Grand Imperial Hotel
Grand Imperial Hotel – Silverton, Colorado
27
JULY, 2022
The Grand Imperial Hotel, on the main strip in Silverton, Colorado, was our ‘refuge of last resort’ on the last night of the July 2022 Colorado Overlanding trip. That is in no way indicative that ‘The Grand’ is a sub-par lodging choice. Far from it! A stay at the Grand Imperial Hotel is like a trip back in time. The hotel has a rich history, both in Silverton’s history and my personal family history. The Grand Imperial Hotel provided a memorable stay even though it wasn’t our first choice that night.
Personal History with the Grand Imperial Hotel
My family has a history with Silverton and the Grand Imperial Hotel. Our first visit to the area was in July 2004. That was during a memorable car camping trip we took to southwest Colorado. On that trip, we didn’t stay overnight at the hotel, but we did have lunch there one day. We also walked by The Grand often as we explored Silverton while camping at the South Mineral Campground. One day, a young piano player dressed in vibrant 1900s-period clothing played music in the hotel lobby. We went inside to listen to her play. The historic ‘vibe’ of the hotel combined with period music from Colorado’s silver boom era made it seem we were in a movie set. My daughter, Nicole (now 26!), took a picture with the piano player. We revisited Silverton, and The Grand, in 2007 and 2009.
“The Grand, as it’s known to the locals, will again possess the beauty, charm and elegance that set the standard not only for Silverton but for the Southwest” – Jim Harper, Owner
Short History of the Grand Imperial Hotel (from Hotel Website)
Originally known as the Thomson Block, the Grand Hotel was commissioned in 1882 and completed in 1883. The Grand Hotel was the Crown Jewel of Silverton and quickly became the pinnacle of luxury in the Southwest. The Hotel played a critical role in the boom town years. The second floor was the base of operations for the Town of Silverton and San Juan County, serving as the official town and county seat. The first floor was the home to the local Post Office, town bank, Bureau of Mines, General Store, Doctors’ office, and the Silverton Standard Newspaper.
The building was sold and renamed the Imperial Hotel, with mine production waning. It changed hands again in 1951. After restoration, the hotel reopened under its current name, the Grand Imperial Hotel. The Grand was 135 years old and yearned for someone to take on the monumental task of preserving and restoring the Hotel to its former eminence. The Harper family, owners of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, purchased the Grand Imperial Hotel in the spring of 2015.
The Harper’s began the extensive restoration project. An area of focus was restoring the beauty and charm of the original structure. The search for furniture authentic to the late 1880s became a passion for the Harper family. The restoration of the lobby and enhancing the restaurant and saloon became the final crowning accomplishment of Silverton’s famed Golden Block.
Historic Ambience, Room Experience, and Price
Everything about a stay at the Grand Imperial Hotel is like a throwback to 1900 and the silver boom in Silverton. On my prior hotel visits, I never saw the rooms or interior of the hotel. I suspected the historic ‘look’ might be a facade limited to the lobby area. That is not the case. As we ascended the stairs and went to our room, everything looked and felt like we were in 1900. The attention to historical detail and the effort required to make it ‘real’ throughout the hotel is impressive. The building is very old, but the rooms have been restored with modern amenities while preserving the historic charm. We stayed in a 2nd floor, two queen bed room. The cost in prime time July was $170 plus $35 or so in taxes. Expensive, but worth it for us. Rates are cheaper in non-summer months.
Conclusion – Grand Imperial Hotel
A night at the Grand Imperial Hotel is worth the relatively high cost if you ever find yourself in the Silverton area. Combining a night at The Grand with a ride on the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad is a truly bucket-list-worthy experience. Between the coal-fired train ride between Silverton and Durango in the scenic San Juan mountains and the Grand Imperial Hotel stay, you’ll feel like you were back in 1882. You can take it further and enjoy the ‘Step Back in Time’ package, which combines the train ride, hotel visit, and other historical experiences to make you REALLY feel like you’ve entered a time machine. However, you decide to do it, I highly recommend a stay at the Grand Imperial Hotel.
