Aurora’s Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center unveiled The Fortunate Prospector, Embers Lodge Bar, and a Grand Lodge redesign in April, part of a multiyear investment plan by ownership group Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc.
The Fortunate Prospector
The resort’s new English pub seats 134 and makes its home on the right side of the Grand Lodge. Inspired by the dark coziness of famous taverns across the pond and with subtle nods to Colorado mining history, The Fortunate Prospector features detailed woodwork balancing both modern amenities and classic design elements from the Victorian era. The interior beam and column rhythm emulates precedent patterns from centuries ago, and the artwork throughout brings visions of London to Aurora. The menu pulls inspiration from traditional English roots featuring fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and sticky toffee pudding. The beverage menu features a Pimm’s Cup and the Single-Handed Sailor (Bacardi Superior, demerara syrup, lime juice, and Angostura bitters), along with a 10-draft beer tower.
While dining, guests are enveloped in the legend of Earl, the dapper bighorn sheep and iconic face of the restaurant. The legend recounts Earl’s journey to bring his English charm to the Wild West, and subsequent discovery of gold in the Rocky Mountains. Today, the legend says, as an esteemed prospector with a newfound interest in the culinary arts, Earl welcomes all to his pub in celebration of his prosperity during the gold rush.
Embers Lodge Bar
Embers Lodge Bar boasts a 360-degree wraparound bar with a spacious seating area accommodating up to 248 guests. Set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, it serves as a cherished hub for guests to gather around two grand fireplaces to savor light snacks, Colorado-inspired cocktails. and panoramic views. The minimalist color palette blends flame red, tawny gold, cream, and coal, complementing the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The menu includes oysters and barbacoa sliders with indulgent drinks such as Ziggy Stardust, a cocktail featuring a custom choice of vodka and spice level, topped with a flamed cinnamon pour-over. Embers has replaced the bar, Pinyons, and the Après Ski Village space within the hotel’s Grand Lodge.
“The average hotel renovates every seven to 10 years, but we are adding more spaces for groups and leisure customers only five years after opening our doors in 2018,” says Suzy Hart, general manager of Gaylord Rockies Resort, in a prepared statement. “We are laser-focused on continual investment in meeting spaces and food and beverage experiences that are beyond the extraordinary. It’s an impressive feat for the team and the reason we are trailblazers in bringing people together.”
Enhancements will continue this year, with the two current restaurants (Monte Jade and Vista Montagne) rebranding to a nutrient-rich dining experience called Garden & Grain and an establishment with true Colorado fare named Copper Table. Additionally, the resort will introduce a redesigned Old Hickory Steakhouse and a new 9,000-square-foot event space, Mountain View Pavilion.
The additional enhancements will complement the first phase of investments completed in April of last year, including a redesign of the outdoor lawn spaces and the addition of dining terraces for Old Hickory Steakhouse and Mountain Pass Sports Bar. This investment in Gaylord Rockies is part of a long-term growth plan within the Gaylord Hotels brand, with ongoing updates in food and beverage, recreation, meeting spaces, and guest rooms at all five properties.
