We ended up at The Historic Plains Hotel on our way back from our trip to the Grand Canyon National Park — and honestly, it was the perfect place to break up the drive.
After days of desert views, canyon overlooks, and long stretches of highway, rolling into downtown Cheyenne felt like stepping into a totally different era.
And when you pull up to The Plains Hotel, you immediately get that old-school, grand hotel vibe.
First Impressions: Old-School Charm in the Best Way
The hotel first opened in 1911, and you can feel that history the second you walk through the doors. The lobby has that classic, early-1900s elegance — tall ceilings, vintage details, and just an overall sense that a lot of stories have happened there.
It’s not a cookie-cutter chain hotel (which is exactly why we loved it). It feels like a place with character — the kind of place where cattle barons, politicians, and travelers once gathered when Cheyenne was booming.
And after a long road trip day? That character hits even better.
The Perfect Road Trip Stop
Driving back from the Grand Canyon is no joke. It’s beautiful, but it’s long. By the time we reached Cheyenne, we were more than ready to stretch our legs and not see the inside of our car for a while.
The Plains Hotel is right in downtown Cheyenne, which makes it super easy to park and then just walk around. We loved being able to explore a bit without getting back in the car.
After so much time on the road, that alone felt like a win.
The Rooms: Comfortable with a Side of History
The hotel has 130+ rooms, and while they’ve been updated with modern touches (yes, there’s Wi-Fi), they still lean into that Western, historic feel. It’s cozy, comfortable, and just different enough from your typical roadside stay to make it memorable.
There’s something kind of fun about knowing you’re sleeping in a building that’s been hosting travelers for over a century.
A Little Bit of History
The Plains Hotel opened in 1911 and quickly became the place to stay in Cheyenne. Over the years, it’s hosted some pretty big names and has even played a role in Wyoming political history. It’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which makes sense once you see it in person.
It’s one of those places that feels woven into the city itself — not just a hotel, but part of Cheyenne’s story.
Would We Stay Again?
Absolutely.
If you’re road-tripping through Wyoming — especially if you’re coming from somewhere epic like the Grand Canyon — this is such a cool, character-filled place to recharge. It feels intentional. Memorable. A little different from the norm.
And honestly, that’s what we’re always looking for when we travel.
Sometimes the best part of the road trip isn’t just the big national park destination — it’s the unexpected historic hotel you find along the way.
