Transportation, Dining and Accommodations

transportation | dining | accommodations

Getting There: Transportation Options

St. Louis Lambert International Airport

The primary airport into/out of St. Louis is the Lambert international Airport (code STL).  There are many domestic and international flights into/out of STL and it is accessible to a variety of transportation options to get you to the conference and around the city.  More information on the airport can be found at flystl.com.

Getting to Saint Louis University:
MetroLink Light Rail (Public Transit)
  • How it works: Take the MetroLink Red Line directly from Lambert Airport Terminal 1 MetroLink Station toward downtown St. Louis and get off at Grand Station, which is close to SLU. (Moovit)
  • Time & cost: The rail trip typically takes about 40 minutes and is one of the most economical options (fares are generally low, with a two-hour pass or single ride; passes also available via the Transit app). (Moovit)
  • Walk to SLU: From Grand Station, it is roughly a 10–15 minute walk to the main campus. (Moovit)
  • Schedule: Service operates daily, generally from early morning until around 1 a.m. (Metro Transit – Saint Louis)
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
  • Pickup zones: Rideshare pickup areas are designated at each terminal (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2). (St. Louis Lambert International Airport)
  • Convenience: You request a ride via the app and meet your driver at the designated rideshare pickup. (Uber)
  • Time & cost: Typically takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic; fares can vary, commonly higher than public transit (often $30–$50+). (Rome2Rio)
Taxi
Rental Car
  • Offsite rental counters: Several rental car companies are available at or near the airport with shuttle or curbside pickup. (St. Louis Lambert International Airport)
  • Driving: The drive from STL to SLU typically takes about 20–25 minutes via Interstate and local streets. (Travelmath)
On-Campus Connections

Once you arrive at or near SLU (e.g., at Grand Station), the university also operates shuttle services around campus and between key points, which may be useful for final legs of travel within the SLU area. (Saint Louis University)

Parking

Free daily parking (yes, you read that right) will be offered for registrants of the conference.  Pick up your parking information with your registration materials.

Dining Options

Here is a summary of highly rated restaurant options near Saint Louis University (SLU) — ranging from casual, walkable student favorites to notable restaurants a short ride away:

Walkable and Campus-Area Favorites

These are ideal for quick meals or casual dining within easy walking distance of SLU’s campus:

  • City Foundry STL Food Hall – Community food hall with a variety of casual vendors and highly rated food stalls.
  • Pappy’s Smokehouse – Legendary St. Louis barbecue with long lines but widely regarded as a must-try for ribs and pulled pork near campus.
  • Grand Mediterranean – Highly rated for Mediterranean wraps, falafel, and fresh casual fare near campus.
  • The Fountain on Locust – Highly reviewed ice cream parlor and casual restaurant famous for creative desserts and malts. 
  • Saucy Porka St. Louis – Popular neighborhood spot known for smoked meats and hearty sandwiches with very strong reviews locally.
  • Humphrey’s Restaurant & Tavern – Classic neighborhood restaurant with a lively atmosphere and solid American menu.
  • Yapi Mediterranean Subs and Sandwiches – Affordable, well-reviewed Mediterranean casual spot.
  • Polite Society – Trendy New American restaurant with a strong reputation for creative seasonal dishes and brunch.
Coffee Shops 
  • Outpost Coffee [& Bricks] – Highly rated local cafe with excellent espresso and a cozy atmosphere, good for both grab-and-go and sitting to work.
  • Northwest Coffee Roasting – Popular choice for students; exceptional roasted beans and classic espresso drinks, with plenty of space for laptops.
  • Blueprint Coffee – Washington Ave – Stylish coffee spot known citywide for quality lattes and pour-overs; featured as a favorite in local barista guides.
  • High Low – Arts-oriented cafe with coffee and light bites, often quieter than larger spots and suitable for working.
  • Omen Coffee Company – Longstanding local favorite with reliably good drinks and a welcoming space.
  • Pass the Past Coffee – Smaller, well-reviewed specialty cafe with seasonal drinks and pastries.
Nearby “Must Visit” Options (Short Drive or MetroLink)

These are slightly farther afield but are highly regarded destinations if you’re willing to take a short ride:

  • Retreat Gastropub – Stylish gastropub with excellent American comfort food and craft beer selection.
  • The Bellwether – Highly rated for brunch, cocktails, and modern American fare.
  • Brasserie by Niche – Classic French restaurant with a strong reputation among local and visiting food lovers.
  • Louie – Elevated Italian dining in nearby Clayton, celebrated for artisanal pasta and refined service.
  • Mayo Ketchup – Popular plant-centric comfort food spot with strong reviews.
  • The Best Steak House – Well-reviewed classic steakhouse if you want a hearty meal near downtown.
Local Highlights and Neighborhoods
  • The area around SLU benefits from St. Louis’s lively food scene, including The Delmar Loop with casual outlets and landmarks (though a short ride away). (Wikipedia)
  • Many SLU students also frequent local favorites like The Shack (burgers), Pi on the Square (pizza), and Seoul Taco (Korean-Mexican fusion) within a few blocks. (wonstudy.com)
  • “The Hill” is a neighborhood in St. Louis legendary for authentic Italian food.  See https://www.hillstl.org/business-directory/?_business_filters=restaurants.  If you like Italian food, you simply must visit The Hill while you are in town.

Accommodations

CaGIS Conference Hotel Room Blocks

CaGIS has secured room blocks with two hotels within walking distance of the Busch Student Center.  

  1. The Element St. Louis Midtown Hotel is a Marriott all-suites hotel located at 3763 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108 just 0.4 miles from the Busch Student Center.  The CaGIS Room Block rate is $149 per night.  Reservations must be made using this link to get the CaGIS rate:

CaGIS Room Block at the Element Hotel

  1. The Angard Arts Hotel St. Louis, Tapestry Collection By Hilton. Is an eclectic, art-centered hotel located in the Grand Center Arts District at 3550 Samuel Sheppard Drive, St. Louis, MO 63103.  It is also located within 0.4 miles of the Conference location.  The CaGIS Room Block rate is $139 per night.  Reservations must be made using this link to get the CaGIS rate:

CaGIS Room Block at the Angard Arts Hotel

Other hotels in the area include:

Aloft St. Louis Cortex – within 1.2 miles of the Busch Student Center

Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis Downtown West – within 1.2 miles of the Busch Student Center

Fairfield Inn and Suites St. Louis Downtown – within 1.3 miles of the Busch Student Center

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