Urbana Lincoln Hotel (Hotel Royer) | Champaign Urbana

The Urbana Lincoln Hotel, now operating as Hotel Royer, is a historic and architecturally significant hotel located in downtown Urbana, Illinois, at 210 S. Race Street. This landmark blends rich local history with modern hospitality and is an important part of Urbana’s cultural heritage.

Historical Background

Origins and Construction (1921–1924):
The hotel was conceived by a group of local businessmen who raised $223,000 in the early 1920s to develop a first-class hotel in Urbana. Designed by Joseph W. Royer, a prominent regional architect known for his work in revivalist architectural styles, the hotel opened in November 1923 and was formally dedicated on January 31, 1924. The name “Urbana-Lincoln” was chosen through community input, paying homage both to the city and President Abraham Lincoln, who had ties to Illinois.

Great Depression and Reorganization (1930s):
The hotel faced financial difficulties during the Great Depression, declaring bankruptcy in 1937. New management took over to stabilize operations.

Expansion and Integration with Lincoln Square Mall (1960s):
In 1964, the adjacent Lincoln Square Mall was constructed, making the Urbana-Lincoln Hotel part of one of the first fully enclosed shopping mall complexes in Illinois. This integration boosted the hotel’s prominence in downtown Urbana.

Ownership Changes and Renovations (1970s–2000s):
Over the following decades, the hotel changed hands multiple times. Under the ownership of the Jumer Hotel chain during the 1980s, a convention center was added to the facility to attract business travelers and events. The hotel remained a key local venue for meetings and social gatherings.

Recent Developments (2010–2025):
Developer Xiao Jin "XJ" Yuan purchased the hotel in 2010, renamed it the Urbana Landmark Hotel, and began renovations. However, the project stalled and the hotel closed in 2016. In 2020, Icon Hospitality LLC acquired the property for $1 million and invested approximately $15 million into extensive renovations. The hotel reopened on April 16, 2025, as Hotel Royer, a member of the Hilton Tapestry Collection, combining modern amenities with historic charm.

Architectural Features

Style:
The hotel is a prime example of Tudor Revival architecture, characterized by its steeply pitched roofs, decorative half-timbering, and stucco walls. These elements reflect a medieval English aesthetic, which was popular in early 20th-century American architecture.

Design:
Architect Joseph W. Royer designed the building with attention to detail, featuring ornate masonry, leaded glass windows, and classic period motifs that lend the hotel a distinguished and timeless character.

Historical Significance:
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, underscoring its importance in the architectural and cultural history of Urbana and Illinois.

Modern Amenities and Facilities

Guest Accommodations:
The hotel features 131 guest rooms blending contemporary comfort with historic ambiance. Rooms are equipped with modern conveniences including high-speed WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and premium bedding.

Dining and Social Spaces:
Guests can enjoy meals at the on-site Writer’s Room restaurant, offering locally inspired cuisine, and relax in Lloyd’s Parlor, a stylish bar with a historic atmosphere.

Event and Meeting Spaces:
Hotel Royer offers nearly 3,000 square feet of flexible event space suitable for weddings, conferences, and community events. The largest ballroom can accommodate several hundred guests, making it a central venue in Urbana.

Recreation and Services:
The hotel includes a fitness center, an indoor heated pool, a business center, and concierge services. It also provides free parking and digital check-in options for convenience.

Accessibility:
The hotel ensures accessibility for guests with disabilities through ramps, elevators, and specially designed rooms.

Location and Surroundings

Downtown Urbana:
Located centrally in Urbana’s downtown district, Hotel Royer is connected to the Lincoln Square Mall, providing guests easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Nearby Attractions:
The hotel’s location is convenient for visitors to the University of Illinois campus, local theaters, museums, and parks, making it a favored choice for tourists, university visitors, and business travelers alike.

Summary

Hotel Royer (formerly Urbana-Lincoln Hotel) stands as a beautifully preserved and thoughtfully modernized historic hotel that honors its past while serving the needs of today’s travelers. It represents a blend of architectural elegance, community history, and contemporary hospitality, making it a significant landmark and preferred accommodation option in Urbana, Illinois.