The art of reinvention is alive and well. While hotels have traditionally been purpose built, there’s a noticeable shift towards converting pre-existing structures into hotels. From a jail in Boston to a bank in Oklahoma City, hotels are leaning into adaptive reuse, preserving their architectural integrity while adding upscale guest amenities.
I love it because staying at a hotel in a reinvented space is a transportive experience … with room service, and one that takes me to another time and place. And here’s a bonus: If you’re traveling with kids, it’s a history lesson that doesn’t feel like school.
Meet six reimagined buildings living their best second act as hotels.
Stay in a former jail at the Liberty Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts
With historic attractions, top-notch museums, and a chain of Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks known as the Emerald Necklace, Boston is catnip for those seeking an urban New England getaway.
Located at the foot of Beacon Hill, the Liberty Hotel was once the Charles Street Jail. The structure’s visionary transformation is bold while respecting the building’s heritage. Winding catwalks, wrought iron on the windows, and jail cells in the restaurant demonstrate a preservationist ethos that’s simultaneously cheeky.
Once upon a time, prisoners yearned to escape the dismal surroundings. Now, guests will want to linger longer and enjoy in-room creature comforts.
Stay in a former fashion designer’s studio at the Paris Marriott Champs Elysees, Paris, France
If there’s a city more fashionable than Paris, I’ve yet to find it. From seeing chic Parisians go about their daily lives to visiting the Gallery Dior and watching artisans create iconic handbags, the city defines style.
To enhance the immersion, stay at the Paris Marriott Champs Elysees. Once the atelier of clothing designer Jenny Sacerdote and Maison Vuitton’s flagship, it exudes Parisian chic. Sacerdote was a pioneering figure in Parisian ready-to-wear, and was known for her boat neck blouses and little grey suit.
From the moment you enter, details of the hotel’s stylish past (think wrought-iron balconies, gold leaf details, and a façade bearing the Vuitton Building inscription) are quietly revealed. In the guest rooms, decorative containers shaped like hat boxes and lamps in the form of mannequins offer subtle nods to fashion. Guests will find plenty of modern comforts and impeccable service under the hotel’s showstopping glass dome.
Stay in a former bank at The National, Autograph Collection, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
If Oklahoma City isn’t on your travel wish list, consider adding it. Attractions include a collection of Dale Chihuly glass at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, a floral fantasy at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, a powerful reminder of the tragedy that struck this city in 1995, when a bomb killed 168 people in the Federal Building.
Built during The Great Depression as the First National Bank, The National debuted as a glamorous hotel in 2022. The past is palpable, but the vibe is anything but stale.
Redesigned by the historical preservation specialists known for restoring the Jefferson Memorial, original details include signage for safe deposit boxes, antique drinking fountains, and a vintage mail chute.
At Tellers Restaurant, you’ll dine in what was once a bank teller’s booth. A nightcap at The Vault, where the original vault door remains intact and serves as a dramatic entrance to this cleverly reimagined cocktail hotspot, is a must.
Stay in a former brewery at Brewhouse Inn & Suites, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Few American cities have a stronger connection to beer than Milwaukee. European settlers brought brewing skills and a thirst for malt here starting in the 1840s. By the early 20th century, there were over 100 beer producers, earning the city a legacy as a lager powerhouse.
The brewing industry frames the city’s identity, though you needn’t be a beer drinker to enjoy a visit. Foodies flock to the Public Market while art lovers beeline to the Santiago Calatrava-designed Milwaukee Art Museum.
Brewhouse Inn & Suites is housed in the former Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery, a building that dates back to 1848. The brewery ceased operations in 1996, though guests can still see meticulously preserved brewing artifacts, including six original copper brewing kettles and a stained-glass window featuring King Gambrinus, the patron saint of beer.
As you might expect, the hotel bar has an extensive tap list, including many beers brewed in Wisconsin.
Stay in a former church at NH Collection Milano CityLife, Milan, Italy
Italy is known for its abundance of beautiful churches. Made of pinkish-white marble with an intricate Gothic façade, Milan’s spectacular Duomo is the country’s largest cathedral. Construction began in the 14th century and continued for nearly six centuries, shedding light on its contrasting mix of styles and architectural influences.
While you can’t sleep in the Duomo, you can rest your head on fluffy pillows at the former Chiesa Cristo Re church when you book a room at NH Collection Milano CityLife. Signs of its ecumenical past have been tastefully retained, while sleek guest rooms and a fabulous rooftop swimming pool feel utterly contemporary.
Book a duplex suite and you’ll stay under the vault of the church, with the original structure still visible.
Stay in a former courthouse at The Abner Hotel, Litchfield, Connecticut
Litchfield’s leafy streets and bucolic town green exude Connecticut charm. Rural landscapes and peaceful rhythms are a magnet for those who crave nature but don’t want to skimp on luxury. Located just two hours from both NYC and Boston, it’s a respite for urbanites who long for small town vibes
Once a courthouse, The Abner is enjoying a new chapter as a boutique hotel. The original iron staircase is where lawyers convened to make plea bargains. In guestrooms, large safes that once held important court documents have been converted into bathrooms.
The main courtroom is now one of the town’s favorite dining spots; jury boxes have been adapted into comfy banquettes while the judge’s bench is now the host stand. A menu of New England comfort food classics presents a sense of place on your plate.
