Stay at First Western Inn, a 3.2-rated motel near Gateway Arch National Park, offering free Wi-Fi, parking, and kitchen in all rooms. 23 min from St. Louis Airport.
Guests frequently highlight the motel’s clean, spacious rooms and convenient location near St. Louis downtown and Interstate highways. While generally offering good value, some mention mixed experiences with staff service and property upkeep, providing an honest perspective on this budget-friendly option.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
First Western Inn is a straightforward motel situated just off Interstates 55 and 70 in Fairmont City, Illinois. Its location offers convenience for travelers with easy access to St. Louis downtown, approximately six miles away, and is also within reasonable driving distance of St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Nearby, guests will find local amenities such as a gas station, providing basic essentials without needing to travel far.
The motel offers modest accommodations featuring complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and kitchen facilities in every room, including minifridges. Reviewers describe the rooms as clean, spacious, and functional, with some mentioning the benefit of quiet surroundings despite the proximity to a gas station. While there is no onsite restaurant or fitness center, free parking is available, catering to visitors who prefer self-catering and easy access by car.
Guest feedback is mixed but generally points to good value for the price. Some guests appreciate the comfort and cleanliness, praising large beds and practical amenities, though others have noted occasional maintenance issues and a less welcoming reception experience. The motel’s simple, no-frills approach appeals to travelers seeking affordable, convenient lodging rather than luxury or extensive services.
The area offers multiple sightseeing opportunities, with popular attractions like the Gateway Arch, Gateway Arch National Park, and City Museum within easy reach for day trips. This makes First Western Inn suitable for visitors who prioritize location and practicality, particularly those passing through or planning to explore the St. Louis region without requiring extensive onsite amenities.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Everthing is perfect at this hotel. I stayed there at least 15 times now rooms are very large and super clean. Large tv with lots of chanles, radio, digital clock with alaram, microwave, refrigerator, iron, hair dryer, clean shower, plenty of towels in room, super fast free internet. Just a block away off the interstate 55. Great location just few miles away from st louis downtown
I had a room on the 2nd floor and it was very clean and pretty nice to be honest. the guy at the desk was very friendly and the hotel was pretty quiet considering its next to a gas station. I will definitely stay here next time im in town
Rooms were clean. Reserved a room w hot tub. When I arrived they told me the hot tub was broken. If I had known this I would had stayed elsewhere. He did give me some money bk on the room. The area was very sketchy. Had No problems. Room was quiet. Comfortable bed.
Very comfy, clean bed, a ceiling fan and overhead lights. We really didn’t need anything else since we arrived around 11:30 pm. Reception area had unpleasant smell. Front desk was asleep, which is fine, he came right out when I rang the bell, however he hardly spoke and was definitely not welcoming or polite. I had a reservation through booking.com, and he didn’t ask for a deposit so that was great. Sink in bathroom had drain issues and vanity had lots of burn marks and cracks but the room was fine. Got a great night’s sleep.
Stayed three nights mid October. Great deal, comfy huge bed, clean enough for my wife to sanction (which is more than O.K. for me) super shower and soft water. Good value. If you need a cab from here to the city(St Louis) it should cost no more than $20 including a tip, which is what it cost from Union Station to the motel. I got ripped off by the taxi driver the motel uses, he switched the meter off at $6, said "I'll do you a good price" and nailed me down for $35. Please ask the price first and don't let my mishap detract from the motel and its service.
Wow. Emergency stop due to weather conditions. Not my first choice. Turned out to be a GREAT choice. Remodeled room. Huge very comfy King bed. New carpet, bedding, paint. Non-smoking. VERY CLEAN. Mini fridge. Flat screen. No coffee maker but BP gas is literally 50 feet to left and have multiple choices of coffee and creamer and cuppacino. According to Sam at front desk who is very friendly, it is what allows the prices to stay at $66.00 plus tax night.
I travel for work almost weekly and try to find the cheaper hotels to save my money. This was a great example of somewhere worth staying if you pay for your own hotel. Police often in gas station parking lot next door, 10 minutes from downtown, shower had lasting hot water, bed comfortable, regular hotel tv, good wifi, room was pretty big for price, decent size mini fridge and normal microwave, no breakfast served as far as I know, and room cleaning is optional during your stay, its up to you. Overall the actual property for me was 10/10
With all the negative reviews, because of the price, we decided to stay anyway. I am so glad that we didn't let negative feedback stop us from staying here. Room was clean, bed was comfy, it was REALLY nice. And it was cheaper than expected. Everyone was so friendly and made us feel welcome! It was an awesome experience. Great experience for my first time going on a trip to the USA! THANK YOU :)
Located off Interstate 55/Interstate 70, this unpretentious motel is 6 miles from Gateway Arch National Park and 17 miles from St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Illinois. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
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