Where to Stay in Silverton, CO (Best Areas & Places)

3 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Silverton

Most hotels in Silverton are located within walking distance of shopping, dining, and other fun activities. All accommodations on this list offer incredible mountain views and modern amenities, such as free wifi.

When choosing your ideal stay, consider your budget and preferred experience. Are you visiting for Wild West charm or powder days on the slopes? Let’s find your perfect location, starting with my top pick.

Greene Street

👉 Best Area For Attractions and Sightseeing | ✨ Best Greene Street Hotels: Teller House • Grand Imperial Hotel • The Wyman Hotel • Altus Lodge

Prospectors and miners first settled in Silverton in 1874. More than 400 buildings were constructed in the town’s first decade, many of which appeared on Greene Street. 

This included the Grand Imperial Hotel, once the largest single-standing structure south of Denver. The current owners recently renovated and decorated the rooms with restored Victorian furnishings. Teller House and others have taken a similar restoration approach. 

The red brick exterior of The Wyman Hotel upholds a Wild West feel, too. But inside is a contrasting, modern aesthetic that mirrors the appearance of urban, boutique accommodations.

This eclectic mix of old and new is evident throughout Greene Street’s shops and restaurants, all within walking distance. Kendall Mountain Recreation Area, perfect for families and learning skiers, is also just a half-mile walk away.

Pros of Staying on Greene Street:

• Nearby shopping, bars, and eateries 
• Hotel options for every budget
• Close to beginner and family-friendly skiing

Cons of Staying on Greene Street:

• You’ll need a car for most other outdoor activities
• Few luxury dining and hotel options

Blair Street

👉 Best Area For Cozy B&Bs | ✨ Best Blair Street Hotels: Villa Dallavalle Inn • The Bent Elbow Hotel • The Alma House Inn • The Avon

Back in the early days, Silverton was geographically divided into two groups. Churchgoers occupied Greene Street. Meanwhile, the town’s raucous miners filled the saloons and bordellos on “Notorious Blair Street.” 

The brawling gamblers and dance-hall girls are long gone. But their wild, wicked past is carried on within each historic cottage and gift shop. Even more, the locals share stories, keeping the tales of this Colorado mining town alive.

Villa Dallavalle, owned and operated by the same family since 1901, shares a legendary past. Similarly, The Ama House Inn, a cozy downtown guesthouse, is managed by fifth-generation Silverton locals.  

At The Bent Elbow Hotel, a honky-tonk piano plays while residents and tourists enjoy classic American comfort food. Down the street at The Avon, folks gather for drinks at its bar and live music venue. Two blocks away lies the train station where visitors climb aboard the famed Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train. 

Pros of Staying on Blair Street:

• Several historic B&Bs serving homestyle fare
• Quieter than Greene Street
• Near the Silverton railroad station

Cons of Staying on Blair Street:

• No luxury dining or lodging
• Little nightlife 

Purgatory

👉Best Area For Skiing | ✨Best Purgatory Hotels: Cozy Purgatory Condo • Slopeside Penthouse • Secluded Mountain Home • Purgatory Village Condo

Sure, there are ski areas closer to town. Kendall Mountain offers a few laps to beginners and yes, Silverton Mountain is iconic. But extreme backcountry skiing and heli drops aren’t for everyone. 

Though 20 miles south of Silverton, Purgatory Resort offers the most varied terrain around, perfect for families and skiers of all abilities. Not to mention, its lift tickets are often far more affordable than other resorts of its size. 

Purgatory also offers slopeside lodging, which I’ve personally stayed at twice and highly recommend. Enjoy mountain views, an equipped kitchen, and a spacious living room with a cozy wood-burning fireplace. A few shops and restaurants are available in the base area.

Pros of Staying near Purgatory:

• Slopeside lodging and amenities
• Casual restaurants and bars
• Skiing for all skill levels

Cons of Staying near Purgatory:

• 20-mile drive from other Silverton activities
• More costly than the standard Silverton hotel

Tips for Staying in Silverton

Choose Your Vehicle Wisely

If traveling south to Silverton, prepare for the Million Dollar Highway. Past Ouray, you’ll experience hairpin turns through the high country. While the roadway is reasonably wide and well maintained, most of it is unprotected by guardrails.

The views of Colorado’s rugged mountains are breathtaking, but drivers must stay alert. Leave the picture-taking to whoever is in the passenger seat, or take advantage of the many pull-off areas. Especially in the winter, all-wheel or 4-wheel drive is highly recommended when traveling between these Colorado destinations.

👉 Need a rental car? Compare prices and agency ratings on Discover Cars, our preferred search engine.

Be Mindful of Limited Cellular Service and WiFi

Service can be spotty in Silverton, or even non-existent depending on your cellular provider. The same applies to wifi. While all Silverton hotels promote free wifi, not all are equally reliable.

In my research, I found that Teller House and the Frenchman Suites are ideal choices for those that need fast, strong wifi. Remote workers, note that Villa Dallavalle Inn and Grand Imperial Hotel received mixed reviews related to their wifi connectivity.

Don’t Skip on Breakfast

Nothing can beat a delicious, homemade breakfast in the morning. Before exploring nearby ski resorts and the area’s backcountry trails, rivers, and hot springs, pause to enjoy the most important meal of the day. If staying at one of the B&Bs on Blaire Street, breakfast is complimentary!

Leave No Trace

While many travelers are drawn to the history of Silverton, others visit for its outdoor recreation. When in natural places, it’s important to follow the principles of Leave No Trace.

To protect and preserve, stay on the marked path when out hiking the backcountry. Pack out any trash and take nothing but photos. Respect wildlife and other visitors, and always leave places better than you found them.

Lastly, plan ahead and prepare by reading weather predictions and packing proper gear. See my Colorado packing list for a quick listing of essentials, like layers and sunscreen.

FAQs

Is Silverton worth visiting?

Silverton is one of the few small towns in Colorado that’s been left unpolished and is absolutely worth visiting. From mountain views and dirt roads to quaint hotels and comfort food, this historic town lures visitors with its Wild West charm.

What is Silverton known for?

Silverton is most known for its connection with the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Like the town, this steam-powered locomotive has been designated a National Historical Landmark. Other famous sites in Silverton include the restored silver mines and saloons.

Silverton is also known for its extreme sports. Skilled ice and rock climbers, black diamond skiers, ultrarunners, and other athletes admire the peaks of the San Juans. But outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels can enjoy this region, too, with or without a guide.

Where should I stay when taking the Durango-Silverton train?

Our top choice for where to stay when taking the Durango-Silverton train is the highly rated Teller House. Silverton is a small town, so no matter where you stay in Silverton, the train station is just a few blocks away.

What months does the Durango-Silverton train run?

The Durango-Silverton train, one of the most scenic train rides in Colorado, only travels to Silverton from mid-May through the end of October. Note that Silverton to Durango is a one-way trip. Meaning to return to Silverton for the night, you must take a bus back to town. Avoid hitchhiking and plan your trip accordingly!

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Hopefully, this article has helped you plan your trip. Leave a comment if you have any questions and for more nearby lodging options, see our guide on where to stay in Durango next.