Crawford Hotel @ Union Station- Denver, CO

Although the Crawford is a new hotel located in a historic building, rather than a legitimate historic hotel, Denver’s Union Station has enough character to pull it off.

So, while there are no grand ballrooms dripping in crystal, oak paneled lounges or plush vintage sitting rooms, an old building was rescued and given a new lease on life.

The current Beaux Arts Union Station building was designed by Denver architects Gove & Walsh to replace an earlier Romanesque Revival depot, located on the same site. That building itself was a replacement for the central portion of the original 1881 structure, which was destroyed by fire in 1894.

Opening in 1914, the new building was designed to handle the explosion in rail travel the new century brought, with as many as 80 trains serving the station daily.

Like most other grand rail stations of the time, business at Denver’s Union Station was brisk for decades, until car ownership took off; then, the railroad was all but forgotten. In an attempt to attract customers to the dying industry, in 1958 the iconic neon “Union Station: Travel by Train” sign was added to the station’s façade. Although undeniably fabulous, the sign did little to revive rail travel.

Amtrak became the only service provider, with just two regularly scheduled trains stopping daily at the station; seasonally, a few ski trains still ran to mountain resorts. Given the lack of revenue and use, the station slowly deteriorated.

In 2001, after decades of decline, the property was purchased by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), and marked for redevelopment. Under their auspices, a transit oriented master plan was developed, which included an overhaul of the old building.

The mixed use plan saw the addition of several restaurants, bars, and shops at the renovated transit hub, however consensus was split regarding the upper floors of the property, which were once used as railroad offices. Some felt office space was still the best use, while others felt a hotel would better benefit the neighborhood.

In 2012, RTD chose to move forward with the $54 million hotel proposal, which included the construction of the 112 room Crawford Hotel, as well as renovation of the 12,000 square foot Great Hall, which would serve as the hotel lobby, Amtrak waiting area, and public space.

While some original elements could not be saved, such as the original asbestos benches, many elements were retained, such as the molded Columbine flowers found throughout the concourse.

Forgotten features were also rediscovered, including the original ticket counters, which had been been covered over in drywall decades before. For some design details, painstaking replicas were produced from original plans, such as the new, larger chandeliers that hang above the concourse.

Named for preservationist and Union Station partner Dana Crawford, the hotel opened on July 26, 2014. Occupying the upper floors of the north and south wings, the space was designed by Tryba Architects and JG Johnson Architects, who embraced the building’s past.

Each floor offers unique room designs, including those modeled after Victorian accommodations, Pullman sleeper cars, and lofts located in the retrofitted attic space. I have now stayed in both the Classic and Loft rooms, and would definitely recommend the loft accommodations.

While the Classic rooms, which are located in former railroad offices, have dramatically high ceilings and statement lighting, the lofts have much more character, and include details such as exposed bricks, beams, and multiple levels.

The common areas of the hotel include many original features, including staircases and railings, as well blueprints of the building, and items found during the restoration.

The Great Hall has been beautifully restored, and contains several bars and restaurants, including the Terminal Bar, in the area of the original ticket counter.

Upstairs, an intimate bar serves period cocktails, and is not to be missed. For those who can’t be bothered, similar cocktails are available in your room.

Once again, Denver’s Union Station is alive with activity, and the spirit of travel is celebrated. Thanks to it being an active train and light rail station as well, it also couldn’t be easier to get to the Crawford from the airport. Once you’re there, the surrounding area offers plenty to do as well- including the timeless Cruise Room over at The Oxford hotel.