The eagerly awaited Hotel Royer, a Hilton Tapestry Collection establishment, has recently commenced operations, marking the culmination of an extensive three-year refurbishment project. Situated less than a mile from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, this boutique hotel, which ceased trading under previous ownership in 2016, now seamlessly blends its rich 1923 heritage with contemporary comforts. A notable aspect of its renovation is the impressive commitment to accessibility, making this historic property welcoming to all guests. Beyond its architectural allure, the hotel’s strategic location near the university makes it an ideal choice for visitors attending events, parents' weekends, or simply exploring the vibrant culture of Urbana and Champaign, known for their lively entertainment scene and diverse culinary offerings.

A highlight of the Hotel Royer experience is its signature dining venue, The Writer’s Room. This restaurant celebrates the hotel’s literary past through its decor, featuring portraits of renowned authors and intricate woodwork, creating an ambiance that is both intimate and refined. The culinary philosophy here emphasizes quality over quantity, with Chef Marielli Terrell curating a select menu of exceptional dishes. Guests can savor unique appetizers like the Roasted Beet Salad or Hibiscus Flower Tartare, indulge in main courses such as the exquisite Poet’s Pearls pasta or the flavorful Editor’s Roulade chicken, and conclude their meals with delectable desserts like La Maria dark chocolate mousse or Adelaide’s Poetic Magic cheesecake. For breakfast, options range from the decadent Campfire Chronicles Pancakes to Grandma Royer’s Morning Feast, ensuring a delightful start to the day.

The Hotel Royer offers a wide array of accommodations across its four floors, with 131 rooms featuring unique layouts that reflect the building's historic design. Guests can choose from ten distinct room types, including various king and queen configurations, studio suites, and specialized mobility and hearing accessible options equipped with features like a wheelchair-friendly tub and fireplace. Beyond the rooms, the hotel provides a comprehensive suite of amenities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience. These include an indoor pool with a handicapped lift, a beautifully crafted marble ramp for easy navigation from the lobby to the bar and restaurant, the sophisticated Lloyd’s Drinking Parlor offering craft cocktails and local brews, a lobby store for essentials, complimentary parking, a well-equipped fitness center, and electric vehicle charging stations. The Hotel Royer also boasts banquet facilities suitable for a variety of meetings, events, and weddings, making it a versatile destination for both leisure and business travelers seeking a memorable stay that harmonizes historical charm with modern functionality.

Embracing its past while forging a path into the future, the Hotel Royer stands as a beacon of thoughtful hospitality. Its commitment to preserving historical integrity alongside the integration of modern accessibility features and high-quality services exemplifies how progress can honor tradition. This approach not only enriches the guest experience but also sets a commendable standard for adaptive reuse projects, demonstrating that old structures can find new life, contributing positively to communities by offering unique spaces that are both functional and inspiring.