Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast Inn

Constructed 125 years ago from lava stone mined in Colorado, the Castle Marne does indeed resemble a small castle from the outside. Inside, the historic mansion has been faithfully restored and is packed with antiques and Denver memorabilia. The parlor area features a beautiful wooden piano and ornate mantel; historic photos, busts, and clocks adorn the rooms; and the many windows are hung with thick velvet curtains. There is no elevator, but a wide grand staircase staircase leads up to the second and third floors. Breakfast is served in the opulent dining room at a long communal dining table topped with silver candlesticks; a social affair, it presents an opportunity to chat with and get to know other guests. Similarly, afternoon tea, served in the parlor, is a convivial event for many guests.

Located in a residential neighborhood in downtown Denver’s Capitol Hill, Castle Marne Bed and Breakfast is surrounded by other historic homes and is within easy walking distance of many popular restaurants, bars, and concert venues. The busy Colfax Avenue is just a block away, and concert venues such as the Ogden Theatre, the Bluebird, and Fillmore Auditorium are less than a 20-minute walk away. The Denver Zoo is an 11-minute walk from the hotel, City Park is about eight minutes, and the Capitol building is just over a mile away, about a 25-minute walk. By car, popular attractions such as the 16th Street Mall, Denver Art Museum, and Convention Center are less than 10 minutes away. Denver International Airport is about a 35-minute drive from hotel without traffic.

There are nine rooms at the Marne and no two are styled alike, though the decor throughout is a tribute to the building's Victorian origins. Beds are covered with ornate, floral-print quilts and have antique wood or brass frames. Most rooms are relatively small, furnished with antique floor lamps, chairs, and desks, with traditional patterned wallpaper and historical prints on the walls. There are no TVs in the rooms, but all have free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms also vary in size and features; a few have claw-footed tubs with showerheads, while those with jetted tubs oddly situated in the bedroom have a narrow walk-in shower in the bathroom. Some rooms also have a proper hot tub on a private terrace or in a separate room. All rooms come outfitted with bottled water and a pair of plush robes. The Presidential Suite is by far the most spacious and luxurious, equipped with a jetted tub (on elevated step leading to the bathroom) and a large, private balcony. All rooms have private baths, but the Tower Room’s bathroom happens to be down the hall.

The Castle Marne offers a cozy, intimate lodging experience with a plentiful breakfast included in all rates, featuring homemade pastries and jams. Afternoon tea is offered for free, and homemade cookies are left out in the parlor before bedtime. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the house, but no TVs. Parking is free, but can be tricky to find on the street. The innkeepers are happy to arrange transportation and restaurant reservations. The Castle also offers gourmet candlelit dinners and four-course tea events on site, both popular with non-hotel guests and which ought to be booked in advance. Note that alcohol is not served on site, but guests can bring their own wine for dinners.