The organ survived the long journey and about 46 years on the ranch in Ryan’s gulch between Rifle and Meeker Colorado. When the ranch was sold and the family moved to Rifle, the organ came with them and was stored in a garage.

It was in 1981 that Nellie’s daughter Dollie Thurston, and her Husband George Thurston, began a labor of love to restore and refurbish the organ in memory of her beloved mother, Nellie. It took four months, January through April to complete the task. George’s passion for the project was driven by the satisfaction of making Dollie happy at the sight of her Mother’s organ. Found with the organ was a hand written note describing the restoration as January and February of 1981, then another handwritten note adding the months March and April! Evidently things took longer than they planned on, as is the case with most labors of love.

On March 1^st, 2013, this organ came to rest at The Hotel Denver courtesy of Larry Brooks, who is Dollie and George’s son. We at The Hotel Denver thank Larry Brooks and his family for this historic treasure and proudly display it for all to enjoy its beauty!

The most interesting story of the Denver Rooms is the location, and the layers of history on that corner of Riverfront (now 7^th) and Blake Streets. In 1883, the new Town of Defiance was not much more than a dugout and tent settlement. Much of the activity, including the first building, tent-hotel and post office, was along the southern bank of the river; right where you are standing if you are in one of the Denver Rooms. The street began as a crude assembly of tents and dugouts, which were replaced by various small buildings by the beginning of the 1900′s. Most of the businesses on the block were saloons and brothels that served miners in the area.

This lot at 402 Riverfront was originally owned by Glenwood Springs founder, Isaac Cooper, in 1883. It was sold to Mary Brown in 1887 for $600. Jacob Strassheim purchased the lot in 1893, and construction of a brick building began sometime between 1893 and 1898. It seems as though all was not well, as the property was sold at a tax auction to James Sheridan in 1900. Town maps show that a wooden structure was added to the rear in 1904. This was probably a good business move, as a new railroad station was completed just across the street that same year. The train station was built in what had become Riverfront’s rough neighborhood. President Taft refused to enter Glenwood from the train station due to its proximity to the saloon and red light district.

Roma Saloon was the business name in 1910, which changed to the Arcade Hotel in 1917. Mr. Sheridan seems to have been a good businessman, as he sold the property to Battista Anselmi in 1920, just as Prohibition would change the face of 7^th Street. Anselmi called his business the Rex Hotel.

In 1921, prohibition was a devastating blow to the downtown saloon and red light district. Real estate was depressed, and next door to the Rex, both Henry Bosco and Art Kendrick were able to add to their holdings and expand their hotels, to the point that they now adjoined to form The Hotel Denver. The Rex Hotel was not joined to The Hotel Denver until the 2001 expansion.

After 1920, the property was sold to the Zanella Family in 1944, to Toni Peabody in 1979, and to Steve and April Carver in 1991. Bob Zanella is a local businessman who tells fond stories of growing up in the Rex Hotel, playing on the lawns of the train station, and fishing in the Colorado.

The Rex Hotel was constructed to provide temporary housing and leisure activities for working-class men. During its lifetime, the hotel continued to gain a reputation as a seedy flophouse, the locale of a variety of shameful activities. The building, originally constructed of low-quality brick, also continued its decline. The Carvers closed the hotel operation, and plans were underway to make it part of The Hotel Denver.

Demolition brought some interesting discoveries. Between the old Rex and the Hotel Denver were two separate packets of damp and moldy, but readable, love letters. From December 1939 through April 1942, seven letters were addressed to Eugene Eversole. The sender was Jewell, who lived in Turtletown, Tennessee. From May through September 1928, four letters were from Pauline, a telephone operator from Calipatria California. Letters were addressed to Jack Obrien. From one of Pauline’s letters, (with her spelling): “Jack, What I wanted to ask you was this – Do you realy love me now and did you realy love me before or did you just like because you were lonesome and blue?”

Also among the debris were 20 multi-colored bottles, presumed to be buried as part of a trash dump before the timber portion of the building was constructed in 1904. The bottles are on display in the lobby of The Hotel Denver.

The rear one-third of the building was constructed of 2-inch lumber, placed on earth. In the front 2/3, bricks were three layers in some places. Because they had been protected from the elements, they were saved and used in the interiors of the new rooms.

Fast forward to 2013. Now 11 ½ years old, the Denver Rooms continue to provide its guests sanctuary, mountain views, antique furnishings and cozy quilts. We hope to welcome you into this story soon!

Celebrating its 36th year in Denver, the International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE) occupied nearly 300,000 square feet of the Colorado Convention Center from January 17^th-20^th. With more than 500 exhibiting companies, the ISE presented the Rocky Mountain region’s largest display of fishing, hunting, camping and off-roading gear and services. Lodges and resorts were also on hand from throughout the state, region, West as well as Alaska, Canada, Mexico, South America and even South Africa.

I was excited to be one of the representatives taken from Glenwood Springs, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, as our area is a true hotspot for all sportsmen alike! Having been voted one of the “Top Fishing Towns in America”, I was eager to spread the word about the Gold Medal waters fishermen will experience while visiting the Roaring Fork Valley. Although many unique and exotic destinations were on display at this expo, the draw of catching the “big fish” in their own backyard took hold as we greeted each visitor to our booth and discussed the ample opportunities to enjoy all that our fun town and sporting region has to offer.

Both Individuals and families were lined up to talk about all the activities found here; the rafting, fishing, cave exploration, and relaxation we exhibited as representatives of this Western Colorado jewel. I was happy to lend my expertise on the diverse options Glenwood has to offer and the benefits of staying downtown at The Hotel Denver or completing your experience at Glenwood’s Adventure Caverns by staying in the family friendly Hotel Glenwood Springs. By helping create the vision of the perfect getaway for the skilled sportsmen to the family of vacation travelers, the Glenwood Springs Chamber of Commerce and local vendors showcased why we are “The Most Fun town in America” (Rand McNally & USA Today).

Although navigating the National Fly Casting Championships, All Terrain Vehicle Displays, and every invention the sportsmen may need in his adventures could have taken all day, it truly was a great way to spend a beautiful sunny day in Denver planning coming adventures.

So, mark your calendar for next January and come see the best that Colorado has to offer for the outdoorsman, we’ll see you again, there!

Back in 1914 when the Hotel Denver was conceived, small rooms were the norm. The typical traveler at that time was a business man or a couple on holiday. Silver kings built the hotel across the river, but here on the south side was a real town with real, working class people and business travelers. As the hotel joined up with properties on both sides, remodels were done to include modern (as defined in the 40’s) bathrooms in each room, and eight larger rooms were added to accommodate the boom of post-war traveling families.

Fast forward to 1991. My husband, Steve, and I purchased the hotel with a lot of help from family and associates. We had zero hotel experience, which is a story for a different time. We did realize, however, that we needed fewer small rooms and more larger, double queen rooms to meet demands of the present-day traveler. This was an era when chain properties were springing up everywhere with suites, refrigerators, and family-size rooms.

The goal to transform our smaller rooms to larger rooms began in earnest in the last five years. During remodels in the seventies and eighties, much was covered up with drop ceilings, carpet, fluorescent lights and drywall. We were committed to embracing our early-1900 past and to restoring as many original elements as possible.

Among an extensive list of projects, Mike has completed eight double-queen room renovations thus far. Mike is our highly-skilled, professional in-house carpenter, who has been with us for many years. Each remodel has been very different, resulting in unique experiences for our visitors and unique headaches for Mike. Here is quick run-down of the eight:

190 – The only room off of the lobby in what was formally an office. Its attributes are a fireplace, a kitchenette, and a jetted tub. In this room or nearby, there was a 1920’s shooting involving gangster, Diamond Jack, which is also another story for later!

305 –This boasts huge arched windows along the Colorado River, which were partially covered with a drop-ceiling until the remodel. Because our hotel was once seven separate buildings, early brick exteriors have been uncovered which are now interiors. Very high up on an uncovered brick wall in this room is a promotional sign painted “Glenwood’s Modern Hotel”, probably from the 1930’s. Unfortunately, try as we might, the only way to see the sign now is with a very tall ladder in the hallway.

301 – This is my favorite room in the hotel, with original and imperfect wood floors, original brick walls, expansive windows and a view to the west.

309 and 210 – These were both pairs of rooms that were combined. They have views to the hotel atrium, and are the quietest rooms in the hotel. 309 has two bathrooms. 210 provides a French door (which was found buried in a wall) that separates the two beds.

203 – Also an original pair of small hotel rooms combined, this room has expansive windows viewing the west, a privacy door between the beds, and a full bathroom in addition to a powder room.

321 – Two bathrooms and stained glass windows are features of this room. There is a door separating the beds and a comfortable seating area.

216 – Opposite the train station and Colorado River on 7^th Street, this room also has two bathrooms and the original wood floor.

In addition to these double queen rooms are the original eight. Wood floors have been uncovered here as well, and we are in the process of removing any of the remaining drop ceilings. These eight rooms have views of the atrium and provide adjoining capabilities. We feel strongly about our heritage and enjoy the results from the painstaking work it takes to adjoin history with modern convenience!

What is next? Our immediate plan is to remove any remaining false ceilings in all rooms. 204 is a corner room along the Colorado River currently getting a facelift. After that, probably 206, then 205, then 200…… I should probably tell Mike we’re not done yet.

From Room 442 of The Hotel Denver, a fourth floor private deck boasts great views of Glenwood Springs’ top three attractions.

With its secret trails, steep rock walls and even a hanging lake, view Glenwood Canyon as it winds east from this room. Glenwood Canyon is 16 miles of steep rock, carved out over millions of years by The Colorado River. Three rest areas provide parking and trail access to the popular local trails of No Name, Grizzly Creek, and the infamous Hanging Lake Trail. Hanging Lake was formed by a glacier, and seems to suspend on a high ledge in the narrow canyon. Hanging Lake is one of the top hiking destinations in Colorado. Spouting Rock feeds the lake, and is a great place to get misted in the summer, or for a sculptural ice photo in the winter. There are also great biking trails through the canyon and for a real adrenaline rush, try a river rafting adventure in the white water!

Looking down from the fourth floor deck, you will see the magnificent Colorado River, and opposite the river is the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. The pool is heated by therapeutic mineral waters that bubble from the ground at 120 degrees. The world’s largest natural hot springs pool is open year round, and is especially enchanting on cold winter nights. For convenience and savings, we offer a package that includes pool passes!

Straight across from your deck is North America’s highest roller coaster, at 7100 feet elevation! It is the latest attraction from Glenwood Canyon Adventure Park, where this and many other thrill rides will exhilarate you.  The park is located on Iron Mountain which is laced with spectacular caverns which are open for tours, year-around.

Room 442, the Penthouse, is a great place to plan your days’ adventures in Glenwood Springs and our surrounding Western Slope region. It features your own private outdoor deck with hot tub, separate bedroom, first-run movies, cozy quilts , antiques, and especially the views, which set this room apart as one of Glenwood’ s finest view rooms.

This year saw unprecedented competition and an attendance record of over 49,000! A staggering 4300 beers were entered into competition from 676 breweries from 48 states, Guam and Washington, D.C. 134 beer styles in 84 categories were judged by 188 judges from 11 countries.

This is the fourth year in a row that we have won a gold medal at The Great American Brew Festival, each time with a different beer. Two of the national winning beers are on tap year around; Vapor Cave India Pale Ale, and Irish Red. You can judge for yourself with a pint of each when you visit!

Our brewpub, right here at the hotel, has been brewing now for 16 years. As hundreds of new breweries have opened across the nation in recent years, Brewmaster, Ken Jones says, “it’s exciting to see our team of veteran brewers; Chip Holland and Tom Schickling continue to win awards.” He continues, “It gets bigger and bigger every year. It’s uncharted territory. We’re really fortunate to be called up to the podium. Elated.”

In addition to award winning brews, you will find great food served for lunch and dinner every day. So, be sure to make time for it when you come.

We package up pool passes with our rooms for your convenience and savings. Choose from two Hot Springs Pool Packages; Room with a Brew includes two adult passes to the pool and $20 gift card to spend at our award winning Brew Pub. Or, leave out the Brew Pub with out Hot Springs Pool Package which only includes the pool passes with your choice of accommodations.

Our hotel is directly across the street from the pedestrian bridge that crosses over the Colorado River and I-70. The bridge leads you right to the pool. We’ll even give you a towel if you need one! In the Summer expect a “lively” experience with kids and families enjoying this massive pool full of hot water. But the other 9 months of the year is much quieter. You may even find times where you nearly have the pool to yourself. Our favorite time to soak and swim is in the evening, preferably on a night when the snow is falling softly. But it doesn’t really matter when you come. It’s always fun. There’s even a major water slide in the summer months and there are actually two pools; one less hot and the other more hot – a true therapy pool. Adjacent to the pool are the original vapor caves which are quite an experience themselves. On the pool property itself, is a very nice spa facility where you can find a variety of pampering treatments.

The biggest decision you will have to make when choosing one of our hot springs pool packages is what type of room are you going to reserve. If you are planning a special romantic getaway, may we suggest one of our spectacular suites? Don’t worry though, all of our rooms and suites are special and one-of-a-kind.

Getting here is half the fun! But when you arrive, you will be happy to note we are just across the street from the train station! Many people worry that not having a car will hinder their fun. On the contrary! It will be a freeing experience. The giant hot springs pool is a very short stroll over a bridge that crosses the Colorado River. That’s good because parking is very limited there! Our own Brew Pub is in the hotel, serving up good food and award winning beers.

Glenwood Springs is like a lot of old western towns. There is a main street and ours is thriving with a wonderful variety of non-chain boutiques and original eateries. The best part is it is only a block away from the hotel! In fact, whatever you are looking for, chances are, you will find it on our Grand Ave. Want to go for a bike ride in the canyon? Our front desk can help you arrange bike rentals, a day of rafting or just about any kind of activity you can dream up.

What you can’t get to by walking, you can get to using our public transportation; Ride Glenwood provides convenient in-town service and RFTA connects our town with the communities of Aspen, Basalt and Carbondale. If you feel you must have a car once you are here, you can choose from several rental car companies. The point is, you don’t have to drive to Glenwood Springs to enjoy a vacation here. Taking the train will not limit what you can do when you arrive. We would love to hear your story about riding the train!

One very unique aspect of this Visitor Center is that it shares this storefront space with Colorado Mountain College administration offices. It seems to be a perfect relationship as many prospective students find out about the college when they come to the area on a vacation. It also helps the two entities share the costs associated with having a public information place of this quality, extending each entities budgets further.

When a visitor enters the office they are greeted by the friendly, knowledgable staff. Questions about the area in general and the school specifically can be answered. The facility is thoroughly modern in its’ delivery of information though. Visitors will find two large overhead screens offering overview information about the area and the college. There are also several computers and iPads available for use in finding detailed information. There is even one dedicated screen with a built-in Google Maps screen that lets the visitor access and even share maps on their mobile devices. Visitors will also find several informational and historical displays to help them understand where they are and what to do. The college is also offering an ArtShare Gallery, exhibiting student works.

The new Visitor Center is just a few blocks from The Hotel Denver. So, guests can easily access all the excellent information to be found there within a short walk. When construction is completed on our new library, one will be able to walk from here directly into it! Not only is our town the most fun town in America. It is also a great place to get an education!

• Rafting and Kayaking – Here at the confluence of the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River you will find some of the best stretches of rivers in the USA! We have a kayak park to play in and if the whitewater has mellowed, go for a fishing float trip.
• Mountain Biking – Here, there and everywhere, you will find excellent mountain biking. Get out on your own or use the lift served “disneyesque” variety found in Aspen and Vail which are both nearby. In the Winter, leave the bike behind and bring your skis or board. There are 7 ski areas in less than an hour’s drive from our hotel!
• Take a Hike or Go Hunting – Whether you like to hike in or pack in, the hiking and hunting possibilities around here are endless. In the Summer, popular hikes include Hanging Lake in the canyon and Maroon Bells up near Aspen. In the Fall, there is hunting. Get your tags and come on up!
• Go Hog Wild – Do you and the gang like to ride motorcycles? You won’t find a better destination than here. Mountain passes and smooth winding roads await your discovery.
• Golf Getaways – You could play a different course every day of the week and still have more courses to discover here. From Vail to Aspen there has to be at least a dozen you can play. We are in the middle of it all.