OURAY WAS A BOOMTOWN during the late 19th century. Miners flocked to this rugged mountain community along the Uncompahgre River to seek their fortune in gold and silver. After toiling all day, some rested their heads at a humble, three-story, wood-frame boarding house built in 1891 in the heart of downtown.
Now, after two years of meticulous renovations, the 132-year-old building has reopened as The Western Hotel & Spa. In addition to 16 bright and airy guest rooms, the boutique property also has a wood-fired restaurant, a general store, a Nordic spa and, in keeping with its Old West roots, a saloon, complete with the original handcarved bar. It’s ready to welcome the next generation of adventure-seekers—only, this time around, it’s those in search of epic outdoor experiences, not precious metals, in the surrounding mountains.
—Sarah Kuta
PHOTO-CREDIT courtesy the western hotel and spa
