Many hotels have an interesting history – from the locations they were built on to the people who stayed there and meetings which took place. However, there are indeed some special hotels which were formerly something completely else and whose design and architecture still in some measure follow their initial role. Staying in such hotels gives a special feeling of the history of the area you are staying in, underlying the past and the present of the space. Here are five very interesting hotels that used to be something completely else.
1. The Hotel im Wasserturm in Cologne, Germany
Just the look at the exterior of this hotel leaves you amazed and wanting to stay. Once was Europe’s largest water tower, the 140 years old brick building now has an extraordinary interior design of classic modernity. After being partly destroyed during the World War II, it was rebuilt in the early 90s now immersing the guests in beautiful design combined with the local history.
2. Old Bank Hotel in Oxford, England
Well, the name says it all – this beautiful boutique hotel was once indeed a bank. The Georgian-style building was adapted to provide comfortable spaces for guests, with spacious rooms with the view of Oxford colleges.
3. Domaine de Manville, Baux de Provence, France
Once a farming estate, this exceptional hotel now offers 30 luxury rooms and is perfect for beautiful holidays in the South of France with family or friends. Here you just enjoy and take it slow, you can go for a walk in the nature through vineyards and olive trees, watch a movie in the hotel’s cinema or play some golf on the 18-hole golf course, the choice is yours!
4. Hotel Los Seises in Seville, Spain
This hotel with a very interesting and rich history will definitely cater to all your needs. Situated in a refurbished sixteenth-century palace, it was once the palace of the Archbishop of Spain. The history is well preserved also in the hotel rooms – they contain beautiful museum pieces, from Roman mosaics and Renaissance paneling to Arab décor. The hotel also boasts a superb terrace with gorgeous views of the Cathedral and La Giralda.
5. Pestana Amsterdam Riverside Hotel, The Netherlands
In one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Amsterdam, De Pijp, you can find this beautiful hotel situated inside a 19th-century town hall building with a clock tower. Here you can not only enjoy beautiful space but also a luxurious indoor pool and spa as well as the views of the beautiful Amstel river.
6. St. Louis Union Station Hotel, USA
Train lovers watch out – you will adore this hotel! Formerly a train station, St. Louis Union Station Hotel welcomes its guests with a lobby that was transformed from the station’s grand hall. The very impressive lobby with the high vaulted barrel ceilings and Tiffany glasswork transforms at night into a place of spectacular entertainment, the 3D fire and light show that was created in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil. Pretty impressive indeed!
