11 Impressive reasons you should stay at Fire Station One Boutique Hotel in Roanoke, VA

Have you ever spent the night in an old fire station?

I recently traveled to Roanoke, Virginia for a conference and decided to arrive early to explore the city. When I saw that downtown had this fire station converted into a boutique hotel – I knew I had to stay there.

Here are 11 reasons you should too:

1. It’s an old fire station

To state the obvious, Fire Station One is a boutique hotel built in a refurbished fire station. The station had been in service for 100 years and initially operated with horse-drawn wagons in the early 1900’s.

Many aspects of the building’s past are still there today.  You can enter through the front and climb a historic wooden spiral staircase. The shared lobby area has the original brass sliding poles and you can even spend the night in the fire chief’s old office.

The downstairs retail space is located in the old horse stables, and you can spend the night in the original hay loft, with some hardware still visible on the ceiling. This makes the hotel instantly unique, with lots of character.

2. The hotel is a historic building

Fire Station One is on the registry for national landmarks. This 115-year-old firehouse was built in the year 1907. Staying in this hotel gives you a uniquely personal access to Roanoke’s history. 

This was Virginia’s first fire station and the longest functioning in history. It has even been visited by presidents Franklin D Roosevelt and Barack Obama.

3. Each room has a unique style

Another thing I love about the Fire Station One boutique Hotel are the rooms themselves. This hotel is small and cozy with seven uniquely designed guestrooms.

I think this would make a great option for groups wanting to stay together and have their own private rooms. Combined with the bunk room lounge in the middle it’s a great place to hang out or have your own private space. 

Each of the 7 rooms are designed differently and decorated with furniture made from the local furniture company downstairs Txtur.

Everything from a modern sophisticated apartment aesthetic to a luxurious, dark and leather vibe, a Parisian bedroom, and even a spacious modern loft. You can choose which aesthetic matches your vibe when you make the reservation. I especially love the dramatic light fixtures in the Parisian and modern room types.

There are several bed types available as well. Two rooms have a single queen bed, three have a king, and two have a king plus a queen sleeper sofa.

4. It was built based on Independence Hall

Look familiar? Fire Station One was built in the Georgian revival style. This architectural style is marked by symmetry, but there’s something else about the look of this firehouse. It was actually built to reflect Independence Hall. 

As someone who was visiting Roanoake from Philly it was so exciting to see inspiration from this national landmark in my hometown.

5. You can’t beat the location right in the heart of downtown Roanoke

Just steps outside is the walkable downtown of Roanoke, making this boutique hotel the perfect place to stay. You can enjoy the restaurants, shops, and even a convenient parking garage right beside the hotel.

A short block away you can find Market Square where events are held throughout the year and local vendors set up their stalls on permanent stands. 

6. The rooms feature sustainably made furniture that is hyper-local

The rooms are so unique at Fire Station One because they are fully furnished by Txtur – a local furniture store. Txtur has been making custom furniture in Roanoke, VA for over 87 years.

The first level of the building, where the stable for the fire station was originally, has a beautiful showroom where you can get custom furniture pieces made to order. Everything you see in the hotel is available for purchase.

What I love about this company is that they design the furniture pieces to be reusable, so you can return them when you are ready to switch things out and they can be remade into new things.

7. There’s a Scandinavian bar and restaurant in the building

Another reason this hotel is super convenient is the restaurant located downstairs. The Roanoaker called it an “upscale IKEA.”

Stock Bistro is a Nordic and Scandinavian-inspired restaurant with a full cocktail bar. As someone who lived in Seattle for six years, I actually love Scandinavian food and was super bummed I didn’t have a chance to try it while I was in town.

It says online they have an eclectic local wine selection and serve up fresh locally sourced ingredients. If you have the chance, this would be a great option to check in and run downstairs to have a welcome cocktail and a bite to eat.

8. All rooms and hotel entry use a remote access keypad

It’s so convenient to check in whenever it suits you at Fire Station One because there is no front desk. You receive the keycode to your room when it’s time to check in and you can come and go as you please without having to remember a keycard.

The code will also give you access to both front and back entrances after hours.

9. Every room has high ceilings and tons of natural light

The rooms feel huge because there are high ceilings with giant windows in every room! There are automatic window blinds for privacy that you can open and shut whenever you like, but when you’re ready open them up and enjoy the bright light!

The rooms felt spacious and airy even in downtown Roanoke!

10. There is a large communal space

The center of the hotel is the old fire station bunk room. It’s so cool to see the original fire poles still in place around the room. All along the sides of the room are the original pinewood firefighter lockers as well.

The bunk room has since been turned into a lounge area and a separate private meeting space.

This would make it a great option for corporate retreats or as I said before small groups traveling together. It would be so fun to come with a group of friends to each have your own private room but still be able to hang out in the lounge room together without worrying about bothering other hotel guests at a larger hotel.

11. They offer great amenities like free coffee and snacks

Finally, another reason you should stay at the Fire Station One boutique Hotel in Roanoke Virginia are the amenities, free coffee, and snacks.

I love that in every room is a little coffee maker with several coffee options and some snacks, but also in the main lounge area there are several snack and drink options.

It’s a nice little touch that makes it great for when you’re traveling long distance and just want to check in and relax. However, don’t stay in the room too long because there’s tons more to explore in downtown Roanoke.

Other amenities available are a mini fridge, hair dryer, shampoo/conditioner/soap, wardrobe and hangers, heating and cooling, and a TV with cable access.

All rooms also have a small sitting area and a desk which is nice to spread out and appreciate the space in the room!