Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1858-02-17
DR.. Burtfs' New Hotel.

| -" W 'Ani~h anu appointments.
No general reference can give IN adequate
idea Of it The term First Class" even. is
only relative, and leads to the conclusion that
it is little better than those we have. To
appreciate it, it must be examined, and to
those who cannot do so, at present, pro-
pose to give the result of my examination.
The Burtis House is to be opened on the
Ides of March, under the sole management
OF its liberal and experienced protector and
owner, DIR. }. J. Burtis whose reputation,
as host, needs no eulogium; but whose
talents, in that line, will have a wider aud
srander field than previously, to display
| themselves
This House is near the Railroad Depot, on
the corner of Fifth and Iowa streets, sufii-
ciently central for all business men suffi :
ciently retired for those who love comfort
and quiet; and sufficiently near the ears
to avoid being left. 1t is four stories above
the basement, and each of these stories is
lofty and capacious, and throughout its
mazes and intricaces We find due regard
to light and ventilation The basement
alone possesses sll those essential comforts
that we usually seek in detached portions
In large city. A Restaurant, in its full
sense and meaning, where the citizen, the
traveller, or guest can, at all times, find the
choicest viands served to order. This,
although no wise connected with the regu-
lar ordinary" gives the House the leading
features of the European plan, and will lie
esteemed by large class as sine qua non
Next is the Saloon; replete with creature
comforts; fitted up in a style that would
be considered recherche even in Broadway;
Billiard Room containing the best of
tables, well lighted and equipped; large
and convenient Smoking Room and Bath
Department., spacious and complete; and
yet, We are still in the basement, surround
ed by innumerable apartments devoted to
Laundry and other purposes essential to the
working of the vast machinery required to
elaborate varied comforts for community
Of three hundred persons.
Ascending from the basement we find
ourselves in the grand Reception Hall. where
marble floors and iron columns, lofty cell
ings, rich with arabesque and bas reliefs
recesses, winding stair ways terminating in
graceful scrolls; and due regard to the
claws of disorder" make US pause to admire
the happy and eff ctual combination Of com
fort, utility, and beauty that marks the
whole design Here is the Office. hooked in
conspicuous corner, commanding general
view of three spacious entrances from the
streets; one of Which, the ladies' entrance,
opens contiguous to the ladies' parlors,
which, when finished, will be worthy Of a
separate description
On the east side OF the principal entrance
is the Dining hall, 80 feet long by 40 feet
wide, with ample accommodations for 500
guests, The hall is approache by two
entrances from the reception hall one for |
the ladies and families, near the ladies' par
lcrs, the other from the main body of the |
hall. On the opposite side of the dining
hall, Is the carvers' recess, where the meats
are dispensed from dishes. kept continually |
hot by means of steam. The entrances
from the kitchen, buttery, wine rooms, &C.,
are on this side.
Ample arrangements are made for minor |
conveniences. A wash room, fitted up in
the best approved style, opens from the hall,
and near the office is depository for coats
The gentlemens parlors, also open from the
hall. and are capacious and conve enient. Ev-
cry window in the house is provided with
Italian blinds, arranged so as to admit any
desired quantity Of light. This entire
floor is finished in an expensive and master
ly style, and heated with steam. Over the
office is spacious dome, casting down a
flood Of light, and producing most cheer
full effect on the rich architecture which
adorns the counter and its furniture.
The second story presents an array of pri-
vate parlors and bed rooms, connected in
such manner as to afford ample accom-
modations for families in every variety of
extent and combination. ANY desired
number Of apartments can be found in COM
lighted with gas, heated by
steam, and we'll ventilated; and affordiup
the grandest and most picturesque views
from every window. The halls are wide
and light; and the arrangement Of water
closets and washrooms complete, and in
unisoa with the Improvements of the times.
Another, and another story is still above
us; cut into apartments of every size, and
approached by broad stair-ways, and furn
ished with like conveniences of the above
described.
We might extend this article almost in.
term.nably with details Of pastry ovens.
kitchen ranges, and all the paraphernalia
of metropolitan hotel; but as it is yet an
unfinished monster house, it would but do
injustice to attempt full description until
the mirrors, and divans, sofa-chairs, and
lounges, carpets. chandeliers and curtains
shall give it that genial effect of comfort
and magnificence which will harmonize
with its masterly adaptation to the object
of its construction. A home in its every
feature.
The cost Of the hotel and furniture is over
$l20, 600; and as an investment, in these
hard times, the proprietors if actuated on
ly by sordid motives, might we'll pause to
ask, will this grand establishment paw p
The answer is reserved until the spirit of
the community responds to the demands it
makes upon their favor and patronage
Our citizens are proud ofits towering walls
and u assiye finish fbnr.nniAa l., aa,.;.4. - |