Why settle for an ordinary corporate hotel when you can elevate your travel experience by staying at a variety of hotels that used to be something else? Enhance your next trip by choosing an unusual lodging location – a totally repurposed building! Ranging from grand theaters to industrial publishing houses, these cool lodging opportunities offer you a break from the sterile atmosphere of a chain hotel.

Here are a few unusual locations that have been repurposed to provide one-of-a-kind lodging for visitors.

The Rivertown Lodge — Hudson, New York

Visitors take head off to Hudson, New York in November to relax in the beautiful, autumnal setting. The Rivertown Lodge features casual surroundings located on the primary historic street. The lodge was once a movie theater before it was turned into a motel and then finally transformed to a quaint 27-room hotel. The Rivertown Lodge features a communal kitchen, a cozy library, and an authentic stovepipe fireplace. You’ll feel as if you stepped back in time with its Early American Modern vibe all within the heart and soul of the Hudson Valley.

The Hotel Emma — San Antonio

What was once the landmark Pearl Brewery is now the Hotel Emma in San Antonio, Texas. Originally open in 1881, the brewery grew to the largest of its kind in the state by 1916. The Pearl Brewery was also distinguished as being the only brewhouse in the city to make it through the Prohibition Era when alcohol was outlawed. The cellar of this building is now home to hundreds of premium hotel rooms that ooze tradition and history.

The Publishing House — Chicago

The owners of the quaint bed and breakfast known as the Publishing House Bed and Breakfast are paying homage to the building’s history with its name. Located along the West Loop in Chicago, this building was first constructed in 1909. The bed and breakfast owners bought the building in 2017 and got to work turning it into a 11-room boutique lodging experience. In addition to retaining the original name, the bed and breakfast also includes a wine bar and restaurant named the Press Room. Best of all, the prime location means you won’t miss a minute of action in the Windy City.

The Charmant Hotel — La Crosse, Wisconsin

[Above image “20160127 12 The Charmant Hotel, La Crosse, Wisconsin” by David Wilson on Flickr – licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0]

When visiting La Crosse, Wisconsin, be sure to check out the Charmant Hotel as an option for your stay. This 67-room hotel was once one of the country’s biggest candy factories during a time when mass-produced candy was the rage. The hotel leans into this former use by offering a sweets bar featuring your choice of handmade chocolate. Guests will also appreciate the brightly colored interior and many amenities. There’s a reason why Charmant translates to “charming” in French.

The Detroit Foundation Hotel — Detroit

The Detroit Foundation Hotel was once known as the city’s fire department headquarters. The five-story brick and steel building now offers tons of luxurious guest rooms that welcome visitors with custom wallpaper, an upscale restaurant, and more. While staying at the Foundation Hotel, be sure to take advantage of the amenities the hotel’s partnerships offer. For example, Detroit Bikes and Slow Roll provide you with onsite bikes so you can enjoy some exercise and discover Detroit.

The Grand Hotel — Netherlands

[Above image “Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus @ Scheveningen @ The Hague” by Guilhem Vellut on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]

For a hotel experience like no other, a trip to the Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus in The Hague, Netherlands is a bucket list destination. The stunning beachside hotel was once a concert hall welcoming visitors from all over the world. The building was originally built in 1818, speaking to its place in history. Today, the Grand Hotel features 270 guest rooms, 10 board rooms, a lovely restaurant, an outdoor terrace, and a Spa and Beauty Center.

The Union Station Hotel — Nashville

[Above image “Union Station Hotel – Nashville” by Kathleen Conklin on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]

The Union Station Hotel is the perfect place to call home while visiting Nashville. As the name indicates, the hotel was once a train station, evident in its soaring grand lobby ceilings featuring elegant chandeliers and stained glass. The guest rooms drip with elegance in every detail. The convenient location puts you on the doorstep of the most popular attractions, restaurants, and honky-tonk bars in Music City.