Napoleon's Retreat, St. Louis
February 2017
Minutes from the St. Louis Arch, Napoleon’s Retreat offers the perfect getaway in the National Historic District of Lafayette.
Just down the street, picturesque Lafayette Park is surrounded on all four sides by the nation’s largest collection of Victorian-era homes. The park’s tall, black iron fence and surrounding painted ladies, is reminiscent of a scene straight out of Mary Poppins.
Within three blocks of the bed and breakfast, guests can choose from eight restaurants. Square One microbrewery sports a lovely, outdoor patio. Upscale 1111 Mississippi makes the perfect choice for special occasions. And Bailey’s Chocolate Bar has been rated one of the nation’s top ten dessert places by USA Today.
Owners Brian and Stacy Kistler bought the home in 2011 after relocating from Wisconsin ten years ago for Brian’s engineering job. When they were ready to buy, Stacy was driving to a business lunch and saw the “For Sale” sign in the yard. That evening, she talked to Brian about purchasing the property.
“Our first bed and breakfast experience was on our honeymoon in Ireland, and we loved it and talked about eventually owning one,” says Stacy, a former contract negotiator for consumer products. “Ironically, six years before we bought the inn, we actually stayed here in the Napoleon room for a week while we explored St. Louis.”
As the third owners, the Kistlers have remodeled most of this 1880s home. Sumptuous period furniture and antiques, high-quality linens and ultra-modern bathrooms make it a show-stopper. Among the contemporary conveniences added were flat screen televisions, on-demand cable and high-speed wireless internet.
Upon arrival, guests can enjoy complimentary, local beer on tap. In the morning, breakfast becomes a gourmet adventure. Stacey constantly looks for innovative recipes and buys her spices at the Soulard Farmers Market. She served my husband and I an egg roulade (egg roll up) filled with oven roasted tomatoes, bacon and gruyere cheese—so savory and beautifully presented that I asked for the recipe and served it this past Christmas morning. The accompanying chocolate strawberry shortcake also looked straight out of a photo shoot. Fresh fruit, juices, house-blend coffee and an assortment of teas are standard. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with 72-hours notice.
For additional pampering, Napoleon’s Retreat partners with MorganFord Salon & Spa to offer in-room massages. Stacy can arrange for a “welcome” bottle of wine or champagne, even a cupcake bouquet. For that ultimate celebration, a dozen roses, chilled champagne and chocolate truffles can be waiting in the room for $99.
“I remember the notable bed and breakfasts that we’ve stayed in, down to the details of what we ate,” says Stacy. “And I want Napoleon’s Retreat to be equally memorable to our guests.”
Visit NapleonsRetreat.com for more information.