For the final leg of this trip we found ourselves in O’Fallon, Illinois, a suburb of St. Louis, for wedding weekend round two for our Denver friends who had gotten married the month prior in Germany. We arrived early on our United flight from Newark and after picking up our rental car from Avis we made the 45 minute drive out to O’Fallon and our hotel for the weekend.
Booking
With how crazy the past few months have been, it wasn’t until we had arrived for the first wedding in Germany that we realized we never booked our hotel for the second wedding stateside. The bride and groom’s wedding website listed the TownePlace Suites in O’Fallon as the designated wedding hotel and we called them from the backseat of a taxi in Badenweiler, Germany to book. They were able to confirm the wedding room rate and handle the entire booking over the phone. By the time we arrived at our hotel in Germany, the stay was already listed in my Marriott Bonvoy profile.
The easiest way to book would have been through Marriott.com and skip the hassle of booking over the phone while flying down a narrow German road.
Location
The TownePlace Suites by Marriott St. Louis O’Fallon is located roughly 15 miles east of St. Louis along I-64 at Exit 16 and is easily visible from the highway. There are numerous hotels, shops and restaurants located around the hotel, some of which are within walking distance. It is also located a couple of miles from Scott Air Force Base and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, which is the secondary airport for the St. Louis area serving Low Cost Carriers and some general aviation traffic.
Check-In
We arrived at the hotel just after 5:00p and headed inside to get checked in. There was no wait at the reception desk and we were greeted immediately by the staff on duty. My Marriott Bonvoy Elite regognition started before I even made it up to the desk, as Elites were recognized on a TV screen next to the desk.
After a quick check of my ID, our room keys were issued and we were offered bottles of water and the ability to select a snack from the grab ang go area. In addition, we were also given a snack from the hotel that accompanied the welcome bag that was provided as part of our wedding rate.
Room
We were assigned to a Studio King Suite on the 4th floor, roughly halfway down the hallway from the elevators. The hallways, along with the rest of the hotel, were clean but on the basic side.
Once inside, the room was laid out in a U shape. First was a small kitchen that had a 3/4 size refrigerator and freezer combo, a small sink, diskwasher, and 2 burner electric cooktop. Dishes and cutlery were stocked in the cabinets and a coffeemaker, toaster, and a selection of coffee and tea were on the countertops.
Passing through the kitchen, you entered the living area which also had a desk. The desk was a somewhat strange design as it essentially was a table on wheels tucked under an angled countertop. You had to pull the table out pretty far to get a decent, useable surface. Next to the desk was a loveseat that had an ottoman and a tray that could be used as a table.
Turning the corner you entered the bedroom area. The bed was flanked by a pair of nightstands that were built into the wall along with the headboard. Lamps were mounted on each side and also featured power outlets.
On the wall separating the kitchen from the bathroom, a flat screen TV was mounted. It was nice that the TV could pivot to face either the sitting area or the bed but, you were always viewing it at an angle regardless of where you sat.
The bathroom was very spacious and had a sink with a large vanity, toilet, and a shower.
The shower had the strange half glass, half open wall which is becoming more popular in hotels these days which I really hate. The water never stays fully contained and ends up soaking the bathroom floor. Toiletries were ALICE+Co. branded and mounted on the wall in reuseable bottles.
Back in the living/bedroom, there was a large window that overlooked the hotel parking lot, a retention pond, and Interstate 64. Fortunately, the room was well insulated and we had no issues with the noise.
Common Areas
Since the TownePlace Suites brand is an extended stay property, there were quite a few common areas, both indoor and outdoor, available for use. Just off of the main check-in area there are a few pairs of chairs and some business center style tables with outlets available.
Behind the seating areas, there was a dining room with a bix of tables and barstools. Along the wall, there was a closed off buffet area where breakfast was served each morning.
Out the rear of the hotel there was a large outdoor patio space. Two grills and some tables were available if you were looking for a space to BBQ.
In addition to the BBQ area, there was a large fire pit with some couches and chairs around it. I’m not sure how often this space gets used but it would be a nice space to relax with family or friends if staying at the hotel.
Gym & Pool
Adjacent to the lobby was the gym and indoor pool area. The pool was large for a hotel of this size and the windows gave it a nice, open feel. Like with almost all indoor pools though, you could smell the chlorine just walking down the hall near it.
Between the pool and the rear entrance to the lobby was the hotel gym. It was on the small side and had a selection of free weights along with a couple of elliptical machines and a few treadmills. I didn’t see anyone usine either area during our stay.
Summary
The TownePlace Suites by Marriott St. Louis O’Fallon is a clean, new hotel located on the outskirts of the St. Louis area. The hotel isn’t anything special but it was extremely clean and consistent during our visit. With multiple gathering spaces, both indoor and outdoor, there is plenty of room sto spread out if you’re a large family or in town for an extended stay. While I may not have a reason to stay at this particular hotel again, I find the TownePlace Suites brand to be a good value when you’re looking for a place to set up base camp. The hotel lis likely overkill for many that are just passing through for a night however.
