The Western Hotel and Spa

What a stunning mountain retreat! This hotel has undergone a renovation that perfectly balances trendy design with cozy mountain charm. Everything is spotlessly clean and well appointed. The rooms are thoughtfully designed with every detail considered - quality cookware for those who want to prepare their own meals, a well-stocked selection of complimentary food and drinks, and luxurious toiletries (including proper liquid hand soap instead of those tiny bars). You can tell they really care about the guest experience. The bar and restaurant exceeded our expectations with creative cocktails and delicious local cuisine. The service was top-notch throughout. But the real showstopper is the grotto in the basement. The warm pool and sauna were the perfect way to soak our tired muscles after a full day of hiking. It felt like our own private spa retreat tucked away in the mountains. This place has quickly become our go-to mountain getaway. The attention to detail, beautiful renovation, and that amazing grotto make it worth every penny. We're already planning our next visit.

I don’t normally write reviews but I wanted to in this instance just because my husband and I enjoyed our stay at the Western Hotel so much. Our room felt luxurious but still relaxing; we loved using the fireplace on a couple of cool, rainy mornings and all of the complementary snacks and beverages were really convenient to have on hand. The beds were super comfortable and I’m definitely buying the same brand of pillow I used while there for my own bed. I think what really put it over the top for my husband was the spa—being able to use the sauna, cold plunge and hot tub at no extra charge was really nice. We decided to not even go to the Ouray Hot Springs since we basically had the same thing downstairs. The food and cocktails at the restaurant were delicious and the staff were all so kind and down to earth. It was a beautiful hotel and we will definitely be back!

The Western is a beautiful hotel and a 5 star experience. From check-in to check-out we were treated to a high level of hospitality. We loved the details in the room such as the snacks, robes and the cute (but not functioning) typewriter. We had a queen room and it was plenty spacious for the two of us and had wonderful views. The only downside we experienced was the bar outside plays music from early morning until night, but we were not able to hear other guests at the hotel, even those staying in adjacent rooms or above us. Everything we needed in Ouray was within walking distance, but we loved hanging out at the hotel, especially in the spa downstairs (cold plunge is so fun!) or the hotel bar that had the most delicious cocktails. We would stay at The Western again in a heartbeat! Thanks for an incredible and unique experience!

We stayed here the night after our elopement and couldn’t have picked a better spot. The front desk staff was seriously the sweetest, so welcoming and accommodating above and beyond. The whole place has such a cool vibe, the rooms are beautiful, and friendly bartenders downstairs too. Everything just felt easy and happy, which was exactly what we needed. Such a great place to stay and made our first couple days of marriage feel so special.

Wow. Where do I start. I think I’ll start with Kelly. She gave the most incredible welcome over the phone when I needed to adjust my dates, then persisted to be one of the most delightful outpourings of hospitality in truly one of the most beautiful towns in the country. The grotto spa downstairs was delightful, quiet, and unexpectedly private. The restaurant served amazing food, and the rooms were clean and reminiscent of days gone by. Loved the fact that there was no tv in the room. No regrets!! All smiles!!

My husband and I stayed here the weekend of our wedding, this hotel is absolutely beautiful! The location is amazing the rooms are great and spacious and staff are so nice and accommodating. We had our rehearsal dinner here and everything was so delicious! My family talked about how amazing this hotel is all weekend! We all wanted to come back every year! The bartender is amazing!!! It was the best drinks we all ever had! If you’re coming to Ouray this is by far the best place we have ever stayed.

We had our wedding reception at The Western and we can’t say enough good things about it. Everything was absolutely perfect! The staff was incredible and so helpful. The dinner and drinks were so delicious! Our guests loved every second of it and kept saying it was the best wedding reception they’d been to. The rooms were wonderful and the hotel’s decor matched the theme of our wedding perfectly.

It felt dreamy to wake up, hike, go to the spa, have happy hour at the bar, enjoy a yummy dinner, and do it all again the next day. The location is amazing - walkable to it all. We got GREAT hiking advice and fun conversations with staff. They really made us feel welcome.

I need to note up front that this review is of the restaurant only. I have no comments about the hotel itself as we did not stay there. We were in town for an event that included dinner but we ended up bailing on that and based on the recommendation of the bartender at the Imogene Hotel we ended up here. They have a small dining room that apparently is almost always booked out so we ate at the bar. Really nothing negative to say. Service was prompt and friendly and we enjoyed our conversations with the hostess that seated us and our servers. They offer chef specials for a starter (salad) and for multiple entrees. They also offer a daily special cocktail. The food was solid and the presentations were really well done. I posted our salad courses to show how they handle it. The wife had the on menu ember roasted beet and apple salad. While the apples were scant the overall flavor was fantastic and the local goat cheese had tremendous punch. The salad was perfectly dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. I went with the off menu local tomato and cucumber salad which also included feta, dill, a red wine vinegar dressing and some zaatar seasoning. Again a solid dish, pretty to look at and great tasting. I went with chef special of venison stew. Again, perfectly cooked, the venison fork tender, the vegetables being cooked al dente and the broth being so good I wanted order a cup and just drink it up. We love bolognese and make it at home all the time. the on menu version used just lamb for the protein which (to us) was a bit unusual as you will usually see them with multiple meats. Suffice it to say, this did not need it. The flavor was out of this world fantastic, the rigatoni was cooked perfectly and the freshly grated parmesan was the perfect touch to enhance the overall flavor. Score this a solid 10 - when we return Ouary we will be back to eat here and may even try the hotel out.

Walked in without a reservation. Seated at the bar. Had a great time. Started with a couple of handcrafted cocktails. The manhattan was perfectly made right in front of me. We both had chili pork shoulder and it was just right in portion, flavor and presentation..... Finished with the apple crumble and a couple glasses of Cab. It was our wedding anniversary and the evening was perfect. Will definitely be back, maybe even next weekend .....!

Food: the shrimp I tried was good, but portion is too small, def need order more to get full, friends all enjoyed the burger Service: the host lady is very nice Ambiance: a fancy restaurant good for dating, but kinda dark for friends hangout. Price: $200/5

It was probably a 3.5. When you arrive, it's just street parking, so you might have to schlep your luggage a bit. I knew they didn't have an elevator, but I was on the third floor, and it was quite a lot of stairs. The woman who checked me in was nice and helped me up with my luggage. It's a quaint hotel and my room was nice. They give you a phone number where you can text questions, but I tried that twice and never got a response. I liked the grotto, but when I went down there, there were no towels. Someone found me one, but they didn't seem to keep those stocked. The snacks in the room were a nice touch. The bar was very popular the night I was there with a band and I couldn't find a place to sit. I ended up eating in the dining room without reservations and they were pretty busy as well, but they found a table. When I left, I was also hoping to get some help with my luggage, but that was one of the texts that never got answered, and they also didn't answer the phone when I called.

I spend a lot of time in Hotels due to my job and spent 2 weeks at the Western in the winter. The hotel is old (the oldest wooden commercial structure in Colorado?) and has been meticulously restored only to maintain its old world charm. It's fantastically funky. The floors are slanted and creek, your rolling suitcase may scoot across the floor, the walls may have cracks, the windows strange ways of closing but it works. The design is cowboy rustic chic, but the character is real and not over done. Great linens, comfortable beds, soft robes, kitchenettes, nice snacks and amenities. The food in the restaurant is primarily cooked in a wood fired over. It's fantastic and best when simple and elegant. But like so many of my favorite hotel experiences it's the staff that makes this place special. I was lucky enough to get to know many of them over the course of my stay and they made it a wonderful experience. They have an easy going mountain vibe and pride in service and hospitality. All unique characters in their own rights that add to the charm of this fantastic hotel in a beautiful town. Shout out to Jarrod, Derek, Katie, Kelly, Robin and Michelle (thanks for getting me a dresser for the stay)! Till next time.

At the recommendation of our server 3 of the 4 of my party ordered the shrimp pan stew. What came out was 5 shrimp with a few teaspoons of broth with tasteless chorizo and a comically large spoon with no stew to actually use the spoon for. We literally laughed wondering why such a large spoon when there wasn't even enough "stew" to put in the spoon. We had so little food we then ordered a salad after our meal just to feel like we had eaten. Comically, I now see the last post is of a customer complaining about the exact same purposeful portion control and the manager responding they will consider the comment. Well, my family can confirm, management did not listen to the previous post. Prior to this shrimp meal we ordered the charcuterie... which was about as quality as lunch meat and plain flavorless cheese. Also, please be on notice that the restaurant charges a 5% tip for the kitchen which is only disclosed in tiny font below the "consuming of raw meats" line at the bottom of the menu. I did not notice this until researching why my "tax" was over 12% on my bill. Here the restaurant sneaks the tip into the tax line on the receipt making it look like 12% percent is the local taxes on food but it has this tip hidden in it. So then after the consumer is duped into this tip they then pay a tip for the server of which part is being calculated on the other tip?!?! This is a purposeful lack of disclosure and duping paying customers into paying higher tips than they would have so the restaurant can pay the cooking staff low wages. The restaurant management should be ashamed of this unethical practice. We have been eating out for two weeks in park city and telluride traveling and having wonderful meals and this meal was by far the worst experience we had. I literally don't post on yelp but this one was so bad I have to so others don't waste their money. Much better options in Ouray.

We are soooooo sad. We have been enjoying this restaurant for 20 years. Now the new owners have destroyed the ambiance. If you want to be treated poorly and have Walmart level of food you will be happy. Not us.

Beautiful rooms. Great front desk service. Perfect location. Enjoyed area. Restaurant and bar below with live entertainment was terrific. Delicious food. Swanky sauces. Downsides: stairway to upstairs rooms rather treacherous. Better railings needed. Amazing desk service but no one available all night. Place is empty of staff. That's a little scary and odd. Manager encounter was brief but came off rudely. She tried overstepping her amazing staff whose service was always helpful. No air conditioning is an issue. Yes swamp coolers are in the room but I don't know how to use them. Totally unfamiliar. No one bothered to show or explain prior.

Stayed at Hotel in a suite in June, made dinner reservations at hotel restaurant for 8pm. They were out of many items on menu which was disappointing. Food was good. Service was good l.

My brother and I were being led to the outdoor dining area and walked past a portly guy standing at the end of the bar. This guy couldnt or wouldnt make eye contact or say hello. This guy was the waiter, we discovered when he came out to take our order. I asked if a campari soda was included in the happy hour and he said that it already costs less than the happy hour drinks, and he wouldnt charge for the soda water. I ordered the drink by saying "okay" and nodding my head. The drink never came. When I asked again he got the deer in the headlights look and suggested that I hadnt ordered the drink and actually lied to my face about what I had said. Interesting approach; to make a mistake, lie about it, and engage in a ridiculous combative interaction with the customer. The customer who pays the rent, keeps the lights on, and enables the portly fellow to pay his bills. The menus and the wine list were left on our table the entire meal. The manager came by at the end of the meal and asked if we needed them! I told her that we had looked at them a long time ago. We were never asked if we enjoyed the food and the waiter never came back at all. When the service is this pathetic and unambitious, it taints the entire experience. The manager said she spoke with the "waiter" and he just provided her with excuses. This was our "welcome to Ouray" moment. What a shame, to create a comfortable ambience in a historic building, then to staff it with a dishonest, argumentative, and incompetent buffoon.

Visited Ouray this last Fall and ate dinner at the Western. The food was really good and didn't have any complaints. It was a bit pricey, but that is to be expected at a fine dining restaurant. The outside are was very nice. They had fire pits at most of the seating areas. The bar was fabulous! The drinks were really good and creative. My wife and I had a great time talking with the bartender and other patrons. The place closes a bit early (10 if I remember right), but then again, all of Ouray closes early.

What clowns left less than 5 star reviews? This place is great. Ask to sit at the chef's table for an incredible experience

Best place we've been in the San Juan's. We travel to Ouray and Telluride yearly from south Denver. This was the first year we've had the opportunity to visit the western. Kelly was a top 3 bartender of all time and the prices on spirits 2oz pours are the best i've seen in all of CO. Espresso Martini to die for. Chef's table was an excellent experience and the food was top tier. Will always come back!! Shoutout Jerrod too!!

We just came for happy hour and I came the next day for a spa treatment. Food was phenomenal. Incredible space and impeccably designed. We did not stay in the hotel and we were there at the end of a busy season, so we got the idea it was slightly understaffed, but it didn't really affect our experience. My massage was with Mark and it was maybe the best massage I've ever had. The grotto area and cold plunge reminded me of the St Regis spa in Aspen. With a little more work, it will be perfection. This place is incredible, we will be back.

After meeting Kelly, a bartender at The Western, while having a late lunch around the corner, we decided to take her up on her invitation to check out the bar. Cool historic building, craft cocktails and an amazing bar and restaurant staff. What more could a couple of travelers ask for? Kelly and Jerrod are naturel bartenders - friendly and willing to share pro tips and good conversation. Oh, and the drinks were amazing. A must stop when you're in town.

I was so impressed with the Western on a recent mother/daughter trip. The moment you arrive at the hotel and see how it beams elegance and joy with the impressive three story white wooden facade. The restaurant space and outdoor space is unparalleled and so warm and inviting. There is a small apple orchard in the making that will be lovely once the trees mature in the side yard. Room was so comfortable with beds back to back which was private and yet close for the two of us. The food was excellent, as was the live music and kind words and experienced recommendations of Suzanne the GM. But the best... was the underground grotto and massage therapists. The space is nothing short of magical and available to all guests. You can feel the pressures of life slide off as you sink into the hot soak. The hotel is really very special.

Incredible wood fired food. Steak was amazing, Seabass was awesome. Server was great. 10 out of 10 for this place.

Nice surprise, was able to secure seats at the chef's table watching the kitchen. Drinks were good, good was also good. Service and staff were great. Beautiful restoration done on this historic building. Worth checking out.

Food was not fantastic for the price. Disappointing experience. No side in addition to a very salty Caesar salad. Meh.

truly couldn't recommend this place enough. the food was SPECTACULAR - their new chef, Marcus, was outstanding. they just hired him 2 weeks ago and his menu is 10/10. we're from LA and we were just passing through, not expecting much, but WOW. this place blew us away for dinner. sometimes chefs get too carried away with intense flavoring, but Marcus nailed it - everything was delicious, not too salty or over flavored. Emily was fantastic as well, and the conversation we had was so lovely. my partner and I cannot WAIT to go back to Ouray to be here and eat with Marcus and Emily again!!!

This hotel is beautiful. They did a nice job restoring it. I give it 3 stars because it is not a comfortable place to stay. None of the rooms have AC, which was not disclosed upon booking. Some rooms have swamp coolers, but ours did not. I asked for one and was told they were all being used. Why would they not have them for all rooms? It was in the low 90's most of the days we were here. There was absolutely NO BREEZE coming into our open windows. I had to sleep with an ice pack on my chest to fall asleep. The room came with one small fan. We brought our 10 yr old daughter, that they classify as an adult. She slept on what they called a "day bed". It was a bench with a 1" pad. It was NOT a daybed! The queen size mattress was so hard and uncomfortable as well. This is a brand new hotel. They should have made sure the beds were comfortable and every room would be cool. We were on the third floor with no elevator (less an issue, but it could be for some). Beautiful, but I'd take comfortable over this any day. The restaurant and bar were good.

My actual rating is 3.75, but rounded up to a 4. Venue = 5 stars, food = 3 stars. Lovely staff. Firstly, the building they're in is just fantastic and I love the way they've done the booth seating. I heard good things about the food so maybe my expectations were a bit too high. The entrees were good but not great. The fondue appetizer was very good. In hindsight my wife and I should have just ordered a bunch of apps. She got the chef's special which was a steak mole and mushrooms and sunchokes. I got the trout with beets and pears. Both were just OK. Will definitely go back and try again though. Would love to have this place as our regular date night spot.

The place and STAFF were Awesome. The food.... well, a bit overpriced for what you get, and not that good (yet). I was told the chef and restaurant were newly re-opened. I ordered the Bison skewers. Note to chef, Bison is tough, not the best meat for a skewer, it was so tough and chewy. The garnishment was great though. However, it was 50 bucks for just my dish.. the shrimp, elk and grits was missing the elk (another 35) ... I could barely chew my food. We didn't say anything, as the staff was so nice. But..chef, bison is best for a burger :). and maybe add all the ingredients listed.

Absolutely, positively will return to Ouray. My family would have rated our trip 10 out of 10 if not for this hotel. Absolutely, positively will never return to this hotel. It was 80's °F during day and 50's °F at night. I grew up in Colorado, and thought we would be fine without AC. Our room baked all day and became a sauna where we could not sleep at night. There was no AC but there was a broken swamp cooler. There were 3 sealed windows and only one window that opened, and so air circulation was impossible. If the windows had opened, we would have been fine once the sunset and the night time cooled. Sealed windows without AC is a poor design for a hotel room!

Newly renovated hotel in Ouray is beautiful and full of vintage character. However, it is still an old building and recently opened so ran into a couple of issues. We stayed in the Silver Spoon Double room which was over the restaurant located downstairs and was hot at night. Overall a great stay and beautiful location in Colorado.