LoDo Hotels

One of Denver’s most historic hotels, The Crawford is located within Union Station (built 1881), aesthetically an impressive combination of opulent luxury and old-world charm. From ornately carved wood furnishings to plush, luxe linens, the accommodations here are top of the line, and from here you’ve got direct access to several highly recommended eateries, cafés, and bars—try the coffee at Pigtrain in the morning, and pop into their bar, The Cooper Lounge, for a proper cocktail. Guests have access to their fitness center, spa, and salon, the Oxford Club, for indulgent massages, decadent body treatments, and a full-blown cut-and-color by their in-house experts. Aside from its status as a historical landmark, its central location—and the main hall’s popularity as “Denver’s living room”—makes this glorious institution a must-see, even if you aren’t staying as a guest (and if you come into town via The Train to the Plane, you’ll likely pass it by on your way in and out of town).

Opened in 2010, the Four Seasons is one of downtown Denver's tallest buildings, with 24 floors of hotel space at the base and several floors of condos at the top—it's important to ask for a West-facing room here, because you'll be all but guaranteed gorgeous views of the mountains in the distance (and an excellent show if you happen to be around at sunset). The luxe accommodations offer everything you'd expect from any Four Seasons, but what really sets this location apart is the spa, decorated with stones and sleek wood and inarguably one of Denver's best places for treatments. There's also a fully outfitted gym that overlooks a rooftop pool—and since Denver gets 300 days of sun a year, you'll be able to use it more often than you'd imagine.

The Born Hotel, which officially opens its doors in late spring, is owned by long-time Denverites (and, coincidentally, the parents of a goop staffer) who recognized the city's lack of hotels that offered good design. With mountain-inspired interiors that aren't at all kitschy—think plaid throw pillows; mid-century furniture and light fixtures; and custom millwork for the walls and beds—the Born is a pretty elegant solution. The hotel itself is a block from the restaurants and buzz of Union Station and the city's recently opened fast-track rail line to the airport, and in the halls, you'll find artwork from local Denver artists curated by Adam Lerner, the director of nearby MCA Denver. While the hotel is a major win for out-of-towners, locals are most excited about Tavernetta, the first-floor restaurant from Bobby Stuckey and Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson of the beloved Frasca Food & Wine (only their second fine dining restaurant, and their first in Denver).