Transforming a sterile environment into a warm, welcoming hotel is a difficult task, but Saint Louis University’s new hotel has been smoothly transitioned into comfortable and affordable accommodations for any visitor.
The Water Tower Inn, at the intersection of Grand Boulevard and Interstate 44, occupies the top two floors of the renovated Salus Center, formerly Incarnate Word Hospital. Renovations for the hotel began last April, and the hotel officially opened on Feb. 1, 2002. The cost to renovate exceeded $1 million.
The hotel, decorated in SLU colors blue and gold, includes 62 guest rooms of varying size, five classroom-size meeting rooms, several breakout rooms and a fitness center. Each guest room features one or two beds, a desk, a data port, a telephone, cable television and a restroom with shower. Each room looks out upon a view of either the Compton Heights Water Tower to the south, the SLU Medical Campus to the north or downtown St. Louis to the east.
With the guest rooms on the outside walls, several large lounge areas and meeting rooms are formed on the interior. A laundry room is located on the sixth floor for guest use. Free parking on a secure lot is available for guests.
“The idea for the hotel actually came out of a need felt by SLU parents, alumni, visiting athletic teams, patients and patients’ families at SLU Hospital,” said University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. “It was hard to find quality, affordable places for our guests to stay near campus.”
Affordable rates are perhaps the most striking feature of the hotel. Any University-related stay is charged $70 a night, comparable to most nearby hotels costing more than $100 per night. While the focus is University-related business, any outside individual can also stay at the hotel for rates ranging from $89-$99 a night.
“Our rates are more than competitive,” said hotel manager Jeremy Schierhoff.
Schierhoff, with years of experience in the industry, was hired in January. His previous experience includes the Hilton Frontenac and Hilton Garden Inn, both larger facilities. He decided to make the transition to SLU based on the different type of challenges it would include, in addition to being a less stressful job.
With a staff of four full-time housekeepers, two part-time housekeepers and two full-time front desk workers, Schierhoff is able to have more hands-on experience with the workings of the University. He added that in the future, student workers may also be hired.
While most of the renovations are complete, remaining kinks are being worked out, according to Schierhoff.
Construction has begun on the first floor to create a continental breakfast room for guests. Also, Schierhoff is working with the University shuttle service to extend service throughout the weekend.
As for the future, Schierhoff would like to create several nicer VIP suites, which might include a microwave, refrigerator and couch. He also would like to see each room include a coffee maker, hair dryer and ironing board, all of which have become common in most hotels.
Schierhoff said that after a rather quiet opening, the hotel continues to grow in popularity. Some guests already staying at the hotel have included potential students visiting the University, SLU Hospital patients coming in for tests and a new University employee waiting to find housing in the area.
“We’ve seen a steady ramp up in the reservation calls,” he said. “The student body seems to like the idea of the University’s housing their visiting families.”
Reservations may be placed by contacting the Water Tower Inn at 977-7500.
