15 Stunning Hotels That Used To Be Bustling Train Stations
When rail travel ruled the world, train stations became the lifeblood of booming cities. Packed with travelers and grandeur, these architectural wonders were once the beating hearts of their communities. But time changed everything. Today, instead of steam engines and ticket counters, these grand halls offer the finest services in hospitality, better than anything ever served in a dining car.
St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Missouri
Once a chaotic hub with 32 tracks feeding the frenzy, this station saw more dashing passengers than a marathon. Now? You check where steam would fill the air under a 65-foot ceiling lit with a 3D show. Oh, and there’s a 120,000-gallon aquarium, because why not?
The Crawford Hotel In Denver
Denver’s Union Station refused to fade into history. Instead, a $54 million facelift turned it into a train station-hotel hybrid. The Crawford sneaks into the upper floors while The Terminal Bar serves drinks in the old ticketing office—because hard drinks beat paper tickets any day.
Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, Tennessee
Ever wanted to snooze in a vintage Pullman car without the rattling tracks? This Tennessee icon makes it happen. It used to be a bustling rail hub; Terminal Station now lets you sleep in restored train cars. There were no delays, no crying babies, just pure nostalgia and a nod to Glenn Miller’s famous tune.
Union Station Hotel, Nashville
When Nashville built this Romanesque-revival masterpiece in 1900, architects didn’t hold back. Massive stained-glass windows? Check. Stone archways? Of course. Vaulted ceilings and hand-carved detailing? Naturally. It’s like someone looked at train stations and thought, “This should be converted into a castle.”
Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, Pennsylvania
Scranton didn’t do boring in 1908, and neither does the Radisson today. The Beaux-Arts beauty still flaunts Tiffany glass ceilings, marble columns, and mosaic tile floors because back then, even the waiting areas had to be fancy. Trains may be gone, but the old concourse bar keeps the station’s legacy alive, one drink at a time.
Crowne Plaza, Indianapolis Downtown
Crowne Plaza doesn’t do subtle. It parked real Pullman train cars on a track and turned them into rooms. Opened in 1888 as America’s first Union Station, this landmark lets you sleep where travelers once did, minus the motion sickness. Reinvention never looked this cool.
Canfranc Estacion, Spain
This isn’t your typical Spanish train station; it was once Europe’s second-largest, with a history straight out of a spy thriller. A hotspot for espionage, Nazi gold, and smuggling, this 1928 rail giant fell into ruin. Today, it’s a swanky 5-star hotel, perfect for luxury or undercover getaways.
The Station Agent’s House, Manchester
Not every station-turned-hotel needs chandeliers and a five-star attitude. In the bygone days, this Georgian railway house in Manchester housed a station agent; currently, it’s your cozy escape. No crowds, no overpriced drinks, just vintage charm, train nostalgia, and the only schedule that matters: breakfast time.
Asher Adams Hotel, Salt Lake City
You are wrong if you think every old train station needed a wrecking ball. The Union Pacific Depot, built in 1908, houses the sleek and modern Asher Adams Hotel in the present. Murals of Western scenery still watch over the grand hall, but today’s travelers come for upscale furnishings and more Wi-Fi than a station master ever dreamed of.
Central Station Hotel, Memphis
Central Station Hotel in Memphis keeps the music-train love affair alive. Formerly a bustling station, these days, it’s a vinyl-spinning, live-show-hosting hotspot. The lobby? A concert venue. So ditch the departure boards and grab a cocktail. Let the blues band take you on a smoother ride. All aboard for relaxation!
Hotel Estelou, Sommieres
At one point, this was a humble railway station; presently, it is a chic getaway. Hotel Estelou ditched the trains for travelers who prefer soft beds over hard benches. It’s got history, charm, and just enough nostalgia to make you feel cultured while sipping your cocktail by the pool. Not bad, right?
The Old Railway Station, Petworth
Ever wanted to sleep in a first-class train car without actually going anywhere? This British hotel turns vintage Pullman carriages into lavish suites. The 1892 station? It’s a lounge where you can sip tea like an aristocrat. It’s Downton Abbey but on tracks.
Alton Station Hotel, Staffordshire
Alton Station Hotel keeps things classy by mixing vintage charm with modern comfort. Housed in a beautifully restored station, it swaps train tickets for room keys while keeping the old-school vibes alive. Expect antique touches, cozy stays, and zero risk of missing your departure.
The Tokyo Station Hotel, Japan
With its historic charm and five-star luxury, it’s like your morning commute decided to ditch the stress and book a lavish stay instead. Previously a bustling railway station, now a luxury hotel, Tokyo Station Hotel proves that even train stations can glow up.
Clermont, London
The Clermont London has been serving up old-school charm for over 150 years. It sits on top of Charing Cross station. Featuring classic architecture and vintage details, this hotel is like stepping into a time machine, only with comfy beds and a cocktail bar waiting at the finish line.
