Table Mountain Inn rests in the very heart of Golden Colorado and it is the perfect setting for your friendly Colorado western family adventure! At Table Mountain Inn it’s just the right amount of old west, modern amenities, and new west experience. It’s family (and pet) friendly and a bit like Golden itself, a hidden gem!
Part of the Visit Historic Colorado Series
History of Hospitality in Golden Colorado
Golden was founded in 1859 and became the capital of the Colorado Territory in 1862. A perfect supply stop for the miners headed to the hills, Golden filled a need. Just 11 years later Coors Brewery opened …filling other needs… But it wasn’t until 1925 Golden had its first ‘full service’ hotel.
The Berrimoor
This was the Berrimoor and it boasted 32 rooms and a coffee shop. This luxury hotel was the jewel of Golden and then the Depression hit and it had to close its doors. (photo of then and now below)
The Cody Hotel
A few years later the doors opened again under a new name and new ownership. The Cody Hotel (in honor of Colonel William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, whose grave and memorial are nearby on Lookout Mountain), it was a great idea. Unfortunately, the Depression was still in full effect and the hotel, as good an idea as it was, was simply unsustainable for the time.
But Golden’s hospitality is is as resilient as its people and a little old thing like a National Depression can keep ya down only so long. 😉
Holland House
In 1948 former Golden Mayor Lu Holland reinvented the property as “Holland House.” Mr. Holland created two banquet spaces that would be the center of some of Golden’s finest social functions. Holland House was synonymous with Golden Hospitality and remained a center point of the community until 1987 when the doors on this property once again shut.
You can also see Holland House is depicted in Hal Shelton’s “The Birth of Golden in 1958” mural (a fun historical mural in downtown Golden).
History of Table Mountain Inn
Original Structure as The Berrimoor 
Current structure as Table Mountain Inn
In 1991 Bart Bortels and Frank Day, saw that with the brewery, the Colorado School of Mining, and the Buffalo Bill Museum, there was a need for a hotel in Golden. But who wants a chain hotel? They wanted something unique and that would embody the town spirit. They got inspired and the overhaul commenced!
Well, the exterior was stuccoed, rooms gutted, and the property in its entirety was reimagined with a Southwestern almost Santa Fe style. But not everything was revamped. Table Mountain Inn, as it was now to be known, still had thirty-two rooms, a lounge and restaurant retaining its full service and unique history.
Eight years later, an addition was built to add forty two more rooms, parking and a beautiful event space. The Table Mountain Inn now has a ‘historic’ section where one can stay in the original hotel, and the modern. Both are unique and charming…but we’ll get into that more in a minute.
First a little visual for ya…
Behind the Scenes
Table Mountain Inn, the name: Golden sits nestled in a little valley. On one side sits State and National Parks, the famed Lariat Loop Drive, and Lookout Mountain where the remains of Buffalo Bill watch over things. On the other side are two geological features known as North and South Table Mountains. When staying in the historic part of the hotel, one has an gorgeous view of these.
Southwest Style: Why the style and decor? Well, Golden isn’t a mountain town per se so mountain decor wouldn’t quite make sense. Neither would big city slick. The breezy comfortable feel of the southwest fits perfectly with the town’s friendliness and ‘New West’ theme. Plus Frank Day just really liked the look of it, so why not.
The Beds: I honestly do not know what magic these beds are made of but I slept like a baby the whole time we were there. It was like falling into a gentle hug. I swear, none of us moved all night. The best. THE BEST.
More than a Hotel: Table Mountain Inn is an integral part of Golden’s community. It’s hosted book signings from the likes of Vine Deloria. It’s held events for the Colorado School of Mines, Foothills Art Center, and numerous corporate get togethers and weddings. The Table Mountain Inn Grill and Cantina is a place where the locals come for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Let me tell you why…
Check Out Other Historic Hotels
Table Mountain Inn Grill and Cantina
Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30am-11pm / Saturdays & Sundays 7am-10pm
Menu: https://www.tmigrillandcantina.com/
You know how most hotel restaurants are well, ‘hotel restaurants’? You eat there because it’s convenient and it’s certainly not a destination restaurant.
NOT THE CASE WITH TABLE MOUNTAIN INN GRILL &CANTINA
So this dining delight features Southwestern cuisine (to go with the theme of the property) and it uses locally sourced ingredients and the chef prepares some of the TASTIEST things I’ve ever eaten! Burritos for breakfast, lunch, and dinner the size of of your head! OK, maybe not that big but they are huge and they are AMAZING.
If peppers and onions aren’t your thing I have two words for you. FRIED CHEESE. This is amazing and you simply have to order it. Seriously, Cheese…on fire… at your table. My daughter was in love. Frankly, so was I.
The Cantina is known for its coin margaritas and gotta say, they did not disappoint. Refreshing and a perfect complement to the southwest meal. These handcrafted beauties were almost works of art. My only regret was that I couldn’t try them all.
Another super special thing about Table Mountain Inn Grill and Cantina. This is one of only FIVE places you can get a Coors Barmen Select (in the world). This is Mr. Coors original recipe. It takes seven minutes to pour it because it has to be built ‘just so’. Coors sends people out to make sure it’s being poured and served properly. It’s a real thing! There used to be more places to get this craft beer but now it’s down to five. FIVE. I recommend the fajitas as a perfect compliment. It’s a unique experience that was served with a story and friendliness that we’ve now come to know as part of the Table Mountain Inn experience.
This Grill and Cantina was just one of those rare places where everything we ordered was tasty. We passed plates and cups so we could try as much as we could. Here, have a look…
Washington Avenue
11th and Washington. That’s where Table Mountain Inn sits, as a welcome as one enters the heart of historic Golden. Washington Avenue is the proverbial Main Street of the town and takes you right through the quintessential Western experience. Heck, the sign that arches over the street hollers ‘WELCOME FOLKS!’ and you can’t help but smile as you park.
A note on parking: This Family has traveled all over the country. One thing that is always tricky with historic hotels is parking. This is because if its a historic spot, chances are it’s in the heart of a community that has built up around it in times before there were automobiles, certainly SUVs. We were pleasantly surprised to see there was ample parking in two lots for the guests of Table Mountain Inn which meant breathing easy as we explored the town and area never having to worry about tickets, or finding parking in a pinch. Well done, Table Mountain Inn, well done!
Bonus: Because of this gift of parking on site, you literally can walk the town right from the hotel’s front door. Very Old West. I may have Cowboy swaggered a little. Why wouldn’t I? Love it!!!
Travel Historic Golden Colorado
Table Mountain Inn Today
It’s clear that Table Mountain Inn is an important part of the Golden community and the Golden experience but what I haven’t mentioned is all the fun things to do within walking and short driving distance from Table Mountain Inn. A trip to Golden can involve everything from the outdoors (fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking) to experiencing all the town of Golden has to offer. That, my friends, is a WHOLE OTHER BLOG POST. Oh lookie there, a link to that blog post. 😉
Visit Historic Golden Colorado
Since its inception in 1925 as The Berrimoor to its current full service self as Table Mountain Inn, it is safe to say this is Golden’s premier place to stay AND to dine. The Table Mountain Grill and Cantina is second to none and worth time to sleuth this gem out!
Reservations: https://www.tablemountain.inn.com
Final Notes
Denver is a big city. Golden is just minutes away but somehow, worlds… It’s quintessential small town charm is dappled with history and remarkable with modern amenities and comforts. A large part of that is due to the care taken by the staff at Table Mountain Inn. We were so impressed with the efforts made by the staff to get to know us and we were greeted daily with ‘hello’s and ‘how was your day’s? That’s a lost art and it’s very much appreciated. The result is it feels more like you are staying at a friend’s place than a ‘hotel’. It’s truly special.
A quick word on the Cantina staff…. I would be remiss if I didn’t put into words my thoughts here and they really deserve a special note….
Their staff knew the menu inside and out and were able to give us personalized recommendations. Honestly, our guy made everything sound so wonderful I would’ve been OK if he just ordered for us. That kind of care only happens when people love their jobs and people love their jobs when it’s a positive place to be for long hours. That speaks highly to the environment of Table Mountain Inn, their Executive Chef, and Golden Colorado as well.
In short, Table Mountain Inn is a perfect getaway for a family and I’m already trying to figure out when we can get back there.
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When you are ready to plan your trip to Table Mountain Inn and Golden Colorado, we will be here to help!
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This Family loves to explore America. We love the stories and we love the people we meet. Golden Colorado is a perfect family adventure and Table Mountain Inn is a simply delightful place to stay. Full of charm, warmth, history, and culture. It’s stories like these we love to showcase so that you can plan your own adventures and create your own memories.
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