New Western Hotel Blends History and Luxury in Colorado Mountain Town
Ouray's western hotel and spa is a gem just waiting to be found
Photos courtesy of Stephan Werk | If these walls could talk! The Old West saloon at The Western Hotel has been the cornerstone of the property since 1891.
Renovating this 1891 hotel was not for the faint of heart, but Denver-based Zeppelin Development met the challenge. Now, this grande dame welcomes guests with a blend of historic charm and modern luxury.
First things first: If you’ve never visited Ouray, make plans, stat. This picturesque former mining town is an idyllic destination, nestled between towering peaks (ideal for hiking, climbing and off-roading) with hot springs galore (perfect for après adventure) and a Main Street that’s packed with restaurants, shops and plenty of places for refreshments. When it comes to a place to lay your weary head, look no further than the Western Hotel & Spa—a renovated gem that provides all the favor of the original with thoughtful touches and amenities that’ll make you feel as if you just hit a vein of silver.
The latest project from Zeppelin Development (the company behind Zeppelin Station, The Source in Denver and A-Frame Club in Winter Park), the former historic Western Hotel was at a point where it needed someone to usher in its next incarnation.
“In the fall of 2020, we came across the Western. The owners [Greg and Rose-marie Piper, who owned it for 25 years] were going to retire, and the place needed some TLC to bring it into the next chapter of its life,” explains Adam Larkey, chief operating officer of Zeppelin Development.
The Western had witnessed the pinnacle—and then the nadir—of Ouray’s silver mining days; the hotel building has remained in operation ever since.
Meticulously restored by Zeppelin Development, the hotel is where glamour meets modern luxury, with light-filled suites, dark wood and custom leather furnishings.
“We’ve had a long history of adaptive reuse projects, and we were really intrigued by the history … . We were just sort of smitten by the project,” Larkey says. “And then the more and more we dove into it, the more of the history just presented itself.”
After several years of restoration work, the Western, known as one of the grande dames of Ouray’s historical buildings, reopened this spring. The hotel features original details including tin ceilings, stained glass and a hand-carved bar, all of which were preserved during the renovation: There’s even some of the original wallpaper. However, the upgrades do not diminish the fundamental charm. Forty small, former boarding house rooms have been transformed into 16 refined suites, outfitted with fully furnished kitchenettes, gas fireplaces, custom wood and leather furnishings, bespoke linens and upgraded bathrooms. Even the smallest suites enjoy spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains.
The wood-fired kitchen and chef’s counter serve up dishes that pay homage to the agricultural practices of the homesteading pioneers who settled the West and traditions of the Ute tribe along the Western Slope.
“We ended up just trying to find that sweet spot, keeping as much of the history of the building as we could and then trying to marry that with the modern amenities that guests and visitors have come to expect,” Larkey says.
In addition to the renovated rooms, guests can enjoy a handcrafted cocktail at the bustling saloon or a (small, medium or big) bite in the dining hall. Snag a seat at the chef’s counter and enjoy Nic Weber’s wood-fired dishes that showcase local ingredients. Don’t miss the cornbread, made with Ute tribe blue corn and smothered with local honey and butter, or the beef short ribs (just make sure you bring your appetite and/or a friend).
LUXURIOUS LINENS
If you experience superior sleep at the Western, the sheets may have something to do with it. Denver-based Katerina Rothman created Befax Linen in 2017 when looking for a solution for her hot-sleeping husband.
“I learned that linen actually does help you sleep better because of its natural properties,” Rothman says.
Each of the 16 suites in the hotel is unique, many of them offering a cozy fire to enjoy after a day of exploring Ouray.
“We got a set of linen sheets and the experience was amazing.” A naturally sustainable fabric that has been produced for thousands of years, linen is moisture-wicking, naturally hypoallergenic and thermoregulatory, which means that it’ll keep you warm when it’s cold and will keep you cool when it’s hot. It’s also stronger than cotton, so these sheets will last longer, too. Befax offers standard-size sheet sets and duvet covers along with other linen goods; custom orders are also accepted.
Befax Linen is available at Modern Nomad, 2936 Larimer St., Denver, or at befaxlinen.com. Prices range from $95 to $285.
THE WESTERN HOTEL & SPA
210 Seventh Ave., Ouray
Katie Coakley is a freelance writer based in Eagle County. She’s written for a variety of local and national newspapers and magazines and has recently decided that linen sheets are a necessary luxury.
