Hotel Metlen (Dillon, Montana)

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The Hotel Metlen is a fine example of a railroad hotel and remarkably, one that still functions. It is located across the Union Pacific tracks from the depot at 5 S. Railroad Avenue, in the center of Dillon, Montana. The Metlen (which also styles itself the Hotel Metlen and Bar) was built in 1897, on the site of Dillon's first hotel, the Corinne. It is a 3 story brick structure with third floor dormer windows set into a mansard style roof, with a Victorian tower and flag pole to top it all off. At the turn of the last century such showplace hotels, located near the railroad depot, were symbols of community stability and economic opportunity, and they helped to attract new business and residents. They were the place to meet and they played a vital role in the development of towns in Montana. The Metlen has a bar, restaurant, and hotel rooms. The building presents a somewhat worn Victorian air, and while the bar and restaurant are adequate, the hotel rooms are somewhat tatty, as you would expect. If you are an old hotel buff, this is one you should not miss, tatty or not.