7 Stunning Hotels in Old Bank Buildings
When it comes to transforming old buildings into hotels, there’s one trend that the hospitality industry can definitely bank on: The former homes of the world’s great financial institutions, with their lofty ceilings and fascinating vaults, offer a guaranteed wow factor. Banks constructed around the turn of the 20th century in the cities of Chicago, Houston, and Boston are now home to some very 21st-century hotels. And the trend continues across the pond as well—word on the double-decker-lined streets of London is that the iconic Midland Bank building (dating from 1919, at which time it was the largest bank in the world) is being rebranded as an ultra-luxury “six star” hotel. No word on when the British behemoth is slated to open, but sister European cities like Istanbul and Amsterdam offer plenty of bank hotels in the meantime.
1/7The Virgin Hotel, Chicago
This city hotel debut of music and airline mogul Richard Branson is housed in Chi-town’s landmark Old Dearborn Bank Building, built in 1928. Inside the Rockwell Group–designed space, a vintage cigar counter welcomes hotel guests, while an ultra-modern bar in Virgin’s signature red sits under the carefully restored coffered ceiling. From $225/night; virginhotels.com
2/7The Langham, Boston
Formerly the handsome Renaissance Revival home of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, this 318-room hotel still showcases the 1922 bank’s original architectural detail in its Bond bar, presided over by sprawling 25-foot vaulted ceilings. The Wyeth Room, previously the office of the bank’s president, still holds two original works of art by N.C Wyeth and the adjacent Governor’s Room displays maps that date from the 1500s. From $329/night; langhamhotels.com.
Julie Balsiger www.juliebalsiger.com3/7Vault Karaköy, the House Hotel, Istanbul
Located on Bankalar Caddesi (“the Avenue of Banks”), this Renaissance Revival beauty dates from 1863, when it was the Credit General Ottoman. Together with award-winning Turkish architect Han Tümertekin, interior designer Sinan Kafadar carefully restored the intricately stenciled 16-foot ceilings, marble stairs, fireplaces and ornate crown moldings. The reception desk resembles a bank counter, and among the hotel’s impressive art collection is a series of old framed bonds. From $134/night; thehousehotel.com.
Lutz Vorderwuelbecke4/7W Amsterdam
Half of Amsterdam’s trendiest new hotel is housed in the city’s former Kas Bank. Opened in 1908, this stately edifice was the first concrete structure in the city. For the interiors of the hotel, Dutch design firm Office Winhov took full advantage of the building’s period detailing. There are 66 rooms, a bi-level concept retail/gallery space aptly named X Bank, and one of the city’s hottest restaurants, Duchess, where the Belle Epoque is re-created with imposing bronze sculptures, marble-and-gilt columns, and multitiered iron chandeliers. From $362/night; wamsterdam.com.
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5/7Old Bank Hotel, Oxford, England
This quaint city hotel was converted in 1998 from what was Oxford’s first bank. In contrast to the traditional 18th-century façade, the interior favors a modern look, with a chic lobby, 20th-century British art, and recently refurbished rooms with custom-designed furniture. From $460/night; oldbank-hotel.co.uk.
6/7Hotel Icon, Autograph Collection, Houston
Built in 1911 as the Union National Bank Building, this Houston landmark was converted into a hotel by San Francisco design firm Candra Scott and Anderson. The imposing neoclassical lobby features two rows of 30-foot Doric columns, ornate ironwork, and an intricately carved ceiling. The reception area is hewn from the bank’s original teller windows and features a vault door as a backdrop. From $169/night; hotelicon.com.
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7/7Renaissance Allentown, Allentown, Pennsylvania
First built in 1925 as the Dime and Savings Trust, this hotel calls to mind steampunk and industrial chic, a nod to the city’s past. Iron pipe–inspired electrical fixtures with Edison bulbs and wood-paneled walls reminiscent of railroad ties accent public spaces. In the guest rooms, a pared-down white-and-beige decor is complemented by the rod-and-iron barn doors to the bath. From $199/night; renaissanceallentown.com.