The iconic Cliff House in Manitou Springs is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a week-long event filled with history and festivities. The hotel has hosted many famous guests over the years, including U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, Crown Prince of Austria Franz Ferdinand, P.T. Barnum, Thomas Edison, and Clark Gable.
The celebration will include dinner and dancing, a grand gala reminiscent of the early years of Manitou’s history, a Roosevelt reenactor, and historical presentations by Ed Nichols III, the great grandson of E.E. Nichols, who purchased the property in 1876. The hotel’s general manager, Martin Lays, highlights the unique design of the rooms, which are themed after famous guests, and feature artwork by local artist Charles Rockey.
Originally opened in 1874 as The Inn, the hotel quickly became a popular stop for travelers visiting the Pikes Peak region. Over the years, the building has undergone several transformations, including a restoration by California real estate developer Jim Morley in 1999. Today, The Cliff House boasts 55 rooms, a ballroom, music room, The Dining Room, and Red Mountain Bar and Grill, attracting thousands of guests each year.
As the hotel commemorates its rich history and lasting legacy in the community, visitors can expect to step back in time and experience the charm and elegance of this historic landmark. The celebration will honor the past while looking towards a bright future for The Cliff House in Manitou Springs.
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Photo credit gazette.com
