St. Louis Hospitality Market Report

Thinner convention lineup tests momentum. A surge in hotel bookings last year underscored how the expanded America’s Center Convention Complex has elevated St. Louis’ appeal as a meetings destination, with the metro leading major U.S. markets in occupancy growth. East St. Louis posted the strongest room-night gains as downtown-adjacent, value-oriented hotels captured convention overflow, pushing local occupancy to record highs. The CBD and the area around St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) posted firmer ADR growth, supported by corporate travel and higher-income guests. Nevertheless, a lighter convention slate in 2026 is set to temper performance, weighing most on the CBD and East St. Louis. The market’s hotel inventory will also expand for the first time in four years, with most openings near STL and in the southwest, adding supply pressure even as these areas should see steadier demand. As a result, metro fundamentals are poised to soften, though expanded convention capacity keeps the longer-term outlook favorable.