I don't have any complaints about the General Palmer, other than our room was in another building from the main hotel and we had to use stairs to haul our stuff up to our second floor room. That said, I believe a bellman would have helped us if we had asked. And...the elevator in the main hotel is too small for luggage so the hotel staff delivered our friends' bags who were staying in the main hotel. The hotel is quaint and authentic to the period in the 1800s when it was built while the railroads were being built. It is adjacent to the Durango-Silverton Scenic RR and although it's noisy and smells of fuel, I believe the rooms must be fairly well insulated because we never heard the whistles. Also, the trains run all day from early morning (maybe 7:30) until early evening so there are no middle of the night interruptions. The location is great, being right on main street with easy access/walking to plenty of shops and restaurants. There is complementary "hotel only" parking provided. The rooms were well equipped, comfortable bed, nice bedding and robes provided. Breakfast is complimentary and was good. There is also water, tea and coffee provided all day in the lobby. The staff was attentive and helpful.
We stayed for 2 nights as part of our 25th anniversary celebration 12 day road trip. Pre-arrival the staff was most attentive to questions and requests. Upon arrival was greeted by Front Desk Agent Caleb, who was great for our whole stay. Even recommended some great local eateries. Our room had a small box of chocolates and a hand written note wishing us a happy anniversary from the General Manager. The room was spacious and clean, and had fine linens, and towels, and bath robes. The lobby had fresh coffee, tea, water every time we passed through. The full breakfast had many options and real plates, glasses, and silverware. We also had booked a trip on the Durango to Silverton Railroad for a full day adventure. Was great that the Train Depot was just steps out the door. All in all, one of the finest properties I have ever stayed at. And a Special Thanks to Caleb and Amy who made our stay most enjoyable and memorable.
Outstanding quality hotel adjacent to the Durango and Silverton Railroad depot. The breakfast was always excellent and the rooms were comfortable. Despite the vintage building, the outside noise was never too loud, perfect for a railroad fan, though. Easy walking to many good restaurants in historic Durango. This the perfect base for a railroad vacation.
I absolutely loved this hotel. I was worried we might have been put in a room in the annex but fortunately we were in the actual hotel. The room was very charming and comfortable. I loved some of the newer amenities - the bathroom was upgraded and some other newer features combined with the older charm.||The staff was very friendly and helpful. Yes, the train did wake us up early Saturday morning - it's literally right next to the hotel but it really was not a big deal.||I was disappointed with the breakfast but not a deal breaker.|The elevator could pose some problems with some folks who have disabilities, but it was never an issue for us.
The hotel is very old, built of the finest wood and decor, and immaculately cared for today. Step back in time to the Wild West! Gracious staff, lovely room. We stayed in one of the less expensive rooms with no windows but everything was fully remodeled and the bed super comfortable. Deep sleep. Would love to stay again. Great parking setup right there on premises too. Old antique elevator. What a memorable stay, unlike any hotel. There are some whiners with bad reviews herein but ignore them and have the time of your life here. Thank you!
If you want to be close to the railway stay here. Great hotel, friendly staff and free parking just one block from the station. We stayed here 30 years ago and returned for another rail trip this year. Not much has changed. Excellent service, friendly staff and simple yet adequate breakfast. Just a very short walk to the station to catch the early train to Silverton or visit the roundhouse museum. No restaurant but there are plenty of options for dinner within a block or two.|Be warned, the elevator is small so be careful. However it is authentic. It is said that the 3rd floor is haunted but we did not experience any paranormal! |When arriving pull in under the portico off College just after the railroad tracks and park. Don’t go to the main entrance or you will be driving all over town.
Our stay at the General Palmer was so close to being wonderful; great location, nice ambience, and pretty clean. Now the bad...
When we turned down the bedding, there was a long string of dental floss on the sheet (gross)! It was late so we dealt with it ourselves. In the morning we let the hotel clerk know. He was embarrassed and very apologetic and promised to issue us some kind of credit. A few days later when checking out, I asked another hotel clerk if we were given a credit as promised. He hesitated but then said, "oh yes, I see it". When I got the emailed invoice...no credit. Being lied to was worst than finding the gross dental floss!
BEWARE THE TRAIN. Hotel is next door to the Durango Silverton steam train, it runs twice a morning during tourist season. Multiple steam whistles starting at 730 am. Not a place if you are trying to sleep in. Hotel is great old hotel. Good breakfast in the morning. Tall beds. I’m 6 ft and needed to hop in bed. Need to tell front desk if you want turn down service, doesn’t come on it’s own. Great stay. South end of downtown Durango. Very walkable to all of downtown Durango.
This location was perfect, clean and well stocked. The staff were welcoming, helpful and friendly. Breakfast was delicious thank you Brenda, We loved all the breakfast options. I must say we travel a lot and this is the first time I slept in any hote
Very clean hotel that does accept animals. I have stayed hear 2 times and each time was satisfying. A bit better on the pocket book considering the neighboring hotels. Acces to a river walk too. Your only 5 minutes from downtown!