From behind a fence, two donkeys from the famous herd that roams Cripple Creek, Colorado, helped celebrate the recent grand opening of the new $14 million, 101-room hotel at Wildwood Casino and Hotel, developed by Joe Califano and Pete Ferro. The project created 35 new jobs.
Califano said, “We’re so excited about this. The more people we bring up here to the mountains, I think, is an equal benefit to the community.” He added the Wildwood is a “litmus test” and part of the “magic formula” to attract more tourism to Cripple Creek. He noted the groundbreaking ceremony for the hotel was held on April 2, 2019. “Perseverance paid off,” he said.
Sales Manager Nanci Ciampa pointed out the hotel’s design Incorporates local history and wildlife. She said photos of people panning for gold, miners deep inside caves and scenes of the old railroad days give the rooms “a distinct Teller County flavor.”
General Manager Matt Andrighetti added, “This is something we have been looking forward to for a long time, a hotel next to our casino. It has been inconvenient to have to shuttle guests to a hotel. We believe this hotel will be a big attraction for players. We look to attract a more upscale clientele, including out-of-state visitors. It also will be much more convenient for our existing customers since the hotel is across the street from the casino.”
The hotel offers six suites and 2,800 square feet of space for banquets and meetings. The recently paved parking lot accommodates 80 vehicles. Nearby, the 67-room Gold King Inn, owned by Wildwood parent company American Gaming Group, also offers lodging for casino customers and other guests; 14 of its rooms have been converted into employee housing.
The Wildwood is the first new hotel to open in Cripple Creek in decades. Two more are under construction, developed by Bronco Billy’s and Triple Crown casinos. When they’re completed, the total rooms of the three new hotels will more than double the city’s Inventory.
