Way back in the 1880s throughout the West, hotels were opening up hawking fresh air and good health. Back east, many were suffering from tuberculosis and seeking a cure heading west to find it. One of the standout hotels was the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs in its gorgeous mountain setting alongside the mighty Colorado River. This six story red-stone masterpiece was built by Walter Devereux to attract the wealthy and house those seeking a cure from tuberculosis. He spared no expense on the hotel and its features, including a 185 foot water fountain, lit up at night by electric lights. The onsite pool and fountain are long gone, but the striking twin towers of this magnificent hotel still beckons travelers.
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Stay in a historic suite
Many presidents visited the Hotel Colorado, but Theodore Roosevelt was the most frequent. He stayed here several times for extended hunting trips and modern-day guests can stay in a suite named after him. On one such hunting trip, Teddy didn’t get a bear, so the hotel staff made a stuffed one for him. It became the origin of the Teddy Bear, and you can buy one in the home’s gift shop. Other famous guests from long ago are Molly Brown, aka The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and Chicago gangster from the 1920s Diamond Jack Alterie. Diamond Jack didn’t get a suite named after him, but Molly Brown did, and you can stay in this suite decked out in period furnishings and family photos. Unlike both VIP and regular guests in the early days, modern day guests have plumbing and electricity in their rooms.
Step back in time at Hotel Colorado
Entering the lobby upon check in, guests are swept back in time. You are now in the glory days of grand Colorado hotels and the lobby features elegant drapes over large picture windows, fireplace sitting areas, and plush antique style chairs and sofas. The lobby was renovated in 2004 and is still in great condition. Room choices are suites, (ambassador, Teddy Roosevelt, Molly Brown, etc), king rooms or queen rooms. The higher floors offer views of the mountains and are accessed by a modern elevator or grand staircase.
Once you check-in to your room, explore each and every floor to observe the wall art and historical moments in the hotel’s storied past. Grab a quick snack or coffee in the Legends Coffee Shop on the main floor or something stronger in the Polo Wine and Martini Lounge. A full service restaurant, Baron’s, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in an elegant setting with high back chairs and antique designer light fixtures. For the best meal in town, just a five minute walk away, cross over the Colorado River and eat at Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse. It’s a funny name for a seriously good restaurant serving great steaks and appetizers like the Brie Stuffed Portabella.
The World's biggest hot springs pool (from USD 159)
While there are dozens of outdoor activities nearby, many guests come to the Hotel Colorado to soak in the world’s largest hot springs pool and attached Spa of the Rockies. The pool is just a five minute walk downhill from the hotel and, if needed, they will drive you there and back if the walk is too much strain. Relax in the therapy pool’s 104° Fahrenheit / 40° Celsius or swim in the big pool at a comfortable 90° Fahrenheit / 32°Celsius. Three and a half million gallons of natural hot springs water fills the pool each day! The pool features a long tube-type water slide, diving boards, and swimming lanes too. This world famous pool has been delighting visitors since the 1880s and will continue to do so year-round for decades to come. Other activities include river rafting, fishing, mountain biking, skiing, and hiking. Rent a bicycle onsite and ride the stunning Colorado River Trail through the awesome beauty of the Glenwood Canyon for a memorable trip. Also nearby is Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park featuring caves to explore, a 4-D theater, and various adrenalin-type rides.
Hotel Colorado
Address: 526 Pine Street
236 meters (0.2 ft) from Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
Pros and cons
The Hotel Colorado puts you right in the middle of everything Glenwood Springs has to offer. It’s fun to stay in such an elegant and historic hotel. It is easy to drive to through scenic Glenwood Canyon if coming from the east, or take the Amtrak train from Denver. If there are any cons, it would be that the rooms are in need of renovating. Also, some of the rooms have small bathrooms, and elevator wait times can be long when the hotel is full. When I spoke with a concierge, I was told, “The room renovations are slated for the fall of 2016.” When completed it should restore the Hotel Colorado to its former glory. That said, I think most visitors will enjoy this grand red-stone remnant of Colorado’s glorious past and choose to return to this special place.
History
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