{"id":16645,"date":"2011-08-26T07:00:18","date_gmt":"2011-08-26T12:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=16645"},"modified":"2017-03-28T14:39:56","modified_gmt":"2017-03-28T19:39:56","slug":"st-louis-vacation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2011\/08\/st-louis-vacation\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet me in St. Louis: Gateway to budget vacations"},"content":{"rendered":"

By<\/em> Angie Fratto<\/em><\/p>\n

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If you\u2019re like me, you savor the good things in life but have a limited budget. So when it comes to family vacations, you look for competitive price tags that don’t shortchange on style. St. Louis is a prime Midwest vacation spot with a menagerie of to-dos, both fantastic and<\/em> free. Consider these money-saving tips on St. Louis hotels<\/a> and activities.<\/p>\n

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Catch the (free) spirit of St. Louis from the Arch to the zoo. Credit: Boy27wonder.<\/p><\/div>\n

Saint Louis Zoo<\/strong>
\nI\u2019ve seen all kinds of animal exhibits on my travels, but this one is overloaded with cuteness. Waddle among puffins and penguins,and watch your tykes go wide-eyed petting stingrays in Caribbean Cove. And if your kids love trains like mine do, the zoo’s train is free for tots 2 and under.<\/p>\n

Tip:<\/strong> While admission is free, some attractions are extra. Arrive when the zoo opens — many are free during the first hour.<\/p>\n

Where to stay: <\/strong>Hyatt Regency St Louis at The Arch<\/a>
\nFor postcard-perfect views of The Arch and an unbeatable downtown location, check out this 4-star hotel near the St. Louis Riverfront.<\/p>\n

Tip:<\/strong> Book a 2 nights stay by Dec. 30, 2011 to snag a $75 credit for dining and\/or other services.<\/p>\n

Fitz’s American Grill & Bottling Works<\/strong>
\nAs an avid food lover, Fitz\u2019s is a must for mouth-watering cheeseburgers and homemade root beer. Located in hip Delmar Loop, bring the kids during the week for a free soda bottle brewery tour.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Ritz Carlton St. Louis<\/a>
\nWith its mid-town Clayton address and world-class amenities, you’ll enjoy both convenience and luxury. For the best deals, book your stay on a Friday and\/or Saturday, and look for resort credits.<\/p>\n

Tip:<\/strong> If you have a hungry family like I do, use resort credit on breakfast at The Restaurant. It’s a brunch style layout, and the staff is gracious with even the messiest of eaters.<\/p>\n


\nRelated resources<\/strong><\/p>\n