The Angad Arts Hotel is now open!

On Grand Boulevard, the former Missouri Theater Building stands 12-stories tall and, despite the pops of color you see peeking out of the windows and the large, light-up sign – you wouldn’t expect the surprises that lie within. But head around the back to the equally as unexpected main entrance and you’ll notice immediately that something….whimsical is happening here.

The back entrance is like a scene from a Wes Anderson flick and features their soon-to-be signature, toppling luggage tower.

The Angad Arts Hotel prides itself on its impressive roster of “firsts.” It’s the first hotel in St. Louis to fill its walls (and floors) with local art, and most notably (and its “claim to fame”): the first place where you can book your room by color and emotion. And yes, it is as cool as it seems.

Starting from your arrival at the back of the building, you are greeted with art immediately: a toppling luggage tower, sculptural figures “scaling” the building’s emergency exists, and fish-eye mirrors beckoning you to come inside. Once you clear the doors, you are transported into an art gallery that houses a rotating roster of works by St. Louis-area artists, and details (from custom-made furniture and light fixtures) that leave you wondering what else is next.

After you get your bearings, a bellhop leads you into the elevator which takes you directly up to the 12th floor where you are delighted once again as you step off directly into the Chameleon Lounge, where the centerpiece – a 360-degree video screen (a soon-to-be social media favorite) greets you. This floor also hosts check-in, a plum-hued “Playroom” prepped with musical instruments in case you are in the mood for a jam session, a 12-person meeting room and library, and the smaller of two ballrooms – this one seats up to 120 and has an incredible skyline view.

Pieces by local artists are displayed throughout and are also available to purchase via a dedicated app.

The guest rooms reside on floors 4-11, each dedicated to a different emotion and color: Passion Red, Tranquility Blue, Rejuvenation Green, and Happiness Yellow. The rooms are saturated in their mood and are all different thanks to the historic building’s unique layout. Guests can choose from small or large rooms, singles, doubles, bunk beds, and suites – with selections that include loft-style amenities, a kitchenette, sleeper sofa, and an “all local” stocked mini bar in each room.

Besides the rooms – which are the cornerstone of the hotel’s concept – the nightlife and dining options were created to delight guests and keep the local community engaged. AAH’s staple (and Grand Center Arts Districts newest dining destination) Grand Tavern, helms Chef David Burke and features a large, first-floor walk-in bar and multi-room dining area that toes the line between casual contemporary and fine dining. It also serves as the gateway to the hotels largest ballroom, an impressive 300-seater with lofted ceilings and fully accessible dedicated entrance.

The Chameleon Lounge is home to an incredible, 360-degree video art experience that is sure to become a social media favorite.

But if you’re ready to take those after dinner cocktails into the night, chances are you’re going to want to head back up to the top, to ART – the Angad Rainbow Terrace – an indoor/outdoor bar, lounge, and event space that boasts killer views of the District into Downtown – and yes, you can see the Arch. From new monthly and weekly parties to pop-ups and surprise event activations, there will always be something special happening here.

The Angad Arts Hotel adds a vibrancy to Grand Center Arts District and fits right in with the theaters, performance venues, museums, and galleries – providing a much-needed nightcap and more. AAH is now open, with Grand Tavern opening on Nov. 9 – come visit us!