You’re walking down Delmar Boulevard. The neon signs are humming, and there’s that specific smell of barbecue and old records in the air that you only get in University City. Suddenly, you look up and see it: a massive, rotating moon. It’s glowing. It’s slightly retro. It’s the Moonrise Hotel St Louis, and honestly, if you haven’t stayed there, you’re missing out on the literal heart of the Delmar Loop.
St. Louis has plenty of grand, marble-heavy hotels downtown. You know the ones. They’re nice, sure, but they’re a bit... stiff. The Moonrise is different. It’s boutique. It’s quirky. It’s owned by Joe Edwards, the guy who basically breathed life back into the Loop starting with Blueberry Hill back in the 70s. When you walk into the lobby, you aren't greeted by beige walls and elevator music. Instead, you get cases of space memorabilia, a staircase that changes colors like a mood ring, and a vibe that says, "Yeah, we like Apollo 11, but we also like craft cocktails."
What’s the Big Deal With the Decor?
A lot of people think the "space theme" at the Moonrise Hotel St Louis is just a gimmick. It’s not. Joe Edwards is a massive collector, and the stuff you see in the display cases—original toys, lunar models, autographed photos—is the real deal. It’s like staying in a museum curated by someone who really loves the 1960s space race.
The rooms aren't just copy-pasted versions of each other. Some have "Walk of Fame" themes, honoring the legends immortalized in the stars on the sidewalk outside. You might end up in a room dedicated to Agnes Moorehead or Buddy Guy. The beds are incredibly comfortable, which is a relief because sometimes "boutique" is code for "we spent all our money on the lobby and bought cheap mattresses." Not here. The Serta Enrapture beds are genuinely soft. Also, they're pet-friendly. Like, actually pet-friendly, not just "we tolerate your dog for a $200 fee" friendly. They give out treats and bowls. It's a nice touch.
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The Rooftop Situation
Okay, let’s talk about the Twilight Room. If you ask any local where to go for a drink in the Loop, they’re going to mention the Moonrise rooftop. It’s legendary.
There’s an indoor-outdoor section, so you can go there even if the St. Louis weather is doing its usual thing of being 80 degrees one day and snowing the next. The view of the city is unparalleled. You can see the Arch in the distance, but the real star is the giant rotating moon on top of the building. Fun fact: it’s the world’s largest man-made moon. It weighs about 3,000 pounds. It’s actually 10 feet in diameter. It’s weirdly hypnotic to watch while you’re sipping a "Lunar Lemonade."
The crowd is always a mix. You’ll see people in suits who just finished a meeting, WashU students on a date they definitely can't afford, and tourists who look slightly overwhelmed by the neon. It works. The atmosphere is loud but not deafening. It’s one of those places where you actually feel like you’re in a city that’s alive.
Exploring the Delmar Loop from Your Front Door
The best part about the Moonrise Hotel St Louis isn't actually inside the hotel. It's the fact that you can walk out the front door and be at the Pageant in two minutes. If you’re in town for a concert, this is the only place to stay. Period. You don’t have to deal with Ubers or parking garages. You just walk across the street, see the show, and walk back.
Hungry? You’ve got options:
- Blueberry Hill: Go for the burgers, stay for the memorabilia. Check out the Duck Room in the basement where Chuck Berry used to play.
- Salt + Smoke: Some of the best brisket in the city. The white cheddar cracker mac is life-changing.
- Mission Taco Joint: Busy, loud, and the street corn is fantastic.
- Vintage Vinyl: One of the best record stores in the country. You can spend hours in there.
The Loop is a "Great Street in America" according to the American Planning Association. It’s walkable, diverse, and feels authentic. It’s not a sanitized outdoor mall. It’s got grit and character.
What Nobody Tells You About the Moonrise
Some people complain about the noise. Look, it’s the Loop. If you want total silence, go stay at a Marriott out in Chesterfield. The Moonrise is in a nightlife district. You’re going to hear the hum of the city. You’re going to hear people laughing on the sidewalk. To me, that’s a plus. It makes you feel like you’re part of something.
Also, the parking. The hotel offers valet, which is convenient because street parking in the Loop is a nightmare. Yes, it costs money. No, you probably won't find a better spot on the street unless you’re incredibly lucky or don't mind walking six blocks at 2 AM. Just pay for the valet. Your sanity is worth it.
The Business Side of Things
While the Moonrise Hotel St Louis looks like a playground, it’s a serious business hub too. They have meeting rooms that aren't depressing. The "Apollo 8" or "Gemini" rooms are decked out with enough tech to handle a presentation but enough style to keep people from falling asleep. It’s a popular spot for "creative" companies—marketing agencies, tech startups, that sort of thing.
They also do weddings. A rooftop wedding at the Moonrise is pretty much a St. Louis staple at this point. The photos always look incredible because of the lighting and the backdrop. It’s not a traditional ballroom wedding; it’s more of a "we’re cool and we know it" kind of wedding.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Stay
Don't just check in and sit in your room.
- Walk the Hallways: Each floor has different displays. It’s worth a "floor crawl" just to see the art and the collectibles.
- Check the Concert Calendar: See who is playing at The Pageant or Delmar Hall. Even if you don't know the band, go. The venues are world-class.
- Breakfast at Eclipse: The hotel restaurant, Eclipse, does a solid breakfast. The decor is very "retro-future," and the coffee is actually good.
- The Trolley: Yes, the Loop Trolley exists. It’s had its ups and downs (mostly downs), but if it's running, it’s a fun, slow way to see the stretch of the street.
The Moonrise isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a landmark. It represents a specific era of St. Louis—one that’s proud of its history but looking forward. It’s quirky without being annoying and high-end without being snobby.
Actionable Steps for Your St. Louis Trip
If you’re planning a visit, start by checking the Moonrise website for their "St. Louis Walk of Fame" packages. Often, you can get deals that include tickets to local attractions or dining credits. Book your room on a higher floor if you want a better view of the moon, or a lower floor if you want to be closer to the action of the street.
Before you arrive, download the "Loop" app or check the University City website. There are always festivals, record swaps, or outdoor markets happening. The Moonrise sits at the epicenter of all of it. If you’re driving, enter the valet area from the rear of the building—it’s much easier than trying to navigate the front on Delmar during peak hours. Finally, make sure your phone is charged before you hit the rooftop; you’re going to want a photo of that moon. It’s basically a requirement.
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Once you’ve settled in, take ten minutes to just stand on the corner of Delmar and Skinker. Watch the people. Listen to the music coming from the bars. Look at the neon. You’ll realize why people keep coming back to this specific corner of the Midwest. It’s got a soul. And the Moonrise is exactly where that soul keeps its bags.