If you have ever wanted to step inside a Wes Anderson filmâcomplete with the perfect symmetry, whimsical color palettes, and that distinct feeling of curated realityâthe 21c Museum Hotel in St. Louis is it.
The rooms are the true showstopper. Opening the door felt less like entering a hotel room and more like being transported to a high-end, 1960s Mad Men-inspired apartment. The attention to detail is staggering. The aesthetic is a masterclass in mid-century modern design, featuring rich wood paneling, deep jewel tones, and opulent finishings that scream Don Draper excellence. The furniture feels substantial and curated, not mass-produced, with tactile fabrics and silhouettes that anchor the space in that golden era of design.
And then, there is the bathroom.
I can say, without hyperbole, that this is the best bathroom of any hotel weâve ever stayed at. It is an absolute sanctuary. The design continues that opulent, retro-modern theme with stunning tiling and heavy, brushed brass fixtures that feel incredible to use. Itâs spacious and bright, featuring a vanity area that actually allows you to spread out. The shower pressure was perfect, and the high-end amenities (Malin+Goetz) were the cherry on top. Itâs the kind of bathroom that makes you want to renovate your own home the second you leave.
The 21c St. Louis manages to thread the needle between a serious art gallery and a cozy, nostalgic retreat.
