New Sheridan Hotel
Tucked into a box canyon in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, Telluride is known for its world-class skiing, plentiful outdoor recreation and summer festivals. In the heart of town is where you’ll find the historical New Sheridan Hotel, a symbol of the area’s mining history and Old West charm. It’s surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Colorado Avenue, also known as Main Street, including the Victorian-era facades of boutique shops and delicious restaurants.
Even though the New Sheridan Hotel has undergone modern updates over the years — think heated bathroom floors and in-room TVs — it has still retained plenty of rustic elegance and classic Victorian style. British designer Nina Campbell infused details like rich upholstery, decorative moldings, crystal chandeliers and archival photos of miners throughout the property and its 26 rooms and suites. Size, view and location ranges from cozy interior rooms to the one-bedroom Ballard Suite.
You certainly won’t go hungry or thirsty at the New Sheridan, either. Sure, you can sip on complimentary coffee and tea every morning, but a steaming latte paired with a Denver omelette in the Parlor is an even better way to start the day. The space is an extension of the Chop House Restaurant, an acclaimed steakhouse that’s a can’t-miss stop in historic downtown. Feast on western elk, bison, lamb and beef hot off the grill before bellying up to the well-preserved Historic Bar. The mahogany wood paneling, original lead-glass divider panels and wood-burning fireplace provide the ambience for one of the town’s favorite hangouts. In the summer, there’s also a rooftop bar where you can sip on specialty cocktails while admiring the 360-degree mountain views.
What makes it special?
The town of Telluride itself is only a few years older than the New Sheridan, which originally opened in 1891 but was rebuilt in 1895 after a fire. This gives it bragging rights as the only historical hotel in Telluride — and even one of the few remaining hotels in Colorado from the state’s mining days. If these walls could talk, they’d surely have some entertaining stories, like tales of a horse walking into the bar.
The most Colorado thing about this place
Powder hounds have it made with a prime location just a few blocks from the gondola and ski lifts. After a day on the slopes, take advantage of the on-site ski lockers and boot dryers to keep your gear in tip-top shape.
Most unexpected amenity
The hotel serves as an art gallery for local artist Roger Mason, who you can often see out front with his easel working on his latest piece. Mason uses the New Sheridan and Telluride as his muse, painting colorful scenes in abstract-realism style. Check out the works throughout the hotel — you might just want to take one home with you.
Room with the best view
Book one of the spacious third-floor Main Street rooms for unbeatable views of the center of town, the majestic 13,000-foot Ballard Mountain and the ski resort. Look closely and you can watch ski patrol heading up the lifts in the morning or snowcats grooming runs during the evening.
Our favorite traveler review
“Our second time here and it was even better than the first! The hotel is so pretty and so cozy and in an awesome location! It is right in the middle of downtown and walking distance to great restaurants and shops, and a three to five minute walk to the gondola. Their restaurant, The Chop House, is one of the best in Telluride and the bar is a great spot for a drink or brunch/dinner. Staff is really amazing here. Will be coming back again for sure and cannot wait!” — Leslie, Tripadvisor
Things to see & do nearby
No matter your interests and no matter the season, there’s no question that Telluride is packed with things to do. Stroll down Colorado Avenue to take in the stunning views, pop into shops and even catch a show at the Sheridan Opera House. In the summer, follow along the picturesque River Trail or seek out waterfalls on the Bear Creek or Bridal Veil hiking trails. There’s also biking, off-road adventure tours, a via-ferrata climbing route, horseback riding and, of course, popular events like the Telluride Jazz Festival and Telluride Plein Air. Ride the free gondola to Mountain Village in summer or winter and, once the snow starts falling, Telluride Ski Resort comes alive for skiing and snowboarding.
Photos courtesy of New Sheridan Hotel
