Bed and breakfast inns can add a whole new dimension to your visit to Colorado.
Bed and Breakfasts, or B and B's as they are called, are also referred to as inns. They come in all shapes and sizes, and can be found literally everywhere these days. The craze that began in the 1980's has grown up to include a wide variety all across the country. And the diversity and availability is no different here in Colorado.
Before we begin our tour of the variety and uniqueness of B and B's of Colorado, just a few tidbits of history and basics you can expect to find in a B and B. First off, B and B's are not a new idea. In the beginning, and for Colorado that would be in the 1800's, they were called boarding houses, or, simply, you needed a place to stay and some kind soul took you home with them.
What began as boarding houses in the early history of Colorado has exploded into many independent owners opening and proudly displaying their restored, renovated and refurbished homes for you to spend the night in.
And all B and B's do not have to be restored historic homes, some can be brand new construction built just for the purpose of being a B and B.
What sets a B and B apart from, say, a traditional motel like the Super 8? Well, a Super 8 offers you a room with bed(s), bathroom facilities, and other amenities, as they see fit, in the room, sometimes to include a coffee maker, hair dryer, TV with HBO, and, in the lobby, continental breakfast.
A B and B is a whole different story. The rooms will probably all be different in layout, bed type, decoration and come with a private or shared bath. Breakfast will usually be a thing of gourmet artistry and offer anything from toast and coffee to full-cooked-to-order delicious choices.
Granted, usually a B and B is more expensive than the Super 8. However, you are generally getting a better experience of the area in a B and B. As a traveler in a strange land you will find a B and B offers the cozy, home feeling with the innkeeper either fussing over you or leaving you alone to relax and enjoy the quiet, whichever is your choice.
B and B's are independently owned and operated by people that pride themselves in hospitality. This is why I believe that B and B's are worth the adventure and extra money to sample the differences and unique offerings not found in traditional motels.
So, in Colorado, you can find B and B's everywhere from the metropolitan areas to the ski resorts to the prairies and plains to out-of-the-way places. Let's begin with B and B's in the metro setting. First up is the capitol city of Denver.
Denver is well-known for its oldest homes being registered on the National Historic Preservation Registry and for most of them they were around during the blueblood days of Molly Brown. Two favorites in that area include the Castle Marne, which is considered a historic urban inn; and the Capitol Hill Mansion. Both of these can be found in downtown Denver close to many attractions including the Capitol building.
The Castle Marne is described as a "6,000-square foot fantasy designed by William Lang" and is now on the National Register. There are 9 rooms to choose from, all with private bath. Three rooms come with their own hot tubs, two with whirlpool baths. And there are two suites and a conference room. It is in downtown Denver near the State Capitol and the Molly Brown House Museum.
The Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast has only been open for business since 1994, however the mansion itself was built in 1891. There are eight antique-furnished guest rooms, all with private bath, some even have a fireplace. Each room is decorated in a different theme adding to the uniqueness of this inn. Each morning guests will enjoy a full breakfast and the inn is walking distance to the Governor's Mansion in downtown Denver.
South of Denver, in the shadow of Pike's Peak, is Colorado Springs, and the adjacent town of Manitou Springs, all named for the natural mineral springs in the area. Manitou Springs hosts the newly renovated Cliff House Inn. Originally this was built as a stagecoach stop. It is a rambling Queen Anne Victorian that fell to rack and ruin in the 1980's and, after ridding it of pesky rodents and raccoons that called it home, the inn was restored to retain its historic integrity. There are now a total of 55 guest rooms ranging from simply rooms to suites. Some of the amenities include two-person spa tubs, gas fireplaces, and heated toilet seats. There is a restaurant on the premises, continental or buffet breakfast is available as well as afternoon tea.
In downtown Colorado Springs you will find the Hearthstone Inn. This inn as 25 unique guest rooms all decorated with antique Victorian furnishings from the 1800s. All but two rooms have private baths. One of the inn's claims to fame is twice a year or so they hold a "meet the ghost" weekend complete with paranormal ghost hunter specialists. And once a month, beginning in March, they host murder mystery dinners. You can come just for the dinner and mystery, if you like, or you can stay over to finish out the night, if you dare.
Motoring further south down the Front Range will find you in Pueblo. The Abriendo Inn is located near the historic Union Avenue district and Riverwalk. Nine guest rooms are available in this three story home, each with their own theme revolving around the area's history. A full breakfast is served daily and there is 24-hour munchies available for the fridge raiders.
Moving west into the ski areas you can find a fun B and B in Aspen. The Little Red Ski Haus is world-renowned and is known to be the area's first B and B. There are a total of 13 guest rooms all with private bath. Victorian-style antiques furnish the house throughout, a fireplace dominates the parlor and a piano graces the music room. Full gourmet breakfast is served in the Prospector's Cellar and in the afternoon guests can gather there for a drink. There is also a hot tub on the deck. It is located close to town and the gondola is within walking distance.
Heading south to Durango will find you a room at the Rochester Hotel. This Federal-style inn is decorated in the Old West theme and has hosted many stars and directors of the various western films shot in and around the town. It is located one block from Main Street and is close to all the major attractions of the area including the ticket office for the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. There are 15 guest rooms with private bath, and a full gourmet breakfast in the morning and afternoon tea is served.
The Tomorrow Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast is located just north of Grand Junction. This is a fine example of a new building made to look old and built strictly for guests. It was built in 2000 and looks like an 1800s farmhouse. It sits on eight acres just a few minutes drive from I-70. There are three guest rooms each with a private bath. The parlor is spacious as well as cozy for gathering around the fireplace to chat or just read your favorite novel. A full country breakfast is served and the refrigerator is always stocked with tasty treats for snacking.
Now, on to the eastern plains and the little known town of Cheyenne Wells. The Plains Hotel was built in 1919 as a railroad hotel. It consisted then of twenty-six sleeping rooms. In 2001 it was renovated and now has seven rooms on the upper level with private baths. The main floor has a full-service bar with big screen TV, plus, an intimate dining room that hosts candlelight breakfasts and dinners for the guests. A unique twist and draw for this establishment is Eastern Colorado's smallest wedding chapel situated seven feet from the hotel. The chapel will hold you, your intended, the preacher and nine guests. They meant small when they said it. Special wedding packages are available. You can rent the entire hotel and the innkeeper will help you arrange the reception right there.
If you think Cheyenne Wells is out of the way, let's go exploring for some other hidden B and B treasures. First is the Mad Creek Bed and Breakfast in Empire. This Victorian cottage was built in 1881 by the settlers that came to mine silver in the Rocky Mountains. There are three guest rooms with private bath, filled with down comforters and pillows, antiques, quilts, all with pine wood floors. There is an outside hot tub situated in the lovely landscaped grounds. The area is full of a variety of birds to watch and nearby to many attractions, including skiing, casinos of Blackhawk and Central City, hot spring pools in Idaho Springs, mountains to climb and rivers to fish. A full breakfast is served each day.
West of Aspen is Redstone which sits behind the Maroon Bells mountains. There is no direct route through the mountain to get there so taking the West Elk Scenic Byway is the best bet. Redstone originated as a company town for a mining investor. All the original buildings were to house the workers. Here you will find the Crystal Dreams Bed and Breakfast. This establishment was built in 1994 to look like a Victorian country house. Three guest rooms with private bath are available for your out-of-the-way getaway. Hiking, fly-fishing, shopping, exploring or just relaxing are all available here. The inn even has spa services to complete your quest for relaxation.
Last on the list is the little town of Ouray, tucked into the San Juan mountains, over the hill from the spectacular ski town of Telluride. The St. Elmo Hotel has been greeting bed and breakfast guests since 1898. It has been fully restored and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. There are nine guest rooms to choose from, all with private bath. The innkeepers offer a wine and cheese social each afternoon and a full buffet breakfast in the morning. Located downtown, you are walking distance to all of the town's attractions, including several developed sulfur-free hot springs. Dinner can be as close as the Bon Ton Restaurant located on the premises that serves fine Italian cuisine.
Once you've experienced B and B accommodations you may never go back to traditional motels again.
