Grand Imperial Hotel

Completed in 1883 as the Thomson Block, our granite building stands as Silverton’s largest single standing structure south of Denver. Commissioned by New York native W.S. Thomson, a perfume importer and mill owner, we rose to prominence during the boom town years as the social center of the San Juans. For nearly twenty-five years, our second floor served as the official seat for both the Town of Silverton and San Juan County, while our first floor housed the Post Office, town bank, Bureau of Mines, General Store, doctors’ office, and the Silverton Standard Newspaper.

After changing hands several times and briefly operating as the Imperial Hotel, we underwent extensive restoration under the guidance of the Harper family, owners of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Purchased in spring 2015, our year-long renovation restored original beauty and charm, featuring room redecoration, refurbished windows, wood trim, paint, carpeting, and entirely new bathrooms. We sought furniture authentic to the late 1880s, ensuring our lobby, restaurant, and saloon reflect the elegance of a bygone era. Today, we offer renovated rooms, dining options, and free Wi-Fi to guests seeking an authentic immersion into Silverton’s history. Our family remains deeply committed to preserving this gilded granite edifice, keeping our doors open for travelers who wish to experience the rich heritage of the San Juan Mountains.