The Cheshire

The Cheshire is hard to miss, despite being on a busy road near Forest Park. The telltale beige and dark brown Tudor-style property has stained glass and latticed windows, and a British flag waves proudly over the entrance.More British-inspired touches are found immediately upon entering: A version of the classic red phone booth (found all over London) is in the foyer. The lobby was barely touched during renovations, and the charming area is filled with antique furniture, Persian rugs and beautiful Renaissance-era paintings. A tea and coffee station is found in the breakfast nook -- guests can enjoy a free hot beverage any time of day. Historical photographs and knickknacks can be found throughout the hotel, and in the winter, the large wood-burning fireplace in the lobby is kept burning from early morning until late at night.The hotel attracts all types of travelers, including people in town on business, families, couples, groups, and many repeat guests. In the evening, the Fox & Hounds tavern beckons with a cozy ambiance. On nice weather days, drinks can also be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace, or poolside.

The Cheshire hotel is situated in the upscale Clayton area of greater St. Louis -- about a 15-minute drive to the inner city, and a quick drive to Forest Park and Washington University.Forest Park is a major draw for locals and tourists, thanks not only to its ample grassy space, but to its art museums, theaters, and golf courses. Guests can bike to the park using one of the hotel's free rentals.The Delmar Loop is just north of Washington University and is part of a rejuvenated area (once quite seedy) that includes restaurants and music venues such as the Blueberry Hill, a place where the late Chuck Berry regularly performed.St. Louis is a thriving Midwestern city, perhaps best known for the Gateway Arch -- the Gateway to the West. St. Louis has plenty of historic character, which can be experienced by visiting the city's distinct neighborhoods. These areas are quite spread out, and most people will find they need a car while visiting.- 5-minute drive Washington University campus

• 5-minute drive to downtown Clayton
• 6-minute drive to Forest Park (home of the St. Louis Zoo, amphitheatre, museums, and activities)
• 7-minute drive to the St. Louis Science Center
• 9-minute drive to Fox Theatre
• 9-minute drive to the St. Louis Contemporary Art Museum
• 10-minute drive to Busch Stadium
• 14-minute drive to Anheuser Busch Brewery
• 14-minute drive to the Gateway Arch
• 14-minute drive to Laclede's Landing
• 17-minute drive to Lambert St. Louis International Airport
• 22-minute drive to Chesterfield

For those who consider themselves Anglophiles, the Cheshire delivers, with sophisticated British-inspired style that blends old and new. Decor varies, but many rooms have sophisticated brown leaf patterns on the carpet, pillows, and curtains; dark wood furniture; Tudor-style latticed windows, and bold red color accents. Rooms were renovated in 2011, and come with king or two queen beds. Themed suites have particularly spacious bathrooms. Each room is themed after a different British writer, such as Jane Austen or William Shakespeare, and guests will find a framed summary highlighting the author on the wall, as well as copy of one of his or her books. There are seven accessible rooms with added ADA features such as lowered door handles, wider doors, and grab bars in bathrooms.Some rooms look out over the pool area, while others look onto the street. Certain suites and rooms have direct pool access, which can be requested in advance.- Pillow-top beds

• Flat-screen TVs
• Free Wi-Fi
• Cordless phones

Next to the entrance of the hotel is the outdoor pool area that was renovated in 2011. It's a chic area -- the black Cheshire emblem is prominently placed on the bottom of the pool, and there are plenty of red lounge chairs and tables for relaxing. On the weekends, there is a bar for poolside cocktails, and live musicians play in the evenings.During the day, the pool can get crowded with kids, but there are adult swim hours in the evening.Some rooms open up to the pool area for easy access, while others on higher floors have views.

• Rooms available with two queen beds; air mattresses available upon request
• Cribs and blankets are available
• Free breakfast
• Kid-friendly in-room dining options
• Free use of bicycles for up to three hours (child sizes available)
• An outdoor swimming pool
• A neat treasure hunt has been incorporated into the hotel property -- staff can assist with placement
• Each kid will receive a Royal Kids Club backpack with goodies
• A selection of children's books on offer, as well as coloring sheets and crayons
• Quick access to Forest Park activities, including the St. Louis Zoo and Science Center (ask for discounted coupons)

The Fox & Hounds Tavern -- a candlelit room with British-themed decor -- hasn't changed very much in the past few decades and that's how the locals prefer it. During renovations in 2011, the new owners decided to keep much of the original decor and artwork the same, and it remains a charming place to enjoy a meal and drink. A selection of American and English favorites are offered (such as fish and chips, and burgers) for lunch and dinner, as well as options for late-night snacks. Room service from this menu is also available.The Restaurant is an intimate wine bar and restaurant specializing in locally-sourced menus. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday brunch.Basso is a basement pub with rustic decor, serving up Italian-style gastropub fare. Basso is open for lunch and dinner, and has extensive wine and beer menus.The Market is the on-site cafe which serves breakfast and lunch, as well as take-out items and novelty treats.The breakfast room offers free continental breakfast for guests (hot breakfast selections, pastries, juice, tea and coffee) every morning.

Drinks are served nightly at the Fox & Hounds Tavern, and can be enjoyed at the bar or at a cozy table or booth for two. Low lighting, a fireplace, and flickering candles give this space great ambiance for drinks, especially on a chilly night, and it's popular with locals as well as guests. In addition to the normal wine, beer and liquor selection, there are a number of British ales, as well as Irish, American and Scottish whiskeys. The Restaurant and Basso also have plenty of wines and beers on offer.For warmer months, drinks can also be served on the outdoor terrace adjacent to the breakfast room. During weekend evenings, the outdoor pool and lounge offers a smaller selection of drinks, as well as live acoustic guitar music.

• Free coffee and tea in the lobby
• Free breakfast served daily
• Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel
• Room service (as well as picnic baskets that can be ordered in advance)
• Pet up to 60 pounds allowed, with a deposit
• Business center with printing, copy and fax services
• On-site massage services from an outside company
• Bicycles for rent
• On-site "Accessibility Ambassador" for groups that have special needs
• Electronic devices for guests with audio or visual impairments are available upon request and fire alarms for the audio and visually impaired throughout the hotel

• A spacious and modern fitness center (located on the first floor) is available free for guests.
• Bicycles are available on the property and free to use (up to three hours). Child sizes are available.
• Nearby Forest Park is a draw for visitors, and offers a range of activities such as walking and jogging trails, golf, and tennis.

There is one boardroom next to the lobby that can seat up to 14 people. It is decorated in the same British theme as the rest of the hotel, and offers audio/visual capabilities.For small business receptions and gatherings, the lobby and breakfast area (leading to an outdoor terrace) can also be reserved. There is also an outdoor pool and lounge area that is available for private events, as well as a banquet space, Upstairs, which can seat up to 200 people.Business travelers have use of free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and there is a free business center located on the first floor.

The Cheshire's distinct British charm, and special touches in the common areas -- such as antique furniture, classical music, free tea and coffee, and a wood-burning fireplace (a constant in the winter) -- help create a romantic atmosphere. Fox & Hounds Tavern, next to the front desk, has a low-lit ambiance of offers cozy booths.- Pillow-top beds in all rooms

• A few room options have wood-burning fireplaces.
• Novelty suites have added extras such as tubs for two.
• Spa treatments can be ordered in-room (provided through an outside company).
• The (seasonal) outdoor pool has day beds for lounging and offers live music on some evenings.
• Bicycles are available to borrow for free.
• Nearby Forest Park provides ample lawn for picnicking. Picnic basket that come with a blanket and treats from the Fox & Hounds Tavern can be ordered in advance.
• The front desk staff can offer romantic St. Louis recommendations for couples.

For couples holding a wedding in the area, the Cheshire -- with 108 rooms and suites -- can offer large blocks of rooms for wedding parties. Guests in the party can also request poolside rooms (including the Romeo & Juliet suite) for direct access to the outdoor pool and lounge area -- this area often has bar service and live music on weekends. During the winter season, the Fox & Hounds tavern is an atmospheric place to hang out after the big event.The Upstairs banquet area, which can seat up to 200 people, can be booked for weddings and receptions. Bridal showers, luncheons and brunches can also be arranged in various areas of the hotel, depending on preferences and time of year. The events team at the Cheshire can help make arrangements with local catering companies.

There are plenty of photographs and historical knickknacks around the hotel that can help tell the property's history. A St. Louis family by the surname of Apted first opened The Cheshire Inn restaurant (inspired by a visit to London's Ye Old Cheshire Cheese Tavern) at this current location back in the 1960s. Evolving from this, the family sought to recreate the British feel they had experienced abroad, and soon added hotel accommodations. The Cheshire Lodge was furnished with antiques and collections from the family's world travels -- many of which are still in use today. It was a successful venture, and the restaurant, in particular, earned a loyal local following.In December 2010, the property was purchased by a local company called Lodging Hospitality Management, who envisioned restoring the hotel to its former glory (while adding modern amenities to appeal to a new generation of travelers).

This historic property went through a major renovation in 2011. Rooms received pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen TVs, and granite bathrooms.The Cheshire renovated the space directly across from the parking lot that houses a members-only cigar club, called the The Back Room, and The Market, which serves breakfast and lunch. The facility also has two restaurants, Basso and The Restaurant, that opened in 2012, in addition to Fox & Hounds Tavern in the hotel.

• A well-lit underground parking lot with surveillance cameras, and valet parking attendants on duty
• Interior and exterior cameras throughout property
• Nightly security walks around the hotel and its perimeter
• Exterior doors require keycard access during certain hours of the night in order to prevent non-hotel guests from entering the property.