Old Colorado Inn: 5 Reasons You Should Not Miss This Stuart Hotel

Are you searching for a beautiful coastal city? Then head to Stuart, Florida and you’ll find Old Colorado Inn.

If you and the family are heading to Stuart, Florida, United States there are several places you can stay but this one tops our list! We love the history, the privacy, the small but important perks…it’s simply heaven. You won’t want to miss this hidden gem in Florida.

Old Colorado Inn is only a few miles from the sandy beaches of Hutchinson Island and a hundred feet from the St. Lucie River that leads to the inter-coastal waterways and the Atlantic Ocean. The Old Colorado Inn hotel and vacation rentals offer deluxe studios, spacious and luxurious suites, a charming cottage, and 4 spacious historic guest houses nestled in a casual tropical setting

Here are five reasons why Old Colorado Inn is an ideal family (or romantic) hotel selection.

COMPELLING HISTORY

This bright and beautiful boutique hotel is named after the street on which it stands, Old Colorado. Built in 1917, it was recently renovated with modern amenities but still holds the original charm.

We stayed on the Ernest Lyons Compound, which is part of the greater property (more on that next,) and the home is a Designated Florida Literary Landmark, an honor shared by authors such as Robert Frost and Tennessee Williams.

Ernest Lyons, long time editor of the Stuart News and author of “two books lived in the home from 1937 until his death in 1990. The Ernest Lyons House was originally built in 1890 and has been recently restored by local preservationist, Dr. Thomas Connelly. The home served as the town’s first schoolhouse in 1891; it was the site of the town’s first wedding in 1892; and Stuart Florida’s first baby was born in the home in 1897.

Don’t miss the love letter framed on the wall in the lobby, and be sure to ask about it’s interesting secrets!

THE COMPOUND

You are welcome to stay in the multiple rooms and suits in the main part of the hotel. They are darling! But if can splurge a little, the Ernest Lyons Compound is a DREAM! Especially for families…large, small or extended!

You can reserve all three buildings in the compound, or you can stay in just one. We enjoyed the “Guest House” which is also called the Oasis Suite.

It includes a 1,000-square-foot one-bedroom home overlooking the pool and spa, with a private patio. Don’t worry about the one bedroom – the living area is HUGE and the bed folds into a very comfy Tempurpedic-mattress sleeper sofa. In the bedroom is a king-sized bed with a large walk-in California Closet and a “front door” out to the historic district of Stuart.

You’ll enjoy oak floors, a fully-equipped kitchen, a spacious living area and HUGE dining table. The Compound features comfortable outdoor furnishings, propane fire tables, a private outdoor gas grill, and a playground with swing-set and seesaw that my boys adored.

The pool and fire tables are only available to those staying on the Compound – not everyone in the hotel….what a great place for a family-reunion or multi-generational getaway.

ADDITIONAL PERKS

While not a formal “bed and breakfast,” Old Colorado Inn does take your orders for fruit, yogurt, amazing bagels, and juice in the morning. Coffee makers are in the rooms…our breakfast was delivered to our door in a timeframe we requested…and it was SUPER!

We also LOVED the sheets. Every guest room includes 700-thread count Egyptian cotton linens – even the sleeper sofa. They were luscious!! What a special way to feel a little “home” while you’re away.

Keep in mind that if you are visiting without kids…how heavenly…then you might want a little surprise waiting in the room. They offer add-on items like flowers, chocolates and more.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Old Colorado Inn sits right in the heart of Historic Downtown Stuart, only a short walk from the waterfront fine dining, shopping, and entertainment.

We really enjoyed walking along the Riverwalk, shops, and restaurants. You’ll love shopping in the eclectic stores, visiting the Stuart Heritage Museum, and taking in the Stuart Green Market.

While you saunter the Riverwalk, stop for lunch at Stuart Boathouse.

Want to venture a little further? A little over 30 minutes away is West Palm Beach, Florida.

RESTAURANTS ON PROPERTY

You’ll also find two dining locations on the property. Eighteen Seminole Street serves Italian…it was closed for a private event when we visited, but it looked very cute and smelled amazing!

Also on site is the Sneaki Tiki, which is a bar and grill with an “Island” feel.  I must confess that we grabbed drinks here a few times and really enjoyed it. The wait can get crazy in the late evenings, though. Be prepared to relax and enjoy the conversation.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO FLORIDA

• YOUR FLORIDA VACATION
• STUART, FL: 21 THINGS TO DO IN STUART FL FOR A FUN & AFFORDABLE FAMILY VACATION
• WEST PALM BEACH, FL: 20 FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN WEST PALM BEACH
• MIAMI, FL: 27+ THINGS TO DO IN MIAMI WITH KIDS