In the late 1800s and early 1900s, cities around the world built vast, lavishly decorated train stations to serve as inspiring gateways for travellers. Enormous murals, arched ceilings and gilded details became the norm, creating the sense of romance we still associate with train travel today. But as automobiles and plane travel rose in popularity during the 20th Century, many of these architectural showpieces fell out of use and into disrepair.
After years of neglect, several of these once-grand spaces are busy again – their soaring halls and intricate ironwork reborn as luxury hotels. These accommodations preserve the historic details and grandeur of the golden age of trains, combining them with the modern amenities today’s travellers expect.
I think it is super exciting when an entity can take a historic building [and repurpose it] in an interesting way, because the shame is demolishing the building. Let’s keep as much of the historic fabric as we can and find really interesting ways to insert modernity into it… so that people can enjoy both worlds. Toland Grinnell, president and chief operating officer at EverGreene Architectural Arts, which specialises in building restoration and conservation
St Pancras London, Autograph Collection
One of London’s most ornate and recognisable buildings, the red-brick facade of St Pancras Station has inspired railway architecture around the world. The adjoining hotel has welcomed guests since 1873, when the Midland Rail Company opened the opulent Midland Grand Hotel, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. Lavish but impractical, with 300 guest rooms and just eight bathrooms, the hotel fell out of favour when en-suites became popular, explained general manager Edward White.
St Louis Union Station Hotel, Missouri, US
Located in the heart of the city, the St Louis Union Station Hotel is a striking example of historic architecture, with Romanesque archways and gold-leaf details throughout. The station opened in 1894 and became one of the largest and busiest passenger terminals in the world. After launching its last train in 1978, the property reopened seven years later as a 539-room hotel. Its $150m (£114m) renovation restored much of the original stonework and the Station Grille restaurant that catered to rail passengers during the station’s heyday.
Tokyo Station Hotel, Japan
The red-brick facade of Tokyo Station has been a city landmark for more than 100 years. Built in 1914, the vast 182,000sq m structure overlooks the Imperial Palace and was originally designed as a grand hub for the nation’s growing rail network, complete with an attached hotel.
Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station, US
Opened in 1853, Indianapolis Union Station was the first “union station” in the United States, pioneering the concept of a single, shared terminal for multiple railroad lines. Today, the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis has paid homage to that legacy by converting 26 Pullman train carriages into special guest rooms.
