The Hotel Edit: Train Stations Reimagined

Why this matters now

There’s a growing pull toward places that feel layered with history, not just designed for the present. Former train stations carry a built-in sense of movement, transition, and arrival. In a time when so many experiences can feel interchangeable, these properties offer something harder to replicate: atmosphere with a past.

They don’t just host guests. They hold stories.

What they tend to do differently

These properties share a distinct kind of presence:

• Architectural drama: Grand halls, soaring ceilings, and original details that create an immediate sense of scale and occasion

• Built-in narrative: Spaces shaped by decades of arrivals and departures, now reimagined for modern stays

• Sense of place: Often centrally located, with an energy that feels connected to the rhythm of the city

Best for

• Executive retreats at moments of transition, growth, or reinvention

• Client experiences where the setting should feel memorable from the moment of arrival

The Edit

A selection of former railway stations that have been thoughtfully reimagined as design-forward stays—where the sense of arrival is still very much intact.

• Crawford Hotel, Denver: Set within Denver Union Station, the Crawford blends historic architecture with a distinctly modern, residential feel. With restaurants, bars, and transit all under one roof, it creates a natural hub for groups arriving from multiple markets.
  Best for: city-based retreats with seamless arrival and built-in energy

• Central Station Hotel, Memphis: Housed in Memphis Central Station, this property leans into its musical roots with a strong sense of place and personality. It’s intimate, design-forward, and deeply connected to the city’s cultural rhythm.
  Best for: smaller groups looking for character and local immersion

• Asher Adams, Autograph Collection, Salt Lake City: A thoughtful reimagining of the Union Pacific Depot, Asher Adams balances historic grandeur with a fresh, modern sensibility. Its scale and setting make it a compelling option for groups wanting both presence and polish.
  Best for: elevated retreats with a balance of history and contemporary design

• The Hotel Chalet, Chattanooga: Part of the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex, this reimagined station brings a more playful, experiential approach to a historic setting. The property invites exploration, blending nostalgia with a lighter, more relaxed tone.
  Best for: creative offsites or groups looking for something less traditional

• St. Louis Union Station Hotel: One of the most architecturally dramatic conversions, this property delivers scale in every sense—from soaring ceilings to immersive public spaces. It feels expansive, theatrical, and unmistakably memorable.
  Best for: large programs where impact and atmosphere matter from the outset

• The Union Station Nashville Yards, Autograph Collection: A landmark property with soaring Gothic Revival architecture, this hotel offers a strong sense of arrival in the heart of Nashville. It balances historic detail with the energy of a rapidly evolving district.
  Best for: executive groups wanting both character and proximity to a vibrant scene

• Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal: Uniquely positioned above Montreal’s Central Station, this hotel blends legacy with a refined, contemporary edge. Its scale, service, and connectivity make it a natural choice for complex group programs.
  Best for: larger, multi-layered programs requiring ease, access, and sophistication

• NoMad Detroit (Coming in 2027): Set within the iconic Michigan Central Station, this forthcoming NoMad property is poised to become one of the most anticipated hotel openings in the U.S. Expect a design-forward revival that honors the building’s history while redefining it for a new era.
  Best for: forward-thinking groups looking to anchor an experience around something new and culturally significant

The most memorable experiences often begin with a sense of arrival. Choosing a setting that carries that feeling from the start changes how everything unfolds.

If you’re designing a group experience where the environment needs to do more than just host, it’s something I curate and manage end-to-end.