When three building tycoons, Adolph Zang, Phillip Feldhauser, and William Mygatt, put their heads together, they saw the need to introduce a boutique hotel to Denver’s brand new Union Station back in 1891. It was then, the Oxford Hotel was born. Now considered the oldest hotel in Denver’s history, the Oxford really got its groove starting in the 20th century when renovations and business helped the hotel thrive and cemented it in Denver’s history.
In the 30s, Denver architect Charles Jaka remodeled the entire hotel, giving it the art deco showcase we know today, and adding a speakeasy, The Cruise Room, which is a beautiful speakeasy and the oldest in the city.
In the 60s and 70s, the hotel became known among the music crowd–jazz, folk music, and “melodrama”–became what Denverites piled in to see before rushing out of the city through Union Station.
In 2009, the hotel saw its most contemporary series of renovations, hiring an iron artist to create the hotel’s replica of its original doorway arch that pays homage to the city’s beginnings.
Travel + Leisure continues to pay homage to Denver’s oldest hotel in history by ranking it on their 27th annual Worlds Best List, which will be in their next edition of the print magazine. Some of their highlights for the hotel are its complimentary nightly bourbon tastings and live local music series which you can enjoy by the wood-burning fireplace in the lobby.
“We are very honored to be included on this prestigious list of the top hotels in the Mile High City,” said Ed Blair, the Area General Manager overseeing The Oxford Hotel and The Oxford Club & Spa. “The Oxford offers a truly unique luxury lodging experience in the heart of downtown Denver.”
Stated in a press release, “The Oxford celebrated its 130th anniversary last fall by partnering with Laws Whiskey House to create a custom 130th Anniversary Label Four Grain Bourbon, which is poured nightly at the Bourbon Hour.”
Among some of the other hotels that made their way onto the list, The Maven, which opened 5 years ago, The Ramble Hotel, Clayton Members Club & Hotel, and at the number 1 spot, The Rally Hotel, which is right across from Coors Field.