ST. LOUIS—Motels are almost as common in the US as gas stations, but the original Bel Air Motel – St. Louis' first motel – was built in 1957 with a sleek, urban look that has always set it apart. Originally built for traveling businesspeople and wealthy road trippers, the property, located at 4630 Lindell Blvd. near historic Forest Park, recently closed and will soon get more than $3 million in upgrades. An affiliate of Garrison Investment Group owns the hotel, and Associated Hotels, LLC operates it. When they open it back up in September, the owner will rebrand it as a Holiday Inn Express. It currently operates as a Comfort Inn.

The new and refurbished hotel will feature a number of new amenities:

• A jogging station featuring cold towels and water

• Private courtyard featuring oversized garden chess game; a nod to its proximity to the World Chess Hall of Fame and St. Louis Chess Scholastic Center
• Vintage snack shop featuring items offering “A taste of the 50s”
• Bicycle rentals for guests to explore nearby Forest Park, the Central West End and neighboring communities

“The Bel Air Motel used to offer guests fun perks like free desserts and trips to the zoo,” says Abby Shanahan, general manager of the Holiday Inn Express® Central West End. “In the spirit of the Bel Air, we also want to offer a fun and unique experience to help our guests get the most out of Forest Park and the Central West End, whether on a business trip or a weekend getaway.”

The renovation will include 123 new guest rooms, four suites, the amenities listed above and a redesigned lobby, fitness center and courtyard. Guests will also receive free wireless, high-speed Internet access and access to a business center.