Once home to the world’s largest gold ore deposits, this charming mountain community has reinvented itself into a premier heritage tourism destination. With its colorful Wild West past and a plethora of casinos, museums, restaurants, and natural wonders, Cripple Creek offers visitors an unforgettable travel experience.
In This Article
TL;DR
Cripple Creek is a former gold rush boomtown with a unique Wild West charm and culture.
A variety of lodging options exist, from luxurious casino resorts to quaint bed and breakfasts.
Nearby outdoor recreation, cultural sites, and gaming entertainment enhance any hotel stay.
Special deals and packages allow travelers to customize their Cripple Creek vacation.
A Destination Rich in History and Culture
As a National Historic Landmark District, Cripple Creek gives visitors the opportunity to step back in time. Historical hotels like the Palace Hotel once hosted legends like Wyatt Earp and Jack Dempsey. Many buildings maintain their late 19th-century Victorian architecture filled with gold rush-era artifacts. From exploring the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine to riding the narrow gauge railroad, the area’s mining heritage always takes center stage.
Cultural highlights like the Butte Theater and the Cripple Creek District Museum further celebrate this captivating history through musicals, plays, exhibits, and even a ghost walk. Annual events add to the old-timey vibes, from Wild West reenactments to burro races and an ice festival.
Finding the Right Fit Among Diverse Lodging Options
Cripple Creek offers accommodations for every taste and budget. Quaint bed and breakfasts like Hotel St Nicholas, home to the Boiler Room Tavern, provide a cozy, personal feel with warm hospitality. Historic properties like the Gold Fever Inn deliver an authentic mining town atmosphere with creaky floorboards and antique decor. Cripple Creek Hospitality House and Travel Park is a full-service RV park and historic hotel offering one-of-a-kind stay with beautiful views and a historic setting.
For those seeking more modern amenities, boutique hotels like the Midnight Rose Hotel and Casino offer luxurious rooms and additional amenities alongside gaming entertainment. Families can stretch out in multi-room vacation rentals or opt for roomy hotels with pools and free breakfast. Budget hotels, like Gold King Mountain Inn, are also available near the action.
Cripple Creek also contains a high concentration of casino hotels, with eight properties containing over 1,400 slot machines. Casino hotels provide easy access to video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and slots right onsite. Lively resorts like Bronco Billy’s offer comfortable rooms amid the nonstop excitement. Century Casino is a popular destination, with state-of-the-art machines and the in-house Mid City Grill. In the middle of the historic district is the Double Eagle Hotel, boasting a casino they call a mini-Las Vegas.
There are also many options available in nearby towns. Known as the “haunted gem of the Colorado Mountains, The Victor Hotel and Restaurant neighbors Cripple Creek, only an hour west of Colorado Springs. Here, visitors can experience one of the last working birdcage elevators and hope to meet a ghost or two.
Located just an hour north is Cheyenne Mountain Resort for those who would like to combine some daytime outdoor adventures with the gambling nightlife of Cripple Creek. Major chain hotels like Holiday Inn Express or Quality Inn are available an hour away in Colorado Springs or Cañon City. In Manitou Springs, guests find cheap hotels that are well-appointed and popular among locals, like the Villa Motel.
Reveling in Nearby Outdoor Recreation
While accommodations pamper guests onsite, Cripple Creek’s picturesque mountain surroundings beckon visitors to get outside. Many hotels provide the perfect home base for accessing the bountiful recreational opportunities of the Southern Rocky Mountains.
Several scenic byways thread through the region, leading to incredible lookout points and alpine vistas. The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad takes travelers on a 4.5-mile tour through this historic mining country. Numerous hiking trails, including the Mt. Pisgah Trail and the Gold Camp Path, offer a chance to stretch your legs while enjoying fresh mountain air.
The nearby Phantom Canyon and Shelf Road reward more adventurous souls with rock climbing and mountain biking terrain. Fishing, boating, and kayaking at Skagway Reservoir provide a water-based outdoor escape. For winter enthusiasts, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities abound.
Customizing Your Stay through Special Offers
Cripple Creek hotels allow customization through tempting discounts and packages. Special seasonal rates, advance purchase deals, extra guest incentives, and exclusive packages make trip planning easy.
Romantic getaways can include champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, and late checkout. Family packages offer movie rentals, free meals for kids, and arcade credits. Groups can take advantage of meeting space or party room rentals for reunions and celebrations.
Be sure to check individual hotel websites for special discounts and flash sales for extra savings. Signing up for email promotions can also alert you to last-minute travel steals.
Planning an Unforgettable Cripple Creek Vacation
With its unique blend of historic charm, natural wonders, and modern amenities, Cripple Creek offers the ingredients for an unforgettable Colorado vacation. Finding the right hotel is key to making the most of your stay. Be sure to consider your budget, interests, and desired features when booking accommodations.
Take advantage of discounted specials, seasonal rates, and package deals. Check out the visitcripplecreek.com events calendar to coordinate your vacation around beloved annual festivals. And don’t forget to immerse yourself in charming local culture in between adventures in the great outdoors.
FAQ About Cripple Creek, Colorado Hotels
What hotel amenities are standard in Cripple Creek?
Most Cripple Creek hotels offer standard amenities like free parking, Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, business centers, and fitness facilities. Given the number of casino hotels, onsite gaming is a popular option. Upscale properties provide extras like pools, hot tubs, and fine dining. Historic hotels provide antique decor with modern features.
Many Cripple Creek hotels, like the Gold Fever Inn and Carr Manor, allow pets for a small nightly fee. Be sure to check individual hotel pet policies regarding size limits, deposits, and restricted areas. The Midnight Rose Hotel and Casino also offers pet-friendly rooms.
Where can I find deals on Cripple Creek hotels?
Individual hotel websites offer the best hotel discounts and package deals, especially for flash sales and last-minute deals. VisitCrippleCreek.com offers lodging coupons and discounts for special events. Comparison sites like TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Priceline allow price matching. Signing up for hotel email lists can also provide exclusive promotional offers.
What is there to do near my Cripple Creek hotel?
Popular attractions close to most Cripple Creek hotels include casinos like Bronco Billy’s, Brass Ass, and McGill’s, along with historical sites like the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine and Cripple Creek District Museum. Nearby towns like Victor and Florissant offer picturesque sightseeing. Outdoor lovers can access trails, parks, reservoirs, and scenic byways right from their hotel doorstep.
So revel in the rich culture, mining heritage, and natural splendor of Cripple Creek, Colorado, from the comfort of unique lodging options tailored to your style and budget. With the right hotel as your vacation basecamp, a memorable Rocky Mountain getaway awaits in this charming high-country destination.
My expertise in Colorado life extends beyond just residing here; it’s also about living actively within the community. I spend my time cycling through Denver’s trails, experimenting with local cuisines, and immersing myself in the local music scene. These activities give me a unique perspective on the cultural and outdoor offerings of Colorado. This hands-on approach allows me to provide insider tips and personal recommendations that resonate with both locals and visitors alike.
