Travel

Parking

The "Loop" area of University City where the conference will be held has large free parking lots as well as a number of closer spots available with parking meters. There is a metered lot immediately to the east of the Tivoli and a parking garage directly across the street. The roof (and only the roof) of the garage has special all-day rates. Meters will be active during the conference so feed the meter or you will be ticketed.

There is a large free lot between Kingsland and Leland behind the shops on the north side of the street. And another large free lot behind the Moonrise Hotel between Skinker and Rosedale.

Directions

This directions page for the Loop is an excellent resource on getting to the Loop by air, MetroLink, or car. In addition, this is an excellent map of the Loop itself.

Moonrise Hotel

The brand new Moonrise Hotel is by far the most convenient hotel for the conference. The MetroLink light rail system has stops at the airport, directly behind the hotel, and downtown, among other points of interest. The hotel is approximately one block from the conference venue.

Normal prices at the hotel at that time of year are $189 per night but a small block of rooms has been reserved at a special $169 per night rate. The weekend after the conference is parents weekend at the nearby Washington University.

To reserve a room at the special conference rate, call 1-877-872-1122 and ask for “The Strange Loop Conference” Group Block for reservations. Even if the block is sold out, you can still reserve rooms (while they last) at the higher rate.

Other hotels

The following hotels may also be convenient depending on your mode of travel and budget:

• Cheshire Lodge - 6300 Clayton Rd. - 800-325-7378. Not on the MetroLink line but a few minutes away.
• Chase Park Hotel - 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd - . More expensive hotel in another nice walking area of St. Louis with great restaurants called the Central West End. Short walk to the MetroLink line and just a couple stops from the Loop.
• Parkway Hotel - 4550 Forest Park Ave - . Another hotel in the Central West End. Short walk to the Metrolink line and just a couple stops from the Loop.
• Red Roof Inn - 5823 Wilson Ave. - 314-645-0101. Not on the Metrolink line but in the traditional Italian part of St. Louis known as "The Hill". Moderately priced.
• Springhill Suites by Marriott - 1231 Strassner Drive - . Possible to walk to the MetroLink station but slightly farther and more complicated. Moderately priced.

Tivoli

The Tivoli Theatre was built in 1924 and was described by the Post-Dispatch on its opening as having “luxury and splendor eclipsing that of any other St. Louis theater” and “the piece de resistance of glorified beauty.” Over its long history, the Tivoli was bought and sold and generally in decline. In 1994, Joe and Linda Edwards (owners of Blueberry Hill) bought the building and restored it to life for its 1995 reopening. The Tivoli is now operated by Landmark Theatres and shows the best in independent and foreign films.

The Loop

The Loop is a six block area in University City, Missouri and one of the favorite places to gather in St. Louis. Its proximity to Washington University and entertainment highlights like Blueberry Hill, the Pageant, and the Pin-Up Bowl, the Loop is always full of fun and funky people. You can also visit dozens of other shops, restaurants, and entertainment destinations.