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Timeless Treasures10 Grand Dame Hotels: Blending Modern Luxury With Old World Charm
by Jan Gerner
 Cliff House has a rich and varied history. Once a stagecoach stop and 20-room boarding house catering to trappers, hunters, and miners, it evolved over the years into a sophisticated resort catering to the wealthy and well known. Charles Dickens, P.T. Barnum, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Ferdinand the Crown Prince of Austria, and Clark Gable were among the notable guests who stayed and took advantage of the therapeutic waters of the nearby mineral springs.
Like so many other vintage resorts, the Cliff House has had its share of hard times and disasters. A flash flood in 1921 and a fire in 1981 almost destroyed this national historic landmark. However, thanks to the determined dedication of concerned citizens, the Cliff House has been fully restored and returned to its Rocky Mountain Victorian elegance and architecture.
Today the resort has won numerous awards and accolades, including being rated as one of the top 100 hotels by Travel & Leisure and one of Colorado's most romantic hotels.
The Cliff House Dining Room has also won many awards and has become a premier dining destination. Million-dollar views are served up with excellent service and good food.
The Grand Hotel, Point Clear, Alabama
Alabama's Grand Hotel is a perfect example of perseverance. Since 1847, The Grand has survived wars, fires, and hurricanes — the most recent, a direct hit from Hurricane Katrina's storm surge. This "Queen of Southern Resorts" has reopened and is on the road to recovery.
Gracious southern hospitality and timeless traditions are the rule here. In 1864, a portion of the hotel was used as a hospital for Confederate soldiers. About 300 of those soldiers are buried near the 18th tee of the Grand's Azalea Golf Course. During World War II, the Army Air Corps used the hotel as a training base. In order to protect the floors, soldiers were not allowed to wear their boots inside.
Today's guests can enjoy many recreational activities including horseback riding on the secluded, 550 acres. Fortunately, the moss laden, 200-year-old oak trees escaped the wrath of Katrina. After a busy day on Mobile Bay, you can relax and rejuvenate in the European-style spa. Guests can also enjoy several dining options from casual to formal.
Getting to this "Grand Dame" is very easy. Touch down at H.L. 'Sonny' Callahan Airport ƔR4) and you are just three miles from the resort. Complimentary shuttle service is available for guests.
Belleview Biltmore, Clearwater, Florida
January 15, 1897 marked the grand opening of the Belleview Biltmore. Built by transportation magnate Henry B. Plant, the 145-room structure was four stories high, 400 feet long and 96 feet wide. When the original wood structure faded, it was painted a bright white bringing the resort the name of "The White Queen of the Gulf."
The Clearwater Airpark (KCLW) is four miles from the resort. Rental cars and cabs are available for the short ride.
Like other "Grand Dames," the Belleview has a fascinating history to go with the charm and gracious southern hospitality. It also has a few ghosts who are said to occupy the top floor. Along with a daily historical tour, there is a Saturday night ghost tour. Take the tour and you will learn the fascinating story of the lost pearls and Maisie, the bride who was purchased by Plant.
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