Staying at Denver’s Union Station’s The Crawford

The Crawford. | Courtesy Of Union Station

There is something surreal about checking in at The Crawford as a simple visitor to the hotel and not a traveler. Located inside Union Station, we weren’t getting on Amtrak or light rail, and we live just north of Denver. My husband’s birthday, was that week, so we had decided to celebrate at one of our favorite places in the Mile High City.

Denver’s Union Station, built in 1914, was reopened to the public in 2014. The major renovation featured a newly minted Great Hall, restaurants, a bookshop, a hotel and a swanky lounge overlooking it all. This fantastic Beaux-Arts building was the place to see and be seen. 

The Crawford Hotel, although built 10 years ago, feels historic, complete with ghosts of the past. And in some ways, it is. Built to feel as though one is stepping back in time here, its rooms are a true extension of the building’s 110 year old past. 

Courtesy Of Union Station

Fast forward to today, and Union Station has undergone another facelift. Completed this summer, it is a refresh of the Great Hall, the swanky Cooper Lounge, and private event venues. There is also a new hotel lobby space and private elevator access to the 112-room Crawford Hotel.   

We’ve had the pleasure of staying at The Crawford several times in the past, and it’s without a doubt, my preferred hotel in Denver. However, it had been years since we’d spent any time in Union Station. Restaurants have come and gone and we hadn’t experienced the newest renovation. 

The Crawford. | Courtesy Of Union Station

Union Station, by its very nature, is a transitory place. Home to Amtrak and light rail there is a lot of coming and going. Yet, everything one needs for a weekend getaway is right here—there is absolutely no reason to leave the building. 

The new, private lobby at The Crawford means that check in is an even more exclusive experience, complete with a drink of your choice upon check in. Our premium loft room included an entryway (with room for extra luggage if you’re traveling), living area with bar and television, and stairway down to a comfortable bedroom and spacious bath.

The Crawford. | Courtesy Of Union Station

There are a variety of room styles to choose from, all with a unique historic charm and a touch of luxury. Nods to art deco are everywhere including wallpaper and brass accents. 

A drink at Cooper Lounge is as essential now as it ever was. Located on the upper level, above hurrying train travelers pushing luggage, downtowners stopping in for a coffee at Pigtrain Coffee Co., and workers on their laptops in the Great Hall. 

Cooper Lounge. | Courtesy Of Union Station

Cooper Lounge is an event, starting with a glass of bubbly while followed by a perfectly-made cocktail on a platter with a side of mixed nuts. Think James Bond meets Holly Golightly, and a martini, shaken not stirred was my order on our recent visit. Yes, it’s classy, but it’s still Denver so jeans are acceptable, albeit nice jeans.

Several dinner options exist at Union Station, with more on the way. However, on this outing we settled on Terminal Bar, where they also give guests of The Crawford a free drink. Guests also get a free coffee at Pigtrain. 

Great Hall. | Courtesy of Union Station

Portions at Terminal Bar are big and the menu has a Latin twist, with some green chile thrown in to give it that Colorado flair. Inside, although created in 2014, the dark wood and massive bar makes it feel like it’s been a watering hole for the last 100 years. 

Snooze has moved from one wing of Union Station to the other since our last visit, and is now located in a spacious, bright space, perfect for its popularity. It is not uncommon to see a line out the door on the weekends. If staying at The Crawford, call Snooze for a reservation, it makes life much easier. 

Great Hall. | Courtesy of Union Station

While the world has changed since we last stayed at Union Station, and downtown Denver has not been unaffected, the building still remains as a cornerstone of the city. A place where life has been coming and going for 110 years. From the front desk to the valet, The Crawford staff is genuinely nice. And from Cooper Lounge to Terminal Bar, experiences at Union Station are one-of-a-kind.  

Don’t forget the Ski Train (Winter Park Express) starts running on December 20, and operates weekends until January 3, when it expands service to Thursdays through Monday. The Ski Train departs Denver at 7 a.m. With prices starting at just $19, and no extra charge for ski gear, it’s an outing that is affordable and memorable. Book The Crawford and make an even more unforgettable ski vacation.

Great Hall. | Courtesy of Union Station