Black Bear Manor — Hotel in Four Corners States

My wife and I were at the Black Bear Manor from September 9 – 13. We were looking forward to our stay based on the positive reviews, but we were very disappointed given the price point for this B&B. No one was there to greet you when you checked in; we hoped to see someone from the manor for we had a couple of questions. We let ourselves into the room and found the toilet paper holder dangling from the wall where a repair was in-process, but not completed. The towels provided were cheap, unable to absorb water.

The first sign of life at the manor was the server handing out a meager breakfast the next morning. Stale cinnamon rolls, rubbery scrambled eggs and a sausage were provided. Little thought had been given to this breakfast. There was no real cream for coffee at the coffee service, and we had to request it from the kitchen. Flowers in the vase at the breakfast table had clearly been there for several days, droopy and sitting in murky water.

The next day, on the positive side, there was now cream at the coffee service. The bad news is that it had apparently been left out from the previous day for it curdled. Breakfast started 30 minutes late because the single person they had on staff overslept. Everyone oversleeps, but they were clearly understaffed, and I lay this at the feet of the owners.

On day three, there was no breakfast because the server was out sick with a note explaining the situation on the table. The owners of the Black Bear Manor had no plan B. My wife and I had breakfast down the street at a diner and I sent the bill to the owners of the B&B, or just B in this case. There was no outreach from the owners until the following Monday, four days later, where they credited us for less than the bill we submitted.

This was not an inexpensive B&B. Earlier in the week, we had stayed at a lovely place in Durango called the Apple Orchard Inn. Not only were we greeted by the owners at check-in, but breakfast was made from scratch every day and delicious. It was served by the owners and their staff. This was all for less than we paid at the Black Bear Manor. Ouray was a wonderful place, and we will return, but we will be...

(Stayed 9/22/23) After 8 days of traveling around southwest Colorado, we spent our last night at Black Bear before heading to the airport. We felt that a b&b stay would fit well with the quaint surroundings of this small town. First the positive notes. Our room was easily accessible both through the lobby as well as through the sliding glass door to the outdoor hot tub and to load and unload the car. The king-sized bed was very comfortable with crisp sheets and overall the room was clean. Location was ideal as just a two block walk to Main St for all shops and restaurants. When we stay at a b&b, we have come accustomed to being greeted at check-in by the host(s), able to engage in conversation regarding the area and generally feeling welcome. Upon our arrival just after the 4pm check-in time, we arrived to an empty foyer with a piece of paper on a clipboard to sign up for a breakfast time and to advise that our key was left in our room. Which room is ours? We found an employee who was able to look up our name on his phone and advise that we were in Room #4. No “welcome”, “do you need anything”, etc., just basically self serve. Breakfast the next morning was the biggest disappointment. We easily could have gone to a restaurant in town but look forward to another opportunity to converse with the host and meet other guests. What we experienced was what appeared to be the barely awake maintenance man in sweats and a hoodie pulled over his head serving us what could best be described as a child’s plate. One wedge of a thin breakfast quiche, a spoonful of cubed potatoes and a slice of an orange for color. Again, no “good morning”, “how was your evening?”, “thanks for staying with us”. We did not partake in the beer and wine 30 minute happy half hour the night prior, but expect that it was more of the same. For the $300+ we paid for our one night in Ouray, we could have found a more...

Lovely quiet location with friendly staff!

We stayed in room #10 for 3 nights. Elizabeth and Conner greeted us when we arrived. They were helpful with information about the manor. No formal check in, the key was in the door of your room for entry. They were outstanding for our entire stay. Breakfast each day was delicious, Elizabeth's stuffed French toast was the best. They asked each day if we had any food limitations which was nice to add or delete ingredients for a breakfast made to order. The last day friendly Laura was the chef for breakfast and did a fabulous job.

At 5:00pm they had a happy hour with beer, wine and delicious cookies. We met other couples and visited in the reception area daily each with adventures of the day in Ouray.

The location is beautiful and quiet with a short walk to the main street of the town. Parking is perfect right in front of the manor. The outdoor hot tub was the best after daytime hiking. Towels and robes were provided in a basket in the reception area. The hot tub had 7 powerful jets on your back and feet and it was never busy.

Room 10 on the second floor at the end of the hallway was spacious with high ceilings and a jetted bathtub. It was nice to have 2 entry doors, one from inside the manor and a 2nd door to enter from the outside to the outdoor hot tub.

This was our 1st stay at a B&B in the USA and it was a wonderful experience. The staff at Black Bear Manor made you feel welcomed and at home. Thank you Elizabeth,...