There is something eerie and wonderful about this grand hotel in the heart of uptown Butte. Don and I were pretty delighted when we spotted the building and roof sign, high on the hill. There was no need for Mapquest, we just let the car head upwards through the curious city... towards that fine sign! |
Well, this building wasn't here that long ago, but the old McDermott hotel was built on the spot in 1889. James Finlen bought the hotel in 1902. By the 1920's Butte was booming with over 100,000 people. By 1923, Finlen had grander ideas and tore down the old hotel to make way for this 9-story beauty. |
I love historic hotels, but I also am a fan of retro motels. So, how fun that a 32-room motor inn was added to the complex in the 1950's. Some would find the combination odd, but I appreciate all kinds of hotel & motel history. I loved the sleek bi-level structure built around the convenient parking lot. |
A Different Look
Ionic Columns
The sitting area on the second floor allowed for a great view of the ritzy columns.
I first got curious about columns in my high school Humanities class. I always liked the ionic style that reminded me of curled up cinamon rolls. (especially if I missed breakfast) But the columns I remember viewing during those endless slideshows, were mostly stone ones from ancient Greece or Rome. Never once did I spot a column painted with copper leaf! I wouldn't want one in my house, but I loved being surrounded by them in the hotel. |
Our Room
More...
Quite the View
Cavalier Lounge
Martinis with a Sword
The Finlen and Butte
What's Notable?