Victorian elegance sets the standard for southwestern hospitality at the General Palmer Hotel, located in the heart of Durango, Colorado. Opened in 1898, it was named for one of this town’s founding fathers and remains as the only historical Four Diamond in southwestern Colorado.
Historic General Palmer Hotel in downtown Durango, Colorado
Location
The General Palmer began its reign with a prime location on Main Street next to the train depot. From its wraparound patio deck, guests can still watch the departure and return of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. In the heart of downtown Durango, you can park your car and enjoy easy walking distance to art galleries, specialty stops, and a variety of restaurants.
Lobby
The elegant lobby continues the historic ambiance with Victorian furnishings and dark wood check-in desk. A sitting room allows guests to relax and watch Main Street traffic, or simply read a book or check e-mail.
Each afternoon, the aroma of complimentary fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies will have you at hello – and continues to be difficult to resist each time you pass. The couple traveling with us required use of the antique elevator, which required patience as it slowly moved from the lobby to the 3rd floor.
Suite at the General Palmer Hotel in Durango
Accommodations
My accommodations were on the second floor, tucked in the middle with a queen bed without windows. The room was cozy, with modern amenities and Victorian furnishings. At first, I thought the windowless room might be claustrophobic, but through the small stained glass window over the door, the soft lighting from the hallway actually diminished the enclosed sensation. Our friends’ accommodations were a more spacious suite located on the third floor, steps from the back patio, with beautiful white Victorian lace shower curtains. All accommodations include a Teddy Bear (available for purchase) perched on the bedspread.
Dining
Complimentary continental breakfast is included and available either as room service or off the downstairs lobby. Fresh baked muffins, biscuits & gravy, bread or bagels were my options the morning of my departure.
Amenities
Free wireless internet access is available to guests throughout the hotel.
Victorian elegance in the lobby of the General Palmer Hotel.
Summary
For guests searching for a southwestern Colorado escape, the General Palmer Hotel fits the bill. Request a street or train side room with a window to avoid the smaller, inner rooms.
Rates: $120-$295 double; off-season $98-$295 double. Rates include continental breakfast
Book online at Hotels.com or another online booking site.
Accommodations courtesy of General Palmer Hotel.
