I've not been there but I heard it's perfectly nice. It's close to Pappy's BBQ (one of the best) and Urban Chestnut brewery, and plenty of other restaurants. It's not as much of a 'district' as the Loop as far as density, but there's still plenty around.

Saint Louis University (across the street, basically) is a rather suburbanized campus, relatively spread out with lots of green space.

Ignacio is not within easy walking distance of a Metrolink station - if that matters to you.

I think either hotel would be great though.