Many of the bank buildings constructed at the turn of the 20th century displayed an opulence modern bank buildings lack. Tall columns, marble floors, coffered ceilings and massive vaults with lavish ornamental decor were once commonplace for these financial institutions in the U.S. but are now few and far between.
In recent years, though, some of these magnificent buildings have found second lives as hotels—with the wow-worthy event spaces to match.
Add a dose of history and extravagance to your next meeting or event in one of these banks-turned-hotels.
Riggs Washington DC
After Riggs National Bank was constructed in 1891, it became known as the “Bank of Presidents,” handling the personal finances of many U.S. presidents, senators and embassies in Washington, D.C. Now, the Richardsonian Romanesque-style bank has found new life as a hotel, which pays homage to the building’s storied past.
With 188 guest rooms and suites and 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, Riggs Washington DC can play host to small groups, too. Notable spaces included the glass-encased Rooftop; the Riggs Suite with a full bar, living room and oak table perfect for executive meetings and strategy sessions; one of the bank’s original vaults, which now is home to The Dishonesty Bar; and various private dining areas in Café Riggs (the original banking hall with high ceilings and Corinthian columns), The Galerie, Silver Lyan and The Tellers’ Room.
The Langham, Boston
Built in 1922, The Langham was first The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston before transitioning to a hotel in 1981. Designated a historic landmark and protected by the Boston Landmarks Commission, the building retains much of its original opulence. The 312-room hotel with 19,000-plus square feet of meeting space further pays homage to its history via an art collection that features 268 pieces, 126 of which are linked to Boston's rich culture.
Capable of hosting groups as large as 200, some notable spaces among the many include the historic Wyeth room, with two iconic murals that were commissioned by The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and a gold-coffered ceiling and arched floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Norman B. Leventhal Park; and Governor’s Boardroom for up to 12 guests, adorned with historic photos of The Federal Reserve Bank and antique maps of Boston. The hotel’s dining outlets—Grana and The Fed—can also host private events as well as the bi-level suites for small executive meetings.
Hotel ICON, Houston
Housed in the Union National Bank building from 1911—and at 12 stories briefly one of the tallest buildings in Houston—the 135-room Hotel ICON brings history and elegance to Houston’s bustling downtown business and theater districts. It’s also on the METRORail line that runs through downtown, giving attendees easy access to many Houston attractions.
With 8,000 square feet of meeting space, including a ballroom large enough for up to 250 attendees, this Autograph Collection hotel is ideal for small- to mid-size groups. For a special, intimate event, don’t miss the opportunity to meet in the Wine Vault, with personalized meals in a carefully preserved, historic setting.
[Related: 6 Historic Venues in Massachusetts That Enhance the Event Experience]
Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel
Located steps from the Colorado Convention Center and Coors Field, Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel offers both convenience and a compelling story for events. The hotel is housed in the former Colorado National Bank building and groups can host events in one of three former bank vaults inside. The hotel lobby is a stunner, too, with original marble flooring and 16 murals by Colorado artist Allen Tupper True, originally created in 1925.
The hotel offers 230 rooms and suites, plus other amenities such as Range, the onsite restaurant and bar, which serves local cuisine inspired by the Rocky Mountain West.
The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia
Dating back to the early 20th century, the Neoclassical-style building home to The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, was once The Girard Trust Company, finding new life as a hotel in 2000. Philadelphia architect Frank Furness designed the bank building, modeling it after the Pantheon in Rome. The main rotunda building, which was once the lobby of the former bank, is now a multipurpose hotel lobby that includes the registration desk, Aqimero Restaurant and lounge, concierge and function space. Its marble columns and a vault also remain, adding historic elegance to meetings. The property features 26,000-plus square feet of meeting space with capacity for groups as large as 600.
The hotel features 301 guest rooms and 35 suites, some of which have views of Philadelphia City Hall and the Avenue of the Arts. The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia is located just steps from the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
[Related: Timeless Venues Reminiscent of Yesteryear Los Angeles]
The National, Autograph Collection, Oklahoma City
This 146-room property has transformed 190,000 square feet of the circa 1931 First National Bank tower in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, into a unique hotel, preserving murals, decorative painted ceilings, stone columns, cast stone, metal finishes, vault doors, and safes.
The National, Autograph Collection, has one 7,096-square-foot ballroom and five meeting rooms, perfect for intimate events in a historic atmosphere. The property also recently debuted The Vault, a luxury cocktail lounge set behind the original, fully intact, bank vault doors of the historic First National Center. Prohibition-inspired drinks can be enjoyed beneath under soaring ceilings, surrounded by detailed marble, brass accents and steel walls. Groups can buy out The Vault for special event experiences, too. The Diebold and The Treasury, the private event spaces in the back of The Vault, can accommodate up to 120 guests. For The Vault space itself, capacities can vary but has recently hosted events as large as 150.
