The revitalization of Union Station is a remarkable success story for Denver. The historic train terminal went from a largely ignored building to what feels like the living room of the city in a few short years. A key part of that renovation was the debut of the Crawford Hotel, a 112-room hotel that fills the upper floors of the north and south wings of the landmark. Named for the urban preservationist that helped spearhead the project, Dana Crawford, the hotel is now one of the best places to stay in the mile-high city.
The hotel’s location is one of its greatest assets. Not only is it located in Denver’s bustling transit hub (a train runs directly from the hotel’s front door to Denver International Airport), the surrounding area is where many of the city’s most exciting restaurants, bars and event spaces are now located. Pullman-style rooms on the hotel’s second floor reference the heyday of train travel in America while “classic” guest rooms nod to the building’s Victorian origins. Some of the hotel’s most unique, and worthwhile, offerings are the loft-style rooms that can be found in the former attic space of the train station with exposed wood, vaulted ceilings and skylights. In addition to expected perks like televisions, WiFi and valet parking, guests can also order room service from Snooze and Next Door, two food-and-beverage concepts located in the station.
In many ways, the hotel is inseparable from the train station in which it is located. In this case, that’s a huge plus. Those staying at the hotel can try on-site restaurants including Mercantile Dining & Provision by Chef Alex Seidel as well as Stoic & Genuine and Ultreia by Chef Jennifer Jasinski. Must-visit retail outlets in the station include an outpost of Denver’s iconic Tattered Cover Book Store and the local boutique 5 Green Boxes which offers one-of-a-kind housewares and gifts.
However, the one experience that every guest of the Crawford Hotel should have is grabbing drinks at the elegant Cooper Lounge, a glamorous art deco-inspired cocktail lounge located on a terrace overlooking the station’s main hall. Not only are the surroundings here completely stunning, the cocktails are excellent—some of the best you’ll find in Denver. In a fun wink at its rail-oriented surroundings, and indicative of how thematically cohesive all the experiences are here, many of the drinks are served on stainless steel platters that you might find in the bar cart of a train.
Luckily, the only journey you’ll have to take after a few rounds here is a short walk to your room off of one of the station’s wings just around the corner.
Pro tip: Crawford guests also have access to the nearby Oxford Club Spa & Fitness Center which offers a full-service day spa and salon as well as group exercise classes.