Colorado’s Historic Hotels Offer Classic Meeting and Event Venues

By Beth Buehler

Colorado’s history is tied to the development of the West. The romantic, yet gritty and hard-fought start not only resulted in a state filled with innovative, independent and outdoorsy people but also some of the state’s grandest hotels. Sprinkled around Colorado are iconic properties like The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs and Hotel Boulderado in Boulder.

Others are carefully renovated historic buildings that started out with different purposes and now gracefully host groups and meetings such as Hotel Monaco Denver and Hotel Teatro, both in the heart of downtown Denver. Hotel Monaco actually links two historic structures, the 1917 Railway Exchange building and 1937 Art Moderne Title Building, while Hotel Teatro occupies the 1911 Denver Tramway Building.

Just like the flurry of new hotels in Colorado have a certain sparkle, these historic hotels and properties in longtime, architecturally significant buildings are beautifully distinct and offer groups a level of customer service that matches their stately presence. Here are just a few reasons why historic properties should be on meeting and event planners’ shortlists for consideration.

Hotel Boulderado has a prime location in downtown Boulder. Courtesy Hotel Boulderado.

Hotel Boulderado has a prime location in downtown Boulder. Courtesy Hotel Boulderado.

Wow Attendees from the Start – It’s hard to beat street presence and elegant, unique lobbies. The colorful ceiling and casual Western flair in Hotel Monaco’s lobby ranks as unforgettable. Start off a gathering right and play off the grandeur with a well-choreographed welcome.

Hotel Monaco Denver's colorful lobby ceiing and urban Western decor. Courtesy Hotel Monaco.

Hotel Monaco Denver’s colorful lobby ceilng and urban Western decor. Courtesy Hotel Monaco.

Hotel Teatro's exterior and classic entry signal there is something special inside. Courtesy Hotel Teatro.

Hotel Teatro’s exterior and classic entry signal there is something special inside. Courtesy Hotel Teatro.

Book the Classic Spaces – See what meeting and event space is available and reserve at least one of a historic hotel’s most unique spaces. At Hotel Boulderado, the Mezzanine circles around the lobby and is located beneath an incredible stained-glass ceiling. At Hotel Teatro, the Wine Cellar on the lower level has an original vault door and capacity for up to 40.

Hotel Boulderado's Mezzanine is capped with a stunning stained glass ceiling. Courtesy Hotel Boulderado.

Hotel Boulderado’s Mezzanine is capped with a stunning stained glass ceiling. Courtesy Hotel Boulderado.

Hotel Teatro's Wine Cellar is a unique space with an original vault door not visible in this photo. Courtesy Hotel Teatro.

Hotel Teatro’s Wine Cellar is a unique space with an original vault door not visible in this photo. Courtesy Hotel Teatro.

Plug into the History – Think of fun ways to tie into the rich heritage of the property. Just by staying and meeting at The Broadmoor and its nearby Wilderness Experience properties, Cloud Camp and The Ranch at Emerald Valley, groups are walking in the footsteps of the property’s founding father, Spencer Penrose. At The Stanley, guests can take part in history and Illusions of the Past tours.

Broadmoor Main exudes the property's rich heritage. Courtesy The Broadmoor.

Broadmoor Main exudes the property’s rich heritage. Courtesy The Broadmoor.

Head Outdoors in Grand Fashion – These grand dames of Colorado lodging also have premiere outdoor spaces, especially those with acres of property like The Broadmoor and The Stanley. Situated on a prime downtown Boulder corner, Hotel Boulderado recently added a new patio space off the event center that ties well into the energy of nearby Pearl Street.

The Stanley Hotel has a majestic presence in Estes Park. Courtesy Visit Estes Park.

The Stanley Hotel has a majestic presence in Estes Park. Courtesy Visit Estes Park.

Just as a well-known verse states there is a time for everything, there is always a time and a place for Colorado’s classic hotels, which just seem to get better with each passing year.

Beth Buehler is editor of Colorado Meetings + Events and Mountain Meetings magazines, has planned numerous meetings and events and enjoys exploring Colorado.