Movies, Music & Mobility: The Rochester Hotel in Durango, Colorado
The Rochester Hotel
A neon pink and green sign reading “Rochester Hotel” one block off the main drag in Durango, Colorado does more than catch your eye. It signals the revitalization of putting Second Avenue in this charming old western town back on the map. The area was flooded with car dealerships and repair shops until mother and son team Kirk Komick and Diane Wildfang had a bigger vision when the two arrived in 1992.
The two started by renovating the Leland House, hoping someone would take on the bigger project across the street, The Rochester Hotel, which had fallen into disrepair. That someone turned out to be them. After stripping the hotel to the studs guests can now enjoy a total remodel of the Western Movie Themed Motel. Staying true to Durango pride, the walls are covered with movie posters framed in Hollywood Lights showcasing movies filmed in the area. From City Slickers, plenty of John Wayne classics and the National Lampoons Vacation, learn where some of the city has been featured on the big screen.
Come morning, make your way downstairs for a homemade breakfast with a focus on local ingredients. Fill up on eggs, potato cakes, granola, toast and fresh fruit. Sip on Durango coffee, a house made hot cocoa or choose from a selection of tea. Now that you are fueled up, rent a free Cruiser Bike with clever names like Trigger and Buttermilk to take the town. Roll by the Victorian architecture one block to the West on 3rd avenue, or for a longer pedal take to the Las Animas Trail and follow the river. Cruise long enough and homemade cookies and iced tea are waiting upon arrival.
Creating community is paramount for the antique filled hotel. On Wednesday evenings, find live local bands playing in the shaded court yard- no ticket nedded. So Grab a glass of Rochester Red from the up cycled bar in the lobby and enjoy the jams where locals are sure to join.
Carri’s Catch: Environmentally conscious, the hotel has installed refillable dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion eliminating waste of tiny plastic bottles most often found in hotels.
The Rochester Hotel creates community offering free cruiser bikes rentals. Saddle up a cleverly named bike like Trigger or Buttermilk and explore town. Ride along Third avenue to see historic homes or for a longer 14 mile pedal take to the Las Animas Trail that follows the river.
Kirk Komick, Diane and Fredrick B. Wildfang had a bigger vision for the Rochester Hotel in Durango, CO turning it into a western themed movie hotel.
Hotel built out to the street. Same windows and doors. Brickwork changes on side of building at 15 foot setback.
Stay in room 204, also called the John Wayne room, and you may have extra company as several guests say that have seen a woman in Victorian clothing.
