CREEDE - For the past five years, the owner of the historic Creede Hotel and Restaurant, Shelly Dee, has worked alongside a local team to revitalize the building and bring an elevated experience to patrons. 

Thanks to Dee’s efforts in part by working to designate the hotel on the National Historic Registry, she and her team have worked to bring life back to the beloved hotel in this small Colorado mountain town. “This hotel used to be the center of Creede, and we wanted to bring that back to life. We have had a packed house almost every night this month and, with the help of my crew, we have created something really great.” 

The historic building has newly renovated rooms, dining areas, a new kitchen with top-of-the-line equipment and a staff that relishes the opportunity to support such an amazing piece of Creede history.  

In addition to all the main renovations, Dee worked during the winter of 2024 to extend the bar and dining area so that patrons can have an opportunity to enjoy the bar or a quiet dining experience at the same time. Guests can still enjoy the outdoor dining experience with live music most nights under the Big Tent. 

“We did a big renovation this winter and created a bar area and a specific inside dining area.  We increased the size of the bar to 16 barstools from four and added high top bar tables to the north room.  This is also the main entrance now.  The decor is rustic with awesome art.  The dining room is now a quiet area since the double doors that used to open to the lobby have been closed.” 

The hotel has been part of Creede’s history from the very beginning of 1892 when it was known as the Zang’s Hotel and Annex. According to the history provided by Dee and local historians, the hotel was built in Jimtown, one of the many small communities that spang up during those first days of the silver boom. In June of that same year, most of Jimtown was lost to a fire including the hotel but the original proprietor had it rebuilt in the current within two weeks. 

The Creede Hotel and Restaurant welcomed Executive Chef Kristen Zagranski in the summer of 2024. Zagranski boasts an impressive 36-year tenure in the culinary industry, with 23 of those years serving as an Executive Chef. She holds a diploma from the esteemed Le Gordon Bleu Culinary Academy and has garnered experience across the United States, including a notable 5-year stint as the Director of Dining Services at Adams State University. 

Zagranski’s culinary journey extends internationally, having spent the last 2 years in New Zealand as a Corporate Executive Chef, overseeing four restaurants in Rotorua, a bustling tourist hub. With her extensive global culinary expertise, innovative approach, unwavering drive, and charming wit, we are confident that this season will be nothing short of exceptional.  Watch out for her handmade pastas and use of our local foods. 

The cuisine offered by Zagranski is an adventurous yet simple spread of exceptional ingredients and fresh produce. Items on the menu offer patrons a wide variety of comfort food paired with tavern bites, all of which are infused with Zagranski’s talents and are something that will make the tastes buds sing. 

From elk burgers to lobster bisque, there is something for everyone packed into a menu that took Zagranski months to perfect. Pair this with fun and inventive cocktails from the new bar and it creates a venue that meets the needs and wants of anyone who ventures through the doors.  

The staff is happy and welcoming and the building shouts of the love and passion of the owners. Do not miss the chance to come in and experience high-end dining with a small-town atmosphere while soaking up the historic and flavorful experience at the Creede Hotel. For more information or menus, visit www.thecreedehotel.com.