A Denver Winter Packing Guide

Your Denver staycation begins the moment you step into the Parlour. Tucked away in a cozy nook just off the Great Hall, our sumptuous lobby space is a haven from the hustle and bustle of lively LoDo. Drop your bags, indulge in a signature welcome cocktail, and let our Guest Services team show you to your own private sanctuary for the weekend.

Upstairs, a romantic retreat awaits you: enchanting, vintage-inspired rooms and suites that transport you back in time to the golden age of train travel. Bold patterns, curated artwork, and rich pops of color blend effortlessly with the turn-of-the-century details of our iconic building, allowing Denver’s living history to take center stage.

Once you’ve settled in, a little exploration is in order, beginning with the delights of Denver Union Station just downstairs. Marvel at the LoDo landmark’s soaring ceilings, historic cast-iron windows, and dazzling Beaux Arts architecture as you browse beloved local Denver boutiques in the Great Hall.

The shops of Denver Union Station

• Tattered Cover: Denver’s favorite local bookstore, with an extensive curated selection of new and used books.

• Beet & Yarrow: Artful floral shop offering expertly arranged bouquets, handmade ceramics, houseplants, stationery, and curiosities.

• 5 Green Boxes: Offbeat boutique with a unique selection of jewelry, accessories, home goods, and gifts.

• Telluride Truffle: Chocolatier known for delectable truffles in a range of refined flavors, handcrafted right here in Colorado.

An afternoon check-in offers the perfect chance to catch Happy Hour at Terminal Bar, located within the Station’s original ticketing office. Sip a Colorado brew or crafted cocktail as you enjoy a little people-watching in the Great Hall or Wynkoop Plaza.

For a quick and easy dinner, Olive & Finch is a must-try. A newcomer to the LoDo dining scene, this counter-service eatery serves up seasonal, chef-inspired, scratch-made culinary creations sourced and served with intention. (Trust us and try their Cashman sandwich with house-roasted beef, brie, and arugula—you will not be disappointed.)

If fine dining feels more suited to the evening, Ultreia offers a tried-and-true favorite. From James Beard Award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski, the restaurant is an homage to the flavors of the Iberian Peninsula. Order their trío de jamón to share, or put your dining experience in the hands of experts with the signature chef’s feast. (Guests of The Crawford Hotel also save 10% on their bill.)

Finish your evening with a twilight stroll through LoDo, where the lights of historic Larimer Square will remind you just how much beauty can be found right in your own backyard.

The second day of your Denver staycation is all about seeing the city through a new set of eyes, and LoDo is the perfect place to start. Savor a leisurely in-room espresso, or pop downstairs to Pigtrain Coffee Co., where guests of The Crawford Hotel can enjoy a complimentary small drip coffee daily, along with 25% off food and non-alcoholic drinks.

After a light breakfast, it’s time to immerse yourself in the cultural delights of the Mile High City at MCA Denver. Denver’s premier destination for contemporary art, the museum offers an ever-changing lineup of visiting exhibitions, ensuring every visit provides a fresh perspective. Be sure to check out their rooftop café for some of the best views in LoDo.

The inspiration continues a few blocks southeast at the Denver Art Museum. With a collection of more than 70,000 works from artists like Norval Morrisseau, Henri Matisse, and Georgia O’Keeffe, you’ll want to keep an eye on the clock lest you wile away the entire day in this gallery alone.

Of course, some of Denver’s most artful attractions live beyond the gallery walls, particularly in the RiNo Arts District. Once the industrial heart of the city, the neighborhood’s defunct warehouses and factories have been converted into a hub of made-in-Colorado creativity, from one-of-a-kind boutiques and independent galleries to buzzworthy bars and street art galore.

Who says a staycation doesn’t call for a souvenir? In addition to the shops of Denver Union Station, guests of The Crawford Hotel will find themselves conveniently close to two of the city’s top shopping and dining destinations, perfect for a quick lunch or picking up a memento or two.

Best Destinations for Shopping in LoDo, Denver:

• Larimer Square: The city’s original Main Street, with an eclectic mix of retailers ranging from vintage clothing and accessories to luxury apparel and handcrafted leather goods.

• Dairy Block: A vibrant micro-district, home to 11 shops, 19 restaurants, eight bars, and endless opportunities to experience Denver’s historic charm.

Afternoon calls for a bit of rest and relaxation, so head back to The Crawford Hotel, where your cloud-like pillowtop bed with premium bedding beckons for a post-lunch nap. Wake rested and refreshed for a glamorous evening on the town, beginning with dinner at one of Denver’s most celebrated restaurants: the James Beard Award-winning Rioja. Follow your Mediterranean-inspired meal with a nightcap at The Cooper Lounge, dessert at Baumé, or both—it is a staycation, after all.

Your departure day dawns with something truly delicious: brunch at Snooze, an AM Eatery. Beat the morning rush with priority seating, exclusively for guests of The Crawford Hotel—just be sure to coordinate with our Concierge team the day before to secure your spot.

An 11:00 am checkout leaves ample time to enjoy a bike ride along the Platte River, catch a Colorado Rockies game at nearby Coors Field, or even take a brewery crawl through Denver’s acclaimed craft beer scene. Of course, if you’d rather just curl up in the cozy ambiance of your guest room with a good book from Tattered Cover, we completely understand.

As your Denver staycation draws to a close, head back downstairs to the Parlour, where our Guest Services team can help make arrangements for a seamless departure—no airport transfers or long journeys required. After that, there’s nothing left to do but head for home, flush with new memories and a newfound appreciation for the beauty, culture, and history of the place you call home.

Do I need a car for my downtown Denver staycation?

No, you don’t need a car for exploring downtown Denver. The city boasts a very walkable core, with wide, flat streets, excellent options for free and affordable public transit, and many top restaurants, shops, and attractions within close proximity. From Denver Union Station, you can access a host of convenient transit options, including the extensive RTD bus and light rail system and the 16th Street MallRide, a free bus service connecting Union Station to Civic Center Station. Ride shares and taxis are also readily available, ideal for inclement weather or slightly longer journeys.

What can I do within walking distance of the Craftword Hotel?

The Crawford Hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of some of Denver’s top attractions, including:

• • Sports and Entertainment: The city’s original Main Street, with an eclectic mix of retailers ranging from vintage clothing and accessories to luxury apparel and handcrafted leather goods.

  • Arts and Culture: MCA Denver, Denver Art Museum, and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

  • Shopping and Dining: Denver Union Station, Larimer Square, and Dairy Block.
    

  • Outdoor Recreation: Confluence Park, Cherry Creek Trail, and Civic Center Park.
    

are there special packages or deals for denver staycations?

Yes, The Crawford Hotel offers a range of special offers ideal for a downtown Denver staycation, including their Welcome Home offer exclusively for Colorado residents. Guests booking this offer can take advantage of special rates up to 20% off, along with complimentary valet parking. The hotel also offers amenity add-ons, such as the Art Lover’s Escape, which includes admission to MCA Denver.

Ready to rediscover the magic of the Mile High City? Combining effortless grandeur and convenient access to Denver’s best attractions, The Crawford Hotel is your LoDo staycation headquarters. Forget long-haul flights, travel delays, and the endless chorus of “are we there yet?”, and start planning your unforgettable Denver staycation at The Crawford Hotel.