Grandiose staircases and striking entryways await.
From historic to modern, these hotel entrances are like stepping into works of art. Some lobbies feature famous landmarks from a bygone era, while others boast dreamy designs that add an extra wow factor. With Instagram-worthy backdrops, these lavish lobbies will leave you lingering well past check-in.
InterContinental Miami
Miami
Known as the largest marble structure in Florida, the InterContinental Miami and Miami Center complex were built after the purchase of a travertine marble quarry in Italy. Today, antique Florentine marble covers the entire exterior and interior of the property. What’s more, the InterContinental Miami is the only hotel in the world to have been built around an 18-foot, 70-ton marble Spindle sculpture dropped into the lobby by helicopter, with the lobby constructed around it.
The Palace Hotel
San Francisco
As San Francisco’s first luxury hotel, this legendary property displays a rare example of turn-of-the-century opulence and wealth. The historic property, which originally opened in 1875, sits within the city’s Financial District, nearby cable cars and many top attractions. Its signature $10 million stained-glass atrium features elegant Austrian crystal chandeliers and Italian marble pillars. What’s more, the only interior historic landmark in San Francisco now houses a vast sitting area for guests along with the Garden Court restaurant, renowned for its signature afternoon tea service.
West Baden Springs Hotel
West Baden Springs, Indiana
Once a health resort that attracted wealthy guests in the early 1900s to the natural sulfur springs in the area, West Baden Springs Hotel is famous for its 100-foot-tall atrium that spans 200 feet and was once dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World. When it was created in the early 1900s, it was the world’s largest free-spanning dome. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel offers six stories of guest rooms that peer over the atrium. Don’t miss the atrium at night, when you can catch a light show from the dome’s ceiling, an original feature of the hotel.
Hilton Chicago
Chicago
A grand piano, two large staircases, a cloud-painted ceiling and a clock centerpiece are just a few of the striking elements you will find inside the lobby at the historic Hilton Chicago. Located on Michigan Avenue, across from Grant Park with views of Lake Michigan, the property opened in 1927 as the largest hotel in the world with more than 1,500 rooms. Past presidents, including Harry Truman, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, have all graced the grand lobby. Other interesting property features include original French-crafted fixtures, Czechoslovakian crystal chandeliers and the remains of a French cruise liner in the hotel’s Normandie Lounge.
Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown
Los Angeles
Designed to bring the feel of the Roaring ’20s and Los Angeles’ Prohibition era back to life, the Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown and its lush lobby are a nod to the city’s 11 miles of underground speakeasies and tunnels. The property combines elements of La Fiesta de las Flores parade, old Hollywood glamour and historic Chinatown. The hotel lobby restaurant features a circular entrance and design touches inspired by the city’s underground tunnel system. What’s more, the property incorporates bright lights that pay tribute to LA’s vibrant nightlife and old theater marquees.
The Jefferson, Washington, DC
Washington, District of Columbia
This former apartment building built in 1923 once served as the swanky residence for some of the United State’s capital’s most elite city-dwellers. Today, the Beaux Arts-style property, which honors Thomas Jefferson, plays host to guests from around the world, welcoming them to the dramatic lobby with black-and-white-tiled marble floors, glass lanterns hanging from gilded chains and Jefferson memorabilia. Interestingly, the 1923 skylight, which is the focal point of the atrium, was covered during World War II by the military to protect the city from the threat of aerial bombing, but is now a highlight of the hotel.
Hotel Phillips
Kansas City, Missouri
Walking into the lobby at Hotel Phillips is like stepping back into the 1930s, when Art Deco was all the rage. The 11-foot gilded statue of the Goddess of Dawn, which has stood in the lobby since the hotel’s opening in 1931, sets the tone. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, Hotel Phillips recently completed a full property restoration that maintains its original architectural details, including ornate metalwork, walnut paneling, stylized light fixtures, a grand staircase and marble walls and floors. Even better, a new game area welcomes guests with shuffleboard, classic board games and historic books.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Anaheim, California
If you love arts and crafts (and Disney), walking into the lobby at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is like a dream. The property pays tribute to the early 20th-century architectural movement popular in the Golden State. Guests are surrounded by unique features such as stained glass, rich woods, stone, plein (open) air painting and mission-style decor in the lobby. The AAA Four Diamond hotel also offers direct access to Disney’s California Adventure, and is the first property to be located within a Disney theme park.
St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
St. Louis
The Grand Hall of the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton once served as the largest train terminal in the U.S. when it opened in 1894, but today is used as the hotel’s lobby. Visitors can still enjoy some of its most striking architectural elements such as the 65-foot, barrel-vaulted ceiling, gold leaf detail and stained-glass windows. Guests can also catch the daily high-tech 3-D light show where images dance on the lobby ceiling. The Grand Hall also features a lounge with cocktails and brews, offering the perfect perch to enjoy the light show.
The St. Regis Atlanta
Atlanta
A grand dame all dressed in white would be an apt description of the elegant hotel lobby of this St. Regis. Two stately curved staircases, along with imposing fireplaces inspired by those found in great Southern estates, greet guests upon entering the hotel. Southern charm meets sophistication in this lobby, with multitiered chandeliers hanging above the rich hardwood floors. What’s more, guests staying in the hotel’s suites enjoy first-rate butler service.
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10 Beautiful Hotel Lobbies Across America originally appeared on usnews.com