Axel's take on Clayton: #5 of 6 in St. Louis, 5.2/10
Choose Clayton for business and composed evenings, not doorstep sightseeing. Good hotels and a composed dining district cannot offset weaker sightseeing access and the lowest value score.
Clayton is a separate, polished business district west of the city, with office towers, good restaurants and residential streets around Forsyth Boulevard, Maryland Avenue and Central Avenue. Shaw Park gives it breathing room, while its compact downtown makes dinner on foot straightforward. Stay here for Clayton meetings, a quieter couple's weekend or a more restrained evening scene.
For a classic St. Louis sightseeing trip, the trade-off is repeated travel east rather than attractions outside your door. The Blue Line helps, but Lambert airport journeys require a Red Line connection even when airport service is normal. Skip it if your plans revolve around downtown sports, late bars or maximum spontaneity without a car.
- Best for: a quiet stay, luxury travelers, business trips and conventions, food lovers
- Skip it if: Most plans are downtown; You want late-night street life
- Getting around: Downtown dining and Shaw Park are walkable; Clayton or Forsyth stations serve the Blue Line. STL requires a change at Forest Park–DeBaliviere plus current North Hanley/terminal transfers; BLV requires a Red Line connection and airport shuttle. Airport arrangements checked October 15, 2026.
- After dark: Expect restaurant and cocktail outings rather than a bar-hopping district; choose it for a more restrained evening.
- Rates: Typical Axel rate $267 a night
Where to stay in St. Louis: every neighborhood ranked
The best hotels in Clayton, ranked by Axel's take
Each hotel scored for what it is by Axel's own review; the rate is one stay Axel priced this week, beside the public rate for the same dates.
- Residence Inn St. Louis Clayton 8.8/10, modern 3-star Marriott extended-stay hotel overlooking Shaw Park. Spacious suites and strong breakfast make this a dependable Clayton base. $208 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis 8.5/10, traditional luxury business hotel in Clayton. Warm service and spacious rooms make this a strong Clayton base, despite some dated details. $657 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- Hampton Inn & Suites Clayton/St. Louis-Galleria Area 8.4/10, straightforward 3-star in Clayton’s business district. A strong Clayton base with helpful staff, though room maintenance can be uneven. $156 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton 8.4/10, stylish, upscale 4-star business hotel in central Clayton. A strong Clayton base with welcoming staff, but standard rooms can feel tight. $192 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay 8.0/10, older mid-range hotel in downtown Clayton. A strong Clayton value, with standout breakfast and some rough edges. $118 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- Seven Gables, St. Louis West, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel 7.7/10, historic, mid-range boutique inn in downtown Clayton. Choose it for Clayton character and walkability, not reliably quiet rooms. $189 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate