Exploring Train-Themed Hotels: A Journey from the Saint Louis Union Station Hotel
By Jamie Johnson
I recently read the article “Explore 8 Adaptive Reuse Sites from Historic Hotels of America,” shared by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. My immediate thought before even diving into the list was, “Did the Saint Louis Union Station Hotel make it?” Why would that be my first question? Not just because I serve as the Executive Director of the Historic RailPark & Train Museum, but because I’ve had the privilege of staying there!
During a work-related trip to find the perfect Christmas lighting solution for our L&N Depot, I stayed at the Saint Louis Union Station Hotel. It was an experience unlike any other, filled with history, architecture, and an unmistakable connection to the golden age of rail travel. The grandeur of the station-turned-hotel transports you to a different era.
The inside of the grand lobby is particularly impressive, as it hosts an evening show illuminated on the ceiling. It was a great experience to sit in the lobby, sip a fancy drink, and enjoy the dazzling display. At the rear of the hotel, you’ll find several restaurants, including a fun, upscale ice cream parlor. There’s also an aquarium located on-site, adding to the variety of activities available. During my visit, they even had a large Ferris wheel, and I made sure to take a ride in the evening to enjoy the spectacular city lights. This entire experience is one I will never forget. The opulence of the hotel has a way of making you nostalgic for a time when train travel was king.
This article got me thinking: How many train-related hotels are out there, and what makes them so special? If you’re someone who appreciates history and loves the romance of rail travel, these hotels offer more than just a place to sleep—they offer a chance to experience the world of trains in a unique way.
So, I did a little digging, and here are some train-themed hotels in America that transport you straight into the past:
1. Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Staying here offers the chance to sleep in actual converted railcars. Located in the old Terminal Station, this hotel is rich with history, and its lobby retains much of its original architecture from its time as a bustling railway hub.
2. The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
While not directly a railway hotel, The Greenbrier has deep ties to rail history, having been a luxury destination for rail travelers for decades. The Amtrak station is located nearby, allowing you to combine a luxurious stay with the scenic train rides of the region.
3. Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station – Indianapolis, Indiana
This hotel is located in the beautifully restored Union Station, and like the Chattanooga Choo Choo, offers the chance to stay in rooms made from converted train cars. The station’s massive, arched windows and original ironwork make this a striking destination.
These are just a few of the unique train-themed hotels I’ve discovered across the U.S. Whether it’s the architecture, the history, or the sheer novelty of sleeping in a railcar, these destinations offer something special for both rail enthusiasts and those looking for a stay steeped in history.
As for my stay at the Saint Louis Union Station Hotel, the chance to dine at a Fred Harvey restaurant was a highlight too—but I’ll save that for another post!
