You’ve seen the photos. The red rocks of Garden of the Gods look like they’re glowing under a filter, but in Colorado Springs, that’s just a Tuesday afternoon. Most people flock here, book a generic hotel by the highway, and wonder why their "mountain getaway" feels like a business trip to a suburban office park. Honestly, if you’re coming to the West Side, you’re likely looking for the soul of the city, and that lives in Old Colorado City. This is where the Old Town Guesthouse B&B comes in, and it’s not your grandma’s lace-doily-and-dusty-potpourri type of establishment.
It's different.
Location is everything. If you stay out by the I-25 corridor, you’re fighting traffic just to get a decent cup of coffee. At this guesthouse, you’re basically a block away from the historic brick sidewalks of Colorado Avenue. You can smell the wood-fired pizza and the crisp mountain air simultaneously. It’s a brick building that looks like it’s been there forever, even though it was actually custom-built in 1997 to look historic while offering modern perks like soundproofing and actual plumbing that works. That's a huge distinction. Old buildings are charming until you hear the person in the next room sneezing through the walls.
The Reality of Staying at Old Town Guesthouse B&B
Let’s talk about the "B&B" stigma. Usually, that implies an awkward breakfast with strangers where you’re forced to discuss your itinerary over lukewarm eggs. Here, the vibe is way more intentional. Owners like Kim and her team have figured out that "hospitality" doesn't mean "hovering." It’s about the details—like the elevator. Most historic B&Bs are a nightmare for anyone with a heavy suitcase or bad knees. This place has an elevator. It sounds like a small thing. It isn't.
The rooms aren't carbon copies of each other. You’ve got the African Safari room, the Winter Park room, and the Victorian. Some have private hot tubs on the balcony. Imagine sitting in 102-degree water while the air is 30 degrees, looking out at the silhouette of Pikes Peak. That’s the "Old Colorado City" experience people actually want but rarely find because they're too busy booking Marriotts with points.
Why the West Side of Colorado Springs is the Only Place to Be
Most tourists make the mistake of thinking Colorado Springs is one giant monolith. It’s not. There’s the sprawling East side, the military-heavy South, and then there’s the West. The West Side is where the history is. It was the original capital of the Colorado Territory for about five days before everyone realized Denver was a better spot.
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Staying at the Old Town Guesthouse B&B puts you in the center of this weird, wonderful mix. You’ve got fine dining like The Peppertree or Summit nearby, but you’ve also got dive bars where the locals have been drinking since the 70s. You aren't just a tourist here; you're a temporary resident.
You can walk to:
- Garden of the Gods (if you're a serious walker, it’s about 1.5 miles to the entrance).
- Local art galleries where the artists actually show up to talk to you.
- Small-batch breweries that haven't been bought out by massive conglomerates yet.
What Most People Miss About the Amenities
People focus on the breakfast, which is great—it’s homemade, often featuring things like stuffed French toast or savory strata—but the real value is in the "social hour." It’s sort of a tradition here. Late afternoon, there’s wine, cheese, and craft beer. It’s the moment where you actually get the "inside track" on the city.
The staff knows which trails at Section 16 are muddy and which ones are clear. They know which restaurants are overhyped and which hole-in-the-wall has the best green chili. You don't get that from a concierge at a 300-room hotel who is just reading off a pamphlet.
Wait, let's talk about the fireplace situation. Many of the rooms have them. In the winter, Colorado Springs gets that dry, biting cold. Coming back from a day of hiking the Incline—which, let’s be honest, is basically a vertical staircase of death—and collapsing in front of a fire is a level of luxury that's hard to quantify.
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Addressing the Price Point and Value
Is it more expensive than a Motel 6? Obviously. Is it cheaper than The Broadmoor? By a long shot. The Old Town Guesthouse B&B occupies this middle ground of "attainable luxury." You’re paying for the fact that you don't need a car once you arrive. You’re paying for the fact that the person who checked you in is likely the same person who cooked your breakfast.
There’s a common misconception that B&Bs are only for couples on honeymoons. Sure, it’s romantic, but it’s also a massive resource for solo travelers or business people who are tired of the sterile environment of corporate lodging. There’s high-speed internet, and the rooms are quiet enough to actually get work done.
The "No-Nonsense" Guide to Choosing Your Room
Don't just pick the cheapest one available. If you're going to do this, do it right.
- The Pikes Peak Room: This is for the view seekers. If you want to wake up and see the "Purple Mountain Majesties" before you even put on your glasses, this is the one.
- The Fireplace Suites: If you’re visiting between October and April, don’t skip the fireplace. The temperature swings in the Rockies are wild. It can be 60 degrees at noon and 20 degrees by 6 PM.
- Accessibility: Ask for the ground floor or ensure you’re comfortable with the elevator.
The guesthouse is an Adult-Only property. This is a crucial detail. If you’re traveling with kids, this isn't your spot. But if you're looking for a place where you won't hear a toddler meltdown at 7 AM in the hallway, this is a sanctuary.
Real Talk: The Parking Situation
Old Colorado City is notorious for bad parking. It’s all parallel parking on narrow streets designed for horse carriages. However, the guesthouse has its own off-street parking. This sounds boring. It is boring. Until you see someone else circling the block for 20 minutes trying to find a spot for their rental car while you’re already halfway through a glass of Chardonnay.
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How to Maximize a Stay in Old Colorado City
Don't spend all your time in the room. Even though the beds are comfortable and the whirlpool tubs are tempting, the magic of the Old Town Guesthouse B&B is its proximity to the grit and beauty of the region.
Walk down to Michael’s On Front for a cocktail. Go to Jives Coffee Lounge and listen to whoever is playing the acoustic guitar that day. Head over to the Simpich Showcase to see some world-class puppetry (sounds niche, but it’s actually incredible).
The weather here is unpredictable. Locals call it "if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes." You need layers. You need a sturdy pair of shoes. And you need a home base that doesn't feel like a transition space.
Final Practical Advice for Future Guests
If you’re planning a trip, book directly through their website. It’s a small business. When you use the big booking engines, they take a massive cut of the profit. Usually, if you call or book direct, you get better communication and sometimes even a better rate or a specific room request that the "bots" can't handle.
Check the event calendar for Old Colorado City before you go. Territory Days in May is a blast—vendors, live music, and historical reenactments—but it’s also crowded. If you want peace and quiet, maybe pick a weekend in late September when the aspens are turning gold and the summer crowds have thinned out.
The Old Town Guesthouse B&B represents a version of Colorado that is disappearing—one that values personality over branding and local knowledge over algorithms. It’s worth the stay just to feel like you’re actually in Colorado, not just passing through it.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify Availability Early: Because there are only eight rooms, they book up months in advance for peak season (June–August).
- Pack for Elevation: Remember that Colorado Springs is at 6,035 feet. Drink twice as much water as you think you need, especially if you’re enjoying the wine at social hour.
- Map Your Walks: Use the guesthouse as a waypoint to explore the "hidden" alleys of Old Colorado City where the best street art is tucked away.
- Request Special Diets: If you’re vegan or gluten-free, tell them when you book. They actually accommodate this, which isn't always a given at smaller inns.