With the increased popularity of the CWE as a destination, the rapid growth of the Cortex area in Forest Park Southeast, and more people living in condos and apartments who may need a spare bedroom once in a while, there is apparently a need for more mid-priced hotel rooms to satisfy growing demand. Enter the Holiday Inn Express CWE which just opened for business at 4630 Lindell after undergoing a $3M renovation. The mid-century Modern structure, which opened as the Bel Air Motel in 1957, was most recently operated under the Comfort Inn flag. Garrison Investment Group purchased the property and renovated 123 new guest rooms, four suites, the lobby, fitness center and a landscaped courtyard.
In a June, 2014 press release Abby Shanahan, general manager of the Holiday Inn Express Central West End said: "In the spirit of the Bel Air (which was known for its amenities – trips to the zoo, etc.) we also want to offer a fun and unique experience to help our guests get the most out of Forest Park and the Central West End, whether on a business trip or a weekend getaway."
An opening event – "Party like it's 1957" – was held on Thursday, November 6, followed by a breakfast on Saturday, November 8 for the neighborhood. Interesting information about the historic Bel Air Motel and its architecture, one of several examples of mid-century Modern buildings on Lindell, can be found in the press release mentioned above.
Photograph courtesy of Holiday Inn Express
Photograph courtesy of Holiday Inn Express
CWEnders Mario and Rebel Vaenberg, left, and Steve and Jean Nystrom, right, were also in attendance on opening night.
The photograph above shows the renovated lobby. Holiday Inn Express CWE is pet-friendly too, charging $25 per day per pet.
One of 127 guest rooms is shown above. Rates range from $99 to $189 for a suite. I noticed on the website that Holiday Inn Express offers a special room rate for patients and families visiting BJC too.
Wi-fi and a business center are available for guests, above.
The hotel offers a free hot breakfast served in a comfortable dining area situated off the lobby, above. Breakfast includes eggs, meat, yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal and hot waffles.
Holiday Inn Express, 4630 Lindell, (314) 361-4900.