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The Historic Hotels of the Rockies is an extraordinary assortment of lodges, each with a distinct personality. Members of this organization are like-minded in their commitment to hospitality, superior guest service, and preservation of western heritage. The properties represent a full spectrum of accommodations with quaint bed-and-breakfasts to urban hotels to ranch resorts. All were originally constructed between 1862 and 1939. Each has been meticulously restored to its original grandeur, reminiscent of a bygone era.
Seeing a need for a unified association to promote the unique features of historic inns, a group of fifteen hotels located in the Rocky Mountain states, as defined by the Mountain Standard Time zone, came together in 1983 to form the Association of Historic Hotels of the Rocky Mountain West. The group’s mission was to provide mutual support and to advance the common interests of historic hotels. The name was simplified later to Historic Hotels of the Rockies. The organization proved to be a success, so much so, that the National Trust for Historic Preservation used the Historic Hotels of the Rockies association's model to establish the Historic Hotels of America association in 1989.
Hotels must meet the following criteria for an invitation to join Historic Hotels of the Rockies:
1) hotel must be listed in, or qualify for listing in, the National Register of Historic Places;
2) hotel must be maintained in a manner which enhances and is appropriate to the building's historic character;
3) hotel must offer guests unique and memorable accommodations which reflect well upon all other members;
4) hotel must be at least 50 years old.
Seasoned travelers are enamored with the historic significance of these structures. The recent Heritage Tourism trend has elevated the popularity of visiting these gems. Many tourists desire an authentic experience that replicates the past, so they are naturally drawn to the places that were central to the community. Hostelries were typically the hub of activity at the turn of the twentieth century. These buildings also demonstrate the classic architecture of the day.
Many of these grand hotels are located in designated historic districts or neighborhoods. They are situated along scenic byways, railways, National Parks, major rivers, trading outposts, old mining towns, and mineral hot springs throughout the Rocky Mountain states. Bellhops greeted travelers who arrived by horse, carriage, train, and automobile.
Each has been revitalized to showcase the original décor. All use antique furnishings and fixtures in a variety of styles including Victorian, Western, Southwestern, Native American, Arts and Crafts Bungalow, Pueblo Revival, and Territorial. Memorabilia adorns the walls in several themed rooms individually named after former guests, owners, and designers.
Fine dining is a common denominator with impressive menus featuring cuisine like wild game, elk, venison, buffalo, seafood, rainbow trout, comfort foods, and homemade desserts. In the smaller properties, it is likely that the proprietor is also the chef. Guests rave about the elaborate gourmet breakfasts and Sunday brunches. High teas with finger sandwiches and pastries are a special treat for those who enjoy an English tradition. Libations are served at handsomely carved wooden bars. Extensive wine lists, micro-brewed beers, and the bar-keep’s own concoctions are commonplace.
Presidents, gangsters, movie stars, famous authors, and debutants of yesteryear have graced these hallways including Teddy Roosevelt, Al Capone, Tom Mix, Louis L’amour, and the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown. Famous entertainers such as Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey, and Lawrence Welk have performed on their stages.
Today, guests have the best of both worlds, a re-creation of the past accompanied by all the modern conveniences expected. These hotels provide services and amenities such as wireless internet, in-room movies, and stocked mini-bars. Several have an on-site spa with signature treatments and product lines. There is abundant conference space for meetings of any size. Banquet facilities accommodate special occasions and celebrations. Elaborate ballrooms and picturesque courtyards provide the perfect setting for weddings.
The Historic Hotels of the Rockies represents a true western legacy that will live well into the future. For more information, visit Historic-Hotels.com.
About Historic Hotels of the Rockies
An eclectic collection of 19 vintage properties, the Historic Hotels (historic-hotels.com) of the Rockies resurrects the glory days of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.
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