SML: The Underdog

The story of this hotel is a story of an underdog.  Sundance Mountain Lodge's story started out as a broken down, shattered hotel, with a bad reputation: the Falcon Inn.  Anyone who has lived in the Monument area for a while is well aware of the quality of the inn left in shambles. 

 ~Before~

 ~After~

People who stop by to take a look at our renovations tell stories of falling through floors, doors swinging wide open, and pay-by-the-hour rooms. 

When Gary Oakley (wedding photographer and owner of SML) decided to buy the Falcon Inn, recycle it, and turn it into Sundance Mountain Lodge, it was no small task.  Gary not only had to renovate the place, he had to change its poor reputation in the area.

 ~Before~

  ~After~

The former Falcon Inn had many obstacles to overcome before it could be called the Sundance Mountain Lodge.  The grounds were in serious neglect, and the ballroom had to be overhauled before elegant weddings and receptions could take place.

 ~Before~

~After~

Renovations are still taking place, and it is expected that another building will be done by this fall, providing an additional 24 guest rooms to our already 58.

It is so easy these days to give up on something broken; to dismiss the trash and throw it away.  But what a beautiful example to show our children-that you are not trash when you mess up; that broken things, and broken people can be renewed.

It is amazing to see how far the place has come in only two short years.  It is the hope that the recycling of this hotel will inspire others to overcome obstacles and be the successful underdog, the Hail Mary pass, and the Phoenix from the ashes.