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BISBEE — Shining aluminum trailers, antiques, spa tubs and big screen TV’s were a few of the distinct styles and amenities of Bisbee hospitality on display Saturday.
Without reservations, 15 local lodgings had their doors open so visitors could catch a glimpse of the city’s hotels, motels and inns for the 3rd Annual Bisbee Lodging Tour.
After trying the fresh fruit, frittata and other dishes in the continental breakfast at Calumet & Arizona Guest House, 608 Powell St., Billy and Dotty Jones walked through the rooms at the house.
“That executive suite is exceptional,” Billy Jones said.
  
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It’s a good place for “peace and quiet,” that’s also affordable and spacious, he said.
Rates for lodgings on the tour typically range between $45 a night, up to $197.
Barbara Sisneros and Diana Douglas came from Sierra Vista to scope out the Calumet & Arizona Guest House, the Letson Loft Hotel, Shady Dell and Jonquil Motel.
Besides getting to see them without having to commit to a stay, it’s a good way to find out which local hotels they can refer visitors to, Sisneros said.
The proximity of Bisbee lodging is already a positive, Douglas said.
“It’s nice not to have to drive too far,” she said.
Janet Neil and her husband walked to seven stops on the tour before getting to the Gym Club Suites, 39 Howell Ave., in the afternoon. Some of her relatives have stayed at other hotels in town.
“I would tell them about this place,” she said.
By 3 p.m., about 70 visitors had been through to see the suites, said Steve Radford, one of the Gym Club’s managers.
The Gym Club Suites was originally a YMCA built in 1903. But few traces of its gym history remain. In the 1980s it was renovated as an apartment building until apartments became a hotel little more than a year ago, he said.
The large, loft-like rooms still have full kitchens, living rooms, closets and other amenities. Many of the rooms’ balconies and large windows offer panoramic views of Old Bisbee, Radford said.
The rooms were less lofty and more mobile at the Shady Dell, 1 Douglas Road.
Although the nine vintage trailers are a fixture now, the aluminum travel trailers where guests stay were brought from across the country when the Shady Dell was bought by Ed Smith in 1994, said Ken Grindell, general manager. Now owners Annette Louria and her son, Justin Louria, are preparing to bring in two more: A 1956 Alma and a 1959 Boles Aero.
Each trailer, and the 1947 “Tiki bus” and Chris Craft yatch, also available lodgings, are decorated with memorabilia and antiques, from “vintage Southwest” to “Polynesian palace.”
The park gets visitors from 25 to 85 years old, near and far with its unique style, Grindell said.
Bisbee’s mining history is a part of the draw at the Calumet & Arizona Guest House.
The 1906 home was designed by Southwest architect Henry Trost, and was built for Joseph Curry, chief clerk for the Calumet & Arizona Mining Co. The Calumet & Arizona Mining Company later bought the home and used it as guest lodging.
John and Joy Timbers eventually bought the guest house in 1977 and after about 15 years of renovations.
Joy Timbers helped make breakfast and straightened the bed quilts in the historical home on Saturday.
Period furniture, photographs and maps relay the homes history, along with a few of her family heirlooms, she said.
HERALD/REVIEW reporter Laura Ory can be reached at 515-4683 or by e-mail at laura.ory@svherald.com.
IF YOU GO
The Bisbee Lodging Tour is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. Tickets are $10, and a continental breakfast will be served at the Calumet & Arizona Guest House from 10 to 11 a.m.
Pat wrote on Jun 8, 2008 10:32 AM: