The Occidental Hotel

The Occidental started as a tent in 1878 and evolved into a hotel that was demolished and rebuilt in 1900. It was lost in a poker game in 1919 to the Smith family, ranchers who ran it as a hotel for more than 50 years. It closed in 1980, and the dust and cobwebs took over for 20 years. But new owners John and Dawn Wexo breathed new life into the place and the grand hotel reopened in 2002 as one of the most intact historic lodgings in the West. The rooms -- often fashioned out of two or three of the old rooms -- are decorated with original furnishings and reproduction wallpaper, as well as vintage radios that pick up old radio programs from an in-hotel transmitter. We like the masculine Teddy Roosevelt Suite, with an original sink and tub, and the dinky Hole-in-the-Wall room, with brick walls and tasteful decor. We also adore the historic saloon downstairs, its woodwork pocked with bullet holes from Buffalo's Wild West past, and great bluegrass jams on Thursday nights.

Facilities:
2 restaurants; lounge

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.