Gerald S.
Yelp
The last time I was in Silverton in the late 1990s, The Wyman Hotel was a classic western main street head on pillow kind of place, showing every bit of its 1902 roots. A bit creaky, dusty and perhaps, ghostly, with tons of charm in every corner. I was there in the October off season to take respit for a few days and to work on a book. The only guest in the house, I had quiet nights and hung out with staff before they went home after last call. I ate breakfast in the kitchen alongside the chef and his sou. It was great.
So, knowing I was coming back to town, I booked the same room thinking it would be more or less the same as 20 years before. I noted prices were considerably higher, but what wasn't in new age Colorado?
So, I was very surprised when upon checking in I thought I had misremembered where I stayed last time. All around me was a hotel more suited for Chelsea (lower Manhattan) or even LoDo Denver. It was now modern and my second floor room had no resemblance to the Wild West, but was a beautifully appointed clean bright space that really left the outside world behind. To be honest, it wasn't what I expected, nor wanted, but sometimes it was best to roll with it. Maybe I would learn something. I did.
Despite all the differences, it was a great place. Extremely comfortable; offering total escape from the hard scrabble of the surrounding mountain environment. The bed was perfect for sound sleep and everyone associated with Wyland was focused on customer care. There were several guests and we enjoyed conversation morning and night, exchanging recommendations for other places to visit, and good kitchens and bars around town.
Silverton is coming of age a second time in the early part of the 21st Century. It is still mostly 1900 western Americana, but with ski resorts nearby it now also has something for folks more into snow conveniences than roughing it as the old miners did.
Truly, there is room for both.