You walk into some hotels and they just feel like drywall and beige carpet. Boring. But the Mining Exchange Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs isn't that. It’s got this heavy, tactile history you can basically feel in your teeth when you walk through the doors. Back in 1902, this wasn't where people went to sleep; it was where people got rich—or lost everything—trading stock in the gold mines of Cripple Creek.
It’s weird to think about now, but this building was the Wall Street of the Rockies.
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Honestly, the "New West" vibe is a bit of a cliché in Colorado these days. Every brewery has a Edison bulb and some reclaimed wood. But this place? It’s the real deal. They recently went through a massive renovation, and while some people get nervous when a historic landmark gets a "refresh," the team behind it—led by Practice Hospitality—actually leaned into the grit. They kept the original safes. They kept the exposed brick that’s seen over a century of Colorado winters. It’s a mix of that old-school, cigar-smoke-and-gold-dust energy with furniture that doesn't feel like it came out of a museum.
What the Mining Exchange Hotel looks like after the big 2024 glow-up
For a long time, the Mining Exchange was a Wyndham Grand property. It was fine. It was solid. But it felt a little... corporate? Maybe a little tired around the edges. When it stepped away from the big brand name to go independent, things got interesting.
The redesign was spearheaded by Kemper Hyers and the team at AVD (Appetite for Decoration). They didn't just paint the walls. They went deep into the archives. The lobby now feels less like a waiting room and more like a living room for someone who owns a private library and a very expensive mountain bike. You’ve got these massive windows that let in that specific, sharp Colorado light, hitting the original granite and metalwork.
Here is the thing about the rooms: they are huge.
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Because this was an office building first, the ceilings are absurdly high. We’re talking twelve feet in some spots. If you’re used to those cramped boutique hotels in New York or London where you can touch both walls at the same time, this is going to feel like a palace. The walls are that gorgeous, crumbly red brick that reminds you you’re in the American West, not some sanitized glass box.
The stuff you actually care about: Sleep and Showers
Let’s be real. You aren't staying here just for the history of gold speculators. You want a good bed. The new mattresses are high-end, and they didn't skimp on the linens.
The bathrooms are also a standout. They went with these oversized walk-in showers that actually have decent water pressure—a rarity in older buildings. They use custom-scented bath products that don't smell like cheap chemicals. It’s the little things. If you get a room on the higher floors, you’re looking straight at Pikes Peak. It’s a bit of a flex, waking up and seeing a 14,115-foot mountain out your window while you’re still in your bathrobe.
Why the location is better than staying at The Broadmoor
Look, The Broadmoor is legendary. It’s the grand dame of Colorado Springs. But it’s also its own ecosystem tucked away in the foothills. If you stay there, you’re mostly staying there.
The Mining Exchange Hotel is for people who actually want to be in the city.
You are steps away from Tejon Street. This is the heart of the downtown resurgence. You can walk to places like Rabbit Hole (a literal underground bar) or Atomic Cowboy for biscuits in the morning. You’re right there. There’s a certain energy to being able to wander out of your hotel and find a local coffee shop or a weird art gallery without needing to call a valet to get your car out of a garage.
The hotel also serves as a gateway to the Olympic & Paralympic Museum, which is just down the road. If you haven't been, go. Even if you aren't a sports person, the tech in that building is mind-blowing.
The Vault and the "Golden" Amenities
One of the coolest parts of the Mining Exchange Hotel is how they used the literal vaults. Back in the day, these held the actual wealth of the mining district. Now? One of them serves as part of the spa area. There is something incredibly grounding about getting a massage in a room that was designed to be impenetrable.
- The Spa: It’s called MX Spa. It’s full-service. They do the whole "mountain-inspired" treatment thing, which usually involves stones or minerals. It fits the theme without being cheesy.
- The Food: BLK MGK (Black Magic) is the on-site coffee shop and bar. It’s moody. It’s dark. It serves serious espresso in the morning and transitions into a craft cocktail spot at night. They focus on local roasters and spirits.
- Outdoor Space: They have an inner courtyard that is a total sanctuary. Colorado Springs can get windy and chaotic, but the courtyard feels like a secret garden.
Managing Expectations: The Quirk Factor
It’s not perfect. No historic hotel is.
If you are looking for a sterile, ultra-modern experience where everything is controlled by an iPad, this might frustrate you. The elevators are old. Not "unsafe" old, but they have character. They make noises. The hallways are long and sometimes have those slight inclines and declines you only find in buildings from the early 1900s.
Also, it’s downtown. You’re going to hear the city. You might hear a train—the tracks aren't far away. For most people, that’s part of the charm. It’s the sound of a living city. But if you need absolute, tomb-like silence, ask for a room facing the inner courtyard rather than the street.
How to actually get the most out of your stay
Don't just book the cheapest room. If you can swing it, get a suite or a room with a "mountain view" designation. The price difference is usually pretty reasonable compared to big-city rates, and it completely changes the experience.
Parking in downtown Colorado Springs can be a bit of a headache. The hotel offers valet, and honestly, just pay for it. Searching for street parking or dealing with the public garages nearby is a waste of your vacation time.
Pro Tip: Talk to the concierge about the history of the building. Most of the staff are genuinely proud of the place and can point out little details, like original floor tiles or masonry marks, that you’d never notice on your own.
The Bottom Line on the Mining Exchange
The Mining Exchange Hotel represents a shift in how people visit the Springs. It’s moving away from the "resort-only" mindset and toward something more authentic and urban. It’s a place for travelers who like a bit of dust on their boots but want high-thread-count sheets when they take them off.
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It’s a anchor for the downtown area. It’s proof that you can modernize a historic space without stripping away its soul. Whether you’re there to hike Garden of the Gods or just to hide away in a cozy bar with a bourbon, it works.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Book Directly: Often, the hotel offers "Experience" packages on their website that include credits for BLK MGK or the MX Spa which aren't available on third-party booking sites.
- Request a High Floor: To maximize your view of the Front Range and minimize street noise, the 4th and 5th floors are your best bet.
- Check the Event Calendar: The hotel often hosts local art shows or live music in the lobby. It’s worth seeing who’s playing before you arrive.
- Explore the "Old City" nearby: Take a 10-minute drive over to Old Colorado City for more mining-era history and local boutiques that aren't the standard mall fare.
- Plan your meals: While the hotel food is great, make reservations at The Rabbit Hole or Carlos’ Bistro well in advance, as they fill up fast on weekends.