7 Summer Destinations with Furnished Rentals in St Louis
Spending the Summer in St Louis? Where to Stay and What to Do for a Fun Summer in the City
After over a year of sheltering in place and social distancing, many of us are ready to close out the summer with a much-needed vacation. If you are one of many Americans planning to travel the Midwest for your summer vacation, follow below for seven summer destinations with furnished rentals in St. Louis. From a day trip to the Anne O’C Albrecht Nature Playscape for a family with kids to a date night at Casa Don Alfonso for the gastronomic couple, there is so much to enjoy in St. Louis this summer. Below, we list our top seven destinations in St Louis alongside matching accommodations across the city. Hop on a flight or pack up the family car and prepare for a fabulous summer in the Lou.
Subletting Your Apartment While Traveling to Saint Louis MO This Summer
If you are planning to spend a few weeks in the Midwest this summer, you might wish to sublet the apartment you leave behind. Unfortunately, subletting your apartment while enjoying an Airbnb stay in St. Louis might be more complicated than it sounds. Whether or not one is permitted to sublet one’s apartment while away on vacation is usually outlined within the terms of one’s lease. Even with permission, however, finding the right subletter can be complex and unpleasant. Follow below for our five tips to subletting your apartment while traveling to Saint Louis MO this summer.
#1 Get Permission from Your Landlord
The Apartments.com article “Subletting Your Apartment: A How-to Guide” underscores how important it is to secure permission from your landlord or property management company before subletting. According to Apartments.com, renters should thoroughly read their “lease to determine [their] subletting rights” and ensure they would not risk eviction by subletting. However, if one’s landlord “profusely forbids it, try to explain your situation in writing and negotiate a solution.” If renters are able to secure their landlord’s permission to sublet, they must get their “landlord’s permission in writing before moving on to the next step.”
#2 Define Terms Before Listing Your Sublet
The Trulia.com Renter Guide “Subletting: what it is and how to do it” explains why defining the terms of your subletting agreement before listing is vital. According to Trulia, most subletters will sign a leasing agreement with the renter instead of with the landlord. Because the renter will absorb all risk involved, the renter must establish terms -- in writing -- before listing their apartment online. Trulia.com recommends that renters create an exhaustive contract for their subtenant. The terms of their contract should include start and end dates, the reason for the sublet and a predetermined security deposit. Renters should also be sure to forward their copy of the sublease to their apartment’s landlord or property management company.
#3 Make Sure Your Renter’s Insurance Covers Subletting
Trulia’s Renter Guide “Subletting: what it is and how to do it also recommends that renters check their insurance policy before subletting their apartment. Your rental insurance policy might cover injury incurred and protect your belongings while you are on the property. However, it might not cover loss or damage when someone else is living there and you are absent. Before subletting your apartment, “examine your policy closely to be sure.”
#4 Leave Valuables With Friends or Family
If your rental insurance policy does not cover loss or damage to valuables when the lease is in another person’s name, you might want to relocate possessions while out of town. Leave valuables with friends or family if possible. If local family members or friends are unavailable, consider lodging valuable possessions with an off-site storage facility until you return.
#5 Play Landlord
In her article “10 Tips For Subletting Your Place This Summer” for Forbes, Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill recommends you “act like a landlord, because you are one.” Gaskill writes that “just because it’s a short-term rental situation doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be just as careful as a landlord looking for a long-term tenant.” As such, renters searching for subletters should “ask for a security deposit, check references and get a signed rental agreement.”
7 Saint Louis MO Destinations with Furnished Homes for Rent
#1 For the Family with Young Kids: Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape
In their article “More than 45 fun places to take the kids this summer” for St Louis Magazine, Melissa Meinzer, Laura Miserez and Samantha Stevenson offer dozens of ways to entertain kids in Saint Louis MO. Towards the top of their list is the newly opened Annie O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape in Forest Park. Miserez, Stevenson and Meinzer note that the seventeen acre park “features 280 native tree species, 100 grasses and plants, and all-natural playground equipment, including rocks and boulders.” Nine separate play areas welcome children of all ages. Stevenson, Miserez and Meinzer encourage families to try out the “Mounds, Spring, Meadow and Wetlands” play areas when visiting the Nature Playscape.
Where to Stay: 1892 Magnolia House in The Grove
Located just a couple miles from Forest Park, this historic home in The Grove is perfect for families staying in St Louis. A large back patio and fenced front yard make this space ideal for children. According to the home’s description on Airbnb, this 1892 shotgun house has been lovingly restored “and equipped with everything you need.” The home offers families four different sleeping options across two bedrooms and a spacious living room. There is also an in-unit washer and dryer -- must-haves after an afternoon spent romping through the Annie O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape in Forest Park. Reviewing this furnished rental in St Louis, visitor Eric noted the “incredible location and value.” Visitors to Saint Louis MO might find it difficult to find other pet friendly furnished apartments for rent in St Louis with a washer dryer.
#2 For the Art Lover: Contemporary Art Museum St Louis
Located at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and North Spring Avenue, the Contemporary Art Museum of St Louis is one of the city’s most intriguing attractions. The museum’s new season of exhibitions opens 3 September with pieces by Shara Hughes, Kathy Butterly, Farah Al Qasimi, Summer Brooks and Lorna Simpson. A mixture of American, international and local artists, this season’s shows at the CAM are sure to inspire visitors to Saint Louis MO.
Where to Stay: The Nash Loft in Midtown
When visiting the Contemporary Art Museum in St Louis, stay at this furnished loft in Midtown. Nicknamed “The Nash Loft” by its host, this loft is a “stunning minimalist studio with 12 foot ceilings.” Seven foot windows framed in industrial steel give this space true impact. Renters of this furnished home can take advantage of “a fully-equipped kitchen,” spacious walk-in closets, “stackable washer and dryer” and beautiful designer bathroom. This fully furnished apartment in St Louis also offers gorgeous views of the “tree-lined street and shops below” with utilities included. Similarly updated, contemporary furnished apartments would be difficult to find in Saint Louis.
#3 For the Gastronome: Akar and Casa Don Alfonso
For those hoping to enjoy the St Louis food scene while in town on vacation, look no further than Akar and Casa Don Alfonso. Both were recently featured in Holly Fan’s article “The 20 Essential St. Louis Restaurants” for Eater. Located in Clayton just south of University City, Akar and Casa Don Alfonso received Fan’s rave reviews. Beginning with Akar, Fan notes the “fine details” and “little luxuries” owner Bernie Lee offers each diner. According to Fan, Lee serves “food firmly rooted in the tradition of Malaysian cuisine” at Akar. Lee artfully combines flavors and techniques to “create dynamic dishes.” Holly Fan suggests diners order the “soy-braised short rib with sambal demi-glace” and the Chilean sea bass, which she notes is “bathed in a bonito curry shrimp bouillon.”
Those with a more traditional palate might prefer Casa Don Alfonos, which Fan writes is Mario Iaccarino’s first restaurant in the US. The Michelin-starred restaurateur converted the dark space into a light and airy spot that welcomes visitors. Fan notes that the menu at Casa Don Alfonso is “a romantic homage to family and the culinary traditions of Italy’s Campania region.” Fan recommends diners try the “tagliatelle with shrimp is sauced in a creamless bisque” and the cod with fennel salad. A sommelier is always on hand to offer diners the perfect pairing for their meal, from a list of more than three thousand bottles.
Where to Stay: Pied-à-Terre with Old World Charm in Clayton
After exploring the Clayton food scene, relax in this beautifully updated 2 bedroom furnished apartment in St Louis. Heat up leftovers or cook your own delicious meal in the updated kitchen with high-end appliances and granite countertops. The host describes this lovely pied-a-terre as “bright and spacious...the perfect retreat for your St. Louis get-away.” Though the home is overflowing with luxury modern amenities, it also boasts quite a bit of old world charm. A gas fireplace, reading nook, “quaint accents,” original hardwood floors, arched doorways, vaulted ceilings and antique stained glass windows truly make this space special. Other fully furnished apartments often lack the charm of this lovely home.
#4 For the Traveler in Need of a Spa Weekend: Big Cedar Lodge’s Cedar Creek Spa
Though one might not expect it, St Louis is home to dozens of acclaimed spas. In their article “The best spas in Missouri,” St Louis Magazine places Big Cedar Lodge’s Cedar Creek Spa at the very top of their list. According to the article, Big Cedar Lodge’s Cedar Creek Spa offers visitors to St Louis “a truly world-class spa experience.” Big Cedar Lodge’s spa features “roaring fireplaces,” saunas, hot spas, steam rooms and open-air showers.
A “softly illuminated” indoor grotto pool is serene and romantic, with “candles lining the rustic stone walls.” Here, visitors can “enjoy underwater lounges with full-body massage jets and secluded coves.” St Louis Magazine recommends booking the Spa Cottage for “an extra special experience.” Big Cedar Lodge is a bit of a drive from the city but well-worth the excursion.
Where to Stay: Big Cedar Cabin Extraordinaire in Ridgedale
To compliment your luxurious spa weekend, stay in the Big Cedar Cabin Extraordinaire Airbnb offered by host Betty. Perfect for a group of friends on holiday, this cabin sits just feet from the shore of Table Rock Lake. The 2 bedroom fully furnished home sleeps six and offers visitors “a fully-stocked kitchen.” Located in Bluegreen’s Wilderness Club in Ridgedale, this cabin is incredibly close to dozens of activities including horseback riding and golfing.
#5 For the Sports Fan: Busch Stadium
Watch the St Louis Cardinals play at Busch Stadium this summer. Located in Downtown St. Louis, this vintage-style stadium offers baseball-lovers an endearingly nostalgic ballpark experience. Home to Missouri’s MLB team the St. Louis Cardinals, Busch Stadium also hosts live concerts. Though most musical events have been rescheduled in response to growing concerns about the Delta variant, some sports events are still on the stadium’s calendar. Check the stadium’s website for more information.
Where to Stay: Designer Two Bedroom Loft in Downtown St Louis
After catching a Cardinals’ game at Busch Stadium, enjoy a peaceful evening in this gorgeous Designer 2 Bedroom Loft in the center of Downtown. This 2 bedroom furnished apartment in St Louis is ideal for exploring Saint Louis MO and is conveniently located just blocks from Busch Stadium, the City Museum and the Peabody Opera House. Superhost Ludwig notes the beautiful designer furniture throughout, including a leather Eames Lounge Chair and blue velvet couch from Article. Visitors can unwind after a game at Busch Stadium with a glass of wine from this 2 bedroom furnished apartment’s fully stocked kitchen.
#6 For the History Buff: Griot Museum of Black History and Missouri History Museum
One of Missouri's oldest museums is the Missouri History Museum in the Forest Park neighborhood of Saint Louis MO. This museum was founded as a monument to America’s third president Thomas Jefferson in 1764, with additions built in 1904 and 1913. The museum is free for both children and adults. Reviewers on Tripadvisor consistently mention the Museum’s permanent exhibit on the 1904 World's Fair. One reviewer on TripAdvisor notes that there is “a lot of excellent attention paid to represent diversity and first nation people” in the museum.
Visitors to Saint Louis MO must also visit theGriot Museum of Black History a few miles away in Saint Louis Place. According to the museum’s website, this institution aims to “create a community of lifelong learners who explore, experience, and embrace the rich and enduring African-American heritage of the St. Louis region.” The Griot Museum of Black History offers a series of rotating and permanent exhibitions, with some available online.One reviewer on TripAdvisor described the Griot as a “small museum that packs a punch, and is so well done [with] really important and well-interpreted pieces.”
Where to Stay: Renovated 2 Bedroom Apartment in The Grove
After visiting the Griot Museum of Black History and the Missouri History Museum, spend a quiet evening in this lovely 2 Bedroom furnished apartment in Saint Louis MO. Located in the Grove neighborhood of Saint Louis MO, this two bedroom furnished apartment was recently renovated to include an updated kitchen and bathroom. Ideal for history lovers, this two bedroom furnished apartment in St Louis MO mixes modern amenities with vintage and antique accents.
#7 For the Architecture Lover: The Old Cathedral, Lafayette Square and the City Museum
Saint Louis MO is home to hundreds of historic buildings from churches and factories to single family homes and apartment buildings. Architecture lovers should check out The Old Cathedral, Lafayette Square and the City Museum while visiting Saint Louis MO this summer. In her article “9 Historic Neighborhoods in St. Louis That Will Transport You To The Past” for Only in Your State, Laura Burks Overstreet recommends Lafayette Square. She notes that “Lafayette Square started as a French controlled village in 1764.” However, it was not until the mid 19th century that Lafayette Square transformed into “a vibrant neighborhood” that still flourishes today. Visitors to Lafayette Square will love the town’s “charming French inspired homes.”
The City Museum and The Old Cathedral are two additional destinations visitors to Saint Louis MO must make time for St Louis’ City Museum has a collection filled with industrial and architectural objects from the city’s fascinating past. Missouri’s “Old Cathedral,” also called the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, is a beautiful ode to historic architecture. Constructed in 1831, this cathedral still serves a local congregation.
Where to Stay: Unique Artist Loft at the STL City Museum
After exploring the Old Cathedral, Lafayette Square and the St Louis City Museum, enjoy your stay in this unique artist loft. According to the host, this 2 Bedroom furnished apartment in St Louis MO boasts “a fabulous view” of the City Museum. Charming and quirky, this seventh floor artist loft has floor to ceiling windows and fun furnishings like a hanging egg chair. Visitors would be hard pressed to find other fully furnished apartments for rent like this one in Saint Louis MO.
