Hotel Ignacio

St. Louis’s status as the “Gateway to the West” sells it a bit short as a destination — gateways are made to be passed through, not lingered in, and for too long this city was exactly that. Thankfully, the fresh-faced Hotel Ignacio is working hard to reverse that trend. It’s a cozy spot, just 49 rooms, brought to us by some savvy planner at Saint Louis University who saw a brighter, more urbane future for their campus neighborhood. Scooping up a lovable 1910 commercial building, they have created a little exclamation mark of stylish hospitality in the middle of the city’s growing cultural district.

Inside, the décor is a tasteful collision of deep red accents and color-saturated artworks set against a warm backdrop of tans and caramels, the brick textures of the historic structure blending comfortably with the minimalist furnishings. Café Pintxos, on premises, does breakfast in the morning and tapas by night. The lobby is a living room–like gathering spot, the fireplace with its broad hearth an especially welcome remedy to a bracing Missouri winter. And for balmier times of year the patio makes for a fine location for a drink or a pastry under the big midwestern sky.

St. Louis has a bit of a design heritage, though it’s a well-kept secret. The arch is by Eero Saarinen, and the Allied Works Contemporary Arts Museum (just around the corner) houses a quality collection. But St. Louis is still also the threshold of the western frontier, which has a certain allure of its own. Hotel Ignacio seems to understand its dual purpose, and makes for a bright spot at the gateway.

• 51 Rooms
• Style: Modern Design
• Atmosphere: Lively
• 2 Guest Reviews

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