Hotels in Waterloo

Hidden Gems of Waterloo: Where History Meets Heart

Nestled in the heart of southwestern Illinois, Waterloo enchants visitors with its small-town charm and stunning architecture. Stroll through the historic downtown, where beautifully preserved buildings and majestic churches create a picturesque backdrop. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring St. Paul United Church of Christ, a local gem. The surrounding landscapes invite outdoor exploration, while local shops and eateries offer a taste of Midwestern hospitality. Ideal for a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat, Waterloo is a delightful off-the-beaten-path destination that celebrates community and history, making it a perfect stop for intrepid travelers. For the best hotel rates in Waterloo and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Waterloo

Some of the best places to stay in Waterloo are Downtown St. Louis, Clayton and Central West End. Downtown St. Louis, Clayton, and the Central West End offer vibrant experiences for travelers. Downtown St. Louis is ideal for first-time visitors, featuring iconic attractions and a lively atmosphere. Clayton is known for its upscale dining and shopping, while the Central West End boasts charming architecture and cultural spots. Hotel accommodations vary, with options ranging from budget-friendly inns to upscale hotels, ensuring comfort and convenience for every traveler in these areas. Enjoy your stay in Waterloo and explore nearby attractions! Here are some of the best hotels in Waterloo that our travelers love:

1. Downtown St. LouisOpens in a new window: Downtown St. Louis is an exciting destination featuring a mix of sports, entertainment, and cultural landmarks. Visitors can enjoy attractions like Busch Stadium, the Enterprise Center, and the iconic Gateway Arch. For accommodations, consider Four Seasons Hotel St LouisOpens in a new window, a 5.0-star hotel ideal for business and family travelers, offering amenities such as a business center and child-friendly facilities. Another great option is The Last Hotel Opens in a new window, a 4.5-star hotel that welcomes pets and provides a luxurious experience close to major attractions. Lastly, The Westin St. LouisOpens in a new window, also a 4.5-star hotel, features multiple meeting rooms and amenities for children, making it perfect for families.
2. ClaytonOpens in a new window: Clayton is a vibrant area that seamlessly combines city life with leisure, offering easy access to attractions like Washington University and the Enterprise Center. For a great stay, The CheshireOpens in a new window is a 4.0-star hotel that caters to families and business travelers, with a range of adventure sports nearby. The Ritz-Carlton, St. LouisOpens in a new window, a luxurious 5.0-star option, allows pets and features extensive business amenities. You may also consider Le Méridien St. Louis ClaytonOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel that provides adventure activities and family-friendly services, ensuring a fun-filled stay.
3. Central West EndOpens in a new window: Central West End is known for its eclectic mix of cultural attractions, dining, and entertainment. With highlights such as the Enterprise Center and the Busch Stadium, it’s a prime location for visitors. The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. LouisOpens in a new window, a 4.5-star hotel, offers luxury accommodations and a pet-friendly policy, perfect for both leisure and business travelers. DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest ParkOpens in a new window is another excellent choice, also 4.0-star, which focuses on business services while being accommodating to pet owners. Lastly, Central West End B&BOpens in a new window, a cozy 3.5-star bed and breakfast, welcomes pets for free, providing a more intimate lodging experience.

Things to do in Waterloo for first time

Three days in Waterloo offers travelers a chance to explore charming small-town architecture, serene parks, and lush forests. Enjoy activities like hiking, boating, and sunset picnics, along with vibrant entertainment options. This blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences makes Waterloo a delightful getaway. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Waterloo:

• Day 1: Kick off your Waterloo adventure with a visit to the iconic Gateway Arch, where you can take in stunning views of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis. Afterward, make your way to the City Museum, an eclectic wonderland featuring repurposed architectural and industrial objects, perfect for both kids and adults. Later, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ballpark Village, where you can enjoy dining, shopping, and, if you're lucky, catch a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium.
• Day 2: Begin your exploration at Lions Park, a serene spot ideal for a morning walk or picnic, surrounded by lush greenery. Next, head over to Salt Lick Trail Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy hiking trails and observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Conclude your day with a visit to the Mastodon State Historic Site, where you can learn about prehistoric life in the area, including the fascinating story of the mastodon and explore the interpretative center.
• Day 3: Start your day at the Missouri Botanical Gardens and Arboretum, a breathtaking oasis showcasing diverse plant collections and beautiful landscapes. Then, visit the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, a peaceful pilgrimage site that offers stunning views and serene gardens. Wrap up your journey at Eckert’s Millstadt Farm, where you can enjoy fresh produce, pick seasonal fruits, and even indulge in homemade treats from their market.

5 tips to find a great Waterloo hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most affordable time to visit Waterloo is during January, November, and December, when hotel prices drop significantly. For those on a budget, a stay of at least 2-3 days is recommended to fully enjoy the city’s key attractions, which include charming small-town vibes, stunning architecture, and beautiful churches. This makes for a great value for money experience, allowing visitors to soak in the rich culture without breaking the bank.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to Waterloo, Hotels.com is a great place to start. Simply head to the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section, where you may discover competitive rates on hotels as your travel date approaches. To enhance your chances of finding great offers, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com. This way, you could find out about flash sales and exclusive promotions, giving you the best opportunity for savings on your Waterloo hotel stay.
3. Be flexible with dates: Prices can fluctuate depending on factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. As a result, being flexible with your travel dates could mean you may save on hotel expenses in Waterloo.
4. Consider your location: When booking on Hotels.com for your holiday, think about your location. Staying near major attractions or city centers can offer convenience, but it usually tends to come at a higher price. For more affordable options, consider hotels in less central areas or neighborhoods, striking a balance between cost and the ease of getting to the places you plan to visit.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your next stay in Waterloo and join Hotels.com’s One Key programme which allows members to earn and redeem rewards points for hotel bookings. Move through blue, silver, gold and platinum tiers and unlock benefits such as earning free nights, room upgrades, special discounts, and exclusive deals for members. Sign up now.

Best time to go to Waterloo

Waterloo experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 32.0°F (0.0°C), while July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 78.3°F (25.7°C). April is typically the wettest month. If you’re looking to soak up the lively atmosphere in Waterloo, June to August are the peak months to visit, bustling with fellow travelers. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, accompanied by light rainfall. However, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, January, November, and December are perfect for a quieter getaway, marked by light rainfall and mostly sunny conditions.