Grand Palace Hotel has new owners

In May of 1923, in the midst of a ruthless drought, a devastating fire swept through Sisters, destroying many downtown businesses and homes. After the smoke and tears faded, a new Sisters was rebuilt.

Going about their daily duties, townsfolk back then may have seen a peculiar sight: a one-story building being transported down the middle of Cascade Ave by a team of horses. The clapboard structure belonged to George and Grace Aitken, one of the town's founding families. It would be set atop the remains of their original drug store and post office which had been consumed by flames. The Aitkens would later add a second story with living quarters and storage in 1931.

Over the years, and many coats of paint, the landmark has had a rich and storied history, operating at various times as a bordello, boarding house, sporting goods store, apartments and finally, its latest incarnation as one of Sisters' flagship historic hotels, touchstone to a bygone era.

As of January, the Grand Palace Hotel is under new management and is now run by the team that oversees The Lodge at Suttle Lake. Ronda Sneva and her sister Tammy Patterson are excited about the hotel's prominent role in Sisters lodging and its bright future.

"Many people walk right on by and have no idea the hotel is even here, or what the rooms look like. We want to change all that," Patterson said.

The Grand Palace will feature the classic Western flair that Sisters cultivates. Sneva and Patterson are busy designing new ad material and formulating plans for freshening up the nostalgic hotel with its unique, themed rooms. They will be holding a "Grand Re-Opening" Party sometime later this month.

"It will be great fun and the whole town is invited. We want to reintroduce the hotel to both Sisters residents and visiting tourists. It's an important part of Sisters' colorful past, centrally located in the heart of town," Patterson said.

After climbing a broad staircase, past whitewashed walls written with snippets of Sisters history, guests enter the main hallway leading to five themed suites. Each room has a distinct flavor and period furnishings that will accommodate anywhere from two to six people. Some have their own sitting rooms, full kitchens, and inviting views of downtown. All include 27-inch televisions with combo DVD/VHS players.

First up is the largest of the five rooms, "Albert's Suite." It's an elegant 700-square-foot corner apartment that overlooks all of Cascade Ave. There are separate living room and dining areas with a Victorian feel and décor. Exposed brick details, original hardwood floors, full kitchen and an intimate bedroom with a massive four-poster queen bed.

Next is "All Aboard!" The warm, cozy room sleeps two, with railroad memorabilia and photos on the walls, miners' oil lamps, and an antique claw foot tub for a relaxing soak after a hard day in the saddle.

Moving down the hall we find the "Red Rock Bunkhouse," in honor of legendary rodeo bull, "Red Rock." The locally bred bull was ridden 309 times without success until one fine day in 1988. At Sisters' Challenge of the Champions, World Bull Riding Champ Lane Frost became the first to post a clear round.

A framed picture of Frost and his infamous ride hangs prominently on the wall. Frost's story was portrayed in the 1995 movie, "Eight Seconds," starring Luke Perry. A copy of the film is available for guests for watch.

Continuing down the hall we come to "Cowboy Up." Black and white cowhides adorn the walls, with a twig-furniture checkers table for a quick game before supper, and a hand-painted gun holster hung in the closet.

At the hallway's end is "The Parlor." It's a spacious, family-sized suite that sleeps six, with vaulted ceilings and an interesting floor plan. The rooms wrap around past a sitting area with daybed, to a private upstairs bedroom decorated with brass instruments, antique music magazines, and walls covered with sheet music.

The Grand Palace is running a locals special through mid-May.

"We want locals to come out and give us a try," Patterson said. "For a birthday, anniversary, or just a romantic 'stay-cation' away from the kids and the pets."

Whenever old hotels are discussed, the inevitable question of ghosts comes up. Sometimes, tales of spectral denizens lurking in the dark actually boost a lodging's popularity. The Nugget asked Patterson about any supernatural occurrences she has heard of or experienced in the hotel.

She laughs and thinks, "Well, we've only been here since January, but I did have one strange incident. I was cleaning one day and set my keys on a table. When I looked back, they were gone. I looked everywhere but couldn't find them and eventually had to call a locksmith. A month later I stayed overnight in (the railroad themed suite) and when I woke up, there were the lost keys laying on the comforter."

Patterson will be at the hotel office weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. She invites everyone to stop by and take a free informative tour and remember them for any future travel plans. Anyone with more information on the history of the Grand Palace is encouraged to phone or drop in and chat.

For more information call 549-2628.