A Hotel of Distinction - The Hotel Colorado's Grand Opening in 1893
More than a Century of History

Glenwood Springs, CO – Known locally as the Grande Dame of the Rockies, the historic Hotel Colorado is an icon in the quiet mountain town of Glenwood Springs, in western Colorado. In 1893, Hotel Colorado arrived on the scene at a thrilling time in the history of the American West. The Ute Indians were the first to discover the bubbling mineral springs along what was known as the Grand River (later named the Colorado River). The Utes recognized the water’s therapeutic properties, calling the springs Yampah, or “big medicine.” White settlers who arrived in the mid-1880s staked claim to the hot springs, hoping to harness their healing powers for their own benefit.

During Colorado’s silver boom, silver magnate and railroad mogul Walter Devereux became enamored of Glenwood Springs. Devereux’s vision was to build a world-class spa resort. In 1887, he purchased 10 acres of land surrounding the hot springs for $125,000 and began building his dream. Devereux put water and lighting systems in place, making Glenwood Springs the first city of its size in the United States to have electricity.

Within a year, the hot thermal springs had been contained in an enormous swimming pool. An elegant red sandstone bath house, designed by Austrian architect Theodore von Rosenberg, was erected. Natural mineral water flowed at rate of three-million gallons per day at a temperature of 126°F, exceeding any other hot springs in the world in size and temperature.

To accommodate the growing number of elite visitors, Devereux embarked upon the construction of a fine hotel. New York architects Boring, Tilton & Mellon patterned the grand hotel after the sixteenth century Italian Renaissance Villa de Medici. Construction began in August 1892. Less than a year later, on June 10, 1893, the Hotel Colorado celebrated its grand opening.

Devereux spared no expense in creating his "Grande Dame of the Rockies." For the grand sum of $850,000, the structure and grounds became a showpiece rivaling the finest hotels in the great cities of Europe. Two elaborate six-story towers served as the focal point of the U-shaped hotel. Built of local peachblow sandstone, the structure mirrored the beauty of the surrounding red canyons. 

Formal Victorian gardens surrounded the complex, with an elevated footbridge leading to the hot springs pool. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature was the illuminated Florentine fountain in the courtyard. At a height of 185 feet, the fountain became the highest in the world.

The hotel’s interior was beautifully appointed. The lobby was flanked with massive fireplaces and a grand ballroom. Two grand stairways joined together for the ascent to the second floor. Guests marveled at the 25-foot waterfall and pool in the interior court. Indoor plumbing, electric lights, and hydraulic elevators were among the luxurious innovations of the day.

Internationally trained chefs prepared the finest cuisine of wild game and fresh produce grown on-site. Front desk staff and chambermaids were recruited from London and Boston to give a more cosmopolitan flair. A separate building in the rear housed hotel staff. The 207 guest rooms were heated by ornate fireplaces or steam heat. The Hotel Colorado gained immediate notoriety and attracted wealthy guests from all over the world.

In 1942, World War II brought change to the country. The Hotel Colorado and Hot Springs Pool were converted to a modern U.S. Naval Convalescent Hospital to meet the need for recuperation and rehabilitation facilities. To transform the exquisitely furnished, 50-year old hotel into a sanitary medical facility, the valuable furnishings and carpets were put into storage. The hospital treated patients until April of 1946.

For more than a century, Hotel Colorado has been the place of legends. It hosted Teddy Roosevelt's western White House, entertained notorious Capone-era gangsters, served as a World War II U.S. Naval hospital, and gave birth the teddy bear. Because of its cultural significance and commitment to preservation, the Hotel Colorado has been recognized by the National Park Service on the National Register of Historic Places.

For a more in-depth historical perspective of the Hotel Colorado, read “Hotel Colorado: Fountains of Enchantment” by Janet Koelling is available for purchase in Legends gift shop and online at http://www.hotelcolorado.com.

Hotel Colorado Today

Throughout its history, Hotel Colorado’s owners have maintained its historic authenticity. Ownership has changed hands several times, but each owner has preserved the original integrity of the hotel. On May 26, 1977 the National Park Service listed Hotel Colorado on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2007, the hotel received the designation Historic Hotel of America.

Today, the Hotel Colorado still proclaims its historic heritage — but with a thoroughly modern flair. The décor captures the Italian Renaissance era, with antique furnishings, rich fabrics, and ornate fixtures. The staff dresses in period attire and provides impeccable service. A wedding held in the flower-lined courtyard or the grand ballroom is truly a memorable event.

The management company, Providence Hospitality Partners, has worked tirelessly for nearly 20 years to secure the hotel’s status as one of the finest resorts in the world. Continuously making a great resort even better, they continuously refine the guest experience with innovative menus, exterior and garden enhancements, and guest accommodation upgrades.

The hotel’s 130 luxurious, Victorian-themed guest rooms cater to modern travelers’ expectations with private voice mail, electronic key systems, and wi-fi service. Upgrades to in-room amenities are planned for the near future.

The hotel’s lobby and Baron’s restaurant underwent a complete restoration in 2006, returning the lobby to its 1893 grandeur. The restaurant was relocated from the lobby to an interior space between the two grand staircases, with a floor-to-ceiling rough stone water feature making a dramatic focal point. In addition to Baron’s, guests can enjoy intimate moments in the Cedar Banks private dining room, casual dining at the Courtyard Café and Copper Bar and cocktails in the Polo Wine and Martini Bar. For take-home memories of an incomparable resort experience, the Legends gift shop offers delightful shopping and a coffee shop.

The hotel has 10,000 sq ft of fully flexible conference, banquet, and wedding space, as well as six private meeting rooms. Audiovisual equipment is available on-site. The catering and convention services staff is available to help make events of any size memorable and flawless.

Hotel Colorado is home to a number of auxiliary services to accommodate every interest. Light Circle Massage, La Provence International Spa and Fitness, Canyon Bikes, and Blue Sky Adventures cater to those with a love of luxury and a taste for adventure. Several golf courses are available in the area, as well.

The world’s largest mineral hot springs pool, known for its health benefits, is only steps away from the hotel. The mighty Colorado River flows through the towering cliffs of Glenwood Canyon, providing numerous recreational activities such as fishing, whitewater rafting, biking, and hiking.

Underground caves with spectacular formations are waiting to be explored at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. World-class skiing is within an hour at Aspen and Vail. Glenwood Springs’ own Sunlight Mountain Resort offers family-friendly snow sports only 10 miles away.

About the Hotel Colorado
Hotel Colorado is located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, just off I-70, and a short drive from some of Colorado’s favorite destinations: Aspen (45 miles), Vail (65 miles), and Grand Junction (90 miles). The hotel has been a western landmark and destination for over 100 years, and recently underwent a multi-million dollar makeover of guestrooms, public areas and hallways, ballrooms, and the West Tower Bell Suite (dedicated as the Molly Brown Suite in 2003). Providence Hospitality Partners, LLC (Denver, Colo.) has managed the Hotel Colorado for several years and was instrumental in planning and completing the recently completed showcase restoration projects.