Newly reimagined Mining Exchange Hotel in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – The new Mining Exchange Hotel is designed for modern travelers, with a nod to Colorado’s gilded past. The storied building in downtown Colorado Springs was originally established in 1902 as the stock exchange for precious gold and silver, and quickly became a bustling hub for mining magnates and investors. The reimagined property embodies this rugged yet refined essence of the West, creating a space that is as reverent to history as it is relevant to today’s traveler. Highlights include a living room style lobby for guests and locals, 128 newly designed and visually vibrant guestrooms inspired by the destination, two new food and beverage concepts, indoor-outdoor meeting and events spaces, and a forthcoming refresh of the existing full-service spa. One-of-a-kind guest experiences include a Crystal Concierge, art-centric programming and wellness activations.

“The Mining Exchange Hotel is a symbol of Colorado Springs’ prosperous past and remains the heartbeat of the community. We are proud to be the stewards of this historic building,” said McLean Wilson, principal of Kemmons Wilson Hospitality Partners, a subsidiary of Kemmons Wilson Companies, who purchased the property in 2022. “We brought together an incredible team of passionate experts committed to creating a hotel that will last another 120 years and be the city’s modern-day exchange for ideas, commerce and connection.”

Bashar Wali, Founder & CEO of Practice Hospitality, the hotel’s management company, remarked, “It has been a truly enriching experience to immerse ourselves in everything Colorado Springs offers and to collaborate with such exceptional partners. We are thrilled to bring the storied past and stunning design of the hotel alive and look forward to welcoming guests to the Pikes Peak region to enjoy the renewed charm of the Mining Exchange.”

The Mining Exchange Hotel’s extensive revitalization enhances all aspects of the property. The interior design, overseen by Chris Pardo, founder of Elemental Architecture, draws inspiration from the adventurous spirit of Colorado’s trailblazers and prospectors. Original elements, including the mining exchange safe and vault doors are seamlessly integrated, paying homage to the hotel’s history. In the lobby, a curated collection of local vintage curiosities, including mining stock certificates, adds a nostalgic touch, enhancing the day-to-night community living room anchored by the new BLK MGK coffee bar and Golden Hour bar and courtyard.

Guestrooms showcase the historic building’s high ceilings, exposed brick, and large windows, juxtaposed by art-inspired wall coverings inspired by local flora and fauna. Each guest room includes commissioned art from Emma Kelly, a native of Colorado Springs known for her plein air paintings capturing the region’s natural beauty, and framed vintage stereographs from the 19th century that showcase the West that was. Natural white oak flooring, custom wingback armchairs and oak desks anchor the bright spaces with thoughtful touches, include a Victorola Bluetooth speaker, patterned area rugs, custom wainscoting and an ultra-quiet sound barrier designed to provide the ultimate sleep experience. The photo-worthy bathrooms feature vibrant green porcelain tiles juxtaposed against patterned tile floors, Carrara marble-topped vanities, walk-in showers with Champagne bronze fixtures, and MALIN+GOETZ bathroom amenities.

In addition to the standard King and double Queen guest rooms in Bronze, Silver and Gold categories that relate to their square footage, guests can choose from:

Mining Club Rooms: The hotel’s most exclusive rooms, located on the top floor, offer amenities and services inspired by the gilded era, including luxurious robes, slippers, and complimentary late check out based on availability.
Foundation Suites: These two room suites feature light-filled living areas and sumptuous king bedrooms with expansive windows that showcase the beauty of Colorado Springs.
Remedy Suites: Complete with deep soaking tubs, a Himalayan salt lamp, spa products curated by the hotel’s expert spa team and a separate living room.
Retreat Suites: Spacious enough to spread out with family or friends, each Retreat Suite features a living room, powder room, double queen bedroom and ensuite bathroom.

In step with the reimagined hotel, the new Mining Exchange Hotel is rife with experiences, including new food and beverage concepts that double as dynamic venues for programming, built for travelers and locals alike:

BLK MGK: The all new, high craft, full-service coffee bar brews locally roasted beans from Hold Fast Coffee Co., the other black gold. The menu blends classic coffee, fresh pastries, breakfast and lunch, with the unexpected: a tincture menu of everyday remedies includes “detox” activated charcoal and “tummy tame” assorted bitters, which can be added to any beverage.
Potions (specialty drinks) bring joy or treat maladies, such as the Banana S’mores Latte with steamed graham cracker milk and brûlée mallow, and Hangover Helper Latte earl grey tea and charcoal foam. Standout small bites and sandwiches include the Tiramisu Brioche with whipped ricotta, coffee cream and cocoa, and Jambon Beurre, a head-turning baguette piled high with fresh ham and cornichons, wrapped up in newsprint. Coffee-based cocktails, local craft brews and wine by the glass are available for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Inspired by the region’s creativity, community spirit and a sense of wonder, weekly programming includes aura and astrology readings, artistic events in partnership with Cottonwood Center for the Arts and guided coffee tastings. Open daily from 6am to 4pm.
Golden Hour: Inspired by the gilded era of the exchange, Golden Hour, the hotel’s plush indoor-outdoor bar and courtyard, embraces the special time of day when the mountain light hits just right and connection over a great cocktail is calling. Guests can pick a seat at the gold accented indoor bar or sip al fresco in the stone and brick accented alleyway just beyond the lobby wall. The menu features a selection of high-craft cocktails, spirits, wine and local beer perfectly paired with decadent, artisanal bites. Menu highlights include the Ryes Mary’s Baby (woody Creek Rye whiskey, peach liquor, house rosemary, lemon, topped with sparkling wine) and Potato Croquettes with sweet chili sauce and cilantro puree. Golden Hour will further cultivate connection with Live Jazz Thursdays in partnership with Dizzy Charlie’s, a local music curator known for creating popular jazz pop-ups throughout Colorado Springs.
Additional venues for eating and imbibing will debut in the future.

“The Mining Exchange Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to all that Colorado Springs has to offer,” said General Manager Gus Krimm. “We’ve thoughtfully curated our culinary concepts, amenities and programming to put a spotlight on and complement the unique aspects of the destination.”

Drawing upon the vibrant arts and culture of Colorado Springs, the Mining Exchange Hotel will become a space for local artists to showcase their work. The Vault, an on-site art gallery that acts as a physical conduit of historic and modern connection, will host rotating exhibits of Pikes Peak artists curated by Auric Gallery. The space is expected to become staple stop during Colorado Springs’ year-round First Friday gallery hop and an added amenity for guests who can also meet the artists during quarterly receptions. Art enthusiasts looking for additional immersion can book the Peaks & Paintbrushes overnight package for a self-guided experience inspired by the work of Emma Kelly and other original plein air artists, who have a long history in region. Guests will receive premium art supplies and suggestions for picturesque sites around Colorado Springs to capture the destination’s beauty on canvas.

Complementing the hotel’s accommodations, amenities and programming are its meeting and event spaces, which have received an extensive design refresh, along with building an all-new boardroom. Nearly 11,000 versatile sq ft include two ballrooms and an outdoor terrace, destined to be the most sought-after venues in Colorado Springs for grand weddings, swanky cocktail receptions and meetings for modern business travelers. Natural light, exposed brick walls and rich hardwood floors are just a few of the details found in the distinct spaces.

Colorado Springs is a four-season destination known for its stunning natural setting where outdoor and physical activities abound. Dubbed Olympic City USA, the city is home to the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum and the only open-to-the-public U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, which thousands of athletes use each year. Embracing this local community of wellness enthusiasts, the hotel will offer fitness activations like guided runs and Pilates classes as programming for meetings and groups. Unique in-room wellness offerings include a Crystal Concierge, where guests can request healing stones, several of which were mined in Colorado, to be delivered to their room for the duration of their stay. The crystals will be chosen in consultation with Aurathentic, a local science-led wellness boutique, to ensure authenticity and quality. To round out the wellness experiences, tucked beneath the hotel is a full-service spa which has all the remedies for weary travelers and locals alike. Services include massage treatments, aromatherapies, hot stone, mani-pedi, steam and sauna, and a salon.

The Mining Exchange Hotel’s central location caters to all types of travelers, offering proximity to Pikes Peak’s rugged trails and Garden of the Gods’ iconic red rock spires. Additionally, Colorado Springs is within driving distance of Denver and a nonstop flight away from several major U.S. cities, making it a convenient and accessible destination. The city is poised to become one of the most sought-after destinations for Spring and Summer travel with the 2024 Summer Olympics kicking off this July.

The article Newly reimagined Mining Exchange Hotel in Colorado Springs first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.