Photo courtesy Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

Known for its spectacular views of the Gateway Arch, Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis announces the completion of a fresh, contemporary redesign to all of its 200 guest rooms and suites.  This year-long renovation was led by St. Louis-based R|5 Design Agency with the intent of creating the ultimate in-room relaxation environment while infusing the spirit of St. Louis.  The design concept provides a strong sense of place, as it was inspired by the magnificent views of the majestic Mississippi River, Eads Bridge, and, of course, the iconic Gateway Arch, which are all framed by the Hotel’s windows.

New Room Design

Reflecting the room’s relaxing colour palette, soft carpeting in a mottled blue, grey and taupe abstract pattern lays the canvas for the other design elements to shine.  Furniture and cabinetry in pale wood tones are topped with crisp white marble for a clean and airy aesthetic.  Anchoring the room is a bold custom-designed wallcovering in undulating shades of blue alluding to the river outside and highlighting the jewel tones present elsewhere.  Balancing this moody element is a bespoke crafted headboard in taupe leather with uplighting to gently illuminate the wallcovering and showcase its rich texture. With lighting and outlets incorporated directly into the headboard, the result is a clean feel and visual.  A lounger lushly upholstered in navy blue velvet beckons guests to relax and take in the stunning panoramic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.  Glass accent tables and light fixtures, graceful floor lamps, and textured accent pillows complete the serene, sophisticated look.  

Presidential Suite

Perched on the Hotel’s 19th floor, the impressive 2,661 square foot (247 square metre) residential-style Presidential Suite offers the ultimate St. Louis experience with custom-designed furnishings to match the grandeur of its sweeping views, and a bevy of personalized services. The oversized living and dining space has a wall of windows that reflect the blue of the river and sky and is anchored by a dramatic marble-clad wall with a built-in modern gas fireplace.  The room’s bespoke contemporary area rugs are hand-tufted while soft and luxurious leather furniture offers the epitome of comfort. The dining area seats eight with a frosted glass cloud-shaped chandelier that adds a touch of glamour, as does a hand painted lacquer cabinet.

In the suite’s large primary bedroom, a stunning étagère artfully divides the sleeping space from a relaxation area that features a wing chair and ottoman. The focal point of the connecting marble primary bath is a freestanding slipper tub positioned in front of a window, allowing guests to soak in the magnificent Mississippi views. The bathroom also offers a double vanity, large shower room, and water closet.  Plenty of storage is available in the wood panelled walk-in closet sized to accommodate two wardrobes, and furnished with a leather ottoman and mirrors.

The Presidential Suite also offers a media room with large upholstered arm chairs, an 86 inch screen TV, and black out curtains allowing guests to get lost in the entertainment.  A wood-panelled study with built-in bookshelves has an executive size desk and chair, a wet bar and original artwork providing a private and quiet space for business.  An additional powder room off the foyer and a pantry kitchen with direct service access creates the ideal environment for entertaining.  There is the option to expand the suite to a two-bedroom by adjoining the adjacent guest room.

Locally Inspired Art Collection

R|5 Design Agency partnered with Kevin Barry Art Advisory to curate a collection of special pieces that represent and symbolize the nearby St. Louis landmarks. The artwork program was inspired the contrast between the flowing motion of the Mississippi River and the sleek steel structures for which the city is known.  Textural pieces evoke the river’s fluidity and are complemented by abstract elements that reference the delicate arcs and lines of St. Louis’ architecture.

Produced by a mix of contemporary artists, each piece selected to grace the walls of the guest rooms is based on its ability to conjure and reflect the quintessential elements of St. Louis.  The Gateway Arch serves as inspiration for selecting Bauhaus artist Laszlo Moholy-Nagy’s bold abstract that resonates the Arch’s curves, Jennifer Goldberger’s golden giclee that evokes the view from under the Arch, and Dana Shek’s work entitled Deconstructed Arch.  In addition to physical landmarks, the city’s strong sports culture influenced the choice of Paul Duncan’s Ice and Eunice Kim’s Puck Abstract 1 & 2 as tributes to the St. Louis Blues hockey team.