How to Make a St. Louis Staycation the Best Ever

When my homegirl Danyelle of The Cubicle Chick told me that she was rounding up the #STLChicks for a St. Louis staycation at Marriott St. Louis Grand, I got on board immediately. Danyelle hosts the best events. They’re fun, educational, and they connect you with the right people at the right time. It was actually her blog conference 5 years ago, my first blog conference, that pushed me to approach blogging seriously.

So, I packed up my favorite weekender bag, tossed on a comfy outfit, and headed downtown last weekend. I knew the trip would be a great opportunity for connecting with fellow influencers. And, I knew we would have a blast the entire time. What I didn’t anticipate was feeling completely transported in my own city, in a hotel so near to my house. But, I did. Today, I’m reflecting on the crucial things that made this St. Louis staycation such an enjoyable trip.

1. Choose a hotel that suits your style. Aesthetics matter to me. And, the Marriott St. Louis Grand is a fashionable gal’s haven. First, it’s housed in a beautiful historic building with an exterior that’s pleasing to the eye and also perfect for outfit photos. Second, the hotel’s redesigned interior is modern and minimalist and swanky, all at the same time.

2. Choose a location that excites you. St. Louis city is a defining touchstone in every image I share on this blog. What can I say? I’m a city gal. And, the Marriot St. Louis Grand is nestled in the heart of downtown St Louis. I simply stepped outside into the following dreamy cityscape.

And, here’s the view from my room on the 18th floor:

3. Choose a hotel that has all the amenities to satisfy the needs of your trip. This recent getaway was a girl’s trip organized around a special networking event for influencers hosted by Danyelle. That event, which drew about 20 local bloggers, took place in one of the Marriott St. Louis Grand’s private dining rooms. We had bites. We had drinks. We had all the elements necessary for a good time. The following morning, the #STLChicks ended our trip with a special breakfast.

4. Choose fellow travelers who inspire you. On this trip, I had the absolute pleasure of spending the weekend with fellow digital-savvy influencers. We talked about goals. We shared knowledge. We encouraged each other. We made magic together.

By the way, if you’re not already following these women, get to know them:

Danyelle Little of The Cubicle Chick

Angel Watkins of Angel Watkins

Shaquan Grove of Coach Shaquan

Brandy Butler of Brandy Butler Online

Winnie Caldwell of The Wire Hanger by Winnie

Lakesha Brown of Uncommon Chick

Disclosure: This trip was hosted by Marriott St. Louis Grand. Our accommodations were provided free of charge for review purposes. All of the opinions and ideas are my own.