The magic of travel has always captivated many of us, but what happens when the grand railway romance of the past meets modern luxury? Recently, the BBC highlighted how some abandoned, monumental train stations have been given new life – today, you can not only pass through them but also unwind inside, enjoying modern comforts within historic walls.
Reimagining the Golden Age of Railways
At the end of the 19th and the start of the 20th century, major cities built grand, ornate stations that offered travelers more than just a stop—they provided an experience. Monumental murals, vaulted ceilings, and gilded details all celebrated the romance we still associate with train journeys today. But as cars and planes took over, many architectural gems were left abandoned for decades.
Thankfully, some of these magnificent spaces have come alive again: soaring halls and delicate wrought iron details now blend with the elegance of luxury hotels, preserving every bit of the railway golden age’s charm.
“I think it’s super exciting when an organization can creatively repurpose a historic building because tearing it down would be such a loss,” says Toland Grinnell, President and COO of EverGreene Architectural Arts. “We preserve the historic details and find creative ways to weave in modern touches… so people get to enjoy the best of both worlds.”
1. St Pancras, London
London’s iconic red-brick St Pancras station has inspired railway architecture worldwide. Opened in 1873, the Midland Grand Hotel amazed guests from the start, even though its 300 rooms shared just eight bathrooms—a real challenge for modern comfort.
The £200 million renovation completed in 2011 restored the grand halls and iconic facade to their former glory. Today, guests toast the past with the “Victorian Punch Ritual,” savoring the romance of Victorian travel.
2. St Louis Union Station Hotel, Missouri
Opened in 1894, St Louis Union Station was once one of the world’s largest and busiest stations. After trains stopped running in 1978, it reopened seven years later as a 539-room luxury hotel. The $150 million renovation restored original stonework and the Station Grille restaurant, once serving railway passengers.
The Grand Hall’s 65-foot vaulted ceiling, mosaics, and hourly 3D light show still wow visitors today.
3. Tokyo Station Hotel, Japan
The red-brick Tokyo Station, built in 1914, has been a city symbol for over a century. After a six-year, 50 billion yen renovation, it reopened in 2012 as a 150-room luxury hotel and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Traditional Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi, blends perfectly with modern comfort, letting guests enjoy vaulted ceilings, classic European-style details, and experiences like AN SPA and ten restaurants.
4. Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station, USA
Opened in 1853, Indianapolis Union Station was the first “union station” in the U.S., bringing multiple rail lines under one roof. Today’s Crowne Plaza guests can stay in 26 Pullman cars transformed into unique suites.
The blue-and-gold cars’ windows and gleaming gold details transport guests back to the early 1900s, while landmarks like Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse are just steps away.
Where History Meets Luxury
Spending a night in these luxury hotels offers an experience that honors the past while embracing every modern comfort. If you’ve ever dreamed of staying somewhere where history and luxury meet with style, these transformed train stations will enchant you. You can literally travel back in time—stylishly.
