The Oxford: A Denver Historic Hotel
With family in town this week, it's been a great opportunity to check out their digs downtown at The Oxford Hotel. It has the feel of an old hotel that you're more likely to find in Chicago or Boston, rather than Denver.
Located in LoDo, at 17th and Wazee, The Oxford Hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been around since 1891. It's quaint, comfortable, and complete with all the necessary comforts of a modern hotel. Sometimes, though, the age can show. My family's room had a non-working shower head, but the helpful staff had it changed out in no time at all. Oh, and they couldn't turn the heat off, but that didn't present much of a problem since it was snowing outside.
The rooms are well-appointed with big comfy beds, European-style fixtures, a desk and internet access if the office calls, and beautifull mirrored fireplace and mantle.
The best attribute of The Oxford is location, location, location. You're in the heart of LoDo, with a great coffee shop across the street, and delicious seafood at McCormick's Fish House right there on the ground floor. You're within two blocks of must-sees such as the Tattered Cover Book Store and the expansive Wynkoop Brewing Co. Likewise, everything else you'd want to see in central Denver is within walking distance: the 16th Street Mall, the Pepsi Center, the Performance Art Center, the Convention Center, the Denver Art Museum, and much more. Just ask the concierge, and he or she will set you off in the right direction.
For a walk off the beaten path, check out Mise En Place, just around the corner at 18th and Wynkoop--it's a cooking school and sometimes restaurant. Your stomach will thank you.
The Oxford is not cheap, with rates typically starting around $189, but you get what you pay for. Whether you're here for business or pleasure, The Oxford does offer the quintessential historic downtown hotel experience.
