Denver’s Union Station is one of the most historic locations in the city. When it opened in 1881, the Union Depot was the tallest building in the West. After a Beaux-Arts-style renovation and expansion in 1914 heralded the golden age of rail travel in Denver, Union Station hosted presidents and European royalty. The building’s fortunes rose and fell with the popularity of trains. Yet a $54 million renovation in 2014 welcomed a new era, including the creation of The Crawford Hotel. This summer, following further improvements from a major redesign of the Great Hall and remodeling of The Crawford’s 112 rooms, it’s safe to say the glamour of the glory days is back in full.
My wife, Heather, and I checked in for a staycation date night. It was the rare time we left our toddler behind (staying locally or otherwise), and provided a chance to fully escape in luxury while staying nearby. It’s easy to see why The Crawford was one of the few hotels in the United States to receive the One Key designation in the Michelin Guide’s inaugural hotel awards in 2024.
The atmosphere was set at check-in. Walking past the crowds in the Great Hall and through the doors of the lobby, dubbed The Parlour, we were enveloped by a sophisticated fragrance and welcomed by a glass of Laws whiskey (neat for me) and a flute of prosecco for Heather. A pianist was setting up in the corner—part of the regular evening indulgences that include small plates from 5 to 7 p.m. We walked our drinks across the Great Hall to The Crawford’s private elevator on the other side and took it to the fourth floor to reach our LoDo Suite.
The room awed from the start. The top floor was formerly attic space for Union Station, and today, massive wooden support beams and spots of exposed brick tastefully hint at its former life. Sixteen- foot vaulted ceilings add to the feeling of ample space in the raised living area, expansive separate bedroom, main bathroom with a skylight and soaking tub, and a halfbath near the entrance. The interior design had us dropping our bags as soon as we entered. Natural wall angles frame the well-appointed communal space, highlighted by colorful seating, bright white walls, and a mini bar with a cocktail kit and local whiskey. The vibe shifts as you walk into the bedroom, thanks to custom midnight blue wallpaper with a large-scale floral print that covers the ceiling over the chaise and king bed.
Elsewhere on the property are rooms modeled after Pullman train cars from the 19th and early 20th centuries, and classic rooms harken back to the Victorian era. Smaller, yet still well-appointed, loft rooms join the LoDo Suites on the fourth floor. The premier Crawford Suite—like the hotel, named after Dana Crawford, the preservationist who led renovation efforts with the Union Station Alliance in 2001 and revitalized the Oxford Hotel and Larimer Square— features a full butler’s pantry and dining table.
Every stay includes a number of perks: daily cocktail hour, access to the gym and fitness classes at The Oxford Club, coffee from Pigtrain Coffee Co., and daily ice cream from Milkbox Ice Creamery, to name a few, along with discounts at bars and restaurants in LoDo.
As easy as it would be to forever lounge in the luxury of the room, date night is best rounded out by taking advantage of The Crawford’s prime location. Doing so doesn’t take much more than a few minutes of walking. Dining options abound in LoDo, from casual and elevated spots in the Great Hall to the surrounding restaurants in McGregor Square and the Dairy Block. We strolled from our room to the third floor mezzanine of Union Station for a nightcap at the elegant and intimate Cooper Lounge before retiring to our room for a soak in the freestanding tub and a final collapse into the plush king-size bed with a vibrant green scalloped headboard. Modern train travel may not match the grandeur of the Gilded Age, but The Crawford certainly does.
Eat + Drink
Caldero in McGregor Square offers flavorful Southwestern fare that leans toward elegance rather than over-indulgence, with dinner views of the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows on the second level. For breakfast, The Wild is an all-day coffee and cocktail bar with delicious pastries and sandwiches that can be enjoyed in a tucked-away courtyard or stylish dining room. Small plates and smart cocktails, both classic and original, at The Cooper Lounge in Union Station are not to be missed. Also inside Union, Ultreia, the upscale Iberian tapas restaurant, is a great spot for happy hour or post dinner snacks and drinks.
Explore
High-end shopping, dining, and experiences abound in LoDo, clustered in areas like the Dairy Block. The area is particularly activated during the holidays, with pop-ups galore. The Mistletoe Market kicks off on Small Business Saturday. Shop from a dozen local vendors each week selling art, sweets, clothing, and holiday gifts, all while sipping on hot beverages and winter-inspired cocktails. Plus, don’t miss the free giftwrapping station. The McGregor Skate rink is back for those looking for a more active way to celebrate the season, and the festive Sleigh Bar inside Milepost Zero is here to keep the good times going. When the sun is shining, walk to the river and Confluence Park. The hill here is a popular sledding spot when the city receives a fresh snowfall, so whether you are looking to glide down yourself or just watch others’ glee, it’s a great place to be outside. The Oxford Club & Spa, across the street from The Crawford, offers true relaxation and holistic treatments. Because nothing embodies the giving spirit more than gifting yourself some luxurious self-care.
