Built in 1887, the historic Strater Hotel (Historic Hotels of America Member) is a prominent downtown Durango, Colorado landmark located two blocks north of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and one hour east of Mesa Verde National Park. Cleveland pharmacist Henry Strater believed Durango would thrive and therefore need a grand hotel. He opened the Strater Hotel with a $70,000 investment and 376,000 native red bricks and hand-carved sandstone cornices and sills. It became a popular winter retreat for people who would close their homes during the winter months and move into the hotel. The Strater Hotel houses the world?s largest collection of American Victorian Walnut Antiques, which decorate it and its 93 guestrooms, including its Louis L?Amour Room?Literary Landmark. The Strater Hotel is home to the Durango Melodrama & Vaudeville, Henry Strater Theatre, Diamond Belle Saloon, Mahogany Grille, Strater Catering & Events, and The Office Spiritorium.