveniences - Things I Didn't Know I Needed:
They had a concierge (who was super helpful), doorman, and daily housekeeping (thank the lord). Cash withdrawal was available. I didn’t use the dry cleaning or ironing service, but again, nice options to have.
For the Kids - They Seemed To Have It Covered:
I didn't have kids with me, but I saw a lot of families. They have babysitting service and Kids meal options, so it's definitely family/child friendly.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy:
Car park [on-site]? Yes, and valet parking if you're feeling extra boujee. Airport transfer available but also taxi service. They make it easy to get around.
The Verdict:
Okay, the Live! by Loews is not cheap. This is a luxury hotel. But it's a good luxury hotel. Cleanliness and safety are a priority. The rooms are gorgeous, the facilities are impressive, and the staff are generally friendly and helpful. It's a great option for couples, families, or anyone who wants to feel pampered.
My Quirks & Imperfections:
- I walked around barefoot in my room, and no one seemed to care!
- I totally judged the people who ordered fancy cocktails at the pool based on what they ordered, but then I got a weirdly delicious one myself. It’s a weakness.
- I lost track of time, and almost missed my connecting flight. But, that’s more an indictment of my life choices than anything else.
- Overall, it was fantastic. Well-worth the money, even after factoring in the badger documentary tears.
Final, Honest Assessment:
Live! by Loews is a splurge, but it's a worthy splurge. Go. Enjoy. And maybe, just maybe, avoid the 3 AM room service. Unless, of course, you're also grieving a badger.
Here's my unique offer to persuade your target audience to book hotel:
Tired of the Ordinary? Craving Unbelievable Luxury… AND a Break from Reality?
Look, let's be honest. Life's stressful. Work, relationships, remembering to feed the cat… It's all a bit much sometimes. You deserve a escape.
Live! by Loews St. Louis isn't just a hotel, it's a vibe. It's a place where you can ditch the to-do lists and embrace the "treat yourself" mentality.
Here's the deal:
- Book your stay at Live! by Loews within the next [Insert timeframe] and receive:
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a view. (Because you deserve to see the world, even if you're just watching badgers on TV).
- A $50 credit to use at any of the hotel's amazing restaurants or bars. (Fuel your adventure, or, you know, fuel your late-night burger craving.)
- Free late check-out. (Because sometimes you need an extra hour to sleep. No judgment).
- A complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival. (Because celebrations and, let's be honest, any excuse for bubbles are encouraged).
Why Choose Live! by Loews?
- Uncompromising Luxury: From the plush robes and blackout curtains to the state
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the chaotic embrace of Live! by Loews - St. Louis, and I'm already predicting some serious "oops" moments, epic triumphs, and maybe, just maybe, a breakdown or two over the sheer existential dread of… choosing a pillow. Let's DO this.
Day 1: Arrival and the Allure of the Unknown (plus Jet Lag that'll hit me like a freight train)
- 1:00 PM - ARRIVAL! (Or: The airport shuffle of shame). Okay, so I'm supposed to arrive at Lambert International, but let’s be real, I’m probably going to miss my connecting flight and end up in Des Moines. God, I hate flying. Still, the promise of a nice hotel is keeping me going, if only to collapse on a giant bed after the humiliation of the airport security. Once I finally, FINALLY, make it to St. Louis (fingers crossed!), the Loews limo thing… or whatever. I'll ask a friendly airport employee to point the way. I’m feeling optimistic, like the type of optimistic that leads to disaster.
- 2:00 PM - Check-in and Sensory Overload. The hotel, supposedly. I've seen pictures, and it looks… elegant. And honestly, a little intimidating. I'm half-expecting a robot butler, which would be amazing, and half-expecting to trip on my own feet and spill coffee on the pristine lobby carpet, which is way more likely. The first thing that'll smack me in the face is that new hotel smell – a potent mix of cleaning products and ambition.
- 2:30 PM - Disaster Prep (aka, The Pillow Situation). Alright, this is serious. I, for one, am a pillow snob. I need a pillow with the perfect balance of fluffiness and support. This is a make-or-break moment. I will probably spend a solid fifteen minutes flitting between the pillows, trying to find the one that doesn't feel like a brick or a marshmallow. This is the kind of profound stuff that really matters.
- 3:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance and Panic. Okay, room is… nice. Like, "I could live here" nice. But where's the coffee? (Important question). Wait, I see a balcony over-looking the stadium. Oh, crap, I'd better remember to pack sunscreen. I'm picturing myself, pale and pasty, frying in the Missouri sun. The shame of it all. Deep breaths…okay.
- 3:30 PM - Snack Procurement and Deep Contemplation (or: the meaning of life, briefly considered). Okay, I'm STARVING, and the mini-bar is probably going to cost more than my first car. I'm going to find some snacks, STAT. Maybe a local market, or a vending machine if I'm feeling particularly lazy. Then, in my room. I'll sit and eat those snacks and stare out the window. I'll reflect on life. The meaning of it all. Basically, existential pondering over Cheez-Its.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner! (Pray for no wardrobe malfunctions). Time to find a restaurant. I've heard good things about the hotel's offerings, so I'll probably start there. Hopefully, I can navigate the menu without sounding like a total tourist.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime Routine. I am going to take the world's longest, most luxurious, bath. With all the bath bombs, and bubble bath, and candles, and maybe, just maybe, a glass of wine. Then, I will collapse into that perfect pillow and, hopefully, sleep.
Day 2: Delving into The City &… Baseball?
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast of Champions (or, at least, a semblance of it). The hotel breakfast buffet? Tempting. But I'm also considering venturing out for some local flavor. The pressure! What if I make a mistake? What if the coffee is cold? Okay, deep breaths. We'll see how I feel. Maybe a quick pastry and coffee in the room is the more rational approach.
- 10:00 AM - Explore St. Louis! (or: getting gloriously lost). I'll wander around, just soak it all in, see what happens, and try to avoid running into any bears… just kidding! I'm sure there aren't any bears, but maybe I'm wrong.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch & The Dreaded Tourist Trap Question. Do I dare to go to the giant arch thing? Probably. It's a tourist trap for a reason. But also, the lines. And the crowds. Sigh. I'm going to embrace the tourist. Maybe. First, lunch. Something local. Something delicious. I’ll seek out a recommendation.
- 2:00 PM - Baseball! (Pray for a comfy seat). The Cardinals' game? The energy. The crowd. The chance to yell at the umpires. The hot dogs. This is what I'M talking about. I need a cold beer & comfy seats, and I'm set. I'm not even a huge baseball fan, but who can resist the atmosphere?
- 5:00 PM - Post-Game Reflection & Ice Cream. How did the game go? I don’t know, I’ll probably be in the bathroom, making some kind of embarrassing memory. Win or lose, it's ice cream time. Because, why not?
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and the Quest for Authenticity (and avoiding overpriced restaurants). This is where the real adventure begins. I’ll try to find a local eatery that isn’t packed with tourists. I want something that feels real, something with character.
- 9:00 PM - Nightcap & Journaling (or: rambling incoherently about the day). A nightcap at the hotel bar? Back in the room and reflect. I will pour thoughts into my travel journal. The day's triumphs. The near-disasters. The existential questions posed by the pillow situation. It'll probably be a mess, but a glorious, honest mess.
Day 3: Departure and the lingering scent of adventure (and hotel soap).
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast, Again. Breakfast, one last time at the hotel. The pressure is off. I’m a veteran. I'll probably get a croissant and coffee.
- 10:00 AM - Late Check-Out and Souvenir Shopping (or: the frantic dash). Ah, the art of the late check-out. I'll milk it for all its worth. Then, souvenir time! Panic-buying something for everyone. Please, let me find something that isn't tacky.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch (or: the last hurrah). One last meal. Savor it. Regret it.
- 1:00 PM - Departure. Goodbye, St. Louis. Until next time? I don't know. Maybe.
- In the airport - Reflecting on the trip and the need for a vacation after my vacation
- In the plane- Wondering if I will need a new passport
This itinerary is just a suggestion. It's a guideline, a suggestion, a foundation. The real fun is in the chaos, the spontaneity, the moments that make you laugh so hard your stomach hurts. Embrace the imperfections. Embrace the mess. And most importantly, embrace the adventure. Now, go forth and make some memories!
Cromwell's BEST-KEPT Secret: Central Gateway Motel!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Live! by Loews St. Louis - My Messy, Honest Review (Prepare Yourself!)
Okay, spill it. Was Live! by Loews truly "Unbelievable Luxury," or just… fancy?
Alright, alright, let’s get real. "Unbelievable Luxury"? That’s a tall order, isn’t it? I went in with the *highest* expectations – and look, parts of it *were* amazing. Seriously, the lobby? Jaw-dropping. Like, you walk in and immediately feel… slightly inadequate. Like you should be wearing a suit you definitely don't own. But then… other parts? Well, let's just say the "unbelievable" might need a tiny asterisk. More like "believably fancy, with occasional bursts of actual 'wow.'"
Let's talk about the rooms. Did they live up to the hype? And what about the little things?
The rooms… ah, the rooms. First impressions? Solid. Spacious, clean, that signature Loews minimalist-chic thing going on. Huge windows – always a win for me. The bed was ridiculously comfortable. Seriously, I almost didn't want to get up. Almost. Okay, I *did* actually hit snooze three times. Don't judge me!
But (and there's always a "but," isn't there?) the little things are where some cracks started to show. Like, the coffee pods? Run-of-the-mill. You know, the kind that tastes vaguely of disappointment. For a luxury hotel, I expected *artisanal*, or at least, something better than what I have at home. Then the mini-bar... I swear to god, it practically demanded I ransack it!
The food. This is often where luxury hotels shine (or crash and burn). What's the verdict on the restaurants?
Okay. FOOD. This is where it gets WILD. I ate at the lobby bar restaurant and I have...feelings. I'm not gonna lie. I was *very* hungry. The menu looked amazing. I ordered the lobster mac and cheese. I thought it was going to be life-changing. It *was* lobster. It *was* mac and cheese. But... it was also... kind of bland. And I ate the whole thing. I'm not proud. I think I went to the bathroom and cried afterwards, it was so disappointing!
And then the next morning I got the breakfast buffet... and I felt reborn. It was beautiful. I gorged. I loved it. Someone take the buffet away from me.
What about the service? Were the staff helpful and, you know, actually friendly?
Service is HUGE, right? I’ve been to places where you feel like you’re an inconvenience. Luckily, the staff at Live! Loews were, for the most part, fantastic. Really, really good. Super friendly, genuinely helpful. I needed extra towels (who doesn't?), and they were there in, like, two minutes. The concierge actually gave me *useful* recommendations for things to do. That almost never happens! I mean, they were good, but I’m not sure they were… *unbelievable* friendly. Maybe just really, really, *competently* friendly. Which is still great, don’t get me wrong! It just wasn't a movie level of service.
The whole "Live!" thing, the entertainment options. Did you go beyond the hotel for fun?
Okay, so the hotel is right in with a casino right? It's all connected via a walkway, which is handy. I'm not a huge gambler, but I thought I'd stroll over and see what was going on. I walked past a karaoke bar and that's where I lost it. I had one too many whiskeys and I can't remember a thing. But I do remember I had a blast. That's all that matters, isn't it?
Overall, would you recommend it? Worth the splurge?
Okay, here's the truth: it depends. If you're looking for *absolute* perfection in every single detail, maybe manage your expectations a little. But if you're looking for a stylish hotel, with some seriously amazing parts, comfortable rooms, and genuinely good service – yes. Absolutely. The location alone is worth a good chunk of the price. And, let's be real, that lobby is worth the price of admission. I'd go back. I'd probably even splurge again. But this time, I'm bringing my own coffee pods. And maybe a decent snack or two, just in case the mac and cheese acts up again. 😉
Any quirky observations or random thoughts you want to share?
Oh, man, where do I even *start*? Okay, the gym. It was surprisingly well-equipped, but everyone in there looked like they were auditioning for a fitness magazine. I felt wildly out of place with my slightly-too-tight workout gear and my post-mac-and-cheese bloat. Also, the elevators were *insanely* fast. Like, almost too fast. I felt like I was hurtling into the future with every trip. But the most important thing for me was the view from the room. Honestly, just the ability to enjoy that was almost enough to justify the price of admission. It’s moments like those that make you forget the slightly disappointing mac and cheese. Almost.
One more thing: Knowing what you know now, what's one thing you'd do differently on your next visit?
I'd pack snacks. Definitely, definitely pack snacks. And maybe a better, more exciting, coffee setup. And *maybe* I'd try to sneak into the spa...because I didn't experience it this time and now I feel even worse!
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