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1922
The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63108
Original Property Opened in 1922
Historic Hotels of America member since 2025
In the early-20th century, attorney Chase Ullman saw enormous potential in St. Louis’ ability to evolve into a celebrated holiday destination after the city successfully hosted the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair and the Summer Olympics. Ullman selected a plot of land near the lush landscapes of Forest Park and commissioned local architect Preston J. Bradshaw to build a grand edifice fit for the burgeoning roaring twenties.
Opened in 1922, the hotel was originally named “The Chase Hotel” and displayed sprawling arches and elaborate plasterwork in the Italian Renaissance style. Today, The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis preserves these historic details and stands as an ornate fixture in the St. Louis neighborhood Central West End. With a rich history and an extensive list of historic guests who once walked the hotel grounds, The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis invites visitors to unwind and dine at its multiple restaurants, enjoy a movie at the in-house theater, and experience the timeless spirit of the historic hotel.
Discover
- Discover the Art Deco, Italian Renaissance, and mid-century inspiration throughout The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis. Dive into the picturesque, Mediterranean-style pool that was built for the opulence of the 1920s. Diners danced in the hotel’s rooftop garden until hotel management enclosed the towering venue and built a grand bandstand in the 1940s complete with a beloved design called the Starlight Roof. The hotel’s celebrated restaurant, Tenderloin Room, was added in the 1960s and has retained a timeless sophistication ever since.
- Learn the rich and storied history of The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis. Spanning over a century, the hotel was originally known as “The Chase Hotel” and made a triumphant debut when it opened in the early 20th century. It was a celebrated holiday destination and had originally been molded to resemble the grand palaces from the Italian Renaissance, and later updated in 1930 with a soaring 28-story Art Deco Park Plaza.
- Uncover the extensive list of famous historic guests that have stayed or performed at The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis. The hotel hosted every U.S. President from the 1920 to the 1980s. Other notable guests were Amelia Earhart in the 1930s, Elvis Presley and Billie Holiday in the 1950s, and Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, and Bob Hope in the 1960s. “The Chase is the place,” was the hotel’s tagline for decades.
Explore
- Explore a Missouri landmark, the Gateway Arch. The iconic 630-foot-tall steel monument in St. Louis, Missouri, is the tallest monument in the United States, the tallest manufactured monument in the Western Hemisphere, and Missouri’s tallest accessible building. Guests can explore the Gateway Arch by taking a tram ride to the top and enjoying the incredible views including the Old Courthouse. In addition, there is a riverboat cruise excursion at the Gateway Arch National Park, a museum, and other activities that guests can explore.
- Take a walk through the “Heart of St. Louis,” in Forest Park. Forest Park is a public park that hosted the 1904 World's Fair and the 1904 Summer Olympics. The Park encompasses the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Science Center, Missouri History Museum, and the Saint Louis Art Museum. There are landmark pavilions, statues and monuments, natural spaces, and places for recreational activities for guests to enjoy. Or experience Broadway under the stars at The Muny, America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. It offers unforgettable live performances in the heart of Forest Park, combining top-tier productions with the magic of open-air summer nights.
- Watch a performance at the historic Stifel Theatre, formerly known as the Peabody Opera House. The 3,100-seat theatre is in the heart of Downtown St. Louis and originally opened in 1934. The Stifel Theatre’s stage has welcomed some of the greatest entertainers such as Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones. Enjoy a concert, or a performance of a touring Broadway musical, and other performances at this historical location.
Experience
- Experience the past and present of music in St. Louis. Learn more about blues music in America at The National Blues Museum. It is the only institution of its kind dedicated exclusively to preserving and honoring the history and significance of blues music. Relax at the Old Rock House live music venue. Enjoy cabaret-style dining with great food and cocktails while listening to live music of beloved local and national acts.
- Tour The World Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis. It showcases fascinating exhibits on the game's history, legendary players, and cultural impact—plus stunning chess-themed art and the world’s largest chess piece, making it a unique destination for both enthusiasts and curious visitors.
- Experience the art and history of St. Louis. Spend the day at the City Museum, a unique museum with exhibits that consist primarily of repurposed architectural and industrial objects. The City Museum is housed in a former International Shoe Factory. The regional Missouri History Museum offers engaging exhibits on St. Louis’s pivotal role in American history, including westward expansion and civil rights movements. Or marvel at the architecture of The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, which is adorned with one of the largest mosaic collections in the world.
Taste
- Taste delicious flavors prepared with culinary excellence at The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis. Using quality farm-fresh ingredients at all three dining establishments, guests can experience exceptional cuisine at Chase Club, The Preston, and The Tenderloin Room, known for the best steak in the city.
- Experience a burger that is unique to The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis, The Chase Smash Burger. This burger is inspired by a traditional St. Louis burger sauce which is made with Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Dijon Mustard, Relish and Worcestershire sauce. The Chase sauce is unique because of the signature spice blend which was inspired by Chef Caroline Taylor’s cookbook from 1934.
- Enjoy a tour of the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery complex. The Anheuser-Busch Brewery complex was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark District by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in 1971. Visitors can see beer being made and packaged, get up close and personal with the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, and enjoy two free glasses of any Anheuser-Busch product in the Hospitality Room once the tour concludes.
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