Walking into the Hotel St. Nicholas in Cripple Creek feels like stepping back in time. The walls are adorned with old newspaper clippings and rusty gold pans telling stories of the past. Small trinket dishes filled with coins are scattered throughout the hotel, each representing a nod to the spirits of those who once walked these halls.
This historic hotel has a new chapter, thanks to a trio of Navy veterans: Kirstin Edmonds and the husband-wife duo, Arron Edmonds and Sura-Quay Arbon. They took ownership in 2024, determined to keep the hotel a beloved community hub. Their vision includes offering a cozy spot for locals and visitors to enjoy a pint, unwind at the spa, and maybe even encounter some lingering spirits.
“It’s a place where people connect,” Kirstin said, emphasizing their commitment to the community. As they navigate the revitalization, the owners focus on preserving the hotel’s rich history.
The origins of Hotel St. Nicholas date back to 1898 when renowned architect John Huddart designed it as a hospital for the Sisters of Mercy. The Sisters paid $12,000 to construct this vital facility, serving the bustling town filled with gold miners. “The Sisters have devoted their lives to acts of mercy,” noted a newspaper article from that time, reflecting the hospital’s important role.
As the years passed, changes came. A two-story wing was added, classrooms were introduced, and even a secret tunnel made trips to the church in winter easier for the Sisters. The building shifted hands over time, turning from a hospital to a nursing home and eventually to a hotel post-1990s gambling legalization.
The hotel now features 14 guest rooms and a tavern, where the original boiler still stands behind the bar. They’ve worked hard to maintain the space’s vintage charm, with original wooden floors and antiques throughout. As Kirstin noted, “It’s kind of the undiscovered part of Colorado.”
The hotel has become a cherished establishment, with many residents reflecting on their ties to the building, even recalling being born there. “We’ve met people who were born here,” Arbon shared, highlighting the hotel’s deep community roots.
Enhancements like the Grand Peak Spa—offering massages and facials—have rounded out the hospitality experience. The owners even provide local discounts to forge stronger community bonds.
The Boiler Room Tavern attracts both tourists and locals. With its cozy setting and rumored best Old Fashioned in Cripple Creek, it beautifully combines history and modern comfort.
Of course, the hotel has its ghost stories. The owners don’t confirm nor deny tales of hauntings, but they’ve added “spirit trays” in each room, filled with pennies and keys. Kirstin recalls her initial nervousness about staying in a reportedly haunted hotel, leading her son to suggest leaving an offering. “Since then, I’ve found coins in nearly every room,” she laughed.
The hotel occasionally hosts paranormal investigators, adding to its allure. While they respect the ghost stories, the owners prefer to highlight the hotel’s history, encouraging guests to explore and uncover its rich past.
With a blend of history and modern hospitality, Hotel St. Nicholas remains a unique destination in Cripple Creek. It’s a place not just for stays, but for stories and connections, drawing in those seeking both comfort and a glimpse of the past.
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