Minturn’s Newly Renovated Eagle River Inn Showcases Historic Charm
Escape to the mountains and soak up the Eagle River Inn’s unique blend of centuries-old charm and contemporary design
Photos courtesy of Eagle River Inn | In the heart of Minturn, the Eagle River Inn offers year-round access to the beauty of Eagle County
Those who have sipped a margarita at the Minturn Saloon or completed the Minturn Mile ski run may have noticed the large adobe property to the west of the saloon.
Formerly shrouded in mystery (Was it a home? A hotel? A special event space?), new owners and a recent renovation of this historic property have brought new life to the 1892 building. With a thoughtful balance of preservation and innovation, the Eagle River Inn is now a boutique hotel that effortlessly merges past and present.
The charm of the original 1892 building shines through with the modern renovations to create a space that is rich with history and comfort
The Eagle River Inn’s storied past is deeply intertwined with the history of Minturn itself. Constructed in the late 1800s, the building has served many purposes, including as a hotel with its own liquor store. Through various owners and uses, the structure experienced subtle changes, seen in the various photo collages that now decorate the inn’s walls.
Previous owner Richard Galloway (known to almost everyone as Old Dog) added some of the most recognizable features during a renovation in the 1980s, including coyote motifs and adobe-style features. Instead of eliminating these stylistic choices, designer Amy Casey of Casey & Co. Interior Design worked with two of the inn’s current owners, Joe and Tierney Delude, to embrace and modernize these elements, maintaining a connection to the building’s quirky history while elevating its aesthetic appeal.
With a vision to preserve the building’s historic character while creating a fresh, inviting atmosphere, Casey retained and restored original architectural features, including the timber-and-branch ceiling, hand-carved doors, stucco walls, cactus motifs and coyote brass door handles. These unique details are now focal points, along with new elements such as coyote room numbers that reflect the orig- inal pieces and celebrate the inn’s individuality.
“There’s definitely nothing like it in the Vail Valley, for sure,” says Casey, “or, I think, even in a lot of the mountain towns. I mean, it’s really so boutique and special.”
In what feels like a blend of European ski chalet and classic Colorado, the result is classy and comfy. Throughout the inn, retro-inspired art and photography give a nod to the region’s rich cultural history. Curated pieces, including historic ski photos and modern works by photographer David Yarrow, add a touch of nostalgia while maintaining the inn’s chic vibe.
Yarrow, known for photography that includes portraits of wildlife with supermodels and actors, was conducting a shoot at the Minturn Saloon in February 2024.Tierney Delude recalls, “There was a bison and a supermodel, and then one of those vintage Mercedes came up, and then two wolves and cowboys.”
Delude originally thought about purchasing a print from the shoot for the hotel, but then she learned the price—they sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
“I said, ‘I have some on my iPhone, can I just use that?’” she laughs. As a result, each bathroom has a photo from the Yarrow shoot … just not shot by Yarrow. There is a signed coffee table book in the lounge, though.
It’s these stories and memories that make the Eagle River Inn such a compelling destination. At every turn, there’s another detail to notice and appreciate.
The inn offers a variety of accommodations, including a two-bedroom suite with its own entrance, ideal for families or guests with lots of gear. Upstairs, 12 rooms are divided between riverside and town-facing views. The riverside rooms are especially sought after, incorporating the soothing sounds of the nearby Eagle River. The bathrooms, while compact, exude understated luxury with their minimalist design and thoughtful details, such as rain showerheads and clean lines.
Public spaces at the inn are equally inviting. The lobby retains its original fireplace, a favorite spot for groups to meet or to catch up with a good book. A wraparound porch and fire pits provide gathering spaces to enjoy the crisp mountain air. During the warmer months, these areas are utilized by locals and visitors, often following Minturn’s lively First Friday events.
Since its reopening in July 2024, the Eagle River Inn has become a destination for both travelers and locals. But it’s more than a hotel; it’s also a testament to Minturn’s enduring spirit and charm. By preserving the past while embracing the present, the renovation has transformed a historic landmark into a modern destination.
145 N. Main St., Minturn
970-827-4180
Katie Coakley is a freelance writer based in Eagle County. Her work has appeared in Colorado-based and national magazines as well as online outlets. She already has plans to return to the Eagle River Inn for a staycation.
