Construction was difficult because Phelps Dodge had to blast away and clear a large portion of the mountainside in order for building to begin. Although the most modern and up to date materials were used, it did not lessen the difficulty of each task. In order for concrete to be mixed, water had to be pumped up the hill from the mercantile, what is now called Copper Queen Plaza, on Main Street. The walls were constructed to be nearly 2 feet thick, which helps keep the hotel cool during the summer months.

The Copper Queen Hotel was one of the most modern hotels in the west during that time. One can only imagine what changes the hotel has gone through to accommodate the modern day traveler.

Initially, the first floor was heated by a fireplace in the lobby. Now, the first floor has central air and heat. Originally, the hotel boasted 73 rooms with shared baths at the end of the hall on each floor. Today, the original hotel has 48 rooms with turn of the century Victorian charm, each room having its own modern private bath. The courtyard building adjacent to the hotel was originally built in 1904 to house Phelps Dodge's lawyers' offices as well as the surveyor's and Western Union offices after they moved out of what is now the Saloon. This building was later converted to a bed and breakfast and bought back by the Copper Queen Hotel in 2006 giving the hotel a total of 52 rooms. The courtyard rooms are also decorated in a Victorian style and located just steps away from the hotel. The courtyard is brick-inlaid and has a relaxing fountain and wrought iron furniture to sit, relax and enjoy the day.

Located roughly 100 miles southeast of Tucson and at an elevation of 5,300 feet, the hotel is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in Tucson or Phoenix. In the winter, we are even blessed with an occasional snowfall. Bisbee is the southern most mile high city in the U.S. and is eight miles from the border of Mexico.