St. James Hotel & Restaurant, Cimarron, New Mexico

A vintage hotel with the indelible marks of history of the Wild West, the St. James Hotel in Cimarron, New Mexico, beckons to visitors to kick off their boots, including visitors who have never quite moved on even after death.

Web. http://www.exstjames.com/
Tel. (888) 376-2664
E-mail. front.desk@exstjames.com

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The St. James Hotel is said to host countless spirits. The owners and guests of the hotel have reported various inexplicable events which lead them to believe that the hotel is indeed haunted and inhabited by the long dead who refuse to believe. Because of the hotel’s haunted reputation, several psychics have visited the hotel in an attempt to contact the dead.

The hotel’s second floor is reputed to be the most haunted part of the building. Stories of cold spots, as well as cigar smoke lingering even when no one is smoking is prevalent. One of the hotel’s manager said that even if you cannot see the entities, you can feel that they are there. One of the hotel’s former owner said that she walked into the hotel’s dining room and saw a cowboy standing behind the mirror on the bar’s front area.

Room 18 of the hotel is kept locked at all times because it is said to be the home of Thomas James Wright, an ill-tempered ghost who was rumored to be killed at his door just after a poker game in the hotel. He was shot from behind and bled to death. His angry ghost is said to dislike company. A former owner has reported seeing a ball of orange light floating in the room. The room is said to only contain rocking chair, a coat rack, a bed frame without a mattress and a bureau.

Room 17 is the where a lot of people have reported sightings of Mary Elizabeth, Henri’s wife. She is said to remain in the hotel as its protector. Mary Elizabeth gave birth in the hotel and died there also. It is said that up to this day people can still smell her rose-scented perfume. She can also sometimes be heard tapping when a window remains open.

The St. James Hotel was built in 1872 by Henri Lambert. The hotel was originally called Lambert’s Inn and it was a saloon with a restaurant. It originally has 43 rooms and these rooms were witnesses to more than 26 murders. Some of the place’s most notorious outlaws have left their indelible mark on the hotel, such as Jesse James, Black Jack Ketchum, Buffalo Bill Cody and Clay Allison.

Before Henri Lambert became the owner of the Lambert’s Inn, he was once President Lincoln’s personal chef. When the president was assassinated, he tried to search for gold. The saloon was built in a time when people have little respect for the law and the Lambert Inn became notorious as a place of violence. It is said that more than 26 people died within the hotel’s walls. The hotel was very popular to cowboys, miners and traders. Henri Lambert died in 1913 and his wife, Mary Elizabeth in 1926. The hotel changed owners several times, but in 1985, it was restored to its former glory.

If you want unrivalled peace and relaxation, St. James Hotel is a great place to go. The hotel has 12 restored rooms with 19th century furnishings and the accommodations include a variety of choices, from single, double and family rooms. Some rooms have private or shared bathrooms. The two-story annex of the hotel has 10 rooms. The hotel’s restaurant and bar offers homemade soups and house-baked breads. The bar also offers a variety of beer, cocktails and wines. The restaurant’s pizza during summer is a must-try.

Telephone
Cable television
Iron and ironing board
Daily maid service
Coffee-maker
Balcony/terrace
Air-conditioning
Bathtub

For people who want to get a glimpse of Cimarron’s history, the Old Aztec Mill Museum has a huge collection of photographs and artefacts which explains the town’s local history. The mill was actually working mill which was built in 1864. Cimarron Canyon State Park offer guests a place for cross-country skiing, hiking, viewing wildlife and other outdoor activities which everyone will enjoy.

The Philmont National Boy Scout Ranch is the property of the Boy Scouts of America. More than 18,000 students from around the world join training and adventure in this ranch. It is the world’s largest camping facility. Express UU Bar Ranch offers various packages which include cattle drives, cabin retreats, big game hunts, fishing and trail rides.

Want to explore the best dining fares Cimarron has to offer? If you want a quiet place to drink a glass of beer or two by yourself or with your friends, you can go to Cold Beer. Guests can drink soft drinks to beer and other hard drinks. Heck’s Hungry Traveller serves the town’s best chilli and it is a must-try. You want the best burgers? Go to Cree-Mee Drive and enjoy a casual dinner.