An unexpected treat from having brunch at The Diamond Belle Saloon, was that it was in the historic Strater Hotel in Durango Colorado!
Welcome to The Strater Hotel Durango Colorado
The majestic Strater Hotel
Strater Hotel Durango Colorado
The Strater Hotel elevator has a beautiful Tiffany glass marquee
The Strater Hotel opened in 1887. According to the info that I picked up at the front desk: “The Strater Hotel began as a dream in the mind of 28 year old Henry H. Strater (1859 – 1914). sho wanted to build the greatest hotel in the west. Building a hotel was quite a challenge for Henry, who had no experience in the hotel business. With a considerable amount of enthusiasm and the help of his relatives, Henry’s dream was finally realized after borrowing $70,000 from the bank. In 1887, The Strater House (the initial name of the building) was constructed using 376,000 native red bricks as well as hand-carved sandstone cornices and sills. The inside of the hotel was decorated in a deluxe Victorian motif. After the hotel’s completion, Henry realized that he lacked the necessary experience needed to run the hotel, so he hired H.I. Rice to help manage the property.”
Popular winter vacation spot
Strater Hotel Lobby
It was the vision and faith of one man that made the beautiful Strater Hotel possible. Henry Strater, a pharmacist from Cleveland, truly believed that Durango would prosper and become a metropolis, not just a mining camp. And as a bustling town, Durango would need a grand hotel.
Victorian sitting area at the Strater Hotel
He was indeed correct. Not only did western travelers flock to the Strater, but Durango residents did as well. Many of those living in Durango closed up their homes during the cold winter months and moved into the hotel where they were warm and cozy. Each room had its own wood-burning stove and comfortable furniture. Some rooms were even equipped with pianos and washstands.
A living history museum
Hidden caches throughout the lobby
As we walked through the lobby and restaurants at The Strater we admired its Victorian beauty. A young man at the front desk asked if we had any questions. Of course we did! He then became our delightful and knowledgeable guide.
And another cache!
We listened intently as he pointed out all of the gorgeous handcrafted woodwork, period wallpaper that had been meticulously recreated along with the largest collection of American Victorian antiques created from walnut which were used in the public areas as well as the guest rooms. He even showed us secret hidden openings built seamlessly right into the decor!
1887 to 1893
Antique Miniatures
Gorgeous antiques on display
Foolishly Henry Strater had failed to exclude the pharmacy that he ran at the hotel from being charged rent when he leased the hotel to H. L. Rice. Rice began charging Strater huge rent payments for the pharmacy. This infuriated Strater so much that it prompted him to build a competing hotel down the street, hoping to put Rice out of the hotel business.
But his plan backfired when the silver panic in 1895 put both hotels out of business.
1893 to 1926
Edison Memorabilia
After the financial devastation of the silver panic, the Bank of Cleveland, who had financed The Strater, repossessed the hotel. The Strater Hotel was then sold to Ms. Hattie Mashburn and Charles E. Stilwell. who both had the savvy and fortitude to stay afloat. The hotel continued to develop a more refined appeal by offering such things as opera and fine dining.
1926 to 1983
Gorgeous lobby flowers
During the Roaring ’20s, Durango’s economy kept on going. In 1926, a group of Durango businessmen that was lead by banker Earl A. Barker, Sr. formed an association to buy the aging Strater Hotel, with a focus on refreshing the image of the property.
Lots of stunning Tiffany lamps at the Strater’s Mahogany Grille
Though it was built in 1887 without “modern conveniences,” the Barkers began an ongoing renovation project with special attention to such details as bathrooms, air conditioning, heating, closets, television, and telephones.
1983 to May 2021
Steakhouse vibes at The Mahogany Grille
Under the direction of the Barkers’ son Roderick, the hotel’s renovation and antique collection has continued since 1983. “Rod had overseen installation of fine woodwork and beautiful hand-printed Bradbury and Bradbury wallpapers, and a configuration suiting the Victorian Period.” Glass showcases brimming with antique collectibles are located throughout the public areas and invite guests to further explore the history of Durango and The Hotel. Each of the 88 guest rooms are now individually and uniquely designed. The beds have been converted to standard sizes including a majority in Queen size with some Kings as well.
Today
Incredible attention to detail everywhere you look!
The Strater Hotel is currently owned by Ross Garrett and business partner Karen Hutcherson, after 95 years of being owned and operated by the Barker family.
Menus from a dinner for Theodore Roosevelt at The Strater Hotel
“I’ve been in love with Durango and all of Colorado since I was a child and our family first visited here,” Garrett says. “The history of the 1880’s is a passion of mine and the opportunity to be a member of the Strater family is not a responsibility I take lightly.”
Who remembers these seltzer bottles?
I adored this Tiffany lamp with grape clusters!
“To be entrusted with the Strater Hotel is an honor,” Ross said.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks