Oxford Hotel
Denver’s First Hotel is also Denver’s Finest
The Oxford Hotel as been a part of Denver almost as long as there has been a Denver to be a part of. Way back at the end of the 18th century, brewer Adolph Zang (brewers seem to know what’s best for Denver) decided that there needed to be a luxury hotel close to the newly constructed Union Station to serve business and leisure travelers coming in by train. Built in 1891, this five-story brick building was the height of luxury. A barber shop, stables, ballrooms, restaurants, indoor plumbing, chandeliers-the Oxford had it all. Today, the hotel still caters to business and leisure travelers, and still has indoor plumbing, restaurants and chandeliers. What was the original barber shop is now a spa, and a fitness room has been added. Sorry to say the stables are gone, but there is valet parking and a lending library.
The hotel boasts 80 spacious rooms-outfitted with creaking oak furniture, unique decorations and splendid views of Lower Downtown Denver. Bathrooms are newly renovated, and a few rooms even have claw-foot tubs for the old-timey bather in you. If you get hungry head down to McCormick’s on the first floor. Don’t feel like leaving your awesome room? No problem-just order it in as room service.
A bonus to staying here is that one of the coolest places to grab a drink is tucked away inside the hotel. The Cruise Room just off of the lobby is trip back in time to the days when prohibition was still fresh in people’s memories. Still going strong after seventy-nine years, this bar is one of Denver’s best-kept secrets.
Know Before You Go
Rooms can be a little on the pricy side, but the niceties, location and view at least make you feel like you are getting your money’s worth.
Bottom Line
We’re not the only ones who think this place it special. It was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Hey, they earned it.
Published on Feb 08 2012