Our Heritage

A Century of Mountain Elegance

Since 1887, we've welcomed guests with the finest in Western hospitality.

Est. 1887

Built to Endure

Henry Strater built this hotel in 1887 to serve the booming mining and railroad industry. Hand-carved walnut, imported Victorian wallpaper, and the finest furnishings west of Denver made it the showpiece of the San Juan Mountains.

Five generations of stewardship have preserved the building's character while evolving with the times. A $12M restoration in 2015 brought modern comfort without sacrificing an ounce of Victorian grandeur.

Historic hotel exterior at sunset

Our Timeline

1887 — The Grand Opening

Henry Strater opens the hotel's doors. It is immediately the most prestigious address in the San Juan Mountains.

1926 — The Diamond Belle

The legendary Diamond Belle Saloon opens on the ground floor. It becomes the social center of Durango.

2015 — The Restoration

$12M renovation modernizes all 93 rooms while preserving original Victorian woodwork, wallpaper, and fixtures.

2024 — Spa & Wellness Wing

A new 4,000 sq ft spa and wellness center opens, adding modern luxury to the hotel's historic charm.

Catherine Strater-Wells

Catherine Strater-Wells

General Manager (5th Generation)

Training & Certifications

  • Cornell School of Hotel Administration, BS
  • Forbes Four-Star Property (2024)
  • Historic Hotels of America Member

Luxury is not about excess. It's about doing the essential things with extraordinary care.

Experience the Legacy

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