The Antlers Hotel: Older Than Your Grandpa's Jokes, But Still Standing Tall(ish)
Ever wondered how long the Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs has been welcoming weary travelers (and their fainting couches) with open arms? Well, buckle up, history buffs and hotel snobs, because we're about to delve into the fascinating, fire-filled, and frankly fabulous past of this grand dame.
How Old Is The Antlers Hotel In Colorado Springs |
From Humble Beginnings to High Society: The Antlers Through the Ages
The story starts in 1883, a time when mullets were the height of fashion (or should we say, the nadir?). That's when the first Antlers Hotel opened its doors, courtesy of General William Jackson Palmer, a man with a vision for fancy hotels and, apparently, a serious deer antler collection. Yes, the hotel was named after said collection, because back then, that's what all the cool kids were doing.
This first iteration was quite the posh spot, boasting modern marvels like gas lights, steam heat, and an hydraulic elevator (perfect for those prone to dramatic fainting spells). Imagine, riding up and down in that contraption without the fear of sudden plunges! Talk about an adrenaline rush (though probably not the kind the General intended).
But alas, fate (and maybe some faulty wiring) had other plans. In 1898, the first Antlers went up in smoke, taking the General's antler collection with it (sad trombone).
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
Not one to be deterred, a grander, even more fireproof (or so they claimed) Antlers rose from the ashes in 1901. This Italian Renaissance masterpiece boasted fancy marbles, silk rugs, and enough gold finishes to make Liberace jealous. It was the place to be for the wealthy elite and health seekers who flocked to Colorado Springs for its invigorating mountain air (and, presumably, the lack of rogue antler fires).
This magnificent phoenix, however, wasn't destined for eternal life either. By the 1960s, it was deemed a bit too, well, old-fashioned for the modern crowd. So, down it came in 1964, replaced by the current incarnation we know and love today (well, maybe not love, but it definitely has Wi-Fi).
So, How Old is the Antlers Hotel, Really?
Here's the tricky part. If we consider the lineage of all three Antlers Hotels on the same location, then the answer is a whopping 141 years old (as of 2024). That's older than your average rocking chair and has definitely seen its fair share of historical shenanigans.
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
But, if we're talking about the specific building you see today, it's a much younger whippersnapper, having opened its doors in 1967.
So, the answer depends on how existential you're feeling today.
Frequently Asked Antlers Hotel Age Inquiries:
How to impress your friends with useless Antlers Hotel trivia?
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
Drop that 141-year-old lineage bomb. Watch their jaws drop (or politely nod if they're not that into history).
How to avoid an awkward silence on your next date?
Ask if they prefer the grandeur of the second Antlers or the modern convenience of the third. You might not get a second date, but hey, at least you'll break the ice (or send them running for the hills).
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
How to win a bar bet?
The next time someone brings up the Antlers Hotel, casually wager a drink on its age. Just be sure you've read this post first!
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