Should you find yourself on vacation in Central City, CO there are a number of different locations to rest your head in between visiting the historic sites and trying to hit the jackpot. These lodges range from casino hotels to quainter private estates and bed and breakfasts.
If gambling is the main attraction of your Colorado vacation, then booking reservations at one of the casino hotels in Central City, and its sister city of Black Hawk, may be a perfect fit. One such casino hotel is the Century Casino. Since it is a hotel and casino, it offers up the amenities of both.
In addition to the mountain views, each room offers marble vanities, five fixture baths, flat panel TVs, and remote climate controls. Down in the casino, visitors can test their hand against a number of table games which include blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps, or try their luck at video poker and the slots.
Another casino hotel in this Colorado mountain town is the Fortune Valley Hotel and Casino located on 321 Gregory Street. Fortune Valley offers over 1,000 slot machines, 8 black jack tables, 7 poker tables, and video poker machines.
For those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city in favor of the fresh mountain air and beautiful mountain landscape, but aren’t interested in the gambling scene, Central City offers quiet places to bed down for the night or weekend.
One such venue is the Hooper Homestead Bed and Breakfast. Winner of the Best of Central City 2009 Award, Hooper Homestead resides in the historic district nestled away on a private hilltop estate. As Hooper Homestead is located in the historic district, it serves as perfect launching point for all of the activities that the district has to offer.
These activities include guided horseback tours, walk-throughs of the old gold mines, performances at the Central City Opera House, and exhibits at the Gilpin Historical Museum. For the outdoorsy type, it gives easy access to the mountains for those looking to hike, fish, go rafting, take a dip in the hot springs, or ski.
If You Go
Situated only 1.5 away is Central City’s sister city of Black Hawk. Black Hawk also offers casinos, walking and bicycling tours, and scenic and historical byway tours of the mountains and surrounding historical mines. Also located nearby is Idaho Springs which offers more historical and recreational sites.
Century Casino and Hotel: For reservations call: 303-582-5050
Fortune Valley Casino and Hotel: For reservations call: 303-582-0800
Hooper Homestead Bed and Breakfast: For reservations call: 303-582-5828
For info on horseback tours: A&A Historical Trails – Ginger DeRay (303) 567-4808 – Idaho Springs, CO 80452 – Email: aastables@aastables.com
Hidee Gold Mine Tours: Open Saturday through Tuesday in May-October, 7 days a week June 19th through August 15th, and year round with reservations. Tours can be scheduled via 720-548-0343. Costs: Adults $18, Children $12.
Evan Witt is an Illinois native with a degree in English Literature from Lake Forest College, and as a frequent visitor to Colorado, he enjoys fishing, camping, hiking, and photography.