The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
Best for travelers who want an old‑school Denver landmark experience: an iconic atrium, daily Afternoon Tea and a range of storied restaurants and private event spaces.
Hotel comparison guide
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa vs The Oxford Hotel
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa is a 4.5-star downtown Denver landmark (since 1892) known for its eight-story stained-glass atrium, daily Afternoon Tea, multiple dining rooms and a full-service spa — read this if you want historic atmosphere, formal dining and a classic Denver experience. The Oxford Hotel is a 4.5-star historic luxury hotel in LoDo near Union Station with a full-service spa and compact, well-located rooms — read this if you want to stay steps from transit, bars and the 16th Street/Union Station corridor.
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The Oxford Hotel
Best for travelers who want a small luxury hotel steps from Union Station and downtown transit, with a compact, well-equipped property and a hotel spa.
Quick Verdict: The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa vs The Oxford Hotel
When The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa wins: choose the Brown Palace if you value historic character, a dramatic atrium and several distinct restaurants and bars (including Ship Tavern, Palace Arms and Churchill Bar), plus a larger set of event and wedding venues.
When The Oxford Hotel wins: choose The Oxford Hotel if you want to be immediately next to Union Station/LoDo nightlife and transit, prefer a smaller hotel footprint with a full-service spa and daily complimentary continental breakfast and reception.
Bottom line: both hotels trade on Denver history and offer full-service spas and attentive service. Pick the Brown Palace for landmark atmosphere, multiple dining options and large event spaces; pick The Oxford for location convenience to Union Station, downtown transit and a compact, luxury LoDo stay.
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa vs The Oxford Hotel – At a Glance
| Category | The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa | The Oxford Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic, formal hotel with a signature eight‑story stained‑glass atrium and traditional service | Historic luxury hotel with a classic LoDo sensibility and a compact footprint |
| Location (neighborhood) | Downtown Denver near 16th Street Mall, Colorado State Capitol and museums | LoDo, steps from Union Station and 16th Street |
| Size (guest rooms) | About 241–243 rooms across 9 floors | 80 guestrooms |
| Established / history | Open since 1892; a long-running Denver landmark | Historic hotel (long reputation in Denver) — Not published |
| Pools / beach | No on-site swimming pool | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues: Ship Tavern, Palace Arms, Churchill Bar, Grand Atrium tea lounge, Brown Palace Coffee & Tea Co. | One restaurant and one bar/lounge; complimentary daily continental breakfast and evening reception |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa at The Brown Palace — six treatment rooms, private couple's suite, separate steam areas and signature treatments | Full-service spa offering massages, facials and body treatments; health/fitness facilities listed |
| Meetings & events | Extensive event space (many historic rooms, Grand Ballroom ~5,800 sq ft and multiple meeting rooms) | Conference space with 6 meeting rooms and about 8,661 sq ft (805 m²) of event space |
| Accessibility & family policy | Family-friendly; children welcome (primary guest checking in must be 21); accessible features throughout | Not adults-only; accepts families; accessible features and wheelchair-accessible public areas |
| Parking & transport notes | Valet-only parking (no self-parking) and complimentary car service within five miles; near 16th Street FreeRide | Valet parking (surcharge); steps from Union Station transit connections |
Location: Brown Palace vs The Oxford
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa – Location
The Brown Palace sits on 17th Street a short walk from the 16th Street Mall, the Colorado State Capitol and nearby museums.
- About two blocks from the 16th Street Mall and close to Civic Center Park and the Denver Art Museum.
- Complimentary hotel car service for trips within five miles of the property.
- Easy access to downtown attractions, dining and walking routes; Union Station is walkable but not immediately adjacent.
Choose Brown Palace for central downtown access with a short walk to the mall and civic sites.
The Oxford Hotel – Location
The Oxford Hotel is in LoDo and is steps from Union Station, 16th Street and many bars and restaurants.
- Located at 1600 17th St — very close to Union Station and the 16th Street/LoDo corridor.
- Ideal for guests who need quick transit access (commuter rail, light rail and airport train at Union Station).
- Within easy walking distance of Larimer Square, Museum of Contemporary Art and Coors Field.
Choose The Oxford for immediate access to Union Station and LoDo nightlife and transit.
Rooms: Brown Palace vs The Oxford
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa – Rooms
The Brown Palace offers a broad room and suite mix across nine floors, including several named suites and renovated 'Top of the Brown' rooms.
- Room types include Classic Room, Signature Room, Executive Room, multiple suites including Presidential, Royal and Beatles Suite.
- About 241–243 rooms total, with a range of room sizes (some city views, corner suites).
- In-room Wi‑Fi is typically charged (complimentary for some loyalty members); lobby Wi‑Fi is free.
Pick Brown Palace if you want suite options, larger rooms and a traditional hotel room hierarchy.
The Oxford Hotel – Rooms
The Oxford has a smaller inventory of rooms and a compact selection of classic and premium room types.
- Room types listed include Superior Room (Classic), Deluxe Room, Premium Room, and Junior Suite; exact room sizes not published in the supplier listing.
- 80 guestrooms total — a smaller, more intimate property scale compared with Brown Palace.
- Rooms offer minibars, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi‑Fi and coffee/tea makers; some rooms are ADA compliant.
Pick The Oxford if you prefer a smaller hotel with straightforward room choices and close access to transit.
Dining & drinks: Brown Palace vs The Oxford
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa – Dining & drinks
The Brown Palace provides multiple distinct dining and bar venues spanning casual coffee to fine dining and afternoon tea.
- Ship Tavern: seafood/steak with a nautical setting and raw bar selections.
- Palace Arms: French‑inspired fine dining with a prix‑fixe menu (dinner only certain nights).
- Grand Atrium: daily Afternoon Tea beneath stained-glass ceiling, converts to a cocktail lounge with live music.
Choose Brown Palace for variety — from formal dining to daily Afternoon Tea and a cigar lounge.
The Oxford Hotel – Dining & drinks
The Oxford offers one restaurant and a bar/lounge, with a daily complimentary continental breakfast and evening reception.
- Complimentary continental breakfast is served daily; the hotel also hosts a daily complimentary reception for guests.
- One on-site restaurant and one bar/lounge listed in the supplier facts; room service is available during limited hours.
- Valet-parking discounts and occasional on-site events are part of the guest experience.
Choose The Oxford for a simple, well-located dining setup and easy access to outside restaurants in LoDo.
Pools & signature amenity: Atrium & events vs Proximity to Union Station
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa – Pools & signature amenity
The Brown Palace's signature public space is its multi‑story stained‑glass Grand Atrium and extensive historic event rooms — the property does not have a swimming pool.
- The Grand Atrium hosts Afternoon Tea, live pianists and a cocktail program beneath an eight‑story stained‑glass ceiling.
- Large event and wedding spaces: Grand Ballroom (~5,800 sq ft) plus numerous historic rooms for ceremonies and receptions.
- No on-site swimming pool; guests use the spa and fitness center for leisure and wellness.
Brown Palace's main draw is its historic atrium and event spaces rather than a pool.
The Oxford Hotel – Pools & signature amenity
The Oxford's signature advantage is location — steps from Union Station and the LoDo district — and an on-site full-service spa.
- Very close to Union Station, making transit and access to LoDo dining and nightlife a primary amenity.
- On-site full-service spa offering massages, facials and body treatments (reservations required for treatments).
- Hotel runs a daily complimentary continental breakfast and evening reception as guest conveniences.
The Oxford's prime amenity is its LoDo location and hotel spa rather than a large historic public room.
Wellness & nightlife: Spa, fitness and bars
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa – Wellness & nightlife
The Brown Palace offers a full-service spa and a complimentary fitness center, plus multiple evening music and bar options.
- The Spa at The Brown Palace: six treatment rooms, private couple's suite and separate steam rooms/relaxation areas; signature massages and facials available.
- Complimentary, wheelchair-accessible fitness center with cardio machines and free weights.
- Evening entertainment in the Grand Atrium (piano/jazz) and dedicated cigar/lounge experience at Churchill Bar.
Brown Palace suits guests who want a historic setting for spa services and refined evening drinks and music.
The Oxford Hotel – Wellness & nightlife
The Oxford provides a hotel spa, fitness facilities and straightforward nightlife access via LoDo and nearby bars/venues.
- Full-service spa on property offering massages, body treatments and facials; reservations recommended prior to arrival.
- Fitness facilities and a health club are listed among on-site amenities.
- Direct proximity to LoDo nightlife, Larimer Square and Union Station bars and restaurants for after‑hours options.
The Oxford is a practical choice for spa treatments plus quick access to LoDo nightlife and transit.
Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
The Brown Palace — iconic atrium, long history (since 1892) and multiple period dining rooms.
The Oxford Hotel
The Oxford Hotel — immediate LoDo/Union Station location for transit and nightlife.
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
The Brown Palace — larger portfolio of ballrooms and historic event rooms, including a 5,800 sq ft Grand Ballroom.
The Oxford Hotel
The Oxford Hotel — smaller footprint (80 rooms) and a hotel layout aimed at LoDo convenience.
Frequently asked questions
See all FAQs →The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa vs The Oxford Hotel: FAQs
Which hotel is better if I want Afternoon Tea and old‑world public spaces?
The Brown Palace — it is known for its daily Afternoon Tea in the Grand Atrium beneath the stained‑glass ceiling.
Which hotel is more convenient for trains, the airport train and LoDo restaurants?
The Oxford Hotel — it’s steps from Union Station and the LoDo dining/nightlife corridor.
Do either hotel have a swimming pool?
The Brown Palace does not have a swimming pool. The Oxford Hotel's supplier listing does not publish a pool; confirm directly with the hotel if a pool is essential.
Are these hotels family‑friendly?
Yes. The Brown Palace is family-friendly and welcomes children of all ages (primary guest checking in must be 21). The Oxford is not adults‑only and accepts families.
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Daily Afternoon Tea in the Atrium
- Lowest rate guarantee
- Complimentary perks & upgrades
- 24/7 concierge