Shorehouse Hotel is the newest boutique retreat in Buena Vista, Colorado. This one-of-a-kind, four-suite property is nestled in the heart of Buena Vista’s Main Street, only half a mile from the Arkansas River. Owned and operated by local residents Megan and Brad Kingman, it not only offers premier hospitality for sophisticated and adventurous travelers but also acts as a community gathering place and gateway to the surrounding landscape.
“Brad and I started working in Buena Vista seasonally as raft guides in the early 2000s, and from the moment we came here it felt like home,” says Megan. “We take such pride in our community, the vastness and diversity of its landscapes, and the people that give it life. One of our favorite things to do is share this place with friends and family. Through Shorehouse, we get the opportunity to do this on a larger scale, and we hope our boutique retreat serves as an invitation to experience everything we adore about Buena Vista.”
Shorehouse Hotel’s intimate layout offers four unique suites with the option for contactless check-in that provide the perfect mountain getaway for both short and extended-stay explorers who prefer an “off the beaten path” and immersive travel experience. The all-mountain view accommodations are outfitted with a full kitchen and state-of-the-art laundry capabilities, as well as thoughtfully chosen amenities.
The Shorehouse Hotel is a family affair: at the helm of the hotel’s design is local architect Steve Carr, Megan Kingman’s father and previously the president for both the Denver and Las Vegas Chapters of the American Institute of Architects, as well as the Denver Architectural Foundation. The ethos of Carr’s design approach was balancing the hotel’s build and scale with its surrounding location, prioritizing Shorehouse’s neighborly spirit within Buena Vista’s downtown district. Situated on historic ground, Shorehouse and the newly minted location of CKS River Supply—a local staple for whitewater gear, kayaks, and outdoor rentals also owned by the Kingman’s—share soil with the original location of the town brothel from the 1880s. Given a new chapter with a side of historic town gossip, the hotel is constructed around the initial space as a “hole in the middle,” creating an “eddy,” in river terms.
The namesake of each suite at Shorehouse Hotel and their distinctive art motifs—all curated by local artists—nod to Buena Vista’s history. The Throne Room features two master suites, outdoor patios, and stunning views with artwork by Colorado native, Darcie Smith, Megan Kingman’s sister. Meanwhile, the Layover Day suite features an open-concept one-bedroom layout, a daybed, and mountain views. The suite is adorned with artwork from Buena Vista resident Brynn Ronning. The Daisy Chain suite offers a one-bedroom layout and balcony against a mountainous landscape, and features art from local Lindsay Sutton-Stephens. Last, the Magpie suite, named after the madam of the 1880s Buena Vista brothel who was known for her pet magpie, features two bedrooms, corner windows with sightlines, and works by Jennie Noreen Omasta, the artist and owner of Rock Run Gallery in Buena Vista.
Revered by many as one of the top whitewater rafting destinations and home to the highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in the continental United States, Buena Vista is an emerging destination for the
multifaceted traveler, offering opportunities for nature exploration and restorative adventure but also singular dining, nightlife and shopping experiences amongst serene landscapes.