The "Bear Legends" Continue at Hotel Colorado -
Reward for photo of recent Bear Visit

Glenwood Springs, CO -
July 10, 2009

On Tuesday, July 7th the Hotel Colorado had an unexpected visitor wander into its main lobby - a 2 year old female black bear. Though she didn't stay for long, some Hotel guests were able to snap a picture of the surprising visit. In an effort to document this historic visit, Hotel Colorado's General Manager, John Burns, is offering a reward for anyone who captured this moment on film. As a reward for the photo(s), the Hotel Colorado will provide a two nights stay in a Premier Suite and dinner for two at Baron's Restaurant.

Of course, the Hotel is no stranger to bear stories. Since it opened in 1893, Hotel Colorado has had its fair share of furry guests.

According to one legend, the famous "Teddy Bear" was born at Hotel Colorado. To cheer Theodore Roosevelt after an unsuccessful day of hunting, Hotel Colorado maids presented him with a stuffed bear pieced together with scraps of material. Later, when he did bag a bear, his daughter Alice admired it saying, "I will call it Teddy." The term caught on and becamse the name for the world's most popular toy, the Teddy Bear.

In the 1920s, one of Hotel Colorado's most frequent visitors was never allowed inside the Hotel's doors. This was because the guest, known to the staff as "Pete," was a full-grown Colorado black bear. Occasionally, when Pete would decide to take a tour of the surrounding area, it was the job of ground's keeper, John Pretti, to find the bear and escort him back to his residence near the Hotel. The mischievous companion always returned willingly, strolling alonside John, back to his home at Hotel Colorado.

Similar interactions have since occurred over the years, including two cubs who were nursed to health at the Hotel in 1929 and then donated to the Denver Zoo.

"Our experiences and encounters with bears have always been very friendly," said Burns. "This recent sighting acted as a reminder of the rich history and rapport Hotel Colorado has with this impressive anmial."

The Hotel plans to be cautious and respectful of their bear visitors, while remembering how they've shaped the Hotel over the years. If you have any information about the recent photo, please contact John Burns at 1-800-544-3998 ext. 112

For more information contact:
Lu Stasko 720/404-4507

Hotel Colorado is located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, just off I-70, and a short drive from some of Colorado’s favorite destinations: Aspen (45 miles), Vail (65 miles), and Grand Junction (90 miles). The hotel has been a western landmark and destination for over 100 years, and recently underwent a multi-million dollar makeover of guestrooms, public areas and hallways, ballrooms, and the West Tower Bell Suite (dedicated as the Molly Brown Suite in 2003). Providence Hospitality Partners, LLC (Denver, Colo.) has managed the Hotel Colorado for several years and was instrumental in planning and completing the recently completed showcase restoration projects.