The bad news: The Hotel (AKA The Railroad Hotel) is a tattered, run down, no frills place. The good news: It feels the way a tattered, run down, no frills place might have felt in the 30's, and you were on a Depression era budget. So at least you'll be staying in historical squalor rather than mere contemporary squalor. Other positive attributes: it's dirt cheap, it's incredibly convenient to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Depot, and the woman at the front desk was helpful and friendly. It also has great old railroad posters.

This hotel is located in an old building in downtown Chama. The rooms are on the 2nd floor and there is a gift shop at ground level. Upstairs, there is a balcony on the front and the rooms are located on both sides of a hallway. It reminds one of a hotel from the forties. However, it has wifi and there is a computer for guests to use. The rooms do not have AC, however, due to the cool weather at night, sleeping was pleasant and cool. There are no phones in the rooms and the floor squeaks when one walks on it but the rooms do have TV. Restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel and the train station is just across the street. The owner will share her knowledge of the area with guests and is very friendly and outgoing.

That this s---hole is rated #2 in Chama is amazing! This is the kind of place where you watch where you step and what you touch, because you never know what you're going to come across. Admittedly, my standards are high, and I usually stay in four-star places. The previous night, I had stayed in the New Sheridan in Telluride, a first class place. Central Reservations got me a deal for $139 plus tax, and it was amazing. The next night brought me here, and I paid $49. I would have gladly paid another $100 for something a little higher up the ladder. I have to believe better places exist in Chama, and I should have looked harder, even though a lot of the places were fully booked because of a road rally in town. Bring your own shampoo, and if you want more than a sliver of soap, bring that. Go to the High Country, have a good meal, and have enough to drink so that when you get back to this dive, you fall asleep fast and hard.

I stayed at The Hotel in late July while travelling on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The hotel is in a good location, where you can walk to the train, nearby restaurants, and local shopping. A balcony wih chairs overlooks the railroad yard and depot. The place is not fancy at all, but the room was adequate for my needs, was clean, and it was very reasonably priced. I'd go back there for my next train trip.