Icons Paving the Way

This boutique hotel was named after acclaimed urban preservationist and Union Station Alliance member Dana Crawford. It was first opened in July 2014 and was met with great fanfare as it was part of a significant remodel of the century-old Denver Union Station. Ten years later, in 2024, the hotel unveiled this latest transformation in honor of its 10th anniversary.

Further drawing inspiration from Crawford, furniture and lighting designs subtly pay homage to her personal style and powerful persona. Two distinct elements of her iconic style were her pearl and teardrop earrings. The headboard sconces use dimpled glass to mimic pearls while the wardrobes are teardrop-shaped with hammered metal finishes. These quiet, elegant nods to the hotel’s namesake give each room a personal, intimate feel, like discovering a treasured heirloom from the past.

The Guest Experience at The Crawford Hotel

The team’s design approach introduced three styles of guest rooms, each drawing influence from different eras of travel. The Pullman-style rooms, located on the second floor, echo the long, narrow coziness of a sleeper car. Beds align with windows, mimicking the rhythm and intimacy of rail travel. Classic rooms honor the property’s original Victorian architecture with grand ceiling heights up to 12 feet and touches of contemporary richness. Loft style rooms, carved into the former attic, embrace the existing architecture by showcasing exposed timber beams, vaulted ceilings, and unexpected nooks that create a warm, tactile retreat.

Each room features custom furniture and fixtures inspired by the original architecture of Denver Union Station. Because of the building’s vintage character, no two guestrooms are alike. To address this, a kit-of-parts approach defined a core set of materials, furniture, and furnishings, bringing consistency to the uniquely charming variety of room types.

Magic in the Details

Our design celebrates Denver’s heritage with thoughtfully curated details, rich materials, and an immersive experience that captures the romance of travel while offering contemporary comfort.

Floral ceiling coverings mimic textured tapestries acquired during transatlantic travel in the 1900s, and wardrobes draw influence from original train car amenities such as overhead luggage racks. A rich palate of emerald, deep rose, cobalt blue, and burnt orange saturates guestrooms, from the furnishings to the locally sourced art.

Upon entry, guests are greeted with golden carpet flooring that exudes an inviting glow, along with arched doorways crafted to echo the Mizpah Arch, which once welcomed visitors to the city in the 1900s. Refinished original hardwood floors and the use of natural materials underscore our commitment to longevity and stewardship.

A Hub of Denver Culture

The Crawford Hotel introduces a new level of luxury to Denver Union Station while channeling its role as the core of culture and modern elegance in Denver. The project is not only a premier hospitality destination brought to life with craftsmanship, creativity, and care, but also a first impression for guests as they embark on a journey of discovery in Colorado and the West.

In the year following its redesign, The Crawford Hotel received one Michelin Key, further elevating its appeal as a destination in itself. It was also named as one of Tripadvisor’s 2025 Best of the Best Luxury U.S. Hotels. Designed with intention, the hotel connects guests to Denver’s living history and bold future, establishing a foundation that will allow it to thrive for the next 100 years.

Learn more about DLR Group’s approach to redefining the guest experience through hospitality design.