Train journeys always evoke in me a notion of old-world travel in a more genteel, unhurried age. Unfortunately, modern sensibilities rarely afford the time for that sort of decadent journey. That’s why– after a seamless connection via the new commuter train from the airport – my arrival at The Crawford Hotel in the re-imagined Union Station building in Denver, Colorado, felt like the best of both worlds.
In the heart of LoDo
Once the main transportation hub for Colorado and the American West, the grand Heritage-listed Union Station building was saved from demise by developers by urban preservationist Dana Crawford and re-opened in 2014. Now a thoughtfully re-designed urban hub for locals and travellers, the landmark building, which is in the heart of LoDo (Lower Downtown) Denver, celebrates the best architectural features and furniture of the historic train depot.
Along with The Crawford Hotel, it houses a tempting array of the latest restaurants, cafes and bars, an outpost of the wonderful Tattered Cover Bookstore and generous spaces to relax, meet or even to check your ‘Emotional Baggage’.
Lofty ambitions
The Crawford’s 112 luxurious rooms and lofts are located in the upper floors of the Union Station building accessed via open internal verandahs encircling its bustling hub and overlooking the glamorous Cooper’s Lounge. Portraying the different eras of rail travel, the resulting room layouts feature either Art Deco or Victorian touches or the exposed brick and beams of the Lofts.
Hooked on Classics
My Classic room also features the high ceilings and windows of the former offices and a view of the bustling courtyard and fountains. Furnishings and eclectic art cleverly complement the proportions of the room, satisfying modern urban design sensibilities and practical requirements of the most demanding traveller while retaining the character of the building’s history.
High-tech transfers and Wi-Fi
I make good use of the Tesla vehicle that provides complimentary guest transfers around Denver’s vibrant CBD. High-speed WiFi, a Nespresso machine and in-room Ipad and access to the nearby Oxford Club Spa are some of the many well-considered inclusions, along with a list of exclusive offers that enable me to sample much of what the Union Station bars and eateries have to offer.
Check your emotional baggage
As a single traveller on business, the convenience and diversity of the built-in surrounding station environment is a delight and a comfort. The staff are attentive, personable and intuitively helpful, happily raising the bar of my service expectations.
The Crawford Hotel’s promise is that every stay will be a different experience but, for me, it will always be a romantic reminder of the golden era of rail travel. thecrawfordhotel.com
