Colorado has a long history of offering hospitality to travelers. And while modern lodges are always being built, original, nineteenth century inns are relatively rare.
Yet across the state, elegant grande dames remain, festooned with Victorian architecture and whispering of the fantastic events they've seen and the people they've hosted.
Historic hotels carry a special interest for kids on vacation in Colorado. The lodges give children a sense for the styles of bygone eras and you can sneak a bit of education about the state's (and nation's) history.
Here is a taste of some of Colorado's best historic inns for traveling families on vacation in Colorado:
The Brown Palace, Denver
In the heart of downtown Denver, this Colorado classic opened in 1892. Earning Forbes Four Stars and AAA's Four Diamonds for more than 30 consecutive years, the hotel is especially pretty during the Christmas season. Your kids (and your dog) can join presidents and rock stars to enjoy the tradition of elegance and service at the Brown.
Hotel Boulderado, Boulder
On New Year's Day, 1909, the Hotel Boulderado opened her doors to a new era of refinement in hospitality for dusty little Boulder. Named for the words, "Boulder" and "Colorado", the hotel was meant to remain unforgettable to its guests. Each room is individually decorated, and many have outstanding views of the town and mountains.
Hotel Delaware, Leadville
While gold camps were booming all over the Colorado mountains, Leadville outshone them all with its riches in silver. Folks like the Guggenheims and Charles Dow of the Dow Jones Industrial Average came to Leadville to make their money.
And the crown jewel of Leadville's Harrison Avenue was the Delaware Hotel, finished in 1886. Today a variety of room configurations, filled with antiques and period style furnishings, welcomes visitors with Victorian charm.
Strater Hotel, Durango
This venerable inn was founded on a fib. The man who envisioned a grand hotel for the young town of Durango was also quite young, himself. In fact, he was underage. Undaunted, Henry Strater lied about his years, borrowed the money he needed, and built the hotel that became the gathering place for society in the region.
The Strater Hotel still offers hospitality in elegant, nineteenth-century style.