Just 40 minutes south of Colorado Springs, Pueblo was once Colorado's steel capital. Today it boasts culture, arts and history, plus the famous Pueblo chile. You have to get a Slopper sandwich (a hamburger smothered in green chili) before checking into your lodging, which — drumroll please — is located along Pueblo’s 32-acre urban waterfront park. Station on the Riverwalk is a boutique hotel in … an old jail.
Serving as the police station and prison from the 1940s until 2010, this yellow-brick, art-deco wonder has been repurposed from penal nightmare to elegant comfort. Walk down white, cinder-block halls dotted with barred doors to one of the seven cells (rooms), which have fluffy down pillows, plush robes and eco-friendly, USA-made bath goods.
Down the hall from your room is The Clink Lounge, a darkened cocktail lounge that dishes out aperitifs, wines, snacks and cheeses. The exposed-brick walls, sumptuous chairs and back-lit bar make it a great wedding venue or ideal place to sip a French 75 and look mysterious.
The hotel owners try to use as many Colorado-made products as possible. Your in-room linens were all crafted in the Centennial State.
If you want to live out Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black,” Cell Six is probably for you. Featuring the original lockup bunk beds — but don’t worry, they have extra thick mattresses now — it’s the smallest room and the most authentic. The genuine lock-out solitary confinement door leads to Cell Five for a suite stay.
“My boyfriend and I stayed here, and we were so impressed! The building is an old police station/jail, and all the rooms are 'cells.' Our room (Cell Seven) was very unique and had the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in (in a hotel). Its amenities were impressive and all top-notch. For example, we were given an actual key, had robes in the rooms and a steamer for our clothes (not an iron). The 'mud room' had a nice selection for a light breakfast. They incorporated a lot of things from the old jail in the halls and rooms while remaining classy. The hotel staff were super friendly and helpful. This hotel is connected to the brewery/restaurant/bakery underneath and it’s right along the Riverwalk. We were very pleased and impressed with everything we tried.” — Ann C., Tripadvisor
On the other side of the building, Brues Alehouse Brewing Co. has tiered seating overlooking the Riverwalk. Grab a Probation (German-style helles lager) before walking alongside the Arkansas waterway to see unique sculptures. Or hop on a gondola boat for the ultimate experience.
Visiting in the fall? The Chile & Frijoles Festival is a must-do. The fete celebrates the harvest and the city’s Hispanic heritage. Learn more about Pueblo’s long and wild past at the rebuilt El Pueblo History Museum or Steelworks Center of the West. End your trip with an evening stroll through Neon Alley — a rainbow-layered exhibit of bright lights.
Photos courtesy of Station on the Riverwalk
