WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME..St Louis

Want to plan an overnight trip to the WCHOF. Will not be going when there is any high profile event or tournament going on across the street at the club.  

Questions I have.... are hotel/motel within and not within walking distances, mainly prices$$.  I notice the places to stay right near the WCHOF are rather expensive. Can a person save $50 and drive 15 minutes to get there?  Is there a nice place close with a decent price.

Parking there is the next question if I do not stay in the immediate vicinity.

Safety is also a concern as being an old guy I can no longer beat the crap out of a punk who would mug me. 

I do realize food will be expensive at that part of town.

Any advise would be appreciated. Want to make the trek before the snow flies and that doesn't leave me too many more weeks. 6 hour drive from here ao 1 night seems appropriate. 

bump

You might get some more direct answers to your concerns if you call the place and see what's what about it.

I assume you checked out the Holiday Inn near the WCHOF?  There are two hotels within walking distance, that's one, and the Chase is the other but it is $$$.  You could stay elsewhere in the city, but for one night is it really worth it?  There's also cheap food up and down Euclid-- it's not all snooty hipster places.

FWIW I was there about a month ago, stayed downtown at the Missouri Athletic Club and commuted by the light rail thingy they have there.  No problems. 

Thanks Althus, good review.  I  did check out the Holiday Inn Express as it was the most reasonable for a rate amd within walking distance. I have been asking people about the neighborhood and they all say safe during the day but they wouldn't walk it alone at night especially if you are elderly.  The HIE is 3 blocks away. If I was in my 50's I would not have a problem. When you call up the hotel they alwats say sure its safe.  

What I understand is the neighborhood was a project like many in the big city and a couple blocks surrounding the WCHOF is is all renovated and safe.

Just for one night I may go with the Chase and live it up. 

Oh, the blocks around the WCHOF are good and safe.  Just a bit south of there is Barnes Jewish Hospital, which is a huge research/teaching type place.  That means there are some pretty smart people out and about at most hours, lots of them wearing medical scrubs.  Lots of pretty brick houses just down the street from the chess club.  I wouldn't stray north of the club though, but there's no real need to.

If you have a sweet tooth visit Insomnia Cookies.  OMG good.

That's all I need is to go there and gain another pound.    But is does sound good and knowing my wife and I we will check out the cookie store. 

Wanted to go during the Sinquefield Cup but never made it.  You must have been there for that. 

Yup, I had the privilege of Kasparov himself blowing past me and my extended hand.  Ignored by a legend! 

And to think he wants to be in politics he has to learn to shake hands!! 

I got that treatment from George Koltanowski once.