Strater Hotel Durango
Step into the Old West at the historic Strater Hotel, a Victorian gem built in 1887, offering unique rooms, lively saloons, and fine dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music and saloon atmosphere
Strater Hotel Durango
Best Time
Live music and saloon atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the Old West at the historic Strater Hotel, a Victorian gem built in 1887, offering unique rooms, lively saloons, and fine dining.
"By far my favorite historical hotel I’ve ever stayed in! Incredible attention to period detail."
👻 Haunted History
Many guests report spooky encounters; embrace the hotel's haunted reputation!
🚂 Near the Train
Conveniently located near the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Elegance
Guest Rooms
Each of the 88 rooms is uniquely decorated with antiques, offering a glimpse into 19th-century luxury.
Diamond Belle Saloon
Ground Floor
Experience a lively Old West saloon with ragtime piano music and period costumes.
Mahogany Grille
Ground Floor
Enjoy delicious steak dinners in an elegant setting, a perfect complement to your historic stay.
The Office Spiritorium
Ground Floor
A cozy bar offering drinks and live music, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Old West Charm
Book Ahead for Peak Experiences
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👻 Haunted History
Many guests report spooky encounters; embrace the hotel's haunted reputation!
🚂 Near the Train
Conveniently located near the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Enjoy ragtime piano at the Diamond Belle Saloon for an authentic experience.
🍽️ Dinner Reservations
Book tables at Mahogany Grille in advance, especially for popular times.
Tips
from all over the internet
👻 Haunted History
Many guests report spooky encounters; embrace the hotel's haunted reputation!
🚂 Near the Train
Conveniently located near the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Enjoy ragtime piano at the Diamond Belle Saloon for an authentic experience.
🍽️ Dinner Reservations
Book tables at Mahogany Grille in advance, especially for popular times.
🚶♂️ Walkable Location
Perfectly situated for exploring downtown Durango on foot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently praise the Strater Hotel's incredible historic charm, attention to period detail, and prime downtown location. The staff is often highlighted for being professional, accommodating, and friendly. However, some visitors have noted that the hotel's age means it's in need of renovation, with specific concerns raised about air conditioning in rooms. [^Review]
"We held our annual Board of Directors meeting at the Strater Hotel in August 2025. From my initial contact to checkout, everything was excellent. Camille and Erica were so helpful in planning the meeting. Beverly and Jessica were outstanding in providing service in the meeting room, and the food was delicious. The folks at the front desk are very welcoming and knowledgeable. This historic property has been beautifully maintained. It was a great meeting!"
Sue Bertram
"While this hotel is beautiful, it’s very old and in need of some major renovation. This hotel does not run air conditioning at night. When we asked for a solution, they suggested opening our ground floor window and placing a fan to help cool. To say I was shocked at this suggestion is an understatement. Front desk attendant ( didn’t catch her name unfortunately) was a little rude and condescending. We ended up staying at another hotel since there was no AC and the manager refunded us. Hotel manager Broux was very understanding."
Jessica Goytia
"We just returned home from an incredible 4-night stay at the Strater. The hotel and room were very clean, the staff were fantastic, and the location can’t be beat. We enjoyed having drinks at the Diamond Belle and The Office each evening after a day exploring Durango and surrounding areas. We’ll definitely be back!"
Jeremy Dobson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Strater Hotel is located in downtown Durango at 699 Main Ave. If you're flying in, the nearest airport is Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), about a 30-40 minute drive away. Many visitors arrive by car, and the hotel is easily accessible from major highways.
Yes, the Strater Hotel is very conveniently located just two blocks from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station, making it an ideal place to stay if you plan to ride the historic train.
The Strater Hotel is in the heart of downtown Durango, making it incredibly walkable. You can easily explore shops, restaurants, and attractions on foot right from the hotel.
Parking information can vary, but historic downtown hotels often have limited parking. It's best to check directly with the Strater Hotel for their current parking availability and any associated fees.
Absolutely! The Strater Hotel's prime location in downtown Durango means you're steps away from numerous dining options, boutiques, and local attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need tickets to enter the Strater Hotel's public areas like the lobbies, Diamond Belle Saloon, or The Office Spiritorium. However, if you plan to stay overnight, you'll need to book a room.
The Diamond Belle Saloon is typically open in the evenings, offering a lively atmosphere with live music. It's best to check their specific hours of operation on the Strater Hotel's website or by calling them directly, as they can change seasonally.
The Mahogany Grille is a restaurant, so there's no admission fee to enter. You'll pay for your meal and drinks. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.
Yes, you can visit the Strater Hotel to experience its historic ambiance, enjoy a meal at the Mahogany Grille, or have drinks at the Diamond Belle Saloon or The Office Spiritorium.
The Strater Hotel sometimes hosts events and offers historical tours, particularly for groups. It's worth inquiring with the hotel directly about any scheduled events or tour opportunities during your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Strater Hotel offers a unique Old West and Victorian ambiance. Expect ornate woodwork, antique furnishings, and a step back in time. It's known for its historic charm and even a touch of the supernatural!
Yes, the Strater Hotel is frequently cited as one of the most haunted hotels in the West. Many guests report paranormal experiences, adding an intriguing layer to their stay.
The Diamond Belle Saloon often features live ragtime piano music, creating a lively and authentic Old West saloon experience.
Some reviews indicate that air conditioning can be an issue, with suggestions to open windows and use fans. It's advisable to confirm AC availability and functionality with the hotel when booking, especially during warmer months. [^Review]
Amenities typically include beautifully decorated rooms, on-site dining at Mahogany Grille, bars like the Diamond Belle Saloon and The Office Spiritorium, and a historic atmosphere. Check with the hotel for specific room amenities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Strater Hotel features the Mahogany Grille for steak dinners, the Diamond Belle Saloon for a lively bar experience with food, and The Office Spiritorium for drinks and ambiance.
The Mahogany Grille is known for its delicious steak dinners and elegant dining experience, offering a taste of classic American cuisine in a historic setting.
The Diamond Belle Saloon offers a fun, old-timey atmosphere with drinks and food. While it's a great spot for a more casual experience and to enjoy the live music, the Mahogany Grille is recommended for a full steak dinner.
Reservations are highly recommended for the Mahogany Grille, especially for dinner, to ensure you get a table. The saloons are more walk-in friendly, but can get busy.
The Office Spiritorium is a bar offering a selection of drinks in a cozy, historic setting. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the hotel's ambiance.
📸 📸 Photography
The hotel's grand lobby with its dark wood and antique decor, the ornate rooms, and the vibrant Diamond Belle Saloon are all fantastic for photos. Don't forget the exterior for that classic historic hotel shot.
Yes, you can take photos inside the Diamond Belle Saloon to capture its unique atmosphere, live music, and period costumes.
Absolutely! The entire downtown Durango area, especially Main Avenue, offers charming historic architecture and is perfect for street photography. The nearby train station is also a popular photo spot.
Morning light can be beautiful for exterior shots, while evenings offer a warm, inviting glow inside the saloons and lobby. Consider the lighting for both daytime and nighttime ambiance.
While you can photograph the general ambiance, it's always best practice to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of staff members, especially if they are in costume.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
🚂 Train Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through History
Walking through the Strater is like stepping onto a movie set for a Western film. The grand lobby itself is an experience, adorned with historical artifacts and portraits. Each of the 88 rooms is unique, decorated with antique furniture and period details, ensuring no two stays are exactly alike. This commitment to historical authenticity is what draws many visitors seeking an immersive experience.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Strater Hotel is steeped in stories, including tales of paranormal activity. It's frequently listed among the most haunted hotels in the West, with guests often reporting unexplained phenomena. This adds an intriguing, albeit spooky, dimension to the hotel's already rich history.
Experiencing the Old West Saloons
The Office Spiritorium offers a slightly more subdued, yet equally historic, bar experience. It's a cozy spot perfect for enjoying a cocktail and reflecting on the hotel's storied past. Both saloons provide a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy evening entertainment.
Visitors often rave about the authentic feel of these saloons. The live music at the Diamond Belle is a particular highlight, adding a unique soundtrack to your Durango visit. While some find the waitresses' costumes a bit much, the overall experience is widely praised for its fun and historical immersion. [^Review]
Culinary Delights at Mahogany Grille
Guests consistently praise the quality of the food and the excellent service at the Mahogany Grille. Many reviewers highlight the delicious steaks and the attentive staff, with specific shout-outs to servers who go above and beyond. [^Review] The restaurant's ambiance, combined with its culinary offerings, makes it a standout dining destination in Durango.
Given its popularity, making reservations for the Mahogany Grille is highly recommended, especially during peak times, to avoid disappointment. This ensures you can enjoy a leisurely dinner without a long wait.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit