St. Louis, a city nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, embodies America’s rich history and cultural tapestry. From steel and jazz to baseball and the iconic Gateway Arch—symbols of Western pioneering spirit—this city tells a story unlike any other. To truly live the soul of St. Louis, there’s no better way than staying in a historic boutique hotel. These vintage places go beyond lodging—they deliver a living experience of the city’s heritage.
I believe travel is more than reaching a destination; it’s a dialogue with time. Historic hotels, full of architectural language and memory, offer not just accommodation but an immersive journey. Below are several vintage-style hotels I’ve personally stayed in and recommend wholeheartedly. Each is unique—from structural design to interior decor, neighborhood vibe to offered activities—all infused with a sense of nostalgia and urban spirit.
1. The Last Hotel: A Landmark Where Fashion Meets Heritage
Address: 1501 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103
History: Originally built in 1909 as the headquarters of the International Shoe Company, The Last Hotel is a rich symbol of St. Louis’s industrial past. After decades of transformation, it reopened in 2019 as a boutique hotel. The renovation honored the structure’s roots, preserving many architectural elements while introducing a fresh, creative energy that pays homage to both fashion and craftsmanship.
Hotel Style:
The Last Hotel ranks among my most memorable stays in St. Louis. The exterior is a red-brick tribute to a bygone era—complete with wrought-iron window frames and massive wooden doors. Inside, the design strikes a balance between historical reverence and modern creativity: polished marble floors echo with footsteps of the past, while vintage leather sofas, bold metal chandeliers, and curated contemporary art offer a timeless, eclectic charm. It’s vintage, yes—but never stale or overly staged. Every corner of the space tells a story, blending heritage with high design in a way that feels authentic.
Room Experience:
Each room at The Last Hotel retains character-defining elements such as exposed brick, lofty ceilings, and those tall, industrial-style windows that once served the shoe company offices. But comfort is never compromised. From plush silk linens to modern lighting, the details are carefully considered. My suite featured a grand, king-sized bed with an intricately carved wooden frame, soft throw pillows, and thoughtful touches like locally sourced coffee and elegant brass fixtures. At night, I drifted to sleep to the distant hum of the city and woke to soft morning light filtering through the old panes—a gentle reminder of the past wrapped in present-day luxury.
Nearby Attractions:
A five-minute walk brings you to the City Museum—a must-visit “playground for adults.” Washington Avenue hosts art galleries and distinctive eateries, perfect for an evening stroll.
Tip:
The hotel features an open-air rooftop pool, which is operational in summer. Though closed in winter, you can still take in sweeping city views from the rooftop bar.
2. Hotel Saint Louis, Autograph Collection: Louis Sullivan’s Artistic Treasure
Address: 705 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63101
History: A former office building designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan, this structure was once a symbol of modernity during its era. It has since been thoughtfully restored and reimagined as a boutique hotel by Marriott’s Autograph Collection, blending its architectural legacy with modern hospitality.
Hotel Style:
Louis Sullivan, often hailed as the “father of skyscrapers,” crafted this aesthetic masterpiece with meticulous attention to detail. The hotel’s exterior still showcases its original ornate terra-cotta facades, art nouveau flourishes, and curved iron balconies. Inside, modern design complements heritage: the lobby’s stained-glass mosaics and high ceilings create an airy, reverent atmosphere that honors its artistic roots.
Room Experience:
Rooms are spacious, with large windows that flood the space with natural light. Vintage aqua-green walls give a calming touch, while features like mosaic tile floors, custom brass faucets, and standalone classic bathtubs bring an old-world charm. The beds are exceptionally comfortable, with plush linens and curated vintage artwork completing the look.
Extras:
The “Form Skybar” rooftop bar is one of the city’s best. In a chilly January evening, I stood on the rooftop listening to live saxophone while watching the Gateway Arch glow at dusk—a deeply romantic experience.
Nearby Attractions:
A ten-minute walk leads to the Gateway Arch, with the Old Courthouse and Kiener Plaza also nearby—ideal for history lovers.
3. The Cheshire: An English-Style Vintage Fairy-Tale Retreat
Address: 6300 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63117
History: Originally built in the 1920s in the style of an English country manor, The Cheshire began life as a cozy roadside inn and social tavern. Over the decades, it evolved into a full-service hotel, preserving its Anglo-European charm while updating its offerings for today’s travelers who seek nostalgia and novelty.
Hotel Style:
Tucked away from the noise of downtown, The Cheshire evokes the timeless romance of a Tudor castle. Its ivy-covered brick façade, steep gabled roof, stained-glass windows, and candle-lit corridors recreate the charm of the English countryside. The courtyard gardens, complete with wrought-iron benches and stone pathways, are an invitation to linger.
Room Experience:
Every room pays homage to a British literary figure, imbuing the hotel with a strong narrative identity. In the “Charles Dickens” room, I slept beneath emerald velvet drapes and admired an antique brass chandelier that glowed with soft amber light. A vintage writing desk and fireplace lent a scholarly, homey elegance to the space.
Hotel Activities:
The hotel houses a small library and the “Fox & Hounds” breakfast room serving traditional English fare—black pudding, muffins, bacon, and tea.
Nearby Attractions:
Forest Park—a mere eight-minute walk—is one of America’s most stunning urban parks, home to the St. Louis Art Museum, Science Center, and Zoo.
4. Union Station Hotel: An Immersive Railroad-Time Adventure
Address: 1820 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103
History: Opened in 1894 as St. Louis’s grand train station, Union Station was once a bustling hub that welcomed over 100,000 passengers daily. Today, it has been reimagined into a luxury hotel under Hilton’s Curio Collection, while still preserving its turn-of-the-century opulence and railway charm.
Hotel Style:
Once the busiest rail hub in America, Union Station is now a hotel and entertainment complex steeped in nostalgic elegance. Its vaulted hall, standing 30 meters high, is adorned with gold leaf, stained glass windows, and ornate chandeliers. At night, guests are treated to a dazzling light-and-water show under the historic arches. The former train platforms have been transformed into open-air dining terraces, complete with replica locomotives and vintage-style benches, offering guests a taste of railway romance.
Room Experience:
I stayed in a suite originally used by station staff, retaining much of its original architectural charm. It featured arched windows, original stone walls, and an inviting plush bed. The room was fitted with a sleek modern bathroom, an advanced sound system, and cozy vintage-inspired lighting that made it feel both timeless and luxurious.
Entertainment Options:
The downstairs “Giant Octopus Light Sculpture Waterfall” is a popular photo spot for families and couples. Nearby attractions include an indoor aquarium and a Ferris wheel—playful and visually captivating.
Dining Experience:
The Station Grille keeps the feel of old railway dining cars—each booth framed in carved wood with red lampshades, making dinner feel like a century-long time travel.
5. The Moonrise Hotel: Retro Space-Themed Nostalgia
Address: 6177 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112
History: Situated in the vibrant and historic Delmar Loop neighborhood, The Moonrise Hotel occupies a mid-century building that once housed a popular retail space. Now transformed into a boutique hotel, it pays homage to the golden era of 1950s American space exploration, blending cultural nostalgia with contemporary comfort.
Hotel Style:
The Moonrise Hotel takes a bold and playful approach to 1950s-era space race nostalgia. Upon entering the lobby, guests are greeted by a full-scale NASA rocket model, a gallery of lunar photos, astronaut figurines, and vintage space exploration posters. From chrome railings to neon signage, every detail channels mid-century futurism and wonder.
Room Experience:
Rooms marry cutting-edge convenience with expressive retro flair. Beds feature plush bedding with space-themed headboards, while the furniture is defined by shiny chrome finishes and pops of vintage orange and teal. The bathroom comes equipped with quirky button-controlled hairdryers, circular spaceship-style mirrors, and rainfall showers—making every morning feel like a sci-fi awakening.
Noteworthy Features:
The rooftop Moonlight Rooftop Bar offers views of the Delmar streetscape and a distant glimpse of the Arch. On a cold January evening, I sipped hot mulled wine under the stars, watching the horizon glow—unexpectedly romantic.
Nearby Attractions:
The Delmar Loop is a cultural hotspot full of jazz bars, vintage record shops, and comic bookstores—ideal for strolling and treasure hunting.
Hotel Booking Platforms:
These hotels can be booked through major platforms such as: Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, Agoda, Airbnb Luxe, Hilton’s website, and Marriott Bonvoy. Compare rates and offers, and consider rooms with free cancellation for flexibility.
If you love history and cherish buildings that tell a story, these vintage hotels in St. Louis are worth your time and patience to explore. Every time you open a thick wooden door or glance out from an antique window at city lights, you’re in dialogue with the past. Isn’t that what travel should be—discovering warmth where once there was only unfamiliarity?
