So, you're heading to St. Joseph, Missouri. Maybe you're here for a Pony Express fix, visiting Missouri Western State University, or just passing through on I-29 because you're driving from Kansas City to Omaha. If you’ve started looking for a place to crash, you’ve definitely seen the Drury Inn & Suites St. Joseph pop up. It’s basically the heavyweight champion of the local hotel scene.
It’s right there at the intersection of I-29 and US Highway 169. You can't miss it. Honestly, when people ask where to stay in St. Jo, this is the default answer. Is it the fanciest hotel in the world? No. But Drury has this weirdly loyal cult following for a reason.
Staying here is a specific experience. It’s predictable in a way that’s actually comforting when you’ve been on the road for six hours and your kids are screaming in the backseat.
Why the Drury Inn & Suites St. Joseph stays so busy
Most hotels give you a bed and a tiny bar of soap that smells like lemons and regret. Drury does things differently. They have this thing called the "Kickback." If you haven’t stayed at a Drury before, this is their secret sauce. Every evening from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, they serve free hot food and cold drinks. We aren't talking about just pretzels either. It’s usually stuff like sliders, tacos, or pasta.
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Plus, you get three drink tickets. For beer, wine, or soda.
If you're a business traveler or a family on a budget, that’s basically dinner handled. It’s a huge value add. When you factor in the price of a meal for a family of four in 2026, the room rate starts looking a lot more attractive. You’ve also got the hot breakfast in the morning. Real eggs. Sausage. Waffles. It beats the "continental breakfast" of a stale bagel and a bruised apple that you find at most mid-range spots.
Location and the "Belt Highway" Factor
The Drury Inn & Suites St. Joseph is located at 4213 Frederick Ave. This is important because Frederick Avenue is one of the main arteries of the city. You are right next to the East Hills Shopping Center.
If you need something, it’s there.
Target is right down the road. There’s a Buffalo Wild Wings nearby. A Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is basically in the parking lot. You aren't stuck in some isolated industrial park. You’re in the heart of the retail district. This makes it super convenient, though the traffic on Frederick can get a little annoying during rush hour. Just a heads up.
The Reality of the Rooms
Look, it’s a Drury. It’s clean. It’s consistent. The rooms aren't trying to be "boutique" or "edgy." You’re going to get solid furniture, a decent desk if you need to work, and bathrooms that actually have hot water pressure.
They offer several configurations:
- Standard King rooms
- Double Queen rooms (perfect for families)
- Two-room suites
The suites are the way to go if you’re staying for more than a night. Having a door between the "bedroom" and the "living area" is a lifesaver if one person wants to stay up and watch TV while the other sleeps. They also have microwaves and fridges in every single room. That sounds like a small thing until you’re trying to heat up leftovers at 11:00 PM.
One thing people often miss is that they are pet-friendly. They do charge a daily pet fee—usually around $40 plus tax—but they don’t make you feel like a criminal for bringing your dog. They even have designated areas for walking them.
Beyond the Free Food: Amenities That Matter
Let’s talk about the pool. It’s an indoor/outdoor setup. In the middle of a Missouri winter, being able to swim while it’s snowing outside is a vibe. The hot tub is usually functional, which is more than I can say for about 50% of the hotels I’ve visited lately.
The fitness center is... fine. It has the basics. A treadmill, an elliptical, some weights. It’s not a Gold’s Gym, but it’ll keep your heart rate up.
There’s also free Wi-Fi. In 2026, this should be a given, but Drury’s connection is actually reliable enough to stream a movie or hop on a Zoom call without it turning into a pixelated nightmare.
Exploring St. Joseph from the Drury
If you’re staying at the Drury Inn & Suites St. Joseph, you’re about 10 to 15 minutes away from the historic downtown area. You absolutely have to check out the Patee House Museum. It was the headquarters for the Pony Express. It’s wild to stand in a place with that much history.
And then there's the Jesse James Home. It's the actual house where he was killed. You can still see the bullet hole in the wall. It’s a bit macabre, sure, but it’s a staple of St. Jo history.
If you’re here for the Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp, which happens every summer at Missouri Western State University, the Drury is one of the first hotels to book up. Fans come from all over the country to see Mahomes and the crew. If you’re planning a trip for late July or August, book months in advance. Seriously. Don't wait.
Managing Your Expectations
No place is perfect. Because this hotel is so popular with families and sports teams, it can get loud. If there’s a youth soccer tournament in town, the hallways might sound like a stampede of small humans at 7:00 AM.
If you want absolute silence, ask for a room on the top floor away from the elevators.
Also, the parking lot can get tight during peak season. Since it shares space with other businesses and restaurants, finding a spot right by the door isn't always a guarantee if you roll in at 9:00 PM.
Technical Details and Booking
- Check-in: 3:00 PM
- Check-out: 11:00 AM
- Rewards Program: Drury Rewards (it's actually worth joining if you travel through the Midwest a lot)
You can usually find the best rates by booking directly on their site. They have a "Best Rate Guarantee," and honestly, their cancellation policy is typically more flexible than the third-party travel sites.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
To get the most out of your time at the Drury Inn & Suites St. Joseph, follow this quick checklist:
- Join Drury Rewards: Even if it’s a one-time stay, the points add up, and you sometimes get early check-in perks.
- Time the Kickback: Get to the lobby by 5:20 PM if you want a good table. It gets crowded fast once the food comes out.
- Request a High Floor: To avoid the noise of the lobby and the breakfast area, the 4th or 5th floors are your best bet.
- Visit the Parkway: St. Joseph has an incredible parkway system that stretches 26 miles through the city. It’s great for a morning run or a scenic drive, and it’s easily accessible from the hotel area.
- Check the MWSU Schedule: Before you book, check if there’s a major event at the university. If there’s a graduation or a big game, prices will spike and availability will plummet.
St. Joseph is a town with a lot of grit and a lot of history. Staying at a place like Drury makes exploring it a whole lot easier because you aren't worrying about where your next meal is coming from or if the bed is going to be comfortable. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for reliability in the Heart of America.