The Hotel Denver recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary in style. The Open House party included guest rooms, all banquet rooms and secret passages. Guests were also allowed to tour the Laundry Room, which was transformed that night into an authentic 1920’s speak-easy. Here are some of the guest comments we received!

“What a beautiful celebration. I love your hotel…and the historic rooms are truly extraordinary. What a lovely party and celebration of our community icon!”

“What a beautiful event! You really did it up in style! I was so impressed with the red carpet and staff that you had playing their parts, bars on every hall way, slide shows, old photos, musicians. WOW!”

“What a great party to celebrate the 100th year of the Hotel. Starting with the old cars out front and the darling kewpie lipped young girl at the front door it was just a treat the whole evening”.

“The 100th Special Edition Beer was delicious. Hope that stays around!”

“The rooms were incredible! We had no idea what the rooms were like that.”

“The music was awesome. Loved the Jazz Trio, the Sax player downstairs and the DJ was playing music from what seemed like the 20’s and 30’s and we had a great time cutting the rug.”

“The card game was a fun idea and led us all over the place to see different parts of the hotel.”

“Such generous prizes to benefit charities!”

“Everyone got into the costume thing which is something for Glenwood!”

“Without a doubt the best, most fun party we’ve been to in old Glenwood Springs. You guys really put into creating the evening and we just want you to know how much we appreciate the good time!”

Fun was had by all. The next 100 years will be even better! Thanks to everyone who participated!

As part of our celebration of 100 years, we present to you, our guests favorite hotel rooms in Glenwood Springs at The Hotel Denver and some historical tidbits not widely known about them!

Room 304 – Showcases panoramic views of Glenwood Canyon, the pool, the Colorado River and even the Adventure Park. This room embraces all of the reasons you came to Glenwood Springs. High arched windows and original wood floors have delighted guests since 1922, when this section of the hotel was added.

A close second in the list of favorites is Room 204, which is directly below 304 and has the same fantastic views, original brick walls and hardwood floors as well.

Room 442 – The Penthouse, features a private patio on the fourth floor overlooking the train station and the Colorado River. This is arguably the best room in Glenwood Springs.

Room 330 – Our newly renovated Colorado Room features two full bathrooms, vaulted ceilings, and even a chandelier to top it all off.

Room 301 – Has been renovated recently as well. It is a beautiful L-Shape room with two queen beds, a lovely seating area with two queen Anne chairs and floor to ceiling windows featuring a view over the city to the western mountains.

Room 312 – Is small with a big impact. If walls could talk, this room could tell of being in the original 1905 section of the building as part of a second-rate rooming house above a grocery store. Overlooking the train station, your view will also include the Hot Springs Pool and the magnificent Colorado River. The original brick walls, high windows and antiques will take you back in time, but with High-speed wireless.

Other Fun Facts to enhance your stay…

When Kiefer Sutherland was filming Flashback in 1990, he signed the back of an art print hanging in Room 215. It was found several years later.

French doors open to a bedroom in Room 210. The doors were uncovered inside the drywall at the end of the halls near 328 and 228 and re-used. Bricks salvaged from the old Rex Hotel were used in 216 to patch the old wooden floor, and for wall sections in the loft meeting room.

Unfortunately we could not come up with a way to display it but a brick wall in 305 has an old marketing sign painted on the bricks, proclaiming “Glenwood’s Modern Hotel”. It must have been painted before 1922, as an addition would have covered it at that time.

Rooms 224 and 222 have windows to the atrium where a collection of prohibition-era stills are displayed. Prohibition was influential in the development of The Hotel Denver, as it allowed several bars to be acquired toward expansion of the hotel. Rumor has it that in Garfield County, just as much liquor was served during Prohibition. It just happened to be illegal.

Yet to come; we have acquired the original encaustic from the Hot Springs Bathhouse, circa 1888. It will, in some fashion, be used in hotel rooms. We have also acquired the exterior cornice work from Durango’s 1904 City School. We’ll find a new home for it in the hotel – somewhere!

Now that you know a little more about some of our favorite rooms and some of the fun historic facts that are featured in our rooms we can’t wait to hear from you. Be sure to call our reservation agents early for the dates you are wanting so that we can guarantee you the specific room request in one of our fantastic lodging options!

Learn more about the rooms in this short  Tips and Tricks video!

With over 100 years of history, we have collected some unique treasures that are on display in the Hotel Denver lobby here in Glenwood Springs. These are our favorites:

Train Picture

Shortly after the turn of the century, fifty mother-of-pearl pictures were given to hotels as a railroad promotion.

The hand-crafted pictures were made by Western Sand Blast Company in Chicago. Other known locations for the pictures are the Broadmoor Hotel and the Smithsonian Institute.

Piano

This rosewood Weber piano was built in 1885 in New York. Before the turn of the century, it was transported by riverboat up the Missouri River, down the Yellowstone to Montana, and then to Sheridan, Wyoming via mule train.

In 1987, the piano was restored and is on loan to the hotel.

Bottles

The bottles on display in the lobby were uncovered when the most recent addition was made. Apparently, they were in the trash dump site used at the turn of the century. Included is a bottle from Glenwood’s own Parkinson Drug, and many with unusual rounded bottoms.

Clock

This clock has been in the hotel since the early 1930s, when the hotel was owned by Art Kendrick. Art acquired the clock from a downtown jeweler, J.W. Rawles. Mr. Rawles’ father brought the clock in a wagon over Independence Pass to Aspen. The age of the clock is unknown.

Organ

We are given generous gifts from time to time. On March 1st, 2013, a beautiful organ came to rest at The Hotel Denver courtesy of Larry Brooks. The organ was originally purchased from Sears Roebuck for a reported $29.95, and it was a wedding gift to Nellie Reagle in 1908 from her parents. The organ survived a long journey from Nebraska and lived about 46 years on a ranch in Ryan’s gulch between Rifle and Meeker Colorado. 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 Hotel Denver is directly across the street from the Glenwood Springs, Colorado Amtrak station. So, it’s easy to get on the train in Denver or wherever you might be along the Amtrak California Zephyr route to take Amrak to Glenwood Springs and hop off here!

5. Try a New Experience

If you live on the Front Range and don’t like the idea of I-70 traffic, pack your bags, buy a ticket and check out the newly renovated Union Station to kick off your adventure to the mountains.

4. Enjoy the Company

Start your vacation early by avoiding traffic and spending time with the ones you love: playing cards, catching up, watching the world go by, reading books or watching movies on the way.

3. Front Row Seat to Colorado’s Beauty

From the Arapahoe National Forest to Winter Park, the El Dora Mountain Range and the stunning walls of the Glenwood Canyon, Amtrak offers a front row seat to the upper Colorado River and the state’s diverse natural beauty.

2. Convenient Arrival in the Heart of Downtown Glenwood Springs

Step off the train and into the historic Glenwood Springs Train Depot and Railroad Museum and walk to nearly all of Glenwood’s activities and attractions. You can even grab a beer across the street at the award-winning Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company.

1. Adventure in the Mountains

Soak in the famed mineral hot springs pool, explore Glenwood’s unique shops and restaurants, check out the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park or experience many outdoors adventures like hiking, biking, zip lining, snowmobiling, paragliding, rock climbing and more during your Glenwood Getaway!

Start planning your Amtrak getaway to Glenwood Springs today and contact us with any questions to help you put it all together.

We love being downtown. Downtown Glenwood Springs is a vibrant gateway to all of the things to do in downtown Glenwood Springs just steps from our hotel!

Here are some of our favorite things to do in downtown Glenwood Springs.

  • The Colorado River – The fifth longest river in the country runs right through our town. The Colorado River begins 93 miles north of us and delivers life-sustaining water to 6 additional states and two states in Mexico. The magnificent Glenwood Canyon is etched from the river’s flow. From Glenwood Canyon, the river spills into downtown Glenwood Springs. Raft, fish, bike or simply view the amazing Colorado River.
  • Museum – Tucked in a quiet neighborhood downtown is The Frontier Historical Museum, featuring artifacts and photographs capturing the history of Garfield County. This museum is a true gem. In October, go on a ghost walk tour of the old cemetery, but be prepared to run into the ghost of its own Doc Holliday.
  • Train station and museum – Until automobiles arrived, trains were the lifeblood of our community. Our beautiful train station was completed in 1904, and is a highlight of downtown’s skyline. The train station continues to bring passengers daily from Denver, Grand Junction, and places beyond. Enjoy the artifacts and rich history preserved at this special place.
  • A real Community – Glenwood has a downtown where you can still walk to the grade school, the bank, the newspaper office and courthouse. Investigate the blocks off of Grand Avenue, and you will find these delightful home-town icons.
  • Vaudeville – This is great entertainment for all ages. Local talent will make you laugh out loud.
  • Retail – Stroll through the shops along Grand and Cooper Avenues between 8th and 11th Streets. This is Glenwood’s core shopping district and where you’ll find a wide variety of independently owned boutiques, many occupying some of the town’s most historic structures. Shopping in downtown Glenwood Springs you’ll find books stores, clothing boutiques, outdoor and gear suppliers, an old-time pharmacy, a shoe store and the largest quilting shop in western Colorado. Check out Mona Lisa women’s clothing store which was voted the locals favorite, for good reason It’s fun, funky and fabulous. The store is overflowing with clothing and accessories you won’t find anywhere else.
  • Restaurant Row – Seventh Street is hotbed of restaurant activity. Choose from eight popular restaurants right outside our front door, featuring a wide variety of food and outdoor dining choices. Our favorites are Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, where you can enjoy award-winning brews along with great food, and Riverfront Coffee House, which is the best way to start you day in Glenwood Springs.

Watch this video to learn  “Downtown Tips and Tricks

What is your favorite thing about downtown Glenwood Springs?

We have a great deal of information about how multiple generations of the Bosco family established and operated the Star Hotel, the predecessor to The Hotel Denver. In honor of our 100th Anniversary, we have been researching the other key pioneer that created The Hotel Denver as well as a lot of Glenwood Springs history; Art Kendrick. In 1938, competitors and friends Mike Bosco and Art Kendrick merged the neighboring Star and the Denver hotels when the Bosco’s bought out the Kendrick’s. The story, however, started long before that.

Art Kendrick was a young boy in Illinois when General George Custer came through his hometown on his way west. Because of that encounter, Art wanted to go west in the worst way. In 1879 at age eight, Art was rewarded when his father, Thomas, moved to Leadville, Colorado. Thomas worked in Leadville’s Clarendon Hotel until 1885, when he moved his family to Glenwood Springs. A 40 by 60 foot tent along the river was built, and the Kendrick rooming house was thereby established. The town of Glenwood Springs was also established that year and the first city council meeting was held at the Kendrick house. The rooming house enterprise expanded, and by the turn of the century the Kendrick Cottages, were elite tourist homes in a lovely wooded area near where the courthouse currently stands.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Art Kendrick began his hotel career as a bellhop for the Hotel Glenwood in the late 1880’s. The job involved answering calls from the ailing Doc Holliday, and Doc tipped him “pretty good”. At Hotel Glenwood, he also met his future wife, Mary who was working as a maid.

Art and Mary spent years saving up enough money to lease the second and third floors of McCissack Grocery Store, directly opposite the “new” train station on Riverfront Street. The property was close to the middle of a block that was in a flurry of development following the completion of the Denver and Rio Grande Passenger Depot in 1904. In addition to the grocery store, the block was occupied by numerous small structures housing saloons, restaurants and rooming houses catering to miners and travelers.

The Kendrick’s were successful enough to purchase the building they had been leasing. In 1906 they purchased their first addition to the property, the Ryan’s Restaurant lots, where the restaurant had recently burned to the ground. A 1906 Avalanche Echo front page article wrote of the imminent erection of a modern, up-to-date brick addition which would be “a top-notcher in every respect”. It appears as though that addition was not complete until 1913.

Prohibition began January 1, 1916, rendering the closing of several of the bars on the block. Art acquired the remaining lots to the west and doubled the size of the hotel. A 1922 ambitious remodel included the mosaic tile, the building’s first elevator, and lighting on the outside to rival the Denver Gas and Electric Building. The lobby was moved to the west end and a ladies parlor was added. Seventy five guest rooms were now in use. The current Hotel Denver, which is double the size of the 1922 property, has 68 rooms. Those seventy five rooms must have been small! They were, however considered some of the best modern rooms on the Western Slope.

On the east part of the block, Henry Bosco built the Star Hotel building in 1915. Bosco and Kendrick weathered the Great Depression together as neighbors and best of friends. By 1938, Mary Kendrick had probably had enough, and talked Mike Bosco into purchasing The Denver Hotel side of the block. The Hotel Denver again almost doubled in size, and Art and Mary Kendrick were able to retire, confident that their life-long work was in good hands.

If the walls of The Hotel Denver could talk, they would tell stories of immigrant struggles, Prohibition, two world wars, a shooting or two, and of the good times as well. The Bosco family, founders of The Star Hotel and later The Hotel Denver, were several generations of real people who lived through these times in this special place. Here is their story.

Henry Bosco was born in Italy in 1885. At age twenty nine and with just thirty cents, he landed in New York. He worked various jobs building railroads and mining coal before lighting on Riverfront in Glenwood Springs. There, he set up a business in a tent, as did a number of other people in 1887. His next move was to New Castle where he farmed. Returning to Glenwood Springs in 1896, he remained there the remainder of his life.

1904 brought the “new” D&RG train station, and with it a host of visitors and business opportunities. In the block surrounding the train station, fourteen or more saloons were operating. The saloons catered to the travelling public, as well as miners and other workers from Aspen and Leadville. The miners would travel to Glenwood Springs on their days off to bathe and do their laundry in the pleasant hot water. Called “laundry trains”, the primary activity shifted from cleaning to revelry, including drinking, gambling, and visiting the ladies. Saloons catered to this public, and Henry saw the opportunity to cater to the saloons. The enterprising Bosco family patriarch, Henry Bosco ,rented a room in the basement of the Oberto Saloon to sell wholesale liquor.

In 1908, Mike Bosco followed his uncle Henry to Glenwood Springs. As a young man of 16 with $5 in his pocket, he would have been one of the train passengers greeted by the hodgepodge of saloons, rooming houses and stores that included his uncle’s liquor business. Knowing no English, he enrolled in first grade to learn the language. He went to work polishing stones at the mill in Marble. Like many immigrants, he did not know what he earned because his English was poor and he was afraid that asking would get him fired. Mike collected discarded bottles and resold them, eventually making more money from that enterprise than in the mill. Using his earnings, in 1912 he began the franchise of bottling a new soft drink, and was the first Coca Cola distributor in town. He operated from his Uncle Henry’s bottling business.

Enjoying success with the liquor sales, Henry was able to buy the building. By 1912, he operated the liquor wholesale business in the basement, a saloon on the first floor, and rooms to rent on the third. Henry acquired two more lots and began construction of The Star Hotel, which opened in 1915. Nephew Mike operated hotel and sold Coca Cola until he served in the army during the Great War.

Prohibition started the first day of 1916, and the bars on Riverfront, now re-named 7th Street, were in trouble. Art Kendrick, who owned The Hotel Denver on the west side of the block, was finally able to purchase the remaining lots to the west. Bosco expanded to the east. Although competitors, Kendrick and Bosco were great friends.

Mike married Phyllis Panier in 1921, who was also working in Glenwood Springs. Baby Hank was born in 1922. Henry Bosco died in 1929 at age 72.

The two hotels weathered the Great Depression. The Star Hotel provided a roof over the Bosco family, but little else. Mike Bosco supplemented his income by purchasing train-car loads of grapes and selling them to other Italian families to make wine. Apparently there was an exception to the Prohibition rules that allowed.

We celebrated 100 years of history in 2015. Over those years we have taken the time and created some amazing rooms. Lets take a quick room tour of our boutique hotel in downtown Denver, CO. In those rooms you will see cozy quilts, unique antiques, you’ll also find today’s modern amenities such as high speed internet and high definition televisions. Today we are going to talk to you about all those different room types an features and five you a little more insight into how you might pick the perfect room for you!

Our Penthouse features beautiful views of the Colorado River as it emerges from the breathtaking views of the Glenwood Canyon from your private deck. Our Penthouse is a lovely room that features two bathrooms, a bedroom that closes off for privacy, and it will sleep four and is a Pet Free Room.

Our Cupola is our largest suite featuring two levels of spacious living. Your own private rooftop hot tub with 360 degree views. A beautiful sun room. The Cupola sleeps four with one bedroom that will close off for privacy as well. This room is Pet Free.

The St. James Room is in a historic building near the Hotel Denver. You will enjoy privacy with all the benefits of the hotel. This room features private parking, a large grassy backyard, your own private outdoor Hot tub. This room will sleep four and is Pet Friendly.

The Colorado Rooms are some of my favorites. They are named this because of their stunning views of the Colorado River. Each room has a lovely seating area ideal for a couple or business traveler. They are unique and sleep two people comfortably.

Denver Rooms feature beautiful views to the Eastern Historical District in Glenwood Springs. These rooms are in our pet free section, offer a king or queen size poster bed and sleep two people.

Our Queen View Rooms feature stunning views of the Colorado River or Glenwood’s surrounding mountains. Each has recently restored hardwood floors and sleeps two comfortably.

Our Interior and Economy Queen rooms enjoy a lower room rate with all the features of our larger rooms. Each will feature one queen sized bed, lovely stained glass window or view into our Plaza. They sleep two people.

Our Double Queen Rooms are larger rooms that sleep four, each will feature two queen sized beds. They are unique ranging from large and open to some with more of a suite like quality. Be sure to reserve early to request one of the limited number that feature a stunning exterior view.

I hope you enjoyed learning a little more on our quick room tour here at the Hotel Denver and we look forward to hosting you on your next visit here in Glenwood Springs Colorado. Our team is ready to help you plan your next amazing experience here in Glenwood. The video of the Rooms at The Hotel Denver will give you a better perspective of the offerings. We look forward to pleasantly surprising you on your next visit!

In this edition of Tips and Tricks  we will be talking to you about the Top 10 Most Fun Things To Do in America’s most fun town.

The Glenwood Hot Springs Pool was once cherished as Yampah by the Ute Indians meaning big medicine. You are able to rejuvenate in the world’s largest hot spring mineral pool, or soothe your spirit at one of our award winning spas in the area.

The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has offered historic Fairy Cave Tours since 1892 to the early vacationers of Glenwood Springs. The Caverns display the most decorated formations and he largest excavated area in all of Colorado. In addition the park offers Adventure Rides for all types of thrill seekers.

Hanging Lake Trail is designated as one of Colorado’s most beautiful hikes. Hanging Lake sits at the top of a mile and a half trail following a lush creek through the majestic Glenwood Canyon. A little locals tip though… Be sure to get misted at Spouting Rock during this hike!

The Glenwood Canyon

The first trains forged the Glenwood Canyon in 1886. Today you can catch the train and in the heart of downtown, all the while taking in the best vies that over a century of passengers have enjoyed. Another great way to enjoy would be to spend an afternoon capturing the views from the 16 miles of paved bike and walking trails, peddling you way next to the Colorado River as it winds through this magic place.

Restaurant Row

In the heart of Glenwood, dine on Restaurant Row. Downtown 7th Street hosts restaurants catering to all taste buds. From grand burgers to creative gourmet entrees. 7th Street is anchored by our own Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company. Winner of many prestigious national and international awards.

Gold Metal Fishing

Fisherman will keep it simple for you. 42 miles of continuous gold metal waters casted peacefully along the Roaring Fork River or your able to take a short drive to the Frying Pan River in Basalt Colorado, just remember to fish early and fish often!

Music of the Night

Glenwood comes alive in the summer with live music. Sing along with the comedy of the Glenwood Vaudeville Review or pack a light sweater for an evening under the stars at Music on the Mountain or the popular Summer Music Series. Glow in the dark wrist bands are a great way to help keep track of your kids during these fun times.

Colorado River Whitewater

Ride the legendary Colorado River on your terms. Whether you are punching through a wave on a whitewater raft with your friends, a tranquil glide on a paddle boat or tick the surf in a kayak at the white water park. But just remember the “Bull” is the best seat in the boat when rafting the Glenwood Canyon

Shopping and Markets

Shop your way through the boutique stores in the historic downtown. Find plenty of gadgets and doohickeys at the sporting goods stores catering to life in the Rocky Mountains. On Tuesday nights we have a wonderful downtown market providing fabulous local art and produce, or you can take a short trip to Aspen for even more variety.

Glenwood Popular History

Get ready to grasp the not so tall tales of Glenwood’s famous history as you discover stories during your stay. American Presidents Theodore Roosevelt & William Taft frequented our fun little town. Visit the resting place of America’s most infamous gun slinger, Doc Holiday. You never know the next famous guest just may be you!

Now that you’ve learned about some of the top things Glenwood Springs has to offer we look forward to getting that phone call from you to help you plan your next stay with us here at the Hotel Denver.