Victorian Inn
Family-owned since 1976 — 30 rooms on Pacific Avenue, the value play in downtown Telluride.
The Victorian Inn has been family-owned in Telluride since 1976, which in this town counts. Thirty rooms on Pacific Avenue, two blocks off the main drag, four blocks from the gondola — and rates that are well below the Mountain Village luxury anchors. It's the longest-running independent in town and a working ski-and-summer hotel that hasn't been bought up.
Telluride is a hard town to get to (a long drive from any major airport, no direct freeways, a small regional airport with weather-dependent service) and a hard town to find a value bed in. The Victorian Inn is the answer for travelers who'd rather spend the savings on lift tickets and dinner.
The setting
On Pacific Avenue in downtown Telluride, two blocks south of Colorado Avenue (the main pedestrian-and-historic strip) and four blocks from the Telluride gondola base. The walk to dinner anywhere in town is under ten minutes. Bridal Veil Falls — the highest free-falling waterfall in Colorado — is at the head of the box canyon, visible from much of town.
The drive in from the regional airport (TEX) is fifteen minutes; from Montrose, ninety minutes. Most guests fly into Montrose and drive in.
The building
A two-story Victorian-style hotel structure — clapboard siding, brass-and-velvet detailing in the lobby, painted exterior in the muted Victorian colors that Telluride's historic-district code requires. The aesthetic is Neo-Victoriana of the practical kind: period-appropriate without being precious, comfortable rather than styled.
It's owner-operated and the upkeep reflects long-running attention.
The rooms
Thirty rooms across the two floors. Categories climb from compact rooms (around $295 in shoulder, more in peak) up through deluxe rooms with mountain or town views and slightly larger floor plans. Beds are queens and kings, linens are good, bathrooms are functional and updated. Several rooms have small private balconies. Some rooms have gas fireplaces.
The town-side rooms get a bit of street activity; the rear rooms are quieter and look toward the canyon walls.
Food & drink
No on-site restaurant. A continental breakfast is included in the lobby. For dinner, you walk into Telluride's restaurant strip — La Marmotte, Allred's at the top of the gondola, the Steaming Bean for breakfast, Brown Dog Pizza, Rustico Ristorante. Apres-ski at the Last Dollar Saloon or the New Sheridan Bar across town.
On the property
A small ski-town hotel with the basics.
- Continental breakfast included
- Apres-ski snacks in winter
- Hot tub
- Free parking (a real Telluride amenity in a town with limited street parking)
- Open year-round
Who it's for
- Skiers who want walking distance to the gondola without Mountain Village rates
- Couples doing a long weekend who'd rather spend the savings on dinner
- Repeat Telluride visitors who've worked out where the value is
- Travelers who want a working hotel rather than a brand experience
Who it's not for
- Travelers who want ski-in/out — you take the gondola or walk
- Anyone looking for a design-forward boutique
- Travelers who need a full hotel restaurant and bar service
Nearby
The Telluride gondola base is four blocks. The free gondola connects downtown Telluride and Mountain Village (the larger ski-resort base) — runs from morning until midnight. Bridal Veil Falls trail is at the head of the box canyon, twenty minutes' walk to the trailhead. Bear Creek Falls is closer, also a walking distance trailhead. The Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June and the Telluride Film Festival in August/September are the marquee events. Drive twenty minutes for Mountain Village's restaurants; drive longer for Ridgway, Ouray, and the Million Dollar Highway south to Silverton.
