In an effort to bring more people to the San Luis Valley this summer, a movie-theater hotel is zooming in on its business model as a drive “inn” by adding trendy new accommodations for overnight guests.
Located in the town of Center, about 35 miles north of Alamosa and 40 minutes west of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the Frontier Drive-Inn opened in 2022 by revitalizing a historic theater that operated from 1955 until 1986. Instead of permitting cars to drive up and park in front of the movie screen, however, it hosts overnight visitors who bring lawn chairs out to catch a flick.
The attraction debuted with 10 yurts and several steel sheds that were retro-fitted to accommodate overnight guests, and this summer it has expanded its lodging options to more than double its capacity.
The company added eight new steel Quonset huts outfitted as “suites” with wood-paneling, trendy decor, private bathrooms and in-floor heat. While similar prefabricated huts were used as shelters as far back as World War I, they are more commonly seen on farms today and used to store tractors or other farm equipment.
The former drive-in also added five vintage Airstream trailers to the property, hookups for 20 RVs and seven campsites for tents, camper vans and teardrop trailers. Additionally, the company manages four apartments in downtown Center that offer full-sized kitchens, dishwashers and refrigerators for families or larger groups seeking a more conventional Airbnb-like stay.
“When we opened the Frontier Drive-Inn in 2022, we had a vision for what we wanted the next phase to look like, and we are thrilled to now be unveiling that vision this summer,” co-owner Luke Falcone said in a statement. “These new accommodations offer more options for families and groups as well as campers and road warriors looking for a unique experience.”
Frontier Drive-Inn’s movie season begins on May 21 and runs through Oct. 31. Each weekend, it shows different films based around a common theme, but guests won’t know exactly which ones they’ll see until they are onsite. (“We want people to come for the full experience,” Falcone previously told The Denver Post.)
One perk for guests: Popcorn is always free during movie screenings. For more information about this summer’s schedule, visit .
