Historic Strater Hotel

The Historic Strater Hotel is the building most people picture when they think of downtown Durango. It opened in 1887, only a few years after the railroad founded the town, and its red-brick facade and tall windows have defined Main Avenue ever since. Inside, the hotel is a showcase of Victorian style, with period wallpaper, antique furniture, ornate woodwork and a lobby that feels like a museum of the Old West. It is a place for travelers who want to sleep in a piece of history rather than a generic chain room. Rooms are individually decorated, so no two feel the same, and many carry a sense of character that new buildings cannot match. The hotel also houses the Diamond Belle Saloon, a popular spot with ragtime piano and servers in period dress, and it has long been associated with the writer Zane Grey, who is said to have stayed here while writing about the West. Expect creaky floors, antique charm and a slightly quirky layout, which are part of the appeal rather than flaws.

The location is hard to beat. The narrow gauge train depot is a short walk away, as are the restaurants, breweries, galleries and shops of Main Avenue, so you can leave the car parked for most of your stay. That makes it ideal for rail passengers catching an early train, for couples on a weekend getaway and for anyone who likes to wander out for dinner and return on foot.

Light sleepers should ask for a room away from the street, since downtown can be lively at night, and train whistles are part of the atmosphere.

As with any historic property, rooms vary in size, view and layout, so ask about the details when you book. Some travelers want a spacious room with a view of Main Avenue, others prefer a quiet upper floor, and families may need to check bed configurations. Parking and amenities differ by property and season, so confirm before you arrive. In summer and during fall foliage the hotel fills quickly, so book early, and in winter you may find better rates and a quieter town.

The hotel suits couples, history lovers, first-time visitors and anyone whose trip centers on the train and downtown. It is less suited to travelers who want a modern resort with large pools and extensive recreation facilities, for which a chain hotel on the edge of town may be a better fit. If you want the full Strater experience, plan time to sit in the lobby, drink a cocktail at the saloon and look at the historic details that make this building a cornerstone of Durango.