Known for its healing hot springs, Glenwood Springs is a charming mountain town with an even more alluring history. At the center of it all is the 129-year-old Hotel Colorado, which has been frequented by the rich and famous since its inception in 1893.
Back then, no expense was spared in the hotel’s construction, which included amenities and attractions like tennis courts, a Victorian garden, a bird sanctuary and a stunning indoor waterfall. The hotel has also been used as a temporary White House and a place of healing for the U.S. Navy during the World War II years. Built by Walter Devereux, the hope was to attract the wealthy to his “Grande Dame” hotel as it was fondly called at the time.
Today, the mystic still exists. The current owners, the Melville family, are committed to returning this iconic treasure to its former glory. The first phase of the hotel’s $10 million restoration is underway with plans for floor-to-ceiling remodels of all guest rooms and furniture custom-made to match the period and respect the heritage of the hotel’s original Italian villa design. “The look and feel of the renovated rooms will be fresh and clean with a classic design that’s both modern and appropriate to the period the hotel is modeled after,” explains Hotel Colorado’s President Christian Henny. The project will also include adding 14 rooms to the hotel’s inventory by splitting some larger rooms and building out three units that have been unused for approximately 30 years.
When you’re ready to get out and explore, the NEW Defiance ride is the perfect pit stop. It’s perched atop America’s only mountain-top theme park at 7,132 feet! “The views are spectacular and the new roller coaster Defiance is even more thrilling,” adds Nancy Heard, General Manager of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
Good Eats
There’s no denying that Hotel Colorado equals opulence. Whether you’re enjoying a handcrafted cocktail at the Coppertop Bar, fueling up with pancakes at Hotel Colorado Restaurant and Bar, enjoying a delicious entrée in the courtyard, or grabbing a latte from Legends Coffee & Gift Shop, you’re sure to get your fill. “Honoring the historic traditions of Hotel Colorado, our F&B team strives to provide a memorable experience in a welcoming family-friendly environment,” says Hotel Colorado’s Food & Beverage Director Aaron Haga. “We execute high-quality food, hand-crafted cocktails, exemplary service and top-tier hospitality for everyone who comes to experience and be a part of our history and legacy.”
Explore
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
This one-of-a-kind theme park offers captivating cave tours, thrilling rides, dining, children’s activities and the 110-foot-drop Defiance! The Glenwood Gondola will also enhance your adventure with a faster ride up to and from the park with no stops. Plus you’ll experience stunning views of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers among others.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Featuring 16 natural mineral hot springs, numerous soaking pools and a freshwater family pool with a jetted spa, Iron Mountain Hot Springs is a spa-like setting surrounded by mountain views on the bank of the Colorado River. New for 2023: Upriver, a 21+ section featuring 10 new riverside pools, a cold plunge pool, large experience pool, a café and new locker rooms.
