Grand Imperial Hotel

[Grand Imperial Hotel in downtown Silverton. Photo: Don Barrett] Commissioned in 1882, the Grand Imperial Hotel is Silverton’s iconic downtown accommodation. It prides itself as the “Social Center of the San Juans”. Since its founding it was:

the Crown Jewel of Silverton and quickly become the pinnacle of luxury in the Southwest.

Back in 1883, the Grand Imperial Hotel was considered the largest standing structure south of Denver. Known long ago as Thomson Block, it served as the pinnacle of luxury in the area.

Historic Hotel in Downtown Silverton

The building was commissioned by New Yorker W. S. Thomson who worked as a perfume importer and mill owner. After ten months in construction, the massive granite structure was completed.

It served as the town and county seat, providing office space to its local officials. Then, the hotel was once again bought and renamed as the Imperial Hotel. After restoration and changing management once again in 1951, it was reopened as The Grand Imperial Hotel.

However, after standing more than 130 years, the hotel badly needed preservation and restoration. That’s when the Harper family who owned the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad stepped in and brought back the charm and elegance that The Grand Imperial once had.

Room Types

Accommodations at The Grand are located on the second and third floor of the building.

Second Floor and Third Floor Rooms/ Suites – Each room provides a walk in shower, television, ceiling fan, and premium linens and towels. Rooms vary depending on the size and numbers of beds.

Floor Double Room, Floor Two Double Room, Floor Queen Room, Floor Two Queen Room, Floor King Room, Floor Premium King Room, Second Floor Family Suite, Third Floor Mini Suite.

Amenities

It doubles as the railroad annex for the Durango & Silverton NGRR. One-way and round trip tickets are available from late spring through fall. Train access to Silverton is closed in the winter due to snow.

Dining

For those who want to experience a dining experience with an Old West feel, head on to the Grand Restaurant and Saloon. The restaurant is a mix of the old and the new and is open to serve customers lunch and dinner. As an added bonus, if you pop in the restaurant during lunch time, you’ll get treated with live entertainment.

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