Thursday, April 7, 2011

Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel

There is nothing quite like a vacation to Yellowstone National Park. Where else can you see buffalo casually strolling past boiling hot pools and erupting geysers? Everyone clamors to stay inside the park at the Old Faithful Lodge. But we have an even better suggestion for you! The Irma Hotel in Cody, Wyoming.

Buffalo Bill Cody is one of the biggest legends in the West. He was a legendary frontiersman, decorated Civil War solider, and Pony Express Rider. He created the world famous Wild West Show that toured around the globe. But, one of his proudest achievements was the hotel in created to honor his daughter, The Irma.

On November 2, 1902, the hotel opened to great fanfare. Cody, Wyoming was not exactly the tourist mecca that it is today. Costing a whopping $80,000, this two story hotel was the most modern, elegant establishment in these parts. Some say it still is and we have to agree. Staying here is a treat. It’s as if you are transported back to the turn of the century when the West was truly wild.

The hotel has a grand staircase that leads up to the guestrooms. If you are lucky enough, try to reserve one of the suites. Each suite is named after the famous Western legend that stayed there: Buffalo Bill, Irma Cody, Caroline Lockhart, Colonel Cody, and more. Rooms are decorated just as if you had been visiting in 1902. Don’t worry – each suite has been upgraded to include all the modern conveniences you expect. Typical hotel rooms are available too.

Bring your appetite when you stay here. They claim to have some of the best prime rib west of the Mississippi River. We could not agree more. Thick, juicy slices of prime rib hit the spot after hiking the park’s trails. It’s served buffet style, so eat all you want. You can walk it off tomorrow in the park!

Take a seat at the Cherrywood Bar in their restaurant. Queen Victoria of England was so impressed by Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show that she gave the back-bar as a gift. And what a gift it was – costing over $100,000. It was built in France, sent by steamer to New York, shipped by rail to Montana, and then transported by a horse drawn wagon to Cody!

Of course, a truly authentic Western town needs to have its share of gunfights between the good guys and the outlaws. Cody does live up to its authentic Western heritage hosting gunfights that take place right in front of the hotel. The Cody Gunfighters have been entertaining visitors for years with their not so serious take on famous Western characters and gun battles. The best part – it’s free! Performances take place Monday thru Saturday at 6PM.

For more information about The Irma, visit their website: www.irmahotel.com

To plan your perfect trip to Cody & Yellowstone National Park, visit our website
www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/National_Parks and purchase the Yellowstone National Park travel guide!

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