The Last Hotel

It is important to note that The Last Hotel, St. Louis, ceased operations and closed its doors abruptly in March 2025 due to legal disputes and accumulated debt. Therefore, this review will reflect past guest experiences and the hotel's offerings prior to its closure, as a current operational review is not possible.

The Last Hotel, St. Louis: A Look Back at the Michelin Key Selected Property

The Last Hotel, housed in the beautifully renovated historic International Shoe Company building dating back to 1909, was a Michelin Key Selected property known for blending local character with professional luxury in St. Louis's Downtown West neighborhood. It aimed to offer a unique experience by celebrating the city's history, culture, and fashion.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Prior to its closure, The Last Hotel generally received positive feedback for its unique aesthetic and friendly staff, often described as a chic and stylish accommodation. Reviews on platforms like Hotels.com indicated high satisfaction, with guests praising the "nicest staff, cozy rooms, and a dope skyline view with a pool on the top". The MICHELIN Guide's guest score system, based on verified post-stay ratings, indicated an "Overall Experience" of 17.9 out of 20. However, some more recent reviews leading up to its closure highlighted significant operational issues.

2. Key Highlights

Guests frequently lauded several aspects of The Last Hotel:

• Design & Architecture: The hotel's historic setting in a converted shoe factory, retaining original features like barrel ceilings and Corinthian columns, was a major draw. Its vibrant industrial-chic style, with touches of Bauhaus and Art Deco, created a unique and elegant ambiance. Leather and stitching details, along with local artwork, were incorporated throughout.
• Rooftop Pool & Lounge: The poolside rooftop bar and lounge was a highly celebrated amenity, offering a rare pleasure in St. Louis with great aerial views. The pool was 60 feet long and 15 feet wide, and had distinct hours for all ages and then 21+ only.
• Service (Initial Feedback): Many guests initially praised the helpful and friendly staff, including the front desk and valet.
• Location: Its central location in the Downtown St. Louis Garment District, near attractions like the City Museum and within walking distance of others, was highly appreciated.
• Amenities: The hotel offered a 24-hour gym, free Wi-Fi, valet parking, and pet-friendly options. A "Pantry" in the lobby provided coffee and grab-and-go breakfast and snacks.

3. Room Quality

The 142 to 176 guest rooms were described as custom-crafted, spacious, and comfortable, decorated in a vibrant industrial-chic style. They featured upscale comforts such as pillowtop beds with premium bedding, smart televisions, bedside Bluetooth alarm clocks, safes, and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms were noted for their handsome tiling, walk-in showers or showers with hydromassage showerheads, bathrobes, and hair dryers. Suites offered proper work desks and generous sitting areas. Exposed brick walls and ceiling ductwork gave rooms character, and large windows allowed for natural light. Some rooms were also noted for being wheelchair accessible and spacious.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offered several food and beverage options:

• The Last Kitchen & Bar / Ultima Cucina: This ground-floor establishment functioned as an Italian-inspired steakhouse (Ultima Cucina) and served a New American menu crafted by Executive Chef Evy Swoboda, focusing on made-from-scratch dishes and mindfully sourced ingredients. It was open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a cooked-to-order breakfast.
• The Pantry: Located in the lobby, it provided coffee and grab-and-go options for breakfast and snacks.
• Rooftop Bar & Lounge: A popular spot for refreshing drinks, although some guests noted it was not always operational during their stay.

5. Service & Staff

Early guest feedback often highlighted the "nicest staff" and overall helpfulness. However, closer to its closure, there were increasing reports of the hotel being "shockingly understaffed," especially the restaurant, and issues with getting housekeeping services or reaching the front desk. Despite these operational challenges, individual staff members who were present were still often praised for being great.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Last Hotel was centrally located at 1501 Washington Avenue in the Downtown St. Louis Garment District. This put it within a short walking distance of popular attractions such as the City Museum (1 block/0.2 miles), Washington Avenue Historic District, and within a half-mile to a 15-minute walk of St. Louis Union Station and Enterprise Center. Busch Stadium was also less than a mile away. The area was described as safe and accessible, particularly around game days, with numerous bars and restaurants nearby. Public transport options included nearby city bus routes and light rail stations at Convention Center and Civic Center within 0.6-0.7 miles. St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) was approximately 14-19 miles away.

7. Value & Pricing

Room rates typically started around $159 per night, with prices varying based on demand. Some guests considered it a good deal compared to other downtown hotels. However, in the months leading up to its closure, some guests felt the "steep" price did not align with the declining service and operational issues they experienced. Group/meeting rates could offer significant savings.

8. Common Complaints

Unfortunately, The Last Hotel faced several recurring criticisms, especially in the period leading up to its closure:

• Understaffing: A significant complaint was the hotel being severely understaffed, particularly in the restaurant, leading to difficulties in obtaining housekeeping services or connecting with the front desk.
• Cleanliness & Maintenance Issues: Some guests reported cleanliness issues, including dusty furniture, stained bed sheets, unclean bathrooms, and odd stains in rooms. There were also mentions of maintenance problems such as broken door handles and beds.
• Closed Amenities: Guests sometimes found that advertised amenities, such as the hotel bar and restaurant, were unexpectedly closed during their stay.
• Owner's Response to Negative Reviews: There were criticisms regarding the owner's "unprofessional and strange" responses to negative online reviews, sometimes dismissing them as "fake".

In summary, The Last Hotel, St. Louis, was a visually striking property with a rich history and notable design, offering appealing amenities like a rooftop pool and a prime downtown location. While it garnered positive sentiment for its unique style and initial service, operational inconsistencies, particularly staffing and maintenance issues, became more prevalent before its unfortunate closure.

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