Some hotels hide their past behind fresh paint, but one building in Cripple Creek wears its history proudly. Before it ever welcomed travelers, it cared for miners during the town’s gold rush years.
Today, guests talk about floorboards that creak with every step and stories about footsteps heard in the attic long after midnight. Keep reading to learn how this old hospital became a favorite autumn stop for anyone who enjoys a little spooky history with a comfortable bed.
A Former Miners’ Hospital on Third Street
Gold built Cripple Creek, and in 1898 the town needed a place to care for the miners who dug it out of the ground.
That building still stands today as The Hotel St. Nicholas, found at 303 3rd St, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, in the United States.
The structure began life as a hospital during the mining boom. Over the decades it was converted into a hotel, and much of its original architectural character has stayed intact for well over a century.
Thick stone and brick walls, about 20 inches deep, still frame the rooms. Original windows remain in place, and the building still uses its original radiant heat system.
The hotel sits about half a mile from the Cripple Creek District Museum and the town’s casinos. That puts it close to the action while keeping a little distance from the busiest blocks.
It is a small property, with around 14 rooms in total. Each one has its own layout and personality, so no two stays feel quite the same.
For travelers who like their lodging with a backstory, this address delivers one before the luggage is even unpacked.
Stories Behind the Old Brick Walls
History buffs tend to linger in the hallways here, and for good reason.
The building is packed with artifacts from its hospital days and the wider mining era. Guests often describe the hotel as a small museum, and many businesses in town share that same feel.
A self-guided tour walks people through the quirky and sometimes spooky past of the building. It covers how the hospital served the Gold Camp Mining District and how the place evolved into the hotel standing today.
The staff adds another layer. Hosts are known for sharing stories about the property, from its medical roots to the legends that have grown around it over the years.
Even people who are not spending the night sometimes stop in for the tour. The owners openly welcome curious travelers who want to learn about the place.
New owners took over in 2024 and describe the building as a passion project. Their stated goal is to keep improving the property while honoring its history.
Those efforts show in the balance between updated comforts and preserved details. The past here is not hidden away in a display case, it is part of the walls you sleep inside.
Footsteps in the Attic at 3 a.m.
Ghost stories and old hospitals go together like pumpkins and porches, and this building has earned its haunted reputation.
The word haunted comes up often when guests talk about their stays. Many arrive in October hoping for a spooky experience in a genuine Victorian setting.
One couple who stayed with their two dogs for a Halloween trip did not spot any ghosts. They did, however, report footsteps in the attic around 3 a.m., which made for a fitting spooky touch.
Some regulars describe the hotel as historical, spooky, and fantastic all at once. That mix is a big part of why it has become a seasonal favorite.
The self-guided tour leans into these legends without overdoing them. Guests learn the history first, and the eerie tales follow naturally.
Not everyone comes looking for a fright. Plenty of people simply enjoy the stories as part of the building’s personality.
Still, for anyone hoping to brush up against a bit of the unexplained this autumn, a night here gives the imagination plenty to work with. Whether the attic stays quiet is anyone’s guess.
Creaky Floors With Character
Every step tells on you in this hotel, and most guests consider that part of the fun.
Creaky floors are among the most mentioned features of the building. Original floorboards announce footsteps on every level, which adds to the old-hospital mood.
The owners openly call the squeaks part of the charm. They also admit the sound is not for everyone.
Light sleepers should plan ahead. Some guests on lower floors have been woken by people walking in the rooms above them.
One helpful tip is to request a room on the top floor. The third floor also comes with nice views over the town of Cripple Creek.
There is no elevator in the building, so the stairs get plenty of use. Guests with mobility needs should contact the hotel before booking to find the best fit.
Many travelers find the creaks oddly comforting once they settle in. On a Halloween weekend, a groaning stair at midnight feels less like a flaw and more like the soundtrack the trip ordered.
Victorian Rooms, Each One Different
Forget cookie-cutter layouts, because no two rooms here match.
The old-world rooms are decorated in Victorian style and include en suite bathrooms, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Some rooms add sitting areas.
Room 1 is a good example of the variety. It offers a king bed, a trundle bed, a clawfoot tub with a shower, and a tiled floor.
Beds get a lot of praise. The owners replaced mattresses and pillows after buying the hotel, and memory foam beds are a common highlight.
Some rooms include four king pillows of varying firmness, plus a desk chair, couch, and armchair. Complimentary snacks, water, and coffee are also provided.
Because the building keeps its original heating system, some rooms can run cool. Space heaters are supplied in each room, and bathrooms can be chilly in colder months, so packing warm layers is smart.
Guests are sometimes invited to peek into unoccupied rooms. It is a fun way to compare styles and pick a favorite for next time.
The Miners’ Cottage Option
Groups and families who need extra space have a quieter alternative to the main building.
A converted miners’ cottage offers two bedrooms. It includes a full kitchen and a private deck.
The cottage suits travelers who want room to spread out. It also gives a bit more separation from hallway foot traffic and creaky floors.
Guests in the cottage still have access to the hotel’s shared perks. Breakfast, the parlor, and the shuttle are all part of the package.
The hotel is listed as kid-friendly and pet-friendly. That makes the cottage especially handy for families or anyone bringing a four-legged travel buddy along.
Group events are also hosted on the property. Organizers have praised the staff for being attentive and invested in making gatherings run smoothly.
For a Halloween gang trip, the cottage could make a solid home base. Everyone gets the history next door without the risk of keeping strangers awake with late-night ghost talk.
Down in the Boiler Room Tavern
Below the guest floors sits one of the most talked-about spots in the building.
The Boiler Room Tavern is a small, speakeasy-style space tucked downstairs. Its design ties in with the building’s long history.
Bartenders here are known for being skilled and friendly. Longtime regulars call it one of the best kept secrets in Colorado.
Guests do not need a room reservation to visit. Travelers passing through town often stop in, chat with staff, and end up taking the self-guided tour.
The tavern is compact and comfortably fits only a handful of people. Those who feel cramped can ask to be served in the larger parlor upstairs instead.
Noise is worth considering. The ADA room sits directly above the tavern, and that location is disclosed in the room description, so reading the details before booking matters.
Plenty of guests describe the experience as hanging out with people they have known for years. For a small room, it carries a big share of the hotel’s personality.
Pool Table and Fireplace Parlor
Every good haunted house needs a gathering room, and this one has a parlor with plenty of seating.
On the first floor, the parlor features a pool table, a fireplace, and couches. It is a large room that works well for groups.
The pool table is one of the most mentioned features of the hotel. Guests enjoy a game after a day of sightseeing or casino hopping.
The parlor also offers a roomier alternative to the small tavern. Staff will serve guests there when the downstairs space feels too tight.
Common areas throughout the hotel are often described as quaint and cozy. A breakfast room adds another shared space for slow mornings.
On an autumn evening, the parlor makes a natural spot to swap ghost stories. It is easy to settle in by the fireplace and lose track of time.
Not every hotel lounge comes with a century of tales attached. Here, even a casual game of pool feels like part of the building’s story.
Rooftop Soaks and a Quiet Spa
After all those stairs, a little recovery time is well earned.
The hotel has a rooftop hot tub with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It is a relaxing way to wind down after exploring the mining district.
A dry sauna is also available to guests. Some like to pair it with an evening out on the front lawn watching summer lightning storms roll across the sky.
The on-site spa earns strong praise. Massages are described as professional and calming, and some guests say they would return to the area for the spa alone.
Treatments are unhurried. Guests are offered water and tea afterward and given time to rest instead of being rushed out.
The spa atmosphere is described as peaceful, with tranquil music and a water fountain. It feels a world away from the casino crowds down the hill.
Booking a service during a stay is a popular recommendation. Between ghost hunts and creaky climbs, a massage might be the least spooky thing on the schedule.
Who Feels at Home Here
Not every traveler is built for squeaky floors and attic legends, and that is perfectly fine.
History lovers fit right in. Anyone fond of Victorian architecture will enjoy the preserved details and the self-guided tour.
Halloween fans are another natural match. The haunted reputation and old-hospital roots make an October stay feel special.
Casino visitors appreciate the location. The hotel serves as a quiet retreat close to the gaming halls, and guests often return to a calm room after a night out.
Pet owners and families are welcome, since the property is pet-friendly and kid-friendly. Couples seeking a spa getaway also find plenty to like.
Light sleepers and those needing an elevator should plan carefully. Choosing the right room and calling ahead can make a big difference.
Staff consistently get high marks for being warm and helpful. Their dining and sightseeing tips add value for first-timers, and that friendly welcome is what turns many one-night guests into repeat visitors.
Practical Notes Before Booking
A few planning details can make the difference between a great stay and a grumpy one.
Nightly rates have been listed at around 1,363 Danish kroner, roughly the price of a mid-range room. Rates may vary by season and room type, so checking the hotel website is wise.
Free perks are generous. A continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking behind the hotel are all included.
An in-town shuttle stops at multiple casinos and local attractions at no extra charge. The casinos are also a short walk away.
The property is smoke-free. It also lists a fitness center and business center among its amenities.
Reading each room description carefully is important. Details about location, such as the room above the tavern, are listed before booking.
Guests with questions about noise, heat, or accessibility should reach out to the staff first. They are happy to help match travelers with the right room.
Packing a sweater for chilly bathrooms is a simple move that pays off on cold mountain nights.
A Hotel Worth the Climb
Some places simply give you a room, while others hand you a story to take home.
The Hotel St. Nicholas falls firmly in the second group. Its hospital past, creaky stairs, and attic legends make it a fitting Halloween destination.
Comfort keeps pace with character. Updated beds, a rooftop hot tub, a spa, and free breakfast balance out the quirks of a 19th-century building.
The surrounding area adds even more reasons to visit. Victor, Grouse Mountain, and the Horsethief Falls and Pancake Rock trailhead are all a short drive away.
It is not a perfect fit for everyone. Light sleepers and travelers needing an elevator should plan with care.
For guests who enjoy history with a dash of mystery, though, it is hard to find a better match in the Gold Camp Mining District. The strong guest satisfaction speaks to that.
Book a room, take the tour, and listen for footsteps after dark. Whether anything answers back may depend on which floorboard you step on.
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