We stayed two nights in a two-bedroom suite for a wedding, which was a hotel block for guests. Note, the price was not reduced, but we did receive free parking and a designated shuttle to/from the reception. I'll try to summarize in a concise manner.
Pros:
The location is very convenient to the interstate, Ballpark Village, and many downtown destinations.
The free shuttle was terrific for a 3-mile radius. The vehicles were large and clean, and the drivers were friendly and knew the area well. Spencer was a delight on Friday night. I'm sorry we didn't get the name of our designated driver for the reception, but we were so grateful that he knew the area, as there was a serious 5-car accident and at least a dozen emergency vehicles, so we had to be re-routed significantly to get to the destination.
The fitness center had very nice equipment.
The two-bedroom suite was large and the beds were comfortable, etc.
We found the staff in general to be friendly and helpful.
The Cons:
Some of our party had to sign an agreement acknowledging "party rules" and behavior for the property, which we found interesting. Yet, each night when we arrived back at the hotel between 11pm and midnight, we were greeted just inside the front door - in the bar area - by at least 30-40 people with kids of all ages in pajamas, blaring music, and screaming and running around. We were astonished that the front desk people permitted this kind of behavior and representation of their property.
It's an 8 story hotel and one of the two elevators was out of order. We questioned during our wait if the repair person couldn't arrive until Monday, but a long-term resident said it had been out of order for over two weeks. The wait for the elevator was often over 10-15 minutes, and people were seen trying to drag their suitcases and coolers up/down eight flights of concrete stairs. I cannot imagine how a hotel can be permitted to have an elevator down for that long.
As other reviewers mentioned, the neighborhood seems a bit questionable, and the steel security fence only reinforces that image. There is no pretty view from the hotel ... although it's convenient, there is a train yard on one side and the interstate on the other.
Having a full kitchen is nice, but the fridge ice maker is terribly slow, so they recommend (walking) to the first floor to the only ice maker to fill your basket and then (walking) back up to your room with it (because it would melt while you wait for the elevator).
With a college student in St. Louis we visit there often, and although I'm a Marriott rewards member, I won't be back to this property again.