Hotels are always full of stories – after all, they’re comprised of dozens of rooms perpetually ebbing and flowing with visitors from a variety of places. However, some hotels are a little more storied than others, whether because they have a long history or because the structures themselves had past lives. Moreover, unlikely venues such as jails, breweries, churches, and mental hospitals have been renovated and repurposed into stylish hotels that are a world away from their original use. Some anchor cities firmly in their pasts, offering guests a reminder of bygone eras, while others simply have an air of mystery beneath the surface.
1. Woodlark Hotel: Portland, Oregon
Constructed in 1912, the Woodlark Hotel was one of Portland’s first commercial skyscrapers, originally serving as the headquarters for Woodard, Clarke & Co., the city’s earliest drug store. The hotel’s high ceilings are complemented by expansive windows that allow natural light to fill the space. This historical hotel combines elements of the original skyscraper with an adjacent circa-1908 hotel, both listed on the National Historic Register.
2. Lora Hotel: Stillwater, Minnesota
The Lora Hotel, located about 25 minutes from the Twin Cities, once served as the water source for Jacob Wolf Brewery. Completed in 1868, it was carved into sandstone bluffs to keep the beer cool. Today, the handsome rooms reflect the area’s natural stone walls and preserve many original wood beams.
3. Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery: New Orleans, Louisiana
This hotel has transformed a giant warehouse from the mid-1850s into a vibrant hub of creativity, featuring local art and products for sale. The stylish Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery is located just blocks from the French Quarter, offering a unique blend of history and modern amenities.
4. Brice Hotel: Savannah, Georgia
The Kimpton Brice Hotel in Savannah, Georgia, occupies a building that has served many purposes, including a cotton warehouse and a Coca-Cola bottling plant. Opened in May 2014, this property embraces the city’s literary heritage with decor inspired by its storied past.
5. LINE DC: Washington D.C.
The LINE DC, a former church, features massive copper-plated front doors and neoclassical details that highlight its historical significance. Renovated to include modern amenities, the hotel honors its past with features like a chandelier made from church organ pipes, all while being integrated into the vibrant Adams Morgan neighborhood.
6. Liberty Hotel: Boston, Massachusetts
The former Charles Street Jail in Boston has been transformed into the luxurious Liberty Hotel. Opened in 2007, the hotel features an awe-inspiring atrium and now hosts a hip bar named Alibi, where guests can enjoy an eccentric atmosphere reminiscent of its past.
7. Tulsa Club: Tulsa, Oklahoma
This historic hotel, originally built in 1927, served as Tulsa’s Chamber of Commerce, reflecting the city’s art deco style during its boomtown days. After several decades of decline, it has been rejuvenated as a luxury hotel, preserving ornate details and lavish marblework.
8. Hotel Henry: Buffalo, New York
Sitting on a sprawling campus, the Hotel Henry is located in what was once the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane. Having undergone extensive renovation, it offers modern guest rooms while retaining significant elements of its original architectural design. This unique setting provides guests with a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Travelers are encouraged to check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before heading out.
