"Urban Chic & Comfy Sleek" Determined I was so drawn to the photos and descriptions of this totally unique, 7-year old hotel. I was determined to find a good price online. I did and I booked a night. Both Don and I were curious. The Moonrise Hotel didn't exist, back when we lived in St. Louis. We had always loved the quirky Delmar Loop area. In 1979, I did my student teaching at nearby Delmar-Harvard Elementary. Don lived just blocks away when he attended Washington U. But neither of us would have wandered east on Delmar Blvd, past Skinker... where the hotel now sits. Back in the Day Joe Edwards, who created this whimsical lunar themed hotel, had a big vision and he was good enough to preserve some of that original building. It became the hotel's Eclipse Restaurant. The Lobby Floating in Space As we moved towards the desk, the illuminated stairway changed colors. I didn't capture the movement of the color change in my photos, but it was quite a lively thing to see. In fact the whole stairway seemed alive as it floated upward in the clean, spacious lobby. Many Moons I love a theme, but many theme related hotels are just corny. This space theme was so complete and so sophisticated, it did not allow for eye rolling. Just smiling. After all, I was raised on The Jetsons cartoons in the sixties. I love this kind of decor. Check In Even the desk area was space age. The light fixtures were obviously cool, but even the design on the front of the desk reminded me of something retro and futuristic. Wait, how is that possible to be both? More Lamps and Lights Everywhere we looked there were lights twinkling and colorful, glowing fixtures. I felt like I was 6 years old again...all bug-eyed at General Motors Futurama, at the 1964 World's Fair! Welcoming Travelers... There were lots of places for travelers to lounge around with their newspapers or a computers. The Pets Joe & His Collections
Toys and Trinkets
The Retro Stuff... ... just made me smile. The Modern Stuff... ... was just plain cool! I loved this mirror of circles, near the elevator. Up to the Fourth Floor Our hallway was glowing and peaceful. Our little moon & stars, door sign greeted us. Our Room Just inside the door I began spotting moon art in our modern room. To the left I chuckled when I noticed the sliding glass door that covered either the closet, or the bathroom...not both. Glass looks cool... but. My biggest pet peeve of modern hotels is the glass bathroom door. I don't care if they're frosted or not, the early riser is forced to blast light on the late sleeper in the morning. But I decided to ignore that complaint when I saw the sleek chaise lounge chair! Woohoo! I had me a nice time relaxing on that thing, under the moon photo. Ahh! The bed was heavenly. The cushioned headboard was a treat. The huge flatscreen TV and the "sound machine" were extra nice to have. The View Our room had a glass corner, which was fun. There was an unsightly roof below, but I chose to look across at the old storefronts on Delmar. The best part was peering up at the rooftop lounge. Even with cloudy skies, we were sure to see the spotlight on the rotating moon after sunset! Rooftop! Don and I checked out the rooftop bar in the evening. There were some curious crescent moon chairs and a closer view of the funny moon. New Moon Room At the east end there was an enclosed bar with planets hanging from the solar panel ceiling. That would have been a good option if the temps had been any cooler. Moontinis? Evidently they offer moontinis, but we went for some wine. The people-watching was interesting. There seemed to be more young locals than middle aged hotel guests. Don and I were probably the only Baby Boomers on the scene. I was glad it was Sunday, since I had a feeling the place could get pretty hopping on weekends. St. Louis View Before heading off to enjoy The Loop, we took in the view. What a treat to spot the Arch, out beyond Forest Park. It was beginning to cloud up or we would have waited to watch the moonrise! The Loop This festive-funky area known as the Delmar Loop, was just outside our door. It was fun to visit our old favorite, Blueberry Hill, where Don and I have enjoyed many a beer, surrounded by rock-and-roll memorabilia. Joe Edwards opened Blueberry Hill in 1972 and has continued building and refurbishing in the area since. More Neon We wandered and enjoyed more new-retro additions to the Loop, thanks again to this mystery man named, Joe. Don and I enjoyed the evening, then had a late Thai meal at a sidewalk cafe before turning in. Morning I stepped outside early the next morning to peek at the street before heading to the hotel's gym. I was just getting started on the treadmill when I noticed something on TV. I laughed and jumped off the treadmill and dashed right out to Delmar Boulevard. Walk of Fame
There Was Joe I had seen him on TV moments before and there he was standing in the street wearing a flowered shirt and holding a vintage model trolley. He was being interviewed about the fixed-track, trolley that would soon be traveling from The Loop to Forest Park! The news crew took a quick break and Joe looked up and waved with a big smile. I laughed over to him about how I'd been in his hotel gym and spotted him on TV. "I LOVE YOUR HOTEL!" I hollered. He laughed and got back to his interview. What's Notable? It's a just a cool, fun place!
I love a theme... done well!
2 Comments
kristi o'donnell (weird I know seeing it)
6/1/2016 12:37:39 pm
Love this hotel. LOVE IT. I would so stay here for the rooftop bar alone. And I hate the frosted glass bathroomd door, too. We had it at the Hyatt Nashville and it just brightened up the room so much when you don't want it, too. Also, it had a crazy echo. So, when you turn on the tap for the sink, it sounds like you are taking a shower in the bedroom. Very loud.
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Beth
6/3/2016 12:38:46 pm
Love seeing your name, Kristi O'Donnell! And yes, you two would love this place and the area. You can add to your list. Your travels have helped me make my list... very long!
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![]() Ninety Notable
Nights My New Year's Resolution for 2014 was to start documenting some of the memorable overnights I've had in some very odd and curious motels and hotels. Like the adventures in my Dining Blog, I have learned to enjoy the surprises that happen when you step out of the comfort zone, far away from the well-known chains. I began with a few entries recalling my very first home away from home memories from my youth. Then, I started sharing about some of the quirky and unforgettable motels, hotels and inns that my husband and I have discovered in recent years. The best part about this challenge was making some lists with Don and getting on the road in search of new overnight adventures. I gave myself a 2-year goal to write up 90 stories and the goal was met. Now we just keep on adding! Archives
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