“Looking for a clean and quiet place to stay?” That’s probably what folks were saying about the Ahwahnee Motel back in its heyday. It stands at 8500 E Colfax Ave in Denver. The Ahwahnee Motel has been around for quite a while.
Once upon a time, East Colfax was the main road to the mountains. The Ahwahnee Motel thrived then. Travelers needed a place to rest. Now, the area has changed. Some say the area isn’t the best. Others praise the kind owners.
In 1952, the Ahwahnee Motel & Lodge had 32 units at 8500 East Colfax. Colfax Avenue was Highway 40. It was Denver’s “main street.”
The Ahwahnee Motel offered something special. Some rooms included dining areas and kitchenettes. Think of a cozy little apartment. One review mentions a stove, refrigerator and even a flat screen TV. For about $75 a night, it wasn’t a bad deal.
Not everyone loved the Ahwahnee Motel. One guest complained about the lack of towels. They said the staff rarely spoke English. Another described it as run down. They even mentioned a poor Wi-Fi installation.
But there were positive reviews too. Some guests found the rooms clean and comfortable. They appreciated the spaciousness. They also liked the kind and respectful owners. One reviewer said they hadn’t seen a single bug. That’s always a plus.
Sang Cho owns the Ahwahnee Motel. You can contact him at (303)329-3076. The business makes around $75,000 a year.
Change is coming to the Ahwahnee Motel. In 2022, Runt Bro Properties bought the property for $2.8 million. They plan to turn the old motel into modern apartments. There will be 31 units with studios and one-bedroom apartments. The neighboring Brandin Iron Motel was renovated and they anticipate similar pricing.
The new Bus Rapid Transit system is under construction along Colfax. The future of this area is uncertain. The Ahwahnee Motel is adapting to the times. It’s transitioning from a roadside inn to modern living spaces. It is trying to remain useful for a new generation.
The Ahwahnee Motel has seen a lot of history. From its boom days on Highway 40 to its current transformation, it is part of Colfax Avenue. Whether it’s a motel or apartments, the Ahwahnee Motel continues to evolve.