Historic Hotels of the Rockies at 25 Years

National association modeled after Western regional group

The Rocky Mountain region is known for its pioneering past, so it is not surprising that the promotional organization called Historic Hotels of the Rockies was a pioneer in its own right and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Founded in 1983 by 15 properties as Association of Historic Hotels of the Rocky Mountain West, it was created to promote the unique features of historic inns, to provide mutual support and to advance the common interests of historic hotels. The organization proved to be a such a success that the National Trust for Historic Preservation used it as a model for the Historic Hotels of America, established in 1989.

Membership is by invitation. Criteria are that the hotel . . .

. . . must be at least 50 years old.

. . . must be listed in, or qualify for listing in, the National Register of Historic Places.
. . . must be maintained in a manner which enhances and is appropriate to the building's historic character.
. . . must offer guests unique and memorable accommodations which reflect well upon all other members.

I've stayed in a few, visited others and admired them all. Current members are:

Grand Union Hotel, Fort Benton, MT (photo above right)
Izaak Walton Inn, Essex, MT
Historic Plains Hotel, Cheyenne, WY
Nagle Warren Mansion, Cheyenne, WY
Irma Hotel, Cody, WY

Historic Franklin Hotel, Deadwood, SD
Hotel Alex Johnson, Rapid City, SD
Armstrong Hotel, Fort Collins, CO
Beaumont Hotel and Spa, Ouray, CO
Castle Marne, Denver
Delaware Hotel, Leadville, CO
Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs , CO
New Sheridan Hotel, Telluride, CO
Peck House, Empire, CO
Strater Hotel, Durango, CO
Bishops Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa, Santa Fe , NM
Don Gaspar, Santa Fe, NM
Plaza Hotel, Las Vegas, NM

The commonality among members appears to be that they are quite small, ranging from deluxe B&B's to boutique hotels. The Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City, with 141 rooms appears to be the largest. Double digit room counts prevail for the rest. That puts this group into the classification of intimate properties with personalized guest services and often also fine dining.

Among the missing (but in most cases do belong to Historic Hotels of America) are several larger properties that I assume would qualify are the Brown Palace Hotel, Denver; Oxford Hotel, Denver; The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs; the Hotel Boulderado, Boulder, and the Wort Hotel in Jackson, WY. I understand that Aspen's Hotel Jerome was a member until RockResorts took over management. If La Posada de Albuquerque manages to complete its restoration and reopen as planned this spring (or whenever), it too would seem to qualify. So would the historic lodges in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, though the historic ones are all seasonal.

I don't know the association's invitation policy or hotels' acceptance policies, but on the surface, they would all make sense to me.