HVS analysis finds St. Louis hotel market regaining strength through 2026-2027, driven by convention center upgrades, defense industry expansion, and over $7B in downtown and infrastructure development.
Nickelson joins Casa Don Alfonso with more than a decade of leadership experience in high-volume, hospitality-driven environments. Most recently, he led operations at Olive + Oak, one of St. Louis' most acclaimed restaurants, where he oversaw a 30-person team and implemented training systems that elevated both guest satisfaction and staff engagement. His career also includes key roles with Niche Food Group, where he contributed to revitalizing service standards under James Beard Award-winning leadership, as well as Rockwell Beer Company and Craft Beer Cellar, where he launched Missouri's first hybrid beer retail concept. Nickelson's leadership style centers on authenticity, warmth, and a relentless commitment to excellence. "At Casa Don Alfonso, our mission is to honor the Iaccarino family's rich heritage while evolving our service culture to new heights of Midwestern hospitality," Nickelson says. "It's an honor to lead this talented team and continue building a dining experience that reflects both the best of St. Louis and the spirit of Southern Italy."
Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis announces a comprehensive multi-million dollar renovation of its acclaimed spa, recognized as one of the top spas in the Midwest, unveiling a fully transformed wellness destination slated to debut in late April 2026. Designed in consultation with internationally renowned studio DesignAgency, the project marks the most significant evolution of the spa to date and reinforces the hotel's commitment to redefining luxury well-being in the region.
Doyle brings over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality across Europe and the United States. Her appointment comes during a milestone year, as the hotel celebrates its 35th anniversary as a pillar of luxury and excellence in St. Louis, and embarks on an exciting reimagining of its grand ballroom.
Marriott St. Louis Grand is proud to welcome Don Lenahan as the new General Manager for the hotel. He brings 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. This includes two decades with Marriott International, where he has held leadership roles across luxury resorts and large-scale convention hotels in both domestic and international markets.
Angad Arts Hotel St. Louis, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, the only hotel in the world where guests can reserve a room based on the emotion of color, and St. Louis' original art hotel, announces today that it joins the Hilton portfolio under Hilton's Collection Brand, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The Tapestry Collection is a portfolio of more than 150 independent hotels with original, vibrant personalities that encourage guests to enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences in destinations worth exploring. The property conversion consists of upgrades to its 12th-floor check-in desks and fitness center, with an addition of a sundry area that hosts a curated selection of familiar favorites, local artisanal snacks, and gifts in the lobby, as well as guest room technology modernization and bathroom wellness additions. Developed by St. Louis-based ownership group New + Found and designed by Lawrence Group, the 146-room hotel is operated in partnership with Schulte Hospitality Group. The property welcomes Hilton Honors® members and guests starting today. Angad Arts Hotel St. Louis, Tapestry Collection by Hilton can be found on the Tapestry Collection website here.
The Downtown St. Louis hotel market steadily recovered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic until 2024, when the recovery stalled due to a correction in leisure demand and disruptions at the convention center. However, subsequent airport passenger traffic growth and completion of the convention center’s expansion, along with other trends and developments, provide a stronger outlook for the market in 2025 and beyond.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Michael Cooper as the hotel's Director of Sales and Marketing. Cooper joined the Marriott International brand in 2013 and has developed a track record of exceptional leadership and strategic decision-making across several markets. In this position, he will work to elevate and drive the vision of the Sales & Marketing Department at the Forbes Four Star/AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel property in Downtown Clayton.
The Pennywell St. Louis Downtown, a Hilton Hotel, offering a cultured boutique hotel experience nestled in the heart of the city, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Zachary Sporbert to general manager. With two decades of expertise, Sporbert brings to the team a leadership style that places equal emphasis on both the well-being of employees and the satisfaction of hotel guests, strategically guiding the hotel's hospitality professionals to deliver an unparalleled guest experience while maintaining financial goals.
21c Museum Hotels, a multi-venue contemporary art museum and award-winning hospitality brand, is thrilled to announce the opening of its highly anticipated property in the heart of downtown St. Louis. Like all 21c properties, 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis challenges the conventions of both the hospitality and museum worlds, providing a space where travelers and locals can come together to experience contemporary art exhibitions, community-focused cultural programming, and inspired food and beverage options that spark conversation and create connection.
Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton (7730 Bonhomme Ave, St. Louis, MO 63105), the 268-room hotel in Clayton, MO, announces the appointment of Matt Korsos as the hotel's new general manager. Korsos brings over 20 years of hospitality leadership experience to his position at Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton with executive leadership at Magnolia Hotel (CoralTree Hospitality) in St. Louis, MO, and Hancock Hotel (First Hospitality Group) in Findlay, OH. In his new role, Korsos oversees the daily operations of the hotel, along with the hotel's European-inspired restaurant, Cafe la Vie.
Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis announces the appointment of Al Arce to the role of Director of Marketing.
Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis announces Kelley Schmidt as the Hotel's new Executive Chef. Fresh on the heels of his arrival, Chef Schmidt will co-host the first Mississippi Dinner on June 16, 2023 alongside his culinary colleague of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, where he was most recently Executive Sous Chef. Joining him in the kitchen for this special evening will be David Harrower, Executive Banquet Chef of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans.
Similar to the rest of the nation, hotel metrics in St. Louis plummeted in 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the market had entered a healthy recovery phase by the spring of 2021. Growth accelerated through the remainder of the year, fueled by a surge of leisure travel and the slow reemergence of commercial demand, as well as the return of conventions and major events.
Housed in a late 19th-century bank, the boutique property is uniquely situated near the city's top attractions and convention center.
New Presidential Suite is the crown jewel of redesign, with custom finishes and breath-taking views.
Perfectly wrapped gifts, sparkling lights and lush garlands — the holiday season is upon us. The best part? Decorating, of course! Evoking fond memories of childhood and time spent with loved ones, the magic of the holidays is often intertwined with getting your home ready to experience the celebrations of the season. Fortunately for us (and our future holiday-scapes), we have Amber Lanwermeyer, social media director at St. Louis Union Station, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Scheduled to open Spring 2023, bookings are now open for 21c Museum Hotels' newest.
Joy Schmidt joins 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis as Director of Sales and Marketing. During her distinguished 20-year career in hospitality, Schmidt has become known for driving innovative sales and marketing strategies that produce dynamic business results. She is looking forward to making the opening of 21c St. Louis a sensational event and building out the sales and marketing team for long-term success.
Chef Matthew Daughaday joins 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis as Executive Chef, where he will lead food production & menu development for the restaurant, coffee shop, event and meeting spaces. A St. Louis native, Daughaday made a name for himself at Niche Restaurant and Taste by Niche, before leaving to open his own restaurant, Reeds American Table in Maplewood. He comes to 21c St. Louis brimming with ideas for the hotel's many food spaces, after serving as Chef de Cuisine at Juniper for the past two years.