The Irma Hotel – Buffalo Bill Cody's Hotel in the Rockies

Jun 1, 2011
Joan Lorenz

Hotel Irma - Joan M. Lorenz

The Irma Hotel in Cody, Wyoming, is the place to stay to experience the true West and all a western town has to offer.

Traveling to Cody, Wyoming? If so, there is no other place to stay than the historic Irma Hotel, built by Buffalo Bill Cody and named for his daughter Irma. Some people shy away from historic hotels because they think they might be too pricey or they might be a bit too ‘historic’, meaning uncomfortable and musty smelling. Yes, those types do exist, but not so with the Irma. For many – tourists and locals alike – there is no other place to stay when in Cody, and with good reason. The Irma offers good food, a great place to relax and rest, and much more: when you stay at the Irma you live history. You don’t need to look far for real Wyoming cowboys and cowgirls – many of them stay at the Irma when in town and can be found playing poker in the evenings in one of the two bars: the Silver Saddle Lounge or the Buffalo Bill Bar.

It’s easy to soak in the American West ambiance at the Irma Hotel. It is located in the heart of downtown Cody, a short walk to many shops and restaurants. It is also conveniently located near the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Hankering for some music? The venue for Dan Miller’s Cowboy Revue, an evening of cowboy music, comedy and poetry, is across the street.

Cody Gunfighters at the Irma Hotel

From June to September, every night (except Sunday) at 6 PM the Cody Gunfighters perform in front of the Irma – plan to arrive for a meal or drinks on the porch around 5 PM to 5:30PM and you’ll have the best seats in town. Sometimes after the show, the characters, which might include Buffalo Bill, Doc Payne, Laddy Da, Crazy Cora, and Miss Cassie, among others, might just mosey on up to the Irma, still dressed in costume, for dinner.

If you are lucky enough to be able to visit Cody in May, plan to schedule your trip during the annual Top Notch Horse Sale held in front of the Irma. That’s where regional trainers showcase their best horses and cowgirls and cowboys of all ages look for that special horse for the ranch or rodeo. The Top Notch Horse Sale captures the soul of the West, and is a horse lover's feast for the eyes.

Choosing a room at the Irma Hotel

When staying at the Irma you can choose either a historic room, including the suite used by Buffalo Bill himself, or a more modern one. Either way, you’ll have a private renovated bathroom and air conditioning. All of the rooms are reasonably priced. The cost of staying in a historic room varies, depending on its size and amenities. If you choose to stay in a newer room, it’s good to know that the ones on the second floor facing the parking lot have lots of room and are a bit removed from the hubbub of the street.

Eating at the Irma is a western adventure, as well as a lesson in history. The dining room’s centerpiece is the famous Cherrywood Bar (reputed to be the most photographed bar in the USA) given to Buffalo Bill by Queen Victoria of England, during his Wild West Show days. Many people rave about their prime rib. Others go for the whiskey pudding: real homemade bread pudding with real whiskey sauce – served all day, even during Buffalo Bill’s Breakfast Buffet. Now that’s a good cowboy/cowgirl way to start the day!

If it’s an experience of the West you are looking for many would agree it’s Cody, Wyoming and if it is Cody, Wyoming, it’s the Irma Hotel. Enjoy your stay, pardner!