Hotel Colorado is a historic landmark in the Rocky Mountain town of Glenwood Springs in western Colorado. The grand hotel was built during the days of the “old west”, when cowboys rode the range on horseback. Lodging has been provided for dignitaries and for people looking for the health benefits of the natural hot springs, to cure whatever ailed them.
There have been reports by both guests and employees of the hotel of strange happenings, particularly in the early morning hours of 2-4 am. The strange events have included an elevator that moves up and down without passengers, the smell of cigar smoke and the mysterious fragrance of perfume.
During the time the hotel served as a naval hospital, a chamber maid was caught in a lovers triangle and murdered. It is claimed that her screams can still be heard in the area of the hotel that she died in.
A young girl in Victorian clothing has been spotted playing with a ball in the hotel.
A female apparition peers over the head of sleeping men.
History of Hotel Colorado
The American West was an exciting place to be in 1893, when Hotel Colorado opened. The originator of the mountain hotel was Walther Devereux, who spared no expense in building grand hotel.
The picturesque hotel is situated in a scene of majestic beauty, with the Great Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. The European styled health spa drew guests who were the elite of society. The benefits of the natural hot springs brought the sick and ailing, to regain their strength and vitality.
Many United States Presidents have slept at the Hotel Colorado. Visiting Presidents have included President William Howard Taft and President Theodore Roosevelt.
According to legend, it was here that the teddy bear craze started. The maids presented Teddy Roosevelt with a stuffed bear made with scraps of fine material. His daughter named it “Teddy” The term caught on and the Teddy Bear became the most popular toy in the world.
Legendary Old West personality, Doc Holliday, came to use the hot springs to ease the symptoms of tuberculous. His visit was in 1887, before the hotel was built. Because his visit was so close to its opening, his name is linked with Hotel Colorado. Doc Holliday died in 1887 and was buried in Linwood Cemetery.
In the roaring 20s the hotel attracted notorious Chicago gangsters, who visited the mountain playground armed and in gun belts. Gangsters that visited include Diamond Jack Alterie, Al Capone and the Veraine Brothers.
During World War II, Hotel Colorado was utilized as a naval hospital. Many hotels were conscripted for military use during wartime.
Today the historic grand hotel, in Glenwood Springs, features amenities including La Provence Spa, 24 hour fitness center, ski shops, skating, and more. Fine dining is featured at Baron’s Restaurant.
Situated at the confluence of the Roaring Fork River and the mighty Colorado, Glenwood Springs is naturally wonderful year around vacation destination. Glenwood Springs natural wonders include the world’s largest hot springs swimming pool and Yampah Vapor Caves.
Glenwood Springs is a winter wonderland of sports and recreation, including downhill skiing, cross coiuntry skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile tours an dice skating.
Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, CO offers grand lodging in the majestic Rocky Mountain Range is a magnificent vacation destination, ghosts included.
