Located in thriving downtown Fort Collins, this hotel is a tucked-away oasis in one of Colorado’s most idyllic college towns. Within walking distance of a bustling restaurant and brewery scene and just a minute’s drive from Colorado State University’s campus, The Armstrong Hotel is exactly what you need to get away from it all.
This hip and historic lodging — found right on College Avenue — has quite the storied past. When it first opened its doors in 1923, it was the tallest building in town (can you imagine three stories being the tallest?) and it housed the first chapter of the American Automobile Association. Then, in 2002, new owners restored the red-brick structure to its glory days. Wooden windows, Douglas fir floors, period hall doors and facades with leaded prismatic glass tiles are a few of the features that make this hotel a gem.
In the rooms themselves, intricate macrame art hangs above comfy beds, dark accent walls provide a contrast to plaid couches and bright bathrooms make showering even more enjoyable. Grab a creamy cortado from Mugs Old Town and savor it in the luxe and homey lobby. We love the ornithology-inspired wallpaper behind the wrought-iron staircase complemented by low bookshelves and paintings of icons like Napoleon Dynamite.
You’ll appreciate the distinctive Fort Collins jazz bar located right downstairs — Ace Gillett’s Lounge. Celebrating a bygone era of classic cocktails in shadowy nightclubs, Ace Gillett’s tropical, fruity Painkiller and Ruby Soho (a grapefruit cocktail) will end your night on a classy note. Snatch up a half-circle booth and let the live music (or spinning vinyl) ease you into a wonderful evening. If you are craving a snacky bite, the Caprese grilled cheese sandwich with tomato bisque is *chef’s kiss*.
It’s Choice City Tap House & Craft Kitchen, the on-site restaurant and tap house. Draft Magazine, Wine Spectator and Beer Connoisseur recognized them as having one of the world’s best beer lists that’s chock full of Colorado-centric brews.
Stay in the signature king bedroom that comes with a massive, two-person soaking tub. After a long day of hiking in nearby Lory State Park, there’s nothing better than immersing yourself into steaming water pouring from the elegant chrome tap. Add a glass of rich, red wine and you’re all set. Smooth wood floors, a colorful rug, interesting gallery walls and a Nespresso coffee maker round out the offerings.
“Fantastic hotel! The staff was friendly and attentive; the follow-up texts throughout our stay were a nice touch. The lobby and rooms are well designed and unique, loved the variety of art everywhere. It was convenient to have Ace's for dining and drinks right downstairs, and an added bonus that the quality was excellent. Lastly, the location in the middle of Old Town put us within walking distance of so many activities, just a quick drive from others. We loved our stay, can't wait to return!” — Aliciajov, Tripadvisor
Just 8 miles outside of town, the peaceful and glass-like Horsetooth Reservoir is the perfect place to fish, boat, swim, water ski and even scuba dive. Sunset is especially breathtaking when the orange and pink-hued sky reflects off the water.
A little more than an hour from the hotel lies Rocky Mountain National Park, where you’ll spot elk herds, fall leaves (if you’re visiting in late September to early October) and many, many mountain peaks.
Back in Fort Collins proper, the Annual Flower Trial Garden is a research-based public park that, come summer, is a kaleidoscopic frenzy of brilliant colors just waiting to be photographed. Walk the quaint streets of Old Town and pop into the Museum of Art Fort Collins, the 1879 Avery House and the Global Village Museum of Arts.
Photos courtesy of The Armstrong Hotel
