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ACROSS THE COUNTRY Colorado Historic Hotels Exceptional Reward for the Discerning Traveler By Corinne J. Brown One can almost hear the hush of muffled voices whisper down wood-paneled hallways and richly carpeted rooms, adding to the intrigue and allure of the turn-of-the-century hotels of Colorado. These well preserved remnants of yesteryear, like elegant older women with a past, are made all the more interesting and magnetic by the gains and losses they’ve endured. For the world-weary traveler who’s had it with chain hotels and cookie-cutter accommodations, we guarantee you’ll enjoy these wonderful lodges enriched by fine antiques and gracious service. And as if that weren’t enough, we guarantee you’ll be able to use your laptop where ever you go. Up- to-the minute modern day conveniences, make these treasured finds well-worth the trip. The Brown Palace Hotel, Denver, Colorado Brown Palace Hotel, Denver, Colorado If you haven’t the time for a mountain adventure, start in Denver and discover the charms of the great Brown Palace Hotel, a legend since the day it opened in 1892. From its multi-storied, glass-canopied atrium lobby to its intimate party rooms, sumptuous restaurants, and elegantly appointed suites, this is one hotel experience on par with any of the great hotels of Europe or 20th century America, an address once home to presidents and royalty alike. As Denver’s’ only Mobil 4 Star and AAA Four Diamond Hotel, the Brown is a charter member of National Trust Hotels of America. What makes it so memorable is its sense of grandeur and elegance. Start with it’s unique architecture and the soaring, open lobby, also a tea room in the afternoons, usually filled with live music. Located in the heart of downtown Denver, the hotel is walking distance to many of Denver’s notable sites, but is truly a destination in its own right, with legendary dining rooms like The Palace Arms, Ellyngton’s and Churchill’s, a sumptuous bar. A new, fully equipped spa with 5200 square feet of service and treatment space caters to men and women and a fitness center is open 24 hours a day. The Brown offers 241 guest rooms and European style service, as well as 13,000 square feet of meeting space, a grand ballroom and breakout rooms for meetings and conference. A hotel that’s survived time and fashion, it remains one of the city’s finest experiences. “Not to see the Brown is not to see Denver.” www.brownpalace.com .jpg) Strater Hotel  Strater Hotel That’s an understatement. Come see for yourself. www.straterhotel.com A member of the Historic Hotels of the Rockies. Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs, Colorado  Hotel Colorado Lobby On the list of the National Register of Historic Places, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the hotel as an Historic Hotel of America in 2007. In a multi-million dollar investment, the building was recently restored to its original grandeur. The décor is faithful to the era and lush with Italian renaissance period furniture, fixtures and Victorian inspired fabrics. What drew people to the hotel then and still does today is the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool, fed by underground sources, a world renowned attraction famed for it many health benefits. A new spa under construction in the original fitness building/athletic club will open in the fall of ‘08, adding 17000 square feet of space for fitness classes and wellness treatments, completing the full spectrum of reasons to linger for a weekend or longer at this relaxing retreat. A recent two-million dollar restoration of the restaurant and lobby with its grand rotunda and two fireplaces has restored the hotel to its original design. The Grand Lobby will once again be a fitting destination point for weddings, receptions, cocktails and resort life in general. Outdoor nature activities and world class skiing in either Aspen or Vail are more than convenient to Glenwood but the town has its own family-based snow recreation center, Sunlight Mountain Resort, for convenient winter fun. www.hotelcolorado.com The Beaumont Hotel, Ouray, Colorado  Beaumont Hotel After a long period of decline and disuse, nearly 35 years, it was purchased and renovated, acquiring a new lease on life. Its twelve elegant rooms are uniquely decorated and offer telephones with Internet dial up and VHS/DVD entertainment capability. Luxury rooms, Junior Suites and Suites offer spacious surroundings and luxurious appointments, some with cathedral ceilings, loft areas with bars, surround sound systems, and separate sitting areas. Nightly turn-down service and comfy bath robes are standard along with concierge services. An onsite spa offering hot stone massage and more, plus private Jacuzzi, are available to all guests, plus a sauna as well. Two restaurants cover breakfast through dinner, and in the summer, the Bistro provides outdoor patio meals. Now fully restored in all its Victorian beauty, the Beaumont has won a National Preservation Award from the National Trust , the Governors Awardfor Historic Preservation, the Inaugural “Preserve America” Presidential Award, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. www.beaumonthotel.com The Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs South of Denver in visitor-friendly Colorado Springs, this front range legend is ranked among the great hotels of the world. The Broadmoor weds turn-of-the century grandeur to today’s personal and convention visitor’s needs. For sheer scale of operation, nothing comes even close: with 700 rooms, the hotel boasts 15 distinctly different dining facilities from French and Italian to al fresco American fare. Meeting and convention space equals some 185,000 square feet with full-service audio-visual services and high speed Internet access. Across its 3000 acres, recreational amenities abound, with an on-site award winning spa, two swimming pools, three outdoor hot tubs, one lap pool, 54 holes of championship gold, seven tennis courts (with tennis camps), children’s programs, 24 hour room service, and 25 specialty retail shops. But numbers don’t even come close to describing the grand ambiance here or the elegance and style that has defined the hotel since in its inception in 1918 when Spencer Penrose took over the original Broadmoor Casino and transformed it into a 400 acre destination resort that has continued to grow and attract its prestigious clientele for weddings, anniversaries, and celebrations of every kind. Current President and CEO Stephen Bartolin, Jr. confirms, “Historical hotels are special in that they stand the test of time. Those that benefit from loving and caring ownership like The BROADMOOR remain vital and successful even in today’s market. We manage The BROADMOOR to meet the likes and desires of today’s most discriminating traveler, but we do so with a careful eye on the past.” www.broadmoor.com It doesn’t matter who your are: when in Aspen, everybody looks famous. The most popular meeting place for over century, The Jerome Hotel is a tradition for hanging out, being seen, or simply people watching. Located in the heart of town, ten minutes from the airport, it’s easily accessible and walking distance from all shopping and nightlife. Founded in 1889 to bring a semblance of civility to a raucous mining town, the hotel has come to mean luxury and indulgence to discerning and appreciative guests. A recipient of numerous travel magazine’s top awards, one visit explains it all. With 92 richly appointed guest rooms and suites, outstanding restaurants on site, a pool, a garden terrace, the ever popular J-bar and Library, plus indulgent attention (maid service, twice daily), this is the standard others are judged by. Renovated in the 1980’s and in again in the late ‘90s, upgrades expanded the hotel facilities, including a four-story addition and grand ballroom and the refurbishment of the much loved main lobby. Three remarkable restaurants cater to every visitor’s whim. Winter or summer, this is the meeting point for Aspen. Fitness and wellness services are extended to the hotel guests at the famed Aspen Club and Spa for a nominal fee, although arrangements can be made for in-room massage treatments by licensed massage professionals. Valet parking and airport transfers are also included. Mountains, skiing, hiking, music--Aspen is a destination with a myriad of reasons to stay and enjoy the outdoors and this oh-so exclusive town. The Hotel Jerome is one of them. A charter member of the Historic Hotels of America, it’s also on the national Register of Historic Places and among the select members of the prestigious Rock Resorts group. www.hoteljerome.rockresorts.com |