5 Things We Just Know You’ll Love About The Pioneer Hotel In Cheyenne [OPINION]

No doubt, at one time or another, you either have a story or experience to share concerning the Historic Pioneer Hotel in downtown Cheyenne.

Actually, the Pioneer Hotel is historic. It was originally called the Moffatt Hotel and purchased by William Moffatt in the year 1909. From 1911 - 1914, Madailene Montgomery and Bertha Jiagicke were administrators of the hotel, and owned by George Plummer of Rawlins, Wyoming.

On the lower level of the hotel, a Noah's Ark Store occupied the spot for many years. Later it became, what is now know as, the Historic Pioneer Hotel.

When you walk in, you can certainly tell that time has taken its toll on the once fancy lodging place for weary travelers. But what is it that we love so much about the hotel.

Here are five things that may tickle your fancy, concerning the Historic Pioneer Hotel, located at 209 W. 17th St. in downtown Cheyenne.

1. Better Than Other Lodging Options - I would say that the Pioneer Hotel is certainly better than the Big Horn Motel, by a long shot! If you want to take a chance and getting stabbed or killed, then the Big Horn might be your hotel of choice, however, if you want to stay in a "no kill zone", then go to the Pioneer Hotel.

2. The People - This is a hotel for the people in the downtown area, that need a place to stay. Many businesses have moved out and have complained about people meandering about 17th Street, shouting profanities or aimlessly walking about while being 3 or 4 sheets in the wind.

3. Bed Bugs - Maybe it's the nightly visitors that, in the past, have inhabited the rooms of the Pioneer Hotel. I don't mind visitors, but I typically don't welcome bed bugs. As a matter of fact, bed bugs are not welcome in my room at all. However, different strokes for different folks.

4. The Decor - The decor in the hotel will take you back to circa 1971. There might even be some historic dust on the wagon wheel light, that hangs from the ceiling. It is a great common place for you to congregate and chat with some very interesting people, to say the least. However, they hope you don't mind the plume of cigarette smoke that tends to loom across the room and down the stair well.

5. The Old Telephone Booth - Talk about a taste of nostalgia. You can actually go inside the telephone booth to enjoy a private conversation with a friend, loved one, or your favorite dealer. It's located across from the old '70s style soda machine too. The only downfall of the telephone booth, is that they don't allow you smoke in it. But to smoke everywhere else in the hotel seems to be o.k.