By Angela Fairhurst
Summer of 2014 saw the completion of Denver’s historic Union Station’s $54 million renovation. The crown jewel amidst the 65’ high ceilings of the station’s Great Hall is Denver’s newest luxury hotel, The Crawford Hotel. This is the spot to stop, and explore where past meets present.
HISTORY & DESIGN
Named for Denver’s urban preservationist and Union Station partner Dana Crawford, the hotel’s 112 rooms reflect the different eras of the building’s history combined with modern design by Denver’s Tryba Architects and JG Johnson. The design highlights the 120-year-old building’s original architectural elements, including fabulous wood beams, benches, and even uses old station blueprints as art, while adding chic modern design.
THE ROOMS
The guest rooms are stylish with cutting-edge technology and unique artwork. The “Pullman-style” rooms are reminiscent of train travel during its heyday including vintage service ads. The “Classic” guest rooms are inspired by their Victorian era heritage, and “The Loft” rooms in the former attic feature exposed wood timbers, vaulted ceilings and “Seneca Deer” prints on aluminum by Denver artist Mai Wyn Schantz. The bathrooms parallel few others and were created to give guests everything they need and nothing they don’t. They all have luxurious rain showers, and many have freestanding claw foot or soaker tubs with warming towel racks.
SURROUNDINGS
In the heart of the LoDo neighborhood, top Denver restaurants and nightlife surround The Crawford Hotel. In Union Station alone, there are 13 different local shops and restaurants. Start with a morning coffee at Snooze or Pigtrain Coffee Company; Lunch at Fresh Exchange, Mercantile or ACME Burger and Brat; Relish dinner at the farm-to-table restaurant The Kitchen Next Door or oysters at Stoic and Genuine; Drink at Terminal Bar or The Cooper Lounge; and grab a scrumptious ice cream at the famous Milkbox Creamery. Outside there are dozens of options within walking distance. With complimentary access offered to hotel guests, relax and primp at The Oxford Club Spa & Salon or check out Coors Field, the home of The Colorado Rockies. The stadium is just two blocks away and a “can’t miss” if you want to experience true Denver fans all decked out in Orange.
Denver has been undergoing major redevelopment in recent years and The Crawford Hotel is a statement that Denver is a town to be reckoned with.
