The Oldest Hotel In Denver
The oxford hotel, A luxury hotel with a storied history, comfortable beds, ghost stories and a bourbon-tasting happy hour.
I wandered into this hotel last year, not because I was staying there, but because I was looking for a cool cocktail bar, a speakeasy vibe, so to speak. Someone had told me about The Cruise Room, the oldest continuously running cocktail bar in Denver, which happened to be in this very hotel. How had I not heard of this hotel?
The Oxford Hotel History
The Oxford Hotel in Denver is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest hotel in Denver—or, I should say, the “oldest still in operation” hotel. Opening in 1891, it fulfilled a need for lodging near Union Station in a rapidly growing city.
That night, when I stumbled upon this beauty, I was blown away by the amazing lobby. The iron railing had the OH logo, and hints of Art Deco design from the 1930s. I loved the artful ceiling, the chandeliers, the wood fireplace, and the mix of masculine and feminine furniture. Yes, I’m staying here next time!
- Room keys
- Plaque on front of hotel
- Second floor lobby
A year later, after checking in and receiving my actual key (yes, an actual key with a brass tag and a beautiful black tassel), I lingered in the lobby and read about the hotel’s history online. This hotel was built in 1891 to fullfill a need to Denver’s significant population boom. It was constructed near Union Station, the hub of Denver. It is the oldest hotel in Denver! The hotel has historic charm, is well-maintained and feels great to be in.
- The room at The Oxford Hotel
- The stairwell at The Oxford Hotel
- The bird in the lobby of the hotel.
The Ghost Tales
As I was reading about this hotel, I noticed others enjoying bourbon tastings. Oh! I forgot about the bourbon tasting event! Leaving my comfortable seat, I moseyed to the tasting area, where I tried three different bourbons. I asked the woman pouring the bourbon about the additions to the hotel I had read about online. She confirmed that my room was in the original part of the hotel, room 420 on the fourth floor, near the stairs and elevator. I asked on a whim if the hotel was haunted. It’s an old hotel, so I figured, why not ask? To my surprise, the woman I asked said yes. Before sharing the story, she asked which room I was in. After I told her, she said, “Okay, you’re safe. It’s room 320 that is haunted,” and then she told me the story.
- Hallway of the third floor
- Room 320
- Room 320
The tale of room 320
The tale is of a man who used to rendezvous with his lover in this hotel during the 1800s, being the oldest hotel in Denver, this was well over 100 years ago! Despite being married, he assured her that he loved her and would be with her forever. However, one day after meeting in room 320, he confessed that he was not leaving his wife and ended their relationship. Unable to accept it, she shot and killed him before taking her own life. It is said that her spirit still lingers here, haunting unfaithful men.
I love the story, whether true or not. As a wife who is not unfaithful, nor being male, I didn’t see nor hear from her during my stay. Nonetheless, it is a fun story.
- Bourbon Happy Hour
- Bourbon in the lobby
- A desk for writing on a landing on one of the floors
The tale of the Cruise room
The hotel is also home to the oldest running cocktail bar, The Cruise Room, which officially opened in 1933. The very bar I was looking for a year before that brought me to this hotel in the first place.
- The Cruise Room
- The cocktail menu at The Cruise Room
- The Cruise Room, the oldest cocktail bar in Denver
This story goes…a delivery driver would end his shift at The Cruise Room with a beer. One day, after having done this numerous times, he started to walk out, had a heart attack, and died. Since then, he has been known to haunt the cocktail bar. Maybe visit is a better word. A man comes in, orders a beer, drinks it, and leaves the empty glass. But the people around that man notice that the glass suddenly becomes full again. What?!
The Hotel
The hotel was absolutely fantastic! Upon my arrival, a friendly valet was ready to take my car, and a helpful bellman assisted with my small bag. The hotel lobby exuded so much history and character. While I was checking in, I suddenly heard the amusing chirping of lots of birds. I looked around and spotted a bird cage with a single small yellow bird by the desk. The lovely lady at the desk explained that it was the bird’s ‘phone time’, and that he simply loves watching clips of other birds.
- The door to The Cruise Room
- Cornbread made with blue corn and wine at Urban Farmer
- Urban Farmer, a restaurant in The Oxford Hotel
In addition to The Cruise Room for cocktails, the hotel also offers Urban Farmer for amazing dinner and drinks. There’s even a spa and club available for those who want to keep up with their workout routine or just chill out. And don’t miss out on the happy hour bourbon tastings and the continental breakfast served in the lobby.
The Room
The room had beautiful woodwork, a cozy velvet couch, an armoire, bourbon on the mantel, and a good amount of space. The fireplace was full with old books from the early 1900s to the 1950s, some with dated assignment papers and handwritten notes. I found a fascinating first edition book titled “The Land of the Russian People” by Alexander Nazaroff, dated 1944, describing the various regions and people of Russia. I neatly replaced the books before heading to bed.
Although the fireplace is no longer in use, I could imagine it being used frequently a hundred years ago. This room likely served the GIs who were traveling in the war, as it is near Union Station. In the past, the rooms did not have their own bathrooms but had shared bathrooms on each floor. I’m grateful to have my own bathroom now! It has a black and white tile floor with black flowers, a common feature in these old hotels.
- The room at The Oxford Hotel
- The room at The Oxford Hotel
- My room, equipped with bourbon
The wooden floors give a sense of home with their creaky noises as you walk across them. Covered in carpet, I can still hear the old wood floors creaking, just like the ones in my own home. It’s similar to when I try to move quietly at night, not wanting to wake my husband or son as I get a glass of water. I have become familiar with every creak in my hundred-year-old house. Despite the carpet, the creaks here in this room make me feel even more at home.
The Surrounding area
The Oxford Hotel in Denver is located in the LoDo District, which stands for Lower Downtown. The area is very walkable. As a single woman, I walked to Union Station, home of The Crawford Hotel (owned by Sage Hospitality, the same group that owns The Oxford Hotel), a couple of times, once having breakfast there in the morning. There are many restaurants, shops, and lots to do in the area.
- Denver Union Station
- The Crawford Hotel at Union Station
- Breakfast at Snooze at Denver Union Station
The Final Thought
The Oxford Hotel in Denver is a fantastic place to stay. If you’re seeking a hotel with plenty of character and history, along with the right amount of pampering, this hotel is perfect for you. I loved the character, history, cleanliness, and uniqueness of the hotel. I felt comfortable with my large windows allowing me to enjoy a view of the city, my velvet couch, and of course, my bourbon. And the stories!
Be sure to take the time to savor a bourbon and inquire about the hotel’s history and tales. I assure you that you will find it entertaining, comfortable and gain a newfound respect for this historic hotel, which has been accommodating guests in need of a good night’s sleep for many years.
Like this hotel? Try this one too! The Armstrong Hotel in Fort Collins, read about it here. Or if you like Art Deco designed hotels, check out this article Hotel Deco, The Art Deco Hotel In Omaha, Nebraska.