The Mining Exchange flaunts its vintage pedigree with soaring columns, brick walls, and exposed ceiling ductwork. Situated in the middle of downtown Colorado Springs in one of the city's grand old historical buildings, once inside, light pours in through arched, floor-to-ceiling windows, and groupings of Victorian sofas and tufted leather armchairs in muted gray, black, and ivory provide plenty of seating. Strings of vintage bulbs light the outdoor passageway between the hotel and restaurant, creating a warm and inviting urban nook for drinks and dining. Tin ceilings and brick walls adorned with local artwork enliven the restaurant and bar, popular for its weekend brunch. Most guests here are business travelers or vacationers looking for somewhere both chic and hip to stay while visiting Colorado Springs.

The Mining Exchange is located on Nevada Avenue/Route 87, a major north-south road in downtown Colorado Springs, just off the Ronald Reagan Highway. In addition to the scene-y hotel bar, there's a vibrant nightlife and dining scene around the corner on Tejon Street. The U.S. Olympic Training Center is six minutes away by car, and Fort Carson and the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center are within a 15-minute drive. Pikes Peak is within an hour's drive depending upon the season, and the airport takes about 18 minutes to reach without traffic. 

The hotel offers a range of room styles from Classic Queens to suites with separate parlors. Rooms are quiet, spacious and high-ceilinged, with mostly neutral decor, wood-paneled headboards, striking modern artwork, and exposed brick accent walls. While the look is modern, it is a bit of a let down given the ornate and almost glam public interiors throughout the hotel. For instance, while the bright contemporary art on the walls is certainly an eye-catching addition, everything else -- from seating to carpets -- is beige, and the granite surfaces and mid-tone wood furniture could be found in any upscale chain hotel throughout the United States. Features include large granite desks, ceiling fans, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Rooms also come with coffeemakers and iPod docks, but mini-fridges are only available upon request (and there is a limited supply of them). Bathrooms range from compact to spacious, with granite counters and separate water closets, feature separate tubs and walk-in stone-tiled showers with dual showerheads. The bathroom in the King Room that we visited had a cramped sink with very little counter space that was separate from the shower and toilet. However, premium C.O. Bigelow toiletries are a nice touch. Unfortunately, views of the mountains are mostly obstructed. 

The Mining Exchange offers a solid list of amenities for tourists or business travelers. Dining options include a Cajun-inspired restaurant, Springs Orleans, which attracts a mixed clientele of hotel guests and locals. It gets mostly good reviews and serves all meals, though breakfast is not included in room rates. There's also a lobby bar offering signature cocktails and light fare, and 24-hour room service. Drinks can also be had in the hotel's courtyard in nice weather. The hotel has a compact brick-walled area that's a bit of a step up from most hotel gyms when it comes to options, and includes a decent handful of modern cardio and weight equipment plus free weights. An adjacent urban spa offers a full range of treatments and salon services. Corporate amenities include a 24-hour business center and lots of meeting and event space, like a ballroom that can fit 400 people reception style. The hotel also offers free hotel-wide Wi-Fi and valet parking. Small dogs are welcome for a daily fee.