After sitting vacant for over forty years, the Warrior Hotel is finally getting some tender-loving care. Purchased by a St. Louis firm who specializes in period-dating historic properties, the Warrior is going through a full
After sitting vacant for over forty years, the Warrior Hotel is finally getting some tender-loving care. Purchased by a St. Louis firm who specializes in period-dating historic properties, the Warrior is going through a full restoration.
Built in 1930, it would become and a beloved property of downtown Sioux City. Entertaining such celebrities as Elvis Presley, who enjoyed playing pool and socializing at the War Eagle Bowling Lanes on the basement level.
Saving the Warrior
Rising 11 stories and 128 feet tall, the property would eventually pass through various different ownerships, and then in 1976 it was permanently closed. After being placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, there was much speculation on whether to demolish this historic property after it was red-tagged in 1990. But thankfully, the city of Sioux City recognized its historical significance, and thwarted any and all requests to level the building.
For the next 27 years, the people of Sioux City would hear about different agencies wanting to buy the hotel and invest millions in remodeling it. However, every time there was hope, the deal was abandoned, and no further steps were taken, until 2017.
Finally a hero for The Warrior
I remember when I heard the news that a St. Louis firm had purchased the property. I have to admit that I was skeptical if they would stay true to the image and theme of the 1930s post-Great Depression era. But with the name “Restoration St. Louis” and the reputation of revitalizing forgotten properties across America, I knew we were in good hands.
Revealing elaborate plans with a $73 million budget, the firm also purchased the Davidson Building kitty-corner to the Warrior Hotel. Located on the corner of 6th and Nebraska, and built in 1913, this historic century-year-old building now houses the Warrior Apartments for downtown residents. Travelers driving past at night are now able to enjoy the beautiful and eye-catching antique lighting on the building’s exterior, which has been painstakingly repaired and brought back to its magnificent former glory.
Scheduling a tour
Patiently waiting while construction crews were hard at work, I couldn’t wait to see the inside. So, after months of staying updated on a potential opening date, I reached out to a few people I’ve met throughout my blogging career, got in contact with Lila Plambeck, the Warrior Hotel’s director of sales and marketing and scheduled a tour.
Knowing she was a busy woman, I was very grateful to set up a private tour, even if it was only for half an hour. Moving quickly and with my camera in hand, I simultaneously took notes and learned a lot about the massive restoration and the history of the building.
Luckily, the St. Louis firm had already ordered and received much of their building materials before Covid-19 hit, which allowed them to open in the fall of 2020. Such materials included Italian white marble accenting the grand staircase, and Indian pink marble resting below your feet as you walk through the main 5th Street entrance. Both marbles were selectively chosen to match pictures and swatches of the authentic 1930 marble used to build the Warrior Hotel forty years ago.
Welcome to the Second-Floor Lobby
Climbing the main staircase up to the lobby, you’ll find more marble flooring, but this, astoundingly, is the original marble lobby floor from the 1930 build. After shuttering its doors in 1976, tolerating water and rodent damage, along with erosion over the years, it is truly amazing that this, alone, was able to be preserved. The restoration firm also brought in a specialized artist, who was hoisted up to the ceiling every day, hand painting every ceiling tile looming above.
Across from the guest check-in is Woodbury’s Steakhouse, which we will circle around to near the end of this blog post, but for now enjoy the view.
Iowa’s Gold Finch and more…
From the lobby, we made our way past a maze of hallways lined with paintings of various birds. Lila informed me that the Warrior Hotel will be a Marriot Autograph property, and that each of these particular hotels in the Autograph Collection has a theme. The Warrior’s theme are birds, to pay homage to the numerous bird species native to the great state of Iowa.
You’ll find a bird cage in the lobby, and as you climb into the elevator you are immediately greeted by a breathtaking image. To me, it looks like a fusion of The Crow and Black Swan. Stunningly beautiful. And following the bird theme as you explore the hotel, you’ll come across Two Finches Spa and War Eagle Lanes.
Indoor Sports
And since we’re talking about War Eagle Lanes, lets head down to the lower level to check it out! Open to the public for all to use, this historic bowling alley can also be rented out for private events. With a total of six lanes, guests can also enjoy playing darts, socializing at the bar, or sampling snacks from their appetizer list.
Reception Hall and Hotel Rooms
During my tour a couple months ago, the Two Finches Spa was not quite complete, but the reception hall was. Looking like upside wedding cakes these chandeliers are the perfect accent to all the weddings they already have booked this year and the next. Also available to clients who book the reception hall is the adjacent outdoor patio with a view of downtown Sioux City.
Wrapping up our tour, I requested a view of one of their 148 rooms available for booking. I loved the attention to detail, from the selectively chosen toiletry brand, Nest, to the do-not-disturb signs. This suite, along with the rest of the property intertwines deep reds and dark lines, accentuating the chic style of this glamorous historical icon.
Reservation for 2
Upon finishing our 40-minute tour, I expressed my interest in planning a visit to the Warrior’s Woodbury’s Steakhouse. Lila gave me the phone number to call to make my reservation, which I promptly did the next day! I felt like I had a secret invite to a hidden 1930s speakeasy.
That next week my husband and I arrived at the steakhouse for a wonderfully romantic dinner. Having never ordered from a Prix Fixed menu, I was eager for a new experience. For those who do not know, a prix fixed menu is pre-set with a handful of selections for you to choose from. With a base price set at $39 per person, you have the option to upgrade and add on to your 4-course dinner.
Dinner with a view
To start, I had a glass of their Merlot, and my husband had a Whiskey Sour. For appetizers, my husband got the Tomato Mozzarella, and for me, the Cabernet Beef Tenderloin Tips, then we each selected a Fattoush Salad. For the main course, my husband chose the Pan Seared Salmon, which rested upon a bed of white beans and pistachio pesto, both of which I would never think to pair with fish, but both complemented the entrée surprisingly well. I elected for the Zucchini Pasta, which, tossed in white wine and garlic cream sauce, was a pleasantly light, but fulfilling dinner entrée. Finally, for dessert, I wanted to warm up with their Apple Cobbler, and my husband decided on the Chocolate Cake.
Serenaded by the smooth voice of Frank Sinatra, our dinner experience, in all, was quite enjoyable. The changing colors of the bar backdrop, the buffalo heads topping each dining room column, and even the beautiful view of First Presbyterian Church across the street, all add to this upscale and classy dining experience.
Plan your visit
Our blue-collared town surely needed revitalizing, and this long-awaited unveiling came at a time when most of us could use some good news. The fact that the St. Louis firm took this much thought and pride into preserving our historic landmark, and selflessly and lovingly giving it back to the people of Sioux City, makes me appreciate our ever-changing city even more. The renovation of the Warrior Hotel, alone, has truly helped reinvent and rejuvenate the downtown atmosphere, transforming this once stockyard town, into a growing business epicenter.
You can read more about the restoration efforts in the Sioux City Journal’s article, including the hand-crafted terra cotta on the exterior of the building. (https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/watch-now-media-tour-offers-first-look-at-renovated-warrior-hotel/article_52d295e6-2c76-5c80-a565-af9941293ca6.html)
Check out the Warrior Hotel’s website for more information regarding event hall and room rentals. (https://thewarriorhotel.com/). And access their gallery for more stunning photographs via their Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/thewarriorhotel/)
Finally, with Valentine’s Day soon approaching, make sure you secure your reservation at Woodbury’s Steakhouse by calling (712) 317-1011, or going on their website, where you can also book your event at War Eagle bowling lanes. (https://www.facebook.com/WoodburysAtTheWarriorHotel/)
505 6th Street
Sioux City, Iowa 51101
