Winter Gateway 2022

Clifton Hotel
offers a touch of
the late 1800s
In 1890 Judge George Hormeyer built the Central
Hotel in Clifton, Arizona. Hormeyer’s wife,
Julia, ran the hotel until 1945. The first floor
was built of slag block, a by-product of the mining
process. The second floor, built of brick, was added
in 1901. In its heyday the hotel was a destination
for executives and dignitaries from both stateside
and abroad, who came to the area for copper claims.
After 1945 the hotel changed hands several times
and eventually became an apartment building.
During the devastating flood of 1983, the hotel took
on over six feet of water and, sadly, was abandoned.
Fast forward to 34 years later . . . In 2017, Matt
and Karen Frye bought the Central Hotel and
changed the name to the Clifton Hotel. They began
renovating, with the intention of restoring the hotel
to its former glory. From foundation to roof, and
everything in between, the hotel was restored to its
original beauty. There are eight rooms, each with a
kitchenette and bath, some with clawfoot tubs. The
wallpaper transports guests back to the late 1800s,
and the rooms are appointed with antiques from the
period. The Fryes added a commercial kitchen and
a bar; the bar back is from a building on historical
Chase Creek Street, and dates back to 1904.
The hotel and bar are a wonderful destination for
travelers and an ideal resting place for those traveling
the Devil’s Highway on motorcycles. And it’s a
great place to stop off and have a drink, play pool
and enjoy some appetizers.
Is the hotel haunted? Let’s just say there is a
wealth of unexplained phenomena. Those who do
have an experience always report that it was pleasant
and that the hotel has a very positive feel.
For more information on the Clifton Hotel, call
(928) 215-6876 or email clifton.hotel.info@gmail.
com.
Courtesy photos
4 Gateway to the Copper Corridor 2022