Opulence and Outlaws
Historic Hotels of the American West

Step across the threshold of time into grand lobbies, across creaking floorboards and down shadowed corridors where legends once walked. From opulent frontier parlors to rugged retreats, these historic hotels are far more than places to stay—they are living museums, steeped in tales of outlaws, lawmen and the untamed West. Whether you’re savoring the past in a dusty, sunlit lobby or resting in a bed once slept in by gunfighters and statesmen, each hotel is a doorway to the rugged yet refined world of Western heritage.

 

La Posada Hotel

A true gem of the Santa Fe Railway, La Posada Hotel opened its doors in 1930 as the last grand Harvey House. Designed by legendary architect Mary Colter, its Spanish hacienda-style design made it the perfect stop for the golden-age railroad traveler. Today, the hotel still exudes luxury, with original tiles and art deco touches offering a tangible connection to a bygone era when steam engines ruled the rails. Stand in the lobby, and you might just imagine the bustling crowds of passengers awaiting their next adventure through the desert landscape.

303 E. 2nd St., Winslow, AZ 86047
928-289-4366
laposada.org

The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant

The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town San Diego began its journey as a private adobe home in 1827 before evolving into a luxury hotel and stagecoach stop in 1869. This historical treasure welcomes visitors to its shaded courtyard, where the scent of rich adobe walls and the rustling of palm fronds evoke the spirit of 19th-century elegance. A stop for cattle barons, politicians and adventurers, the Cosmopolitan was once an essential point on the travelers’ map of the Old West. Enjoy the taste of history with a meal in the same space where notable figures dined.

2660 Calhoun St.,
San Diego, CA 92111
619-297-1874
oldtowncosmopolitan.com

 

Wortley Hotel Bed & Breakfast

The Wortley Hotel, built in the 1870s, served as a critical point during the Lincoln County War. Billy the Kid famously escaped the jail across the street, leaving a trail of bloodshed behind.

Once owned by Pat Garrett, the lawman who ultimately took down the infamous outlaw, this B&B carries the weight of Wild West history in every creaking floorboard. Its antique furnishings and rustic charm provide a haunting glimpse into a world where every guest might have a story to tell, if the walls could talk.

585 Calle la Placita, Lincoln, NM
575-653-4300
wortleyhotel.com

 

The Bullock Hotel

In Deadwood, South Dakota, the Bullock Hotel stands as a proud testament to the elegance and grit of the Old West. Built in 1895 by Seth Bullock, Deadwood’s first sheriff, the hotel blends Old West charm with modern comforts. Step inside, and you’ll feel the same sense of history that has been preserved in its luxurious rooms and stately lobby. Known for its grand staircase and old-time saloon, it remains a cherished landmark in this town once ruled by notorious figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.

633 Main St., Deadwood, SD 57732
800-336-1876
historicbullock.com

 

The Murray Hotel

In Livingston, Montana, The Murray Hotel has stood as a beacon of Western hospitality since 1904. Originally designed to cater to the throngs of railroad travelers on their way to Yellowstone, the hotel quickly became a stop for tycoons, adventurers and Hollywood celebrities. With its Victorian charm and rich history, it’s a place where the echoes of the past still resonate through its elegant hallways and classic furnishings. For those who dream of the frontier days, the Murray Hotel offers a rare opportunity to experience history while sipping their favorite whiskey by a roaring fire.

201 W. Park St.,
Livingston, MT 59047
406-222-1350
murrayblock.com

 

La Fonda on the Plaza

La Fonda on the Plaza is not just a hotel—it’s a living legend. Serving guests in Santa Fe since 1607, this adobe masterpiece is a portal to New Mexico’s colorful history. From Kit Carson to Georgia O’Keeffe, many famous figures have passed through these doors, drawn by the hotel’s unparalleled charm. Its vibrant atmosphere, Southwestern cuisine and intricate design make it a must-visit for anyone seeking a deep dive into the past. If the walls could talk, they would tell of ancient traders, artists and revolutionaries who found sanctuary in this storied establishment.

100 E. San Francisco St.,
Santa Fe, NM 87501
855-516-1092
lafondasantafe.com

 

The Strater Hotel

Located in Durango, Colorado, the Strater Hotel has been a symbol of Victorian-era luxury since 1887. Popular with railroad travelers, cowboys and townsfolk alike, the hotel retains much of its original charm, especially in the Diamond Belle Saloon, where you can imagine Louis L’Amour sipping a whiskey as inspiration for his legendary Western tales. When you’re enjoying a drink under the ornate chandelier, you can’t help but feel the weight of history pressing down on the oak wood of the bar.

699 Main Ave.,
Durango, CO 81301
800-247-4431
strater.com

 

Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel

Cody, Wyoming, owes much of its founding to Buffalo Bill Cody, who built the Irma Hotel in 1902 as a social and commercial hub for his growing town. This historic hotel is famous for its cherrywood bar, a gift from Queen Victoria herself. Guests of the Irma have included some of the Wild West’s most famous characters, including Annie Oakley and countless adventurers and outlaws. Standing in the lobby, you can almost hear the clink of spurs and the soft laughter of cowboy tales being spun over a cold drink.

1192 Sheridan Ave.,
Cody WY 82414
307-587-4221
irmahotel.com

 

The Occidental Hotel

Once a frequent stop for pioneers traveling along the Bozeman Trail, the Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, Wyoming, has been the site of many historic gatherings. Butch Cassidy, Buffalo Bill and even Theodore Roosevelt once graced its saloon, adding to its storied legacy. Its rustic charm and atmospheric saloon will transport you back in time, where the scent of leather and wood mingles with the ghosts of the past.

10 N. Main St., Buffalo, WY 82834307-684-0451
occidentalwyoming.com

 

The Meeker Hotel

The Meeker Hotel, a cornerstone of Western charm since 1896, has hosted dignitaries and adventurers alike, including Theodore Roosevelt and John Wayne. With its hunting lodge atmosphere and rumors of hauntings, it stands as a relic of Colorado’s frontier past. Whether you’re seeking adventure or just a peaceful night’s sleep, the Meeker offers a rich blend of the old and the new, with the added allure of its legendary guest list.

560 Main St., Meeker, CO 81641
970-878-5255
meekerhotel.com

 

Historic Sheridan Inn

The Sheridan Inn, built in 1893, is a legendary stop on Wyoming’s Western frontier. It was Buffalo Bill Cody’s headquarters and the original audition site for his Wild West Show. Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane passed through here, and it was a haven for outlaws and icons alike. With its grand architecture and rich history, the Sheridan Inn offers more than a place to stay—it’s an immersion into the frontier spirit.

856 Broadway St.,
Sheridan, WY 82801
307-674-2178
sheridaninn.com

 

Western Hotel and Spa

In Ouray, Colorado, the Western Hotel has stood as a beautifully preserved Victorian-era landmark since 1891. Once a bustling stop for miners and travelers, it now offers a retreat for those seeking rest in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. With antique furnishings and a classic saloon, the Western Hotel preserves the spirit of the Old West, making it an ideal stop for those seeking relaxation and history.

210 7th Ave., Ouray, CO 81427
970-497-1057
thewesternouray.com