In the small southern Colorado town of Antonito, the sound of the train whistle is as iconic as the Steam Train Hotel. Located in the beautiful San Luis Valley, this historic brick building dates back to 1911 and is the centerpiece of Main Street and 4th Avenue.
Named for the town’s main attraction, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the 9-bedroom Steam Train Hotel caters to tourists boarding the seasonal (May-October) train. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts also visit Antonito for its world class hiking, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. With limited hotel options in town, the Steam Train Hotel is a popular overnight stay.
Arrival
My husband and I had traveled from Buena Vista, Colorado and explored the Great Sand Dunes National Park with our family, just an hour away. Other nearby attractions, such as Zapata Falls, and the Rio Grande National Park bring in travelers to this small but welcoming town. Located on the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic & Historic Byway, the road trip is an eye-popping, scenery studded drive in the San Luis Valley. The locals have a saying, “If you ever get down, look up.” So true — as the mountain vistas in every direction are stunning.
You can’t miss the Steam Train Hotel. Its brick facade is beautifully maintained and the newly renovated boutique hotel is simple but clean. Two entrances, one on Main Street and the other on 4th Street, take you to the lobby, an Old West decorated room with several antiques, including an Wagon Wheel, stove and safe. The lobby is in the corner, with the friendly innkeeper Teagan welcoming us.
Accommodations
Accommodations are located above the lobby, but you do have to exit the lobby to access the stairway behind the building (4th Street). Each room is very unique, and as their brochure states “lamps don’t match, but they sure are cute.” This is not your typical box hotel. The decor is sourced from local “treasures,” and truly feels like Grandma has hodgepodged antiques together. But in a loving, unique way.
The headboard of our bed is an old painted door, and the queen bed with its fine linens and down comforter initially looks lumpy, yet surprisingly very comfortable. The building may be historic, but the bathrooms are remodeled throughout, with updated electricity. Our bathroom is simple with a corner shower, sink and toilet. A flat screen TV with satellite rounds out the amenities in our room. Other room configurations include full kitchens and Jacuzzi tubs.
Amenities
Standard complimentary amenities at the Steam Train Hotel are WiFi and free breakfast. WiFi in the room and throughout the hotel is fast. (Another big surprise as often high end hotels can’t offer reliable WiFi!). Complimentary breakfast is hot and made to order. The morning of our departure featured homemade biscuits and gravy and eggs made to order.
With its prime location on Main Street of Antonito, guests at this Colorado boutique hotel have dining options are as simple as a walk across the street to Dutch Mill Restaurant, serving authentic Mexican food! Have a night cap in the attached bar and lounge. A liquor store is also within walking distance.
Indiana Jones B&B
The Steam Train Hotel also offers B&B accommodations at the Indiana Jones Bed and Breakfast. The Steven Spielberg movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was filmed in Antonito, Colorado, and the train scene was filmed on the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad. The Indiana Jones Home was featured on the film as Indy’s childhood home, a 4 bedroom 4 bathroom B&B, and your stay here would include antiques and memorabilia from the movie.
Summary
Southern Colorado is the quintessential road trip, and a stay at the Steam Train Hotel rounds out your vacation perfectly. Located near the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and more Colorado attractions, it’s worth the drive to explore the San Luis Valley and stay at the Steam Train Hotel.
Check the hotel website for rates and to make a reservation. You can also find the Steam Train Hotel on Booking.com, and other booking sites.
Steam Train Hotel provided accommodations for my review; opinions expressed are my own. Photos courtesy of Diana Rowe.
