Curio Opens in Former St. Louis Train Depot

LOUIS — Following a $40 million renovation, St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton has opened in a former St. Louis train depot, it was announced Sept. 26.

The property features 539 guestrooms and suites in what was once the largest and most ornate railway terminal in the U.S., with some guestroom floors designed and furnished with a railroad theme. Built in 1894 and converted to a hotel in 1985, the National Historic Landmark in downtown St. Louis features the Grand Hall, a lobby lounge area with 65-ft. vaulted ceilings on which a 3D light show is projected nightly.

Culinary options include Station Grille, a fine dining restaurant located on the site of the station’s original eatery; historic Grand Hall, serving local craft beers and seasonally inspired small plates beneath gold-leaf ceilings surrounded by Romanesque arches and stained glass windows; and The Market, housing a 1920’s-themed Starbucks designed with an ornate drinking fountain and fireplace dating to the building’s origins.

In addition, the property offers 100,000 square feet of meeting space that includes historic Midway Hall and Regency Ballroom.

Other amenities include a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and surrounding courtyard and a 24-hour fitness centre.

St. Louis Union Station retains a number of architectural features from its past, such as original mosaic tile work, the Romanesque ‘whispering arch’ and a 280-ft. clock tower.

Projected on the Grand Hall’s 65-foot-tall ceilings and across the entire space, the nightly 3D light show offers 30 vignettes told though sound, music and 3D animation.

In 2018, the property will also house the 75,000-square-foot St. Louis Aquarium, now under construction and set to feature thousands of exotic aquatic species. The aquarium will also host one of the largest shark collections in the Midwest and feature Shark Bridge, which will suspend visitors inches above the water.

Formerly a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, St. Louis Union Station is owned and operated by Lodging Hospitality Management.