All About The Hotel St. Nicholas

Steeped in history and brimming with character, The Hotel St. Nicholas is more than just a place to stay—it’s a journey into Cripple Creek’s rich past. This page offers a detailed look at the hotel’s fascinating story, from its origins as a 19th-century hospital built by the Sisters of Mercy to its remarkable collection of historic memorabilia and its reputation for being one of Colorado’s most intriguing haunted destinations. Explore the history, artifacts, and legends that make The Hotel St. Nicholas an unforgettable experience for every guest.

 A History of The St. Nicholas Hotel

The Hotel St. Nicholas stands as a remarkable testament to Cripple Creek’s colorful past, rooted in the fervor of Colorado’s gold rush. Originally constructed in 1898 by the Catholic Sisters of Mercy, the building served as Cripple Creek’s first dedicated general hospital during the region’s booming gold mining era. At its peak, Cripple Creek was a bustling town, home to tens of thousands of miners seeking fortune in the hills.

The Sisters of Mercy, a Catholic order founded in 1831 by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland, were known for their charitable work. Often called the "walking nuns" for their devotion to serving the sick and poor, they expanded their efforts to the United States in 1843, establishing schools and hospitals across the country. By the late 19th century, they were called to Colorado to assist growing communities. In 1894, Sister Mary Claver Coleman arrived in Cripple Creek to establish a hospital, initially operating out of a wooden building at 326 E. Eaton Street.

In 1896, two devastating fires destroyed much of Cripple Creek, but the Sisters’ original hospital survived, albeit narrowly. During the chaos, a man hostile to Catholicism attempted to dynamite the building but accidentally detonated the explosive early, injuring himself. In an ironic twist, the Sisters compassionately nursed him back to health, and his misfortune became part of the hospital’s lore—his shoe, blown into a tea kettle, was kept as a memento.

Recognizing the need for a safer and more modern facility, the Sisters commissioned John J. Huddart, a renowned Denver architect, to design the present structure. Completed in 1898 at a cost of $12,000, the hospital featured a three-story brick design, a mix of architectural styles, and state-of-the-art amenities for its time: electric lights, steam heat, hot and cold running water, and a fully equipped surgical department. The first two floors housed patients, while the Sisters lived on the third floor, and the attic served as the orderly's quarters.

The hospital was named for and dedicated by Colorado’s Bishop Nicholas Matz. Its first patient, Elijah Ayers, a miner injured in a fall at the Specimen Mine, arrived on March 12, 1898. Over time, the hospital became a cornerstone of the community, providing medical care to miners, their families, and those with mental health challenges. In 1902, an addition was built to accommodate the Sisters' growing needs.

The Sisters of Mercy left Cripple Creek in 1924 after nearly three decades of service. The hospital was sold and operated privately by local doctors for several decades, even as the town's population declined following the closure of many mines. From the late 1960s to the mid-1970s, it operated as the Hilltop Nursing Home, before eventually being used as a boarding house and then left vacant. In 1995, the building was purchased and meticulously restored, reopening as The Hotel St. Nicholas, preserving its historic architecture and legacy while offering modern hospitality.

The Hotel St. Nicholas celebrates its storied past through its carefully curated collection of historical memorabilia, offering guests a tangible connection to Cripple Creek’s gold rush era.

One of the most prominent features is the Boiler Room Tavern’s back bar, centered around the original 1895 coal-fired boiler, crafted by the American Radiator Company. Weighing over 1,000 pounds, the boiler consumed up to 100 pounds of coal daily to keep the hospital warm during its operation. Today, it serves as a fascinating centerpiece for guests to admire while enjoying a drink.

On the landing between the first and second floors, guests will find the hospital’s original regulations. These preserved rules provide insight into late 19th-century healthcare practices, including strict warnings against "loud conversation" and "promenading in the halls." Medical costs reflect the times, with private rooms costing $12 to $15 per week and surgical room use billed at $3 to $6 per day.

The Boiler Room Tavern also features a stunning photo-mural of an early 20th-century Cripple Creek bar, highlighting the town’s diverse community. An African-American bartender stands prominently in the image, a reminder of the significant role Black residents played in shaping Cripple Creek’s history.

In the hotel office, visitors will find a gold-era iron safe from around 1900, manufactured by the Herring-Hall-Massey Company. Fully functional and intricately painted, this safe combines artistry with utility.

Additional artifacts include a Mine Hoist Signals poster from the 1930s, used to standardize communication between miners and hoist operators, and John J. Huddart’s original 1896 architectural drawings, displayed proudly in the main lobby. The hotel also showcases panoramic photographs of Cripple Creek, including one taken in 1897 during the building’s construction and a dramatic image of the Great Fire of 1896.

Beyond these highlights, guests are encouraged to explore the hotel’s scrapbook and other period artifacts located throughout the building, each offering a glimpse into Cripple Creek’s storied past.

Historic Memorabilia

With its long history as a hospital and later a nursing home, The Hotel St. Nicholas has developed a reputation as one of Colorado’s most haunted locations. Guests and staff alike have reported numerous paranormal experiences, making it a popular destination for those intrigued by the supernatural.

One of the most well-known spirits is Petey, believed to be the ghost of a young boy once cared for by the Sisters of Mercy. Petey’s playful nature is evident through reports of small objects being moved or cigarettes mysteriously hidden in the Boiler Room Tavern.

Another frequent sighting is The Miner, an apparition of a gold miner who has been observed on the back stairway and occasionally seen sitting on a stool in the office. Additionally, the spirit known as "Stinky" is associated with an unexplained, unpleasant odor resembling raw sewage, often noticed near the back stairs.

Guests have also shared experiences of flickering lights, disembodied whispers, and sightings of figures dressed in Victorian-era clothing. Items have reportedly moved on their own, adding to the eerie yet fascinating atmosphere of the hotel.

Despite these reports, the spirits of The Hotel St. Nicholas are largely described as playful and mischievous rather than malevolent. The combination of its rich history and ghostly legends creates an unforgettable experience for guests, whether they are paranormal enthusiasts or simply seeking a stay in a uniquely historic hotel.

A Haunted Reputation

A Cripple Creek Landmark

The Hotel St. Nicholas stands as both a beautifully restored landmark and a living monument to Cripple Creek’s fascinating past. From its origins as the town’s first hospital, built by the Sisters of Mercy, to its current role as a charming hotel, every corner of the building holds a story. The preserved memorabilia and reports of ghostly encounters add layers of intrigue, offering guests a unique and immersive experience. Whether visiting for its history, architecture, or the chance to encounter a friendly spirit, The Hotel St. Nicholas is a destination unlike any other.