The Crawford Hotel in Denver
We had an amazing experience staying at The Crawford Hotel in Denver! Located in the historic Union Station, this hotel combines luxurious accommodations with rich history and modern amenities. From the elegant decor to the exceptional service, our stay was nothing short of perfect. Read on to discover why the Crawford Hotel should be on your travel list!
This post is not sponsored but does include an affiliate link for Capital One.
History and Charm
The Crawford Hotel is named after Denver preservationist Dana Crawford, who played a pivotal role in revitalizing Denver’s historic train station and other landmarks in the city. (Crawford is referred to as “the mother of LoDo.”) Opened in 2014, the hotel occupies the upper floors of Union Station, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece dating back to 1881. The station’s stunning architecture and storied past are woven into the hotel’s design, offering guests a glimpse into Denver’s rich history.
We stayed at the property in July and arrived via the A-Line train from the Denver International Airport. While I was aware that we would get a free glass of wine during Cocktail Hour, I was pleasantly surprised when we were warmly welcomed at the front desk with a glass of wine and sparkling water. This hotel did not disappoint.
If you are going to Denver, be sure to read our posts about the Denver Airport and the Delicious Denver Food Tour before you go.
Let me fill you in on its features.
Accommodations
The Crawford Hotel offers 112 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, each capturing a distinct era of the station’s history. Guests can choose from three unique styles:
- Pullman Rooms: Inspired by the luxury rail cars of the 1920s, these rooms feature queen beds, arched doorways, brass accents, and a decorative nod to Art Deco.
- Classic Rooms: Located in the historic wing, these rooms boast high ceilings (16-feet tall!), original windows, and a blend of contemporary and vintage furnishings.
- Loft Rooms: Situated in the former attic space, these rooms offer a chic, urban vibe with exposed brick, wooden beams, and modern amenities.
Amenities
Guests at The Crawford Hotel enjoy a host of premium amenities, including:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi: Stay connected with high-speed internet access throughout the hotel.
- Fitness Center: Guests have access to the gym and spa at the hotel’s sister location, The Oxford, where you can maintain your workout routine while on vacay.
- Pet-Friendly Accommodations: The hotel welcomes furry friends, ensuring they enjoy their stay as much as you do.
- Courtesy Transportation: The hotel will arrange for complimentary transportation within a 2-mile radius. (When we were there, we enjoyed a Lyft ride – in a Tesla! – compliments of The Crawford.)
- Hotel guests are treated to a daily cup of coffee at the Pigtrain Coffee Co. and a delicious scoop of ice cream (either in a cup or a sugar cone) at Milkbox Ice Creamery.
Dining and Entertainment
Staying at The Crawford Hotel means having some of Denver’s best dining and entertainment options right at your doorstep. Union Station houses several renowned restaurants, bars, and shops, including:
- Mercantile Dining & Provision: A restaurant and market offering farm-to-table cuisine crafted by Chef Alex Seidel.
- Stoic & Genuine: A seafood and oyster bar known for its fresh, sustainable catches.
- The Cooper Lounge: An elegant cocktail bar offering panoramic views of the Great Hall and beyond.
- Ultreia: A celebrated tapas bar in Denver’s Union Station, is the brainchild of James Beard Award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski and her partner, Beth Gruitch.
Location and Accessibility
The Crawford Hotel is located within Denver’s Union Station and is within walking distance to many popular attractions.
- LoDo (Lower Downtown) Historic District – The Crawford Hotel is in the heart of Denver’s LoDo district, known for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and historic buildings. It’s a great place to explore on foot, with plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
- Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver) (0.3 miles) – Located nearby, MCA Denver is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art through rotating exhibitions. The museum also has a rooftop cafe with great views of the city. Note: the museum and cafe are closed on Monday.
- Coors Field (0.4 miles)- Just a short walk from the Crawford Hotel, Coors Field is home to the Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball team. Even if you’re not catching a game, the stadium offers tours that provide a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most famous ballparks in the country.
- Larimer Square (0.4 miles) – A few blocks from the hotel, Larimer Square is Denver’s oldest and most historic block. It’s known for its beautiful lights strung across the street, as well as its high-end boutiques, trendy restaurants, and lively bars.
- Confluence Park (0.6 miles) – A bit further afield but still easily accessible, Confluence Park is a scenic spot where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River meet. It’s a great place for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just relaxing by the water.
- 16th Street Mall (0.7 miles) – This mile-long, pedestrian-friendly street is packed with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. A free shuttle runs the length of the mall, making it easy to explore. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll, window shopping, or grabbing a bite to eat. Construction work was taking place when we visited in July (2024).
Take a taxi, uber, or drive your car to these other nearby attractions:
- Denver Art Museum (2.0 miles) – A short ride away, the Denver Art Museum houses an impressive collection of Native American art, as well as contemporary and classic pieces from around the world. The museum is also known for its distinctive architecture.
- Denver Botanic Gardens (3.7 miles) – While not immediately adjacent to the Crawford Hotel, a short ride will take you to the Denver Botanic Gardens. It’s a beautiful place to explore a wide variety of plant species in themed gardens.
- The Denver Museum of Nature & Science (3.9 miles) – Located a bit further from downtown, this museum offers fascinating exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to space exploration. Adjacent to the museum, City Park is a large urban park perfect for picnics, boating on Ferril Lake, or visiting the Denver Zoo.
The Crawford Hotel: A Premier Collection by Capital One Partner
The Crawford Hotel is proudly part of the Premier Collection by Capital One, an exclusive portfolio of luxurious properties curated to provide exceptional experiences for discerning travelers. As a Premier Collection hotel, The Crawford Hotel offers Capital One cardholders unique benefits and elevated service, ensuring a memorable and rewarding stay.
Exclusive Benefits for Capital One Cardholders
Capital One cardholders [<-this is an affiliate link] who book their stay at The Crawford Hotel through the Premier Collection enjoy a host of exclusive benefits. Make sure you bring your card with you so that you can enjoy them all:
- Complimentary Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast consisted of a choice of pastry and a cup of coffee at PigTrain Coffee.
- Room Upgrades: Guests may receive a complimentary room upgrade at check-in, if available. I asked about this when we arrived, and we were upgraded to a Premium Loft room. (It had over 500 square feet of space and was incredible!)
- Early Check-In and Late Check-Out: The convenience of early check-in and late check-out, also subject to availability.
- Dining and Beverage Credits: $100 credit that can be used at the hotel’s dining venues as well as at The Oxford Club and Spa. Tip: Pay close attention to the terms of this offer. You could use the credit if you charged your bill to your room if you dined at Terminal Bar, Press, Cooper Lounge, The Oxford Club and Spa, and Milk Box Creamery. It was applicable only when used as room service at Snooze, Ultreia, and Stoic and Genuine. (The prices for room service are substantially higher than if you dine in the restaurant. The price of a cheeseburger with French fries, a lobster roll with fries, and 2 bottles of San Pelligrino, with tip, used all our credit.)
The Crawford Hotel at Union Station offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury, creating an unforgettable stay in the Mile High City. From its meticulously designed rooms to its top-notch amenities and prime location, The Crawford Hotel is the perfect choice for discerning travelers seeking an exceptional Denver experience.
Have you stayed at The Crawford? How was your experience?
