The Most Historic Hotels In Colorado

Soak up Colorado’s rich history at these longstanding spots, which retain their original character and charm with all the amenities needed for the modern-day traveler. From a hotel that started life as a stagecoach stop to grand property that blossomed from a casino, discover the properties that have stood the test of time.

1. Hotel Boulderado

Hotel

Step back in time at this red brick property, the first luxury hotel built in Boulder. The name is a portmanteau of Boulder and Colorado, chosen so guests would always remember where they had stayed. It marked its grand opening with a gala ball on New Year’s Eve in 1908, and the first guests were able to check in on New Year’s Day in 1909. Over the years guests have included poet Robert Frost, jazz clarinettist Benny Goodman and trumpeter Louis Armstrong. Guests can take free self-guided history tours on the third floor and rooms feature a blend of Victorian-style and modern furnishings.

2. The Broadmoor

Resort

This grand hotel has a fascinating history. The land it stands on was originally a dairy farm before it was purchased and developed into The Broadmoor Casino by a Prussian count. It opened in 1891 but eventually fell into receivership and Spencer Penrose, a wealthy Philadelphia businessman, snapped it up. Penrose and his wife, Julie, went on to open the hotel as it stands today in 1918 in a bid to create a resort where ‘European elegance meets Western hospitality’. Thanks to extensions in keeping with the character, the hotel boasts 784 guest rooms.

3. Strater Hotel Colorado

Hotel

Built in 1887, this hotel in the city of Durango is described as a living museum. The property has been operated for three generations by the same family. Rooms are decked out with beautiful handcrafted woodwork, period wallpaper and a staggering collection of Victorian furniture fashioned out of walnut wood. There are 88 bedrooms, all with unique decoration in keeping with the period, and the saloon and grille downstairs continue the historical theme.

5. The Cliff House at Pikes Peak

Independent Hotel

Tucked at the foot of Pikes Pike, this historic hotel, built in 1873, started life as a stagecoach stop on the route from Colorado Springs to Leadville. It then evolved into a boarding house known as ‘The Inn’, before being transformed into a sophisticated resort hotel capitalising on the sparkling waters and mineral springs found in the region. Today the property has a AAA Four Diamond status, with 54 guest rooms uniquely decorated in the style of the late 1800s.

6. The Oxford Hotel

Hotel

Conceived by Colorado architect Frank E Edbrooke, this Denver hotel was completed in 1891. It was the vision of three local building and brewing tycoons who saw the need to create a first-class hotel near Union Station. During World War II it played host to servicemen, who packed it from ‘its attic to the broom closets’, while over the years it has expanded with various renovations to include 80 refined rooms and suites. The property’s unique historical details continue to be maintained while amenities have been upgraded to meet the needs of modern travellers.

7. The Crawford Hotel

Hotel

Perched above Denver Union Station’s iconic Great Hall, this smart hotel takes its name after longtime Denver resident, Dana Crawford. She worked tirelessly to preserve the iconic station, built in 1881, and eventually brought it back to its former glory. Highlights include 65ft ceilings, soaring windows, and stunning chandeliers. The rooms and suites upstairs retain elements of the past, such as exposed timber and brick, but with convenient amenities of today.

8. The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection

Hotel

This hotel in Downtown Denver, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, prides itself on offering ‘extraordinary service’ since its opening in 1892. It was the vision of Henry Cordes Brown, a carpenter-turned-real-estate entrepreneur, and he spared no expense in its construction. It was built in the Italian Renaissance style, with Colorado red granite and Arizona sandstone used for the exterior. The grand atrium lobby is another highlight: it originally had 400 rooms but now there are 241 blending old with new.

Want to discover more? See our guide to the best hotels in Colorado Springs, and book now on Culture Trip.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.