Historic Abandoned Church Transformed into Boutique Hotel in Pensacola with Speakeasy and Award-Winning Restaurant

Introduction to Lily Hall

There’s a new boutique hotel in Pensacola, Florida’s historic Old East Hill neighborhood: Lily Hall. Formerly home to the Mount Olive Baptist Church, this transformed property features a 15-room hotel that opened on Feb. 16, 2023.

Historical Transformation

The space breathes new life into the community, which has actively pursued its preservation. Mount Olive Baptist Church was in danger of demolition after Hurricane Ivan’s damage rendered it uninhabitable. The John Sunday Society—a nonprofit named in honor of one of Pensacola’s first Black state legislators—launched a program dedicated to preserving historic spaces and included the church in its Seven-to-Save list of at-risk sites.

“We’re so quick to rip down these important old structures that lend a sense of history and integrity to a community. The partners did a great job of maintaining the integrity of this building,” said Terry Raley, the Nashville chef and restaurateur behind the restaurant and bar concepts at Lily Hall. “It still feels like a church inside of this brand-new building—you can feel that history. You can’t get that from something new.”

The Heart of the Hotel: The Parlor

The heart and soul of the hotel is the Parlor, a library on the first floor that doubles as a gathering area where guests can meet old friends or make new ones. The books lining the walls are sourced from two used bookstores in town, each carrying the stories of all who have turned their pages.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by Kari Randle, Lily Hall’s executive host, at the hotel’s stately doors. The first thing that caught my eye was a navy typewriter perched atop a spindly table next to a comfy leather couch, waiting for guests to compose letters.

“Receiving letters in the mail is such a warm feeling. We hope guests will compose them here on this typewriter,” Randle said. “We would also love guests to compose their own story, like the framed letters found throughout the hotel, and leave them with us, a piece of their story to add to the larger narrative of Lily Hall.”

As I settled into an orange crushed velvet chair, the vintage feel surrounded me. Lily Hall embodies its historical legacy, anchoring Pensacola’s narrative.

Guest Room Experiences

Upon entering my room, I was welcomed by the soothing sounds of The Allman Brothers Band. Each room at Lily Hall is outfitted with a record player and a curated selection of vinyl, infusing nostalgia into the modern hotel experience.

The towering curtains in tropical botanical patterns frame original church windows, allowing natural light to pour in. Opulent touches, such as a turquoise dresser and a brass ice bucket, echo the building’s history.

Eighteen different letters crafted by Nashville-based novelist Adam Hill hide throughout the property, enticing guests to engage surreptitiously. These letters share fictitious tales of historical figures connecting at Lily Hall.

While honoring the past, Lily Hall also offers a plethora of modern amenities, including smart technology in each guest room, bike rentals, and a virtual concierge for guest assistance.

Dining Options at Brother Fox

The property’s on-site restaurant, Brother Fox, is named after the first pastor at Mount Olive Baptist Church. The menu, curated by executive chef Darian Hernandez—a recent winner of Chopped—draws inspiration from backyard barbecues and Pensacola’s rich Spanish heritage.

During my dining experience at Brother Fox, lively conversations flowed around a communal table as platters of Spanish-style low country boil and zesty pan con tomate were shared. Raley illuminated the restaurant concept, while Hernandez discussed how his childhood Sunday suppers inspired the menu.

Encouraging a sharing culture, the menu features shareable plates rather than traditional courses. Attendees can enjoy coal-roasted oysters, carne asada marinated for 48 hours, and authentic Spanish delicacies like patatas bravas paired with local fish, all crafted with fresh herbs over an open flame.

Sister Hen Speakeasy

On-site, Sister Hen mimics the secretive charm of Prohibition-era drinking spots. Guests can gain entry by picking up a phone hanging outside the door, and Brother Fox diners have an inside track for drinks at the speakeasy.

The bar’s ambiance, featuring dark wood, red velvet couches, and flickering candlelight, transports patrons back in time. The bartender, A.J., is known for crafting smoky Manhattans. I indulged in one of their signature drinks, the Figourous, comprising rosemary vanilla simple syrup, mission fig balsamic vinegar, and Irish whiskey.

“There is an element of exclusivity that goes along with this type of concept,” Raley explained. “Three and a half to four hours of prep go into cocktails on a daily basis before the shift ever starts. And it doesn’t end with doing our own juices. We’re cutting our own shards of ice, creating our own bitters, and brewing tinctures.”

Sated from an evening of delectable food and creative cocktails, I returned to my room to find a matchbook on the side table. On the back was an insightful message from author Carson McCullers: “We are most homesick for the places we have never known.”

Like Narnia’s secret wardrobe or Hogwarts’ magical halls, Lily Hall stands as a captivating space that inspires fernweh—a yearning for places we’ve yet to discover but deeply desire to explore.