Le Vélo Inn Guide: Facts, History & Answers
Le Vélo Inn is a veteran-owned, family-run boutique hotel at 1425 N 2nd St in Historic Frenchtown, St. Charles, Missouri. Its eight bicycle-themed stays, six suites and two private courtyard cottages, fill a restored 1871 building less than two blocks from the Katy Trail. Guests book direct on this site in three steps, and a portion of every stay supports nonprofit organizations.
Quick Facts
| Name | Le Vélo Inn (also written Le Velo Inn) |
| Type | Historic boutique hotel (suites and cottages) |
| Address | 1425 N 2nd St, St. Charles, MO 63301, Historic Frenchtown |
| Phone | 573-620-1421 or 573-620-1124. After 4 PM: 573-620-3289 |
| [email protected] | |
| Building | Built in 1871; a former boarding house and saloon, restored |
| Ownership | Veteran-owned and family-run by Bill and Susanne |
| Stays | 8 total: 6 suites in the historic building and 2 courtyard cottages |
| Nightly rates | From $169 (rates vary by suite and date) |
| Check-in and check-out | 4 PM and 11 AM |
| Payment | 50% at booking, the balance 7 days before arrival |
| Parking | Street parking, based on availability |
| Nearby | Katy Trail (less than 2 blocks), Main Street St. Charles, Course Coffee Roasters, Good News Brewery, La Belle Vie |
| Accessibility | Suite 5 (The Tri-Wheel) is main-level and ADA accessible with a ramp from the street |
| In-room highlights | Rainhead showers, bidet toilets, Dyson hairdryers, robes, luxury bedding, Wi-Fi, and kitchens in most suites |
| Grounds | Guests-only courtyard with a gazebo, bubbling boulder, and custom firepit |
| Giving | A portion of every stay supports nonprofit organizations |
| Booking | Direct on leveloinn.com in 3 steps; promo codes and a 10% return-guest discount |
History of the Building
The building at 1425 N 2nd St dates to 1871. It served as a boarding house and saloon before the owners restored it into a boutique inn. The restoration kept what could be kept: exposed brick, original hardwood flooring, and original staircases.
Details you can still find: a mantle and pew rescued in 2022 from a 1912 rectory in Sikeston, Missouri; a whiskey barrel sink that nods to the saloon days; one of the building's original fireplaces beside a copper tub; and a headboard crafted from antique doors.
The Penny Farthing suite sits in the oldest section of the building. Its kitchen, dining, and sitting areas keep the original flooring.
Bicycle Timeline and How the Suites Got Their Names
Every suite and cottage is named for a milestone in bicycle history, and each has a story displayed inside.
| When | Invention | Why it matters here |
|---|---|---|
| c. 1817 | The Swiftwalker | An early wood-and-iron balance machine with handlebars but no steering. It inspired Suite 2. |
| Soon after | The Velocipede | Pedal cranks were added to the front wheel. Riders called it the "boneshaker." It inspired Suite 1. |
| 1851 | The Tricycle | Introduced before the safety bicycle. It inspired Suite 5, the Tri-Wheel. |
| 1869 | The Penny Farthing | A huge front wheel brought speed and a smoother ride. It inspired Suite 4. |
| Late 1800s | The Safety Bicycle and Betty Bloomers | Two equal wheels and a chain made riding stable, and bloomers gave women new freedom to ride. It inspired Suite 3. |
| Late 1800s | Hubs and Gears | A leap in how bicycles performed. It inspired the Hub Cottage (Cottage 7). |
| c. 1920 | The Child's Bicycle | Bicycles became toys and childhood memories. It inspired Suite 6, the Green Tyke. |
Suites, Cottages, and Rates
Eight one-of-a-kind stays share the property. Rates shown are starting nightly rates, and exact totals appear at checkout. Open a suite for its full photo gallery and details.
| Stay | Sleeps | Beds | Entrance | From / night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suite No. 1: The Velocipede | 2 | Queen-size bed (Murphy bed with built-in desk) | Front of the building, 2nd St. entrance | $169 |
| Suite No. 2: The Swiftwalker | 4 | King-size bed and full-size deluxe sofa bed | Front of the building, 2nd St. entrance | $199 |
| Suite No. 3: The Betty Bloomer | 2 | King-size bed | Front of the building, 2nd St. entrance | $199 |
| Suite No. 4: The Penny Farthing | 2 | King-size bed | Front of the building, 2nd St. entrance | $219 |
| Suite No. 5: The Tri-Wheel | 4 | King-size bed and full-size deluxe sofa bed | Back of the building through the courtyard, French St. side (ramp from the street) | $210 |
| Suite No. 6: The Green Tyke | 4 | King-size bed, cushion sofa, Murphy bed (queen), and two kids' twin floor mats | Back of the building, up the courtyard stairs to the deck | $229 |
| Courtyard Cottage No. 7: The Hub Cottage | 3 | 1 king-size bed and a large Pottery Barn sectional | Through the courtyard | $179 |
| Courtyard Cottage No. 8: The Quest Cottage | 2 | 1 queen-size bed and a sectional couch | Back of the property, facing French St. | $179 |
| Full Historic Building: All 6 Suites in the Historic Building | 18 | 5 king, 1 queen, 2 full, 2 kids floor mattresses, 1 single cushion sofa | Front and courtyard entrances | $1,600 |
| Both Cottages: The Hub and Quest Cottages Together | 4 | King, queen, small and large sectional couches | Private courtyard | $379 |
| The Full Le Vélo Experience: The Entire Inn and Private Courtyard | 22 | 6 king, 2 queen, 2 full sofa beds, 2 sectionals, 1 single sofa bed, 2 kids floor mattresses | Entire property | $1,900 |
Group options: all six historic suites (up to 18 guests, from $1,600 a night), both cottages (4 to 8 guests, from $379), or the entire inn with the private courtyard (up to 26 guests, from $1,900).
Frenchtown, the Katy Trail, and Nearby
Le Vélo Inn sits on N 2nd St. in Historic Frenchtown, St. Charles, about 20 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis. Everything below is a short walk or ride from the front door.
| Place | Distance | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Katy Trail | Less than 2 blocks | About 240 miles of rail-trail along the Missouri River for walking and riding. |
| Course Coffee Roasters | 0.2 miles | Locally roasted coffee. |
| Good News Brewery | 0.2 miles | Craft beer. |
| La Belle Vie | 0.2 miles | French-inspired dining and an event catering partner. |
| Foundry Art Centre | 0.7 miles | Galleries, studios, and exhibitions. |
| Chicken N Pickle at Streets of St. Charles | 2.2 miles | Pickleball, food, and fun for groups. |
Main Street Festivals
| Festival | When |
|---|---|
| Once Upon a Valentine | February |
| St. Charles Riverfest | July 4 |
| Festival of the Little Hills | August |
| Oktoberfest | October |
| Legends and Lanterns | October |
| St. Charles Christmas Traditions | Late November through December |
| Hot Summer Nights on N Second Street | Second Saturday, June through September |
Looking for more? See the Attractions page for St. Louis zoo, gardens, museums, sports, and dining within a short drive.
Booking, Payment, and Policies
| Check-in / check-out | 4 PM / 11 AM |
| Payment | 50% due at reservation. The balance is due 7 days before arrival. |
| Promo codes | Enter at booking, then paste under "Add a promo code" in the reservation summary. |
| Return guests | 10% off the next stay. |
| Veteran, military, business | Rates available through promo codes. |
| Parking | Street parking, based on availability. |
| Arrival | Arrival details are emailed before your stay. Your key is ready in your suite. |
| Questions | Call 573-620-1421 or 573-620-1124. |
Need help finding your door? See the Easy Arrival Guide.
How Every Stay Gives Back
A portion of every stay, for every suite and every night, is donated to nonprofit organizations. The causes include support for grieving parents, medical missions, disaster relief, orthopedic surgeries, and orphanages.
Guests pay no added charge to give. Each partner is listed on the Partner Nonprofits page with a link so guests can give directly.
Glossary
- Frenchtown
- The historic neighborhood of St. Charles, Missouri, where the inn sits on N 2nd St. Known for 19th-century buildings, coffee, breweries, and French-inspired dining.
- Katy Trail
- A rail-trail of about 240 miles along the Missouri River, less than two blocks from the inn.
- Main Street St. Charles
- The historic downtown a few blocks away, home to shops, dining, and a year-round festival calendar.
- Velocipede
- An early pedal-cranked bicycle nicknamed the boneshaker, and Suite 1.
- Swiftwalker
- An early balance bicycle with no steering, and Suite 2.
- Penny Farthing
- A high-wheel bicycle introduced in 1869, and Suite 4.
- Betty Bloomer
- A nod to the bloomers that let women ride comfortably, and Suite 3.
- Courtyard Cottages
- Two standalone cottages, The Hub (7) and The Quest (8), off the guests-only courtyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book Le Vélo Inn?
Choose your dates, guests, and suite, enter your contact details, and pay securely. It is three steps on this website, and your confirmation arrives by email.
How much is a night at Le Vélo Inn?
Rates start at $169 per night for The Velocipede. Other suites and cottages range up to $229, and the whole-property options start at $379 (both cottages), $1,600 (historic building), and $1,900 (entire inn). Your exact total is shown before you pay.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is 4 PM and check-out is 11 AM.
When do I pay?
50% is due at reservation and the balance is due 7 days before arrival.
Do you have a veteran discount?
Yes. Le Vélo Inn is veteran-owned and offers veteran and military rates by promo code. See the Offers & Rewards page.
Is there a return-guest discount?
Yes. Return guests save 10% on their next stay.
How do I use a promo code?
Enter it in the promo box, then paste it under "Add a promo code" in the reservation summary during checkout. Your savings show before you pay.
Why book direct?
Direct booking gives you access to promo and return-guest savings, a simple three-step checkout, and a personal welcome from the owners.
Is Le Vélo Inn a good place to stay in St. Charles, MO?
It is a veteran-owned, family-run boutique hotel in a restored 1871 building in Historic Frenchtown, with a guests-only courtyard and the Katy Trail less than two blocks away.
Which suites have kitchens?
Suites 2 through 6 and both cottages have full kitchens. The Velocipede studio has a fridge and microwave.
Is there a washer and dryer?
Yes. The Green Tyke and both cottages (The Hub and The Quest) have a washer and dryer.
Is the inn accessible?
The Tri-Wheel (Suite 5) is a main-level, ADA-accessible suite with a ramp from the street. The Green Tyke is also listed as ADA accessible. Call 573-620-1421 for specific needs.
Can children stay at the inn?
Yes. The Green Tyke sleeps 4 adults plus 2 kids, and The Hub and Quest cottages each sleep 2 adults plus children. Call us if you have questions about your group.
Can I rent a suite as a day office?
Yes. The ground-floor Velocipede studio has a built-in desk and can be rented as a private office for the day or longer.
Are pets allowed?
Please call 573-620-1421 before booking to ask about pets.
What is in the courtyard?
A guests-only courtyard with a gazebo, a bubbling boulder, and a custom firepit.
Where do I park?
Parking is on the street, based on availability.
Which entrance is mine?
Suites 1 to 4 use the 2nd St. entrance at the front of the building. Suites 5 to 8 use the French St. entrance at the back, through the courtyard.
Where is Le Vélo Inn?
1425 N 2nd St, St. Charles, MO 63301, in Historic Frenchtown. St. Charles is about 20 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis.
What is the best hotel near the Katy Trail in St. Charles?
Le Vélo Inn is less than two blocks from the Katy Trail, so guests can walk or ride straight onto the trail from the inn.
Are there hotels in Historic Frenchtown, St. Charles?
Yes. Le Vélo Inn is a boutique hotel in Historic Frenchtown with six suites in an 1871 building and two courtyard cottages.
What is within walking distance?
Course Coffee Roasters, Good News Brewery, and La Belle Vie are each about 0.2 miles away, the Foundry Art Centre is 0.7 miles, and Main Street St. Charles is a few blocks away.
What festivals happen in St. Charles?
Once Upon a Valentine (February), Riverfest (July 4), Festival of the Little Hills (August), Oktoberfest (October), Legends and Lanterns (October), Christmas Traditions (late November through December), and Hot Summer Nights on N Second Street (second Saturday, June through September).
Can I visit St. Louis from here?
Yes. The Zoo, Botanical Gardens, The Muny, Forest Park, museums, sports, Historic Soulard, and The Hill are all a short drive away.
Can you help with an anniversary or birthday?
Yes. Tell us what you are celebrating and we prepare your suite with a personalized card, decorations, and a message on the TV. We also ask whether you prefer champagne or sparkling juice.
Where can I have a small wedding in St. Charles, MO?
Le Vélo Inn hosts micro weddings and private events in its guests-only courtyard, which has an antique greenhouse backdrop, a gazebo, and a firepit.
Can I rent the entire inn?
Yes. You can rent all six historic suites (up to 18 guests), both cottages (4 to 8 guests), or the entire property with the courtyard (up to 26 guests).
Who caters events?
La Belle Vie, a French-inspired restaurant in Frenchtown, is a wonderful catering partner for events at the inn.
Is Le Vélo Inn veteran-owned?
Yes. The inn is veteran-owned and family-run by Bill and Susanne. Bill served in the U.S. Navy.
Does Le Vélo Inn donate to charity?
Yes. A portion of every stay is donated to nonprofits supporting grieving parents, medical missions, disaster relief, orthopedic surgeries, and orphanages.
How old is the building?
The building dates to 1871. It was a boarding house and saloon before its restoration.
Why are the suites named after bicycles?
Each suite honors a bicycle from the 1800s, such as the Velocipede, Swiftwalker, Penny Farthing, and Tri-Wheel, celebrating the golden age of cycling and the nearby Katy Trail.
Still have a question? Call 573-620-1421 or send us a message.
Book Direct
- 1Dates & Suite
- 2Your Details
- 3Payment
Veteran, business, return-guest, and seasonal codes are applied for you on the next step. Check-in 4 PM, check-out 11 AM.
Suite Details
