Where Is It: Jackson Hole, Wyoming USA.
Why Go: Luxury historic boutique hotel in the top “cowboy” resort town of the USA.
Best For: Couples who love boutique, romantic and historic accommodation with luxury amenities and an authentic sense of place.
Three Things We Loved: The centre of town location, the back in time vibe, the famous Silver Dollar Bar.
The Ultimate Factor: It was voted the Best Small Historic Hotel in the U.S.
Overview
Built in 1941, The Wort Hotel ( pronounced Wert) and named for its originator, homesteader Charles J. Wort, exemplifies a sense of place which is as authentic as it is unique. Surviving a fire, and the threat of demolition over its colourful history, the hotel was placed on the US National Register of Historic Places in 2001, and underwent a major restoration resulting in its 4-star AAA rating in 2008, and has now become an Old West landmark in its own right. In 1950 the famous Silver Dollar Bar was designed and built by a German cabinet maker using 2,032 uncirculated 1921 Morgan Silver Dollars from the Denver mint, inlaid in tables and the bar tops. In 2016, the hotel celebrates 75 years and its Diamond anniversary.The town of Jackson is famous for Western heritage and being a centre for western art and crafts. Surrounded by the breathtaking pristine natural beauty of world famous Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Jackson Hole has an unrivalled reputation for skiing and boarding in winter; assets that combine to draw visitors from around the world in both winter and summer seasons.
The Accommodations
The 55 rooms of this boutique western lodge include five western themed suites. Deluxe rooms have a choice of king or two queen beds, while Grand rooms offer a more spacious level of luxury. The Silver Dollar Suite is the most famous of the five two-roomed themed suites, which also include the Shoshone, Cowgirl, Cowboy and Grand Teton Suites. All rooms contribute to the authentic western ambience with no sacrifice of comfort, featuring custom lodgepole pine furniture and beds, overstuffed leather armchairs, original artwork and beautifully crafted soft furnishings and amenities reflecting western designs. A full wet bar, perfect for entertaining or extended stays, is offered in the Junior King Suite making it one of the most popular rooms available in Jackson. Each suite offers a different western motif complete with original signature artwork, murals and sculptures, handmade beds, desks and two bathrooms with full bath. While TVs are not provided in the rooms, the suites feature 2 flat screen TVs and high speed internet is complimentary throughout the hotel. The Silver Dollar Sam teddy bear welcoming guests is a whimsical touch everyone will enjoy.
Where We Stayed
We checked in to our Deluxe room on the ground floor looking out on the wide wooden sidewalks of Jackson much as guests have done for decades. It felt like we had stepped back in time, opening the door with a traditional style brass key (no micro-chipped card) and into the Western character and charm of this wonderfully grand historic small hotel. The handcrafted twin beds were not only comfortable with down pillows and duvets but dressed with locally handcrafted bedspreads and pillow shams. From lamps to wallpaper, the western heritage was reproduced with creative style and accuracy.
What Else is There?
Over 200 original artworks depicting the beauty and legendary character of the early American West are displayed in the hotels’ public spaces, and a self guided art tour is available to enjoy them at your leisure. Reflecting the cowboy and Native American way of life, the heritage and landscape, it adds further authenticity and a sense of place to the property. Dining options include a bar menu for casual all day dining at the famous Silver Dollar Bar, featuring cowboy staples such as their signature corn chowder soup, marinated ‘elk tips’ or specialty burgers such as elk or lean buffalo, washed down with a Wyoming Mule or Jalapeno O Margarita (or more likely a beer!). The elegant Silver Dollar Grill is open for breakfast lunch and dinner and features regional fare and game accompanied by an extensive award winning international wine list. Check out the restored roulette wheel from the hotel’s brief stint as a casino and the original western art while you dine.
The Silver Dollar Bar is famously atmospheric and has live music four nights per week with no cover charge. We were recommended to experience the regular Tuesday night high octane country bluegrass music featuring local band, One Ton Pig. The bar was packed with locals – we thought they had dressed in character but no, they were authentic local cowboys and families and we were the ones who felt overdressed. The band was top notch and the original songs infectious, self described as ‘ blurring the lines between folk, jazz, country, bluegrass, gospel and rock n roll’. But the best part of the evening was watching the swing dancing on the small dance floor in front of the stage – this is clearly a pastime the locals have perfected and the fast and furious steps as engaging to watch as it was obviously fun for the participants of every age group. My ‘city slicker’ 20-something son, had never seen anything like it and was fascinated and terrified he would be invited to dance as well. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a scheduled bluegrass night, don’t miss it; it’s a unique experience and an unforgettable glimpse into the western way of life, both then and now.
The Verdict
Get into the western spirit and soak up every historic minute of a stay in this wonderfully elegant hotel. Make sure you experience the Silver Dollar Bar on a night when the local blue grass band is playing - you’ll dance the night away and never forget it. And explore the town of Jackson, ski or snowboard with the best at the legendary Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and escape into the magical landscape and wildlife of the National Elk Refuge, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
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