Historic & Romantic Palace Hotel Salida, Colorado

Colorado is dotted with cool little towns, including Salida, located in the heart of the Rockies 3 hours from Denver. This is where I discovered the historic and romantic Palace Hotel, a boutique hotel that stole my heart — and it will do the same to you.

Although I live in Colorado, I had only just passed through Salida, never spending time in its Historic Downtown Salida.  I decided to change that with a stay at the Salida Palace Hotel in the heart of downtown. After our 24 hour stay, we are already planning our return.

Located in central Colorado in the Upper Arkansas River Valley near Buena Vista, Salida has more than a dozen 14,000-foot tall mountain peaks, surpassing all other Colorado regions. Train travelers used to land in Salida after a long, sooty ride.

Although trains no longer run through here, this cool Colorado town still retains its historic charm with tree-lined streets and centuries-old red brick buildings with fading historic signs on the walls. One of those 3-story red brick buildings is the Palace Hotel.

History of the Salida Palace Hotel

Located steps from the banks of the Arkansas River, the newly renovated Palace Hotel is in a red-brick building located across from the Riverside Park. Construction first began in this hotel back in 1906, and the property passed through several hands over the years. In 2009,  Fred and Vicki Klein purchased the hotel, ultimately taking three years to restore it bringing it back to its former grandeur, turning 40 rooms into 14 uniquely-themed, luxury suites.

Today the Palace Hotel still proudly displays its historic sign, and the green-thinking owners purchased edgy Victorian furniture and recycled furniture, an eclectic mix of old and new. Photovoltaic panels line the roof of the historic building, providing renewable electricity. Thermopane windows keep heat in — and sound out. Extra insulation was added to the walls, and the interior woodwork is amazing restored as well. New doors match the decor and original yellow pine trim work.  My husband and I spent were in awe of how beautiful this historic hotel has been restored.

Arrival in Salida, Colorado

Your drive down F Street (Salida’s main street) sets the stage for your hotel stay with its red brick buildings, boutique shops including a Five and Dime store, and multiple local restaurants — but you will not find a Starbucks or a department store.

Check into the hotel at the windowed street entrance.

Enter the beautifully Victorian-decorated lobby, which is really an art gallery as well. Limited parking in or around the Palace Hotel is resolved with complimentary off-street parking for guests a block away.

Check in includes pre-selecting your continental breakfast, which is delivered to your door. We checked in, unloaded our bags, and then returned after parking.  The hotel does not have an elevator, but the steps are wide and not as steep as many old hotels.

Accommodations

Suites vary n size from intimate to sprawling.  Every suite includes a kitchenette, flat screen TV, FREE WiFi (and strong signal!), and individual climate control. (For those who have stayed in historic hotels, the latter is huge as these properties tend to be too hot or too cold. We simply adjusted our thermostat and had no problem.)

Our room (Suite 303 Queen – Napestle Suite) was rectangular with a seating area, walk-in closet, kitchenette, separate bathroom with small shower. Locally made soaps from Blissology are provided.

The queen bed was so comfortable and we sank into the custom Eucalyptus linens, sleeping exceptional well. Unlike many historic hotels with thin walls, we did not hear a peep from our neighbors.

On the vanity table was a picture frame describing the uniqueness of our suite. On the table next to the chairs is a book that offers more detailed history of the hotel and an overview of each hotel suite. As a history buff, I lounged on the chairs and found it interesting.

At the requested time, continental breakfast is set outside your room beautifully presented wrapped in linens. Fresh baked muffins and yogurt with fruit and granola was served with locally roasted coffee.

Dining Options

The Palace Hotel does not offer on-site dining, but all guests have to do is step out the door to discover multiple restaurants and bars.

Summary

Colorado surprised me again!  The Palace Hotel in Salida is a beautifully restored historic hotel, and the staff was exceptionally accommodating. The town provides plenty of distractions, from shopping to restaurants, to outdoor activities. Please do note that the Palace Hotel only offers 1 room (Suite 101) for guests under 12, due to limitations imposed by historic restoration process. This is also the only pet-friendly suite. With only 14 suites, it was no surprise that our Sunday night stay was a sold-out hotel, so advance reservations highly recommended.

Rates start at $130.

Chaffee County, Colorado, provided hotel accommodations for my review; opinions expressed are my own. Photos courtesy of Diana Rowe and Salida Palace Hotel.