All Aboard: Explore 6 Hotels Housed in Former Train Stations

Train stations once stood as some of the most magnificent and significant structures in American cities. While the golden age of U.S. rail travel has waned, you can still capture some of that enchantment by staying at hotels that were formerly train stations. In these six reimagined hotels, you'll find stunning original elements like 65-foot-high barrel-vaulted ceilings and exquisite Tiffany stained glass. Two of these hotels are part of Historic Hotels of America, and two still provide Amtrak service. You don't need to be a train enthusiast to appreciate their charm.

1. St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

Opened in 1894, St. Louis Union Station boasted 32 tracks and was the world's largest train station. Today, the restored Grand Hall, now part of the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, is sure to leave you in awe. The majestic 65-foot-high barrel-vaulted ceiling frames an area adorned with art nouveau mosaics, a 70-foot white-marble bar, the original terrazzo floor, and a grand Tiffany glass window depicting three women symbolizing New York City, St. Louis, and San Francisco. Designed by architect Theodore Link, this window portrays the 'maidens of the American rail' in classical robes, seated on a marble bench amidst a garden. A modern highlight: an evening light show (5–10 p.m. on the hour) that paints the Grand Hall with fireworks and floral designs. Savor local artisan cheeses and craft brews while soaking in the ambiance.

Once one of the busiest rail terminals in the nation, the station fell into disuse by the 1970s. Following a $150 million renovation initiated in the 1980s, this National Historic Landmark was converted into a hotel featuring nearly 600 rooms and suites, alongside shops, restaurants, and an outdoor pool. It is now part of Historic Hotels of America and houses the St. Louis Aquarium. Accommodations include options in the towering 280-foot clock tower. The modern suites are adorned with vintage photographs and posters related to the station, starting from $143.

2. Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station

The original station that houses the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis was established in 1853, marking it as the nation's first "union station," serving multiple independent rail lines. The current three-story structure began construction in 1913. The round window above the entrance, inspired by rose windows in Gothic cathedrals, along with the barrel-vaulted lobby, reflects the station's historical significance.

Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this former station offers a unique lodging experience: 26 of its 273 rooms are located in 13 Pullman train cars within the main building. Each car, which originally contained between 8 and 16 compartments, now has two spacious rooms. While the modern furnishings in these 1920s railcars follow the gray-and-red color scheme of the hotel, they retain the charm of their railcar design with rows of small windows. Contemporary features include dedicated workstations and an indoor pool. Starting at $173

3. The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton

Amtrak’s City of New Orleans line, which travels from Chicago to Louisiana, continues to stop at the Central Station Memphis. Constructed in 1914, the building boasts a neoclassical bank design with grand two-story columns. It was transformed into a hotel in 2019, featuring midcentury modern decor. As part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, its bar and lounge 8 & Sand, known for housing thousands of vinyl records from Memphis musicians, is touted as “the best-sounding music room in town.”

The hotel offers 123 guest rooms, including a two-level suite with views of the Mississippi River. The contemporary spaces are adorned with vibrant artwork and a neutral color scheme; large windows come equipped with blackout curtains for an excellent night’s sleep. Starting at $213

4. The Crawford Hotel: Denver Union Station

The Crawford Hotel represents the latest chapter in this location's history. When Union Station opened in the Mile High City in 1881, its clock tower was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River. Following a significant fire, it adopted its current Beaux-Arts style in 1914. At its height during World War II, the station accommodated around 50,000 passengers daily. However, like many urban train stations, it became less frequented with the rise of automobile and airplane travel. After extensive renovations, it reopened as the Crawford Hotel in 2014.

Heritage elements abound, from the Grand Hall featuring a grand arched window to the revitalized ticket counter now functioning as the Terminal Bar, which offers Colorado-distilled spirits and local craft beers. The hotel boasts 112 guest rooms adorned with bespoke artwork and furnishings. The Pullman rooms, inspired by traditional sleeper cars, feature art deco decor and vintage train advertisements, with views overlooking the train platform. Union Station also hosts about a dozen restaurants and shops alongside the hotel. Starting at $247

Travelers can still reach this location via Amtrak on the picturesque California Zephyr route, which runs from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area. Several light-rail lines, part of the city's public transportation system, connect to the station, making it convenient for exploring Denver.

5. Radisson Scranton Lackawanna Station

This city's historic landmarks offer a treasure trove for rail enthusiasts, including the French Renaissance-style Radisson Scranton Lackawanna Station. Known as "Electric City," Scranton was one of the first cities in the U.S. to be electrified in 1880 and also had the nation’s first electric streetcar system. At the Electric City Trolley Station & Museum, visitors can enjoy a 5.5-mile ride on a vintage trolley.

Scranton is also known as “Steamtown,” a nod to its coal-powered locomotives. Seasonal excursions on vintage trains are available, making the nearby Radisson Scranton Lackawanna Station an excellent choice for accommodation. With 146 guest rooms and a stylish gray-and-gold color scheme, this station, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, opened in 1908 and ceased operations in 1970. A careful renovation preserved its original clocks, fountains, and ceilings, while the grand lobby showcases marble columns and a stunning Tiffany stained-glass ceiling. From $190

6. The Union Station Nashville Yards

This downtown Nashville station welcomed trains from 1900 until 1979. After an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation, the Romanesque revival structure reemerged as The Union Station Nashville Yards. Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and a member of Historic Hotels of America, the venue boasts live music every night in its two-story Grand Lobby, featuring marble floors, grand chandeliers, and a towering 65-foot barrel-vaulted stained-glass ceiling. The decor of the 125 guest rooms and 12 suites leans towards modernity, showcasing contemporary furnishings and a neutral color scheme in the rooms, with bolder hues in the suites.

The hotel is within easy walking distance of the new National Museum of African American Music and the iconic Ryman Auditorium. Additionally, live music fills the air nightly at the hotel's bar, Ergo, which serves cocktails and small plates. From $322