St. Louis Union Station Hotel Opens

Hilton announces that one of the most treasured landmarks in the Gateway City is the latest addition to Curio – A Collection by Hilton, a global set of distinctive upscale and luxury hotels hand-picked for travelers seeking local discovery and authentic experiences.

Following a $40 million transformation, St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton offers business and leisure guests 539 luxurious rooms and suites in what was once the largest and most ornate railway terminal in the United States with some guest room 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 is well-known for its iconic jewel—- the massive Grand Hall, a lobby lounge area with 65-foot ornate vaulted ceilings on which a dazzling 3-D light show is projected nightly.

The Hotel’s “Grand” Centerpiece

Built in 1894 of Indiana limestone and reminiscent of a French Castle, St. Louis Union Station retains many charming architectural features from its past, such as original mosaic tile work, the mysterious Romanesque “whispering arch” and the signature 280-foot clock tower. Its centerpiece is the historic Grand Hall, where guests can enjoy local craft beers and seasonally inspired small plate offerings beneath gold-leaf ceilings surrounded by Romanesque arches and stained glass windows.

Projected on the Grand Hall’s 65-foot tall ceilings and across the entire space, the nightly 3-D light show is comprised of 30 vignettes, all stretching the barrier of creative design, innovation and storytelling. The first of its kind high-definition projection mapping experience in the United States, the award-winning extravaganza captivates guests of all ages via vignettes told though sound, music and cutting edge 3-D animation.

Distinguished Dining, Elaborate Events

Culinary options abound at the AAA Four Diamond St. Louis Union Station Hotel:

• Station Grille — on the site of the station’s original restaurant operated by Fred Harvey, a legendary 18th century railroad dining magnate — continues a decades-long tradition of fine dining.
• Grand Hall offers a relaxing respite, with local micro-brews, craft ales and signature cocktails named for legendary railroad companies complementing the nightly light show which includes favorites such as the “Union Pacific” and “California Zephyr.”
• The Market houses a 1920s-themed Starbucks designed with an ornate drinking fountain and fireplace dating to the building’s origins.

St. Louis Union Station can host conferences, conventions, exhibits, social galas and events of any size, thanks to 100,000 sf of meeting space that includes the vast and historic Midway Hall and the glorious Regency Ballroom.

Amenities That Relax and Enthrall

• Guests seeking exercise or relaxation while staying at St. Louis Union Station may:
• Enjoy the seasonal outdoor swimming pool and surrounding courtyard
• Work out in the 24-hour fitness center
• Take a leisurely stroll to numerous downtown attractions, restaurants, galleries and nightclubs, such as the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium and Peabody Opera House

During the 2016 winter holiday season, Holidays at Union Station will feature 14 family attractions and experiences including the Santa Express Train Ride for one of the largest celebrations in the Midwest.

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

www.curio.com