#148 - Delaware Hotel in Leadville, CO

Mining Town Stop in 2013

It's been 4 years since Don and I stayed a night in the highest incorporated city in the U.S. 

Luckily my photos and notes allow me to add it to the list of notable nights!

 

Victorian Beauty

It was a beautiful summer afternoon when we arrived. The 3-story hotel from 1886 looked impressive.   

In fact I thought the place was impressive on it's own, without a costumed greeter on the corner.  

Once we stepped inside we saw more Victorian costumes and the employees wearing them, didn't seem thrilled about it.

This and That Lobby
We entered and walked through the cluttered lobby/gift shop to the desk.  A woman wearing a costume-dress, that didn't match her glasses and hair, checked us in.

We said we needed no help with our 2 backpacks, but a young man, who seemed to be new on the job, stared at us with sad eyes. I gave in and handed him my backpack, which weighed a ton. He huffed and puffed up the stairs (no elevator) and stood awkwardly as I fumbled with the key and a tip. I didn't know what was more unsettling, his strained assistance, or the decor of the lobby.  I didn't have this blog at the time, or I would have gotten photos of the tacky little antique-ish doodads and crafty delights that were for sale all over the lobby.

The Wide Hall

I guess the furniture filled hall passed code, since it was incredibly wide.  But it wasn't easy finding the door to the room with all the wardrobes, desks  and buffets filling the space.

​There were price tags everywhere, so i guess there was a reason for the crowded halls. 

A Santa Surprise

We turned the corner at one point and found a rather frightening Santa staring us down. I was too scared to get close enough to check out his price.

It was hard imagining the hotel filled with guests 100+ years ago. They would have been impressed by the 50 rooms and 6 bathrooms, the steam heat and running water.  I'm not sure what they would have said about Santa.

Blue Room

I still remember Don and I trying to hold back laughs until our young lad went off with his tip. The tiny room was cramped, even with the tall windows letting in light. The hefty mounted TV looked out of place and there was a worn, dusty smell.  But I look at this photo now and laugh at how new to the world of retro, vintage and historic travel we were.  Yes, the place had an odd feel, but there was a lot more that we should have appreciated. Don and I've come a long way in 4 years.
Exploring Town

The best part of the hotel, was the location. We were just steps away fromTabor Opera House and the Silver Dollar Saloon.

Leadville was once one of the largest and richest silver camps in the U.S. There were 25,000 living here at its peak. Luckily they weren't all trying to fit inside the Silver Dollar Saloon. There were 64 saloons at one time and plenty of bordellos, as well.

Modernizing

By the time these nifty neon signs came into town, Leadville was past its peak.  I peeked in the Manhattan Bar, right across from our hotel. I liked the glowing martini above the A and R. I liked less,  the crowd of workmen that had gathered inside on Friday evening.  Instead, we checked out the Pastime, which was quiet at 5:00. We had a nice chat with a few inside, but later learned there had been a stabbing recently. Living on the edge in Leadville!

Bright Blue and Yellow

The cute little golden burro on top of the cafe sign, was very welcoming and just a couple of doors down from our hotel. We were surrounded by intriguing buildings and storefronts!

Quiet Today

It's sad to think there are only about 2,500 residents today and I don't think any of them are famous. Years ago, you could have bumped into a number of celebrity guests or residents...Doc Holiday, Unsinkable Molly Brown, John Phillips Sousa and even Houdini.  Movie star, Rudolph Valentino was even born here!

Breakfast in the Library

We were given a complimentary breakfast in the "library" the next morning. There was nothing special about the cereal selection or the table decor with plastic placemats. Our fellow guests whispered and avoided eye contact as if the whole B n B atmosphere was more than they could handle.  Don and I checked out with a whole new set of costumed staff. 

What's Notable?

At the time, Don and I chuckled about the "one visit is plenty" feel about the place. But as I look back on photos, I realize I have a lot of questions. I'm a much more open traveler now and I didn't give the hotel a chance.  The building itself is beautiful, the town is a museum and the hotel experience was well worth the stop!

Mostly, I love the town!