The Oxford Hotel

As far as history goes, this hotel has some serious cred. Built in 1891, The Oxford is cited as Denver's first hotel. With no two rooms alike, the decor is both lavish and era-themed, featuring a mix of early 20th century French, English, Victorian and American influences.

While parts of the hotel can feel old and stuffy (and creaky in certain spots), renovations are ongoing, slowly adding updates as needed (such as modern rainfall showers) without compromising The Oxford's rich past and historical charm.

The most dramatic element of The Oxford might just be its lobby -- a sweeping, graceful space richly decorated with a dark wood-wrapped fireplace, black-marble front desk, wingback chairs and interjections of leather at every turn. The marble and wrought-iron staircase (displaying The Oxford’s own logo) leads to a small library and balcony that overlook the lobby.

Outside, this lost-in-time hotel is smack in the middle of modern-day Denver. And although it's conveniently located via a short walk to Coors Field, Denver's Performing Arts Complex, and area restaurants and shopping, two local hot spots -- The Cruise Room (an excellent martini lounge and Denver's first bar) and McCormick's Fish House and Bar are located right within The Oxford's walls.

Thanks to its "I was here first" development, The Oxford has prime real estate just a half block from Union Station, and within walking distance to restaurants, breweries, and Coors Field.

• 30-minute taxi or shuttle to the Denver International Airport
• 2-minute walk to Union Station
• 5-minute walk to the closest microbrewery, Wynkoop Brewing
• 5-minute walk to 16th Street Pedestrian Mall
• 12-minute walk to Coors Field
• 5-minute drive to the Colorado Convention Center
• 5-minute drive to the US Denver Mint
• 7-minute drive to State Capitol Building
• 1-hour drive to closest skiing, Loveland Ski Area
• 1.5-hour drive to Estes Park, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park

The Oxford's claim to fame is being Denver's oldest and longest-running hotel. Although it has gone through many renovations over the years, some rooms fall short of modern expectations -- especially for a hotel of this caliber. History lovers and fans of period-style decor will appreciate the individually decorated guest rooms featuring a mix of French, English, Victorian and American styles from the early 1900s. No two rooms are alike, with different furniture, textiles art and even layouts. While some of the rooms offer renovated bathrooms with expansive claw-foot tubs and separate glass-enclosed walk-in showers, not all of the bathrooms have been updated.

• Rooms uniquely decorated with early 20th century decor
• Pillow-top mattress
• 24-hour room service
• iPod docks, Bose sound systems and flat-screen TVs
• Some rooms are on the smaller side
• Morning newspaper delivered to room upon request
• 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets
• Bath butler service
• Evening turndown service
• No coffeemakers provided in rooms, but complimentary morning coffee is available on each level and in the lobby daily
• Not all bathrooms are updated, but the ones that are have claw-foot tubs and walk-in showers

The Oxford Club Salon and Spa is the shining star of The Oxford Hotel, with two stories of spa space, manicure/pedicure tables, make-up bar and hair salon stations overlooking Downtown Denver. The fitness center, though down in what feels like an unfinished basement, offers some of the most comprehensive machines in the Denver hotel industry, only outshined by Forza Fitness Center at the Ritz-Carlton, and possibly the Precor Center at The Curtis. The Oxford is pet-friendly, for those traveling with their furry friends.

• Free Wi-Fi with free Wi-Fi adaptors available at the front desk
• The Oxford Club, a beautiful two-story spa and salon, with great Denver street views, and bright open space
• Large fitness center featuring a range of classes and personal trainers
• Spacious meeting rooms like The Sage Room and The Oxford Theatre for events and weddings
• Free coffee bar on every floor, with all the fixings
• No pool, unlike at the competing Warwick Denver Hotel
• View Full List of Amenities

• McCormick’s Fish House and Bar, featuring eight different oysters on the half shell, and nightly fish, poultry and steak specials
• The Cruise Room, a small, art deco-themed martini bar with high-back leather booths and an old chrome jukebox, noted as the city's first bar