ST. LOUIS—The original Hotel Lennox here will reopen Sept. 2, the same day that the property originally opened in 1929, as the Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis Downtown/Convention Center. The newly revitalized hotel, which had been shuttered since 2011, has undergone a major renovation, with an investment of $22 million into the property, and will operate as a Courtyard franchise, owned and managed by Maritz Wolff & Co., whose principals are St. Louis natives who previously owned The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis.
The National Register of Historic Places property was originally designed by Preston Bradshaw and was built in the Renaissance Revival style, according to the hotel. The most notable—and fully restored—interior features of the original building include green marble wainscoting, wood paneling and ornamental brass elevator lobby doors.
The renovations blend the building’s historical elements with modern-day amenities offering 165 suites converted to extra-large guestrooms with new furnishings designed by St. Louis’ Lawrence Group; wet bars, security safes, oversized refrigerators and 55-in. HD Smart TVs with the most current industry entertainment package; midcentury modern furnishings throughout, including pieces inspired by Eames and Saarinen; commissioned artwork from well-known local artists; guest bathrooms featuring modern back-lit mirrors and updated Spiekman shower heads; a state-of-the-art business center, 24/7 Market, Bistro and Starbucks coffee; a fitness center featuring Life Fitness equipment; 1,100 sq. ft. of meeting space; and a home theater and library in the lobby.
Located within walking distance to numerous St. Louis’ leading business, 40-plus restaurants, and major sports and entertainment venues, the hotel is the only one physically connected to the convention center.
“The Hotel Lennox had some amazing architectural elements and a rich history that make the building truly unique and original. Today, it will offer downtown visitors an intimate boutique hotel option, with only eight rooms per floor—a dramatically different experience than one would find at most massive convention hotels. We are thrilled to be a part of revitalizing downtown St. Louis and strengthening its position in the business and tourism arenas,” says Patrick Lowery, principal, Maritz Wolff & Co.