12 Historic Banks That Are Now Modern Masterpieces
Step Back into the Past at These Landmarks
Where history meets luxury: 2026’s Hotels of the Year
Old banks are witnesses to a dramatic part of history, and today, many of these imposing buildings have found a second life as modern landmarks. With towering columns, ornate ceilings, and intricate tilework, it’s easy to impress visitors from any era with their timeless grace.
Step into a lobby through the original iron bank doors, where old cash registers and even calculators are preserved throughout the space. Dine in a cocktail bar reimagined from former bank vaults, where historic safety deposit boxes line the cellar. Book a stay in a suite occupying an old boardroom, where priceless discussions on world finance once took place. Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks or simply sophisticated grandeur, these masterpieces are worth a visit.
1. Hotel de Rome, Berlin, Germany
Opulent hotel boasting historic vaults and mosaic floors
Good for: History, Luxury, Photo
Hotel de Rome witnesses the masterful rebirth of a 19th-century neoclassical bank into a five-star luxury hotel. Originally constructed in the 1880s, the building served as the headquarters of Dresdner Bank and part of the Staatsbank of East Germany before it was renovated in 2004 with historic preservation in mind.
The old cashier hall is now the grand ballroom, retaining its original stucco ceilings, mosaic floors, and marble columns. The jewel vault beneath the structure now houses the indoor swimming pool, complete with original steel doors and mosaic wall tiles. For added historic charm, book a stay in the former bank offices, now turned into the Historic Banker Suites.
Hotel de Rome, Berlin, Germany
2. The Ned, London, UK
An exclusive club with period charm
Good for: History, Luxury, Nightlife
The Ned, a unique combination of luxury hotel, members’ club, and culinary paradise, occupies the former Midland Bank headquarters. It is a renowned destination in London celebrated for its opulent “Hollywood vintage” style, which comes with a rooftop pool offering skyline views and an exclusive late-night lounge.
To honor the building’s 1920s glamor, the interior design of the space meticulously preserved its original features, including marble staircases, plasterwork, walnut paneling, and even period chandeliers. The massive marble-clad banking hall now serves as the hotel lobby and houses a collection of restaurants. Head to The Vault Bar to enjoy a sophisticated cocktail in the former bank vault, now a moody and exclusive lounge lined with over 3,000 historic safety deposit boxes.
The Ned, London, UK
3. The Beekman, New York City, USA
Vintage beauty meets modern elegance
Good for: Food, History, Luxury
The Beekman is housed in the historic Temple Court Building in New York City. Originally completed in the 1880s and combining Queen Anne, neo-Grec, and Renaissance Revival styles, it was among the first skyscraper-like office structures in Manhattan.
The most spectacular highlight of this landmark is the stunning nine-story Victorian atrium, encircled by cast-iron galleries and capped by a pyramidal skylight. Its facade features a two-story granite base topped with red Philadelphia brick and Dorchester stone, rich with ornamental terracotta details. With restored tile patterns and vintage furnishings inside, the Beekman hotel blends historical ambiance beautifully with a modern flair. For stellar dining, book a table at Temple Court or Le Gratin and savor global flavors with a NY twist.
The Beekman, New York City, USA
4. Riggs Washington DC, USA
For a good night’s sleep in a real boardroom
Good for: History, Luxury, Photo
The Riggs Hotel in Washington, DC was originally constructed in 1891 as the headquarters of a trust company. After being acquired by Riggs National Bank in 1954, it was famously nicknamed the “Bank of Presidents,” thanks to its status as the finance manager of numerous presidents.
Having transformed into a luxury hotel, the Romanesque Revival building continues to impress visitors of the present days. The banking hall, splendid with soaring ceilings and Corinthian columns, is now Café Riggs, while the old bank vault has been adapted into a subterranean cocktail bar. Book a stay in the hotel’s signature Riggs Suite, and find yourself standing inside the original boardroom, meticulously restored with just the right amount of modern touch.
Riggs Washington DC, USA
5. Hotel ICON, Houston, Texas, USA
One of the first skyscrapers from a century ago
Good for: History, Luxury, Photo
The building now known as Hotel ICON in Houston, Texas, dates back to 1911, when it first functioned as the headquarters of Union National Bank. As one of the earliest steel-and-concrete skyscrapers in the U.S., its architecture features a neoclassical style, with a richly ornamented facade boasting Corinthian columns and carved Mercury heads.
Decades after its banking days, the structure now welcomes visitors and guests with a beautifully restored interior, majestic with original ironwork, columns, and intricate moldings. The original bank vault has also been retained, now serving as the centerpiece of the main lobby. For a truly memorable stay, reserve the opulent penthouse that includes a tri-level suite with its own rooftop lounge and private terrace.
Hotel ICON, Houston, Texas, USA
6. Park Hyatt Vienna, Austria
Striking facade that blends in seamlessly with a UNESCO landscape
Good for: Couples, History, Luxury
Park Hyatt Vienna is a masterpiece that challenges the test of time. Located within Vienna’s prestigious Innere Stadt, this luxurious hotel is the result of an impressive restoration project that involved more than two hundred artisans, expertly preserving the original headquarters of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy Bank.
Maintaining the historic details in everything from wood paneling to parquet floors, the hotel now uses the former cashier’s hall as The Bank Brasserie & Bar, featuring restored marble walls, soaring ceilings, and sparkling chandeliers. The bank vault has also been reimagined and transformed, with its original vault door now framing a gold-tiled, subterranean spa pool. Relax with a leisurely swim, luxury facial, or invigorating massage after a busy day of sightseeing.
Park Hyatt Vienna, Austria
7. COMO The Treasury, Perth, Australia
Repurposed government building offering minimalist luxury
Good for: Couples, History, Luxury
COMO The Treasury is a timeless retreat tucked into downtown Perth. Up until the early 1990s, the space it occupies was called the Old Treasury Buildings and hosted government offices such as the Treasury, General Post Office, Police Court, and even the Office of the Premier.
Today, the premises have been restored and reopened as a luxury hotel. Iconic features of the original architecture, such as the Postal Hall with its lathe-and-plaster ceilings and slate-and-copper roof, were meticulously preserved, combined with original floorboards to create an upscale historic atmosphere. The hotel boasts one the best luxury spas in the country, so head COMO Shambhala for a deep tissue massage or a bespoke wellness package.
COMO The Treasury, Perth, Australia
8. Bank Hotel, Stockholm, Sweden
A dramatic entrance and superb dining in the old bank hall
Good for: Food, History, Luxury
The Bank Hotel in Stockholm, true to its name, is housed in a striking 20th-century bank building. Once the headquarters for Bankaktiebolaget Södra Sverige, its architectural style blends Renaissance with Art Nouveau, boasting a formidable set of bronze doors that still retain the octagonal emblem of Södra Sverige to this day.
The former bank hall now hosts a popular restaurant, welcoming guests from all over the world with a soaring six-meter glass ceiling and elegant blue-green stucco columns. Historic details surround the space. Marvel at the black-and-white checkered marble floor and mahogany-paneled walls, with antique crystal chandeliers adding a glamorous dazzle to its classic grandeur.
Bank Hotel, Stockholm, Sweden
9. The Bank Hotel Istanbul, Türkiye
A hotel that preserves the original bank’s cash registers
Good for: History, Luxury, Photo
The Bank Hotel Istanbul is tucked into the historic Karaköy district. Once the financial center of the Ottoman Empire, the area was lined with goldsmiths, bankers, and merchants, while the building itself has been home to various institutions, including Crédit Général Ottoman, Deutsche Bank, and Sümerbank.
Now serving as a heritage hotel, the landmark has infused its historic roots with modern functionalities. The former vault space is now the wine cellar, while the historical bank doors, cash registers, and even calculators have been preserved, lending the space a unique financial vibe the moment you step inside. Enjoy international cuisine and signature cocktails at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, all served with magnificent views of old Istanbul.
The Bank Hotel Istanbul, Türkiye
10. The Marmorosch Bucharest, Romania
A protected national monument preserving its legendary architecture
Good for: History, Luxury
The Marmorosch Bucharest, Romania, resides within the Marmorosch-Blank Bank Palace, former home of the major Romanian commercial bank in the early 20th century. The palace was constructed between 1915 and 1923, featuring a Neo-Romanian strong with influences from Byzantine, Gothic, and Moldavian architecture.
Now a Class A Historic Monument in Bucharest, the building proves its historical significance and grandeur with grand staircases, vaulted spaces, and a stunning façade. Once inside, marvel at the stained glass, richly ornamented ceilings, and marble tiling throughout, a testament to this landmark’s proud past.
The Marmorosch Bucharest, Romania
11. The Vault Hotel, Helsingborg, Sweden
Beautiful landmark with palace-style architecture
Good for: History, Budget
The Vault Hotel in Helsingborg, Sweden, is an imposing landmark that originally served as a bank. Built as the headquarters of Skåne Enskilda Bank, it was designed to resemble a palace, featuring rectangular corner towers and a richly sculpted facade facing Stortorget square.
Nowadays, the building has retained many of its original features after restoration, including the grand ceiling of the bar and restaurant, as well as the layout of the reception area. With over 50 guest rooms and suites featuring modern amenities, the hotel has become a new star destination blending historical significance with contemporary convenience. Savor your morning cup of coffee at the cosmopolitan Atrium bar or end a busy day of shopping with a tasty signature cocktail.
The Vault Hotel, Helsingborg, Sweden
12. The National, Oklahoma City, USA
An Art Deco gem and a financial monument
Good for: Food, History, Luxury
The National, Autograph Collection is housed within a striking Art Deco landmark in Oklahoma City. Built in 1931 and stretching 32 stories high, it was Oklahoma City’s first skyscraper and served as the headquarters for the First National Bank, bearing witness to an important chapter of the city’s history during the oil boom era.
The building is now a combination of guest rooms and luxury residences. Its original architecture and details, such as marble columns, decorative cast stone, painted ceilings, and metal accents, have been carefully restored and continue to tell the story of Oklahoma’s economic history. To feast on tasty classics, head over to Tellers Wood-Fired Italian Grill or the American-themed Stock & Bond.
The National, Oklahoma City, USA
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