It’s no secret that in the Midwest, Saint Louis travel boasts a plethora of vacation advantages over Chicago. From oodles of free attractions, an abundance of economically priced hotels, St. Louis appeals to those preferring more vacation value. Indeed, Saint Louis does not have a panoramic view of Lake Michigan, a far reaching skyline, or the affluent Magnificent Mile. Yet, beyond Chicago’s glimmering architecture, exorbitant parking rates, traffic congestion and high taxes overshadow a fuss-free tourist destination.

Easy parking (approximately 46,000 spots),  a slew of freebies and a plethora of  restaurants are what makes traveling to  St. Louis so hassle-free. Downtown Chicago street parking rates are $5.75 an hour from 8 a.m. to 9 pm. And, Chicago’s hotel parking rates start at $30. In contrast, St. Louis hotel parking rates range from $20 to $25, while street parking is free on the weekends and after 7 p.m during the work week. (However, there is a two hour parking limit on the weekends).

At a time when Chicago is averaging a dozen or more shootings and violent crimes each week, St. Louis crime statistics illustrate almost an a substantial decline in such crimes. Since the beginning of 2012, a rash of violent crimes and a surge in shootings have emerged in th Windy City. The same data, compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) registers that major violent numbers have plummeted by more than 10 percent in Saint Louis.

Another advantage that St. Louis offers over Chicago is the immediacy of the airport to downtown Saint Louis. Although Midway can be a 20 minute drive to Chicago’s loop,  ongoing construction and a bevy of  event make getting around Chicago troublesome.

Between the package deals at Saint Louis hotels, free attractions and a host of other economical highlights, St. Louis City assures a fuss free vacation – for the entire family.

REFERENCES

Chicago and St.  Louis Crime Statistics

St. Louis Parking rates http://www.downtownstl.org/play/GettingAround.aspx

Sarah Fenske Mon., “Violent Crime Down Nationally, in St. Louis, FBI Stats Show ” Sep. 19 2011 a http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2011/09/violent_crime_st_louis_fbi.php