Historic Cow Palace Inn

1301 N Main St, Lamar, CO 81052, Lamar, United States

Guest rating: 4.4 / 5

Overview

The Historic Cow Palace Inn is a hotel property located at 1301 N Main St in Lamar, Colorado, situated directly on the town's main strip. Guests frequently describe it as a hidden gem, praising a renovated, historic character combined with modern comforts. The hotel holds a strong public rating of 4.4 from 221 reviews.

Rooms

Rooms are described by guests as spacious, well-appointed, and comfortable, with recent renovations noted for updating the interiors while retaining the property's historic charm. Panoramic suites on the second floor are singled out by guests as especially large. Comfy beds are a specific point of praise in reviews.

Dining

The on-site Tavern 1301 restaurant, located at the hotel itself, is a major draw, with guests repeatedly highlighting friendly service and good food, including a bar. One recurring critique concerns a specific processed steak dish that some guests found disappointing in quality compared to expectations. Beyond the on-site tavern, the immediate area offers additional dining variety including Scooter's Coffee just steps away, Charleys Cheesesteaks, AM Breakfast House, Las Brisas Restaurant, Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant and Grill, and Becky's Restaurant.

Location & Surroundings

The inn sits close to local points of interest including Big Timbers Museum (about 1.4 km) and Willow Creek Park (about 3.2 km), with Bents New Fort and Thurston Reservoir a bit farther afield for those with a vehicle. Lamar Station (train) is roughly 1.5 km away and Lamar Pilot (bus station) is under a kilometer away, giving guests without a car some transit options. Free parking is available on-site for those driving in.

Best for

This hotel suits travelers who want a historic, character-filled stay with modern comforts right on Lamar's main strip, including road-trippers and leisure travelers exploring regional sites like Big Timbers Museum and Willow Creek Park. It's also a good fit for guests who value quality on-site dining, thanks to the well-reviewed Tavern 1301 restaurant and bar located within the property. Free parking and proximity to the train and bus stations make it convenient for travelers arriving by multiple modes of transport.

Travel tips

The hotel is within easy walking distance of Lamar Pilot bus station (about 650m) and Lamar Station train station (about 1.5km), so travelers arriving by bus or rail can reach the property without a taxi. Note that the nearest airport, Pueblo Memorial Airport, is roughly 165 km away, so plan for a lengthy drive or transfer if flying in. Since Tavern 1301 is on-site and popular, consider dining there early or booking ahead during busy periods, and take advantage of free on-site parking if arriving by car.

What guests say

Guests consistently praise the friendly, helpful staff and the quality of the on-site Tavern 1301 restaurant and bar, along with spacious, comfortable, recently renovated rooms and comfy beds. The second-floor panoramic suites and abundant free parking draw specific positive mentions, with several reviewers calling the property a hidden gem. The main recurring criticism involves a specific steak dish described as processed rather than tenderized, which some guests found unappetizing, though this appears to be an isolated menu complaint rather than a broader pattern.

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