Hotels in historic structures or areas often attract visitors with a yearning for cultural and architectural appreciation. Whether the building was an old warehouse, a former YMCA or a wedding venue turned hotel, travelers are moving beyond cookie-cutter experiences in search of something local — spots that reflect the history of their locations.
More companies in the United States are involved in the re-use project, renovating buildings with a variety of past lives into hotels and other businesses. Many of the properties have a lot to offer in public spaces, drawing guests to trendy restaurants and lobby bars.
We’ve compiled a list of eight hotels across the United States that offer guests surprising past lives.
In 2006, the first 21c Museum Hotel opened in Louisville, Ky., mixing contemporary art, fine dining and lodging in renovated tobacco and bourbon warehouses. Five of six 21c properties are housed in old buildings from warehouses to a former Ford Model T assembly plant in Oklahoma City — the company is about preserving farmland.
In June, 21c Oklahoma City opened in a Ford Motor Company assembly plant. The loft-like guestrooms reflect the building’s expansive scale and feature sleek furnishings and art. New American cuisine and craft cocktails are served at the hotel lounge. The artwork includes a misting steel tree, inspired by the industrial heritage of the building, and special contemporary art exhibits that rotate through the museum and event space.
Ace Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pa., opened last year in the city’s East Liberty neighborhood in a century-old former YMCA building. The 4,550-square-foot gym with its wooden floor, vintage benches and portable bar provides an excellent throwback event space. The original light fixtures, doors and architectural details add character from the building’s past.
The Pittsburgh Ace Hotel property isn’t the brand’s only recent historic transformation. Ace Hotel New Orleans opened in March in an Art Deco building that previously housed a furniture showroom. In 2014, Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles opened in a former United Artist office building next to a 1927 theater.
Hotel Emma in San Antonio, Texas, is housed in an 1894 brew house. The hotel puts a new twist on serving up food and drink. A clubby bar and gourmet food shop join Supper, the hotel restaurant, to combine creativity with comfort. The 146-room hotel incorporates elements of the building’s brewing history. The hotel, opened in November, incorporated its industrial equipment into light fixtures and chandeliers, while exposing concrete vaulted ceilings, cast-iron staircases and brick walls.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Mar 27, 2024Rock the Night Away and Rest in Style at Hôtel Swexan
Dallas is becoming a go-to destination for music lovers. From rock bands to groundbreaking new artists, this spring’s concert calendar is stocked with performances to delight music enthusiasts of all genres. With the average American willing to travel more than 600 miles to witness their favorite performers live, music lovers visiting Dallas should book a stay at Hôtel Swexan.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Hotel
Mar 27, 2024Earn a Free Night with BWH Hotels This Spring
Earn a free night with BWH Hotels this spring by being a member of its Best Western Rewards loyalty program. Through May 5, BWR members who stay two nights (do not need to be consecutive) at BWH Hotels properties in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean will earn one free night to be used for stays through Aug. 25. Register for the promotion prior to the completion of your first stay online or with the hotel directly. The awarded free night is eligible at any Best Western-branded hotel in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, and members can only earn one free night via the promotion.
Products / Technology
Mar 27, 2024Getting to the Airport Just Became Easier with FlyPool
A new service launched last month that may make your trip to and from the airport just a little easier and less costly. FlyPool is an online platform and app that facilitates carpooling, specifically to airports around the world.
Sponsored Content
Discover Nashville Neighborhoods
Whether you are interested in music, art, history, food, sports or fashion, Music City has something for everyone to sing about. Nashville is accessible, friendly and authentic, with diverse neighborhoods, a storied musical heritage and a creative culture that energizes the city.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Car Enthusiasts Head to California for La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
Head to La Jolla, California, this April for the 18th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. The automotive and lifestyle festival offers car fanatics a variety of free and paid events. This year’s theme showcases the roaring 20s and glamorous 1930s. The event takes place April 19–21.
ShareThis