Stayed at the Strater during our stay after riding the Polar Express train. This historic hotel makes you feel as if you're stepping back in time - everything from the tiny elevator, to the memorabilia, to the Old West style saloon and Victorian style furnishings give his historic hotel an authentic feel. In fact, we were told that the Saloon next door has the same original wallpaper. We had the best room in the place and every room is decorated differently; excellent view of the Polar Express train below from both windows which my son absolutely loved. The fact that it snowed during our trip made it all the more magical. The staff were a little cold - fitting for the weather - but not fitting for a tourism based business. Breakfast is complimentary (which they did not mention upon arrival) and included posole, fruit, breads and cereal. The bathtub was backed up but manageable. Our overall impression was very good and I would recommend it for someone not only because it's conveniently located right in the center of the action but, who doesn't want to experience a piece of history? Plus, doesn't hurt that the train is within walking distance and the breakfast is free.

If you're looking to truly experience the Old West of southwest Colorado, be centrally located in Durango, have great hotel bar and restaurant options, some romance, and just a great time for truly not an abundance in cost... go to the Strater Hotel... it's fantastic! When you walk in the front doors, it just feels like you've stepped back in time and get to experience the Victorian age of grace as well as the Old West mayhem! I love it there!

We actually stayed in August 2011 and it was very warm at that time of year. We loved staying at the Strater! This historic hotel is right in the middle of the old downtown and it is easy to walk around and shop. The details of the hotel are beautiful. The staff can even give "tours" explaining some of the hidden storage places in the lobby area - that is fun for the kids to discover. We went to the evening summer melodrama performance and that was a lot of fun. Good place for families. This was a great location, with parking, to explore the other activities in Durango.

We took my grandson to Durango for a ride on the Polar Express (the annual North Pole ride on the D&SNGRR). We had a corner room which offered a view of the departing and arriving trains. The room was spacious and offered a fantastic view. Mother Nature added a beautiful snowfall, making for a winter wonderland in a historic hotel setting. The lobby was nicely decorated for Christmas, which added to the overall atmosphere. The breakfast was enjoyable and we were able to look out and appreciate the beauty of the snow without leaving the hotel.