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The best part of living in West metro Denver is the opportunity to discover hidden hotel treasures, not a secret to locals, but off-the-beaten-path accommodations. That’s what I recently experienced with a stay at the charming, historic, and boutique hotel, The Dove Inn in Golden, Colorado.
A west Denver favorite, take time to visit The Dove Inn, a boutique hotel in Golden, Colorado. Photo: Dove Inn
Located just 20 minutes west of downtown Denver, the Dove Inn is a historic Victorian-era boutique hotel, located blocks from the main street of Golden, Colorado. These accommodations are perfect for exploring this Old West Colorado town located in the foothills of Denver metro.
The Dove Inn Golden also offers the bonus outdoor space for guests. Photo: Dove Inn
And with a garden and a terrace at your hotel, experience the great outdoors of Colorado, by exploring Golden and the surrounding metro Denver AND at your own boutique hotel.
History of the Dove Inn
The Dove Inn in Golden, Colorado, has maintained its historical bones, and the new innkeepers have also added many Victorian-era historical pieces fitting for a home built in 1866. Photo: Dove Inn Golden
Before I dig deeper into my Dove Inn experience, let’s talk about this Victorian-era home’s history. It had been an important piece of Golden’s history since it was built back in 1866, by Ebenezer Osborn, who would become Golden’s Mayor in 1877. This house became an iconic piece of Golden’s history, ultimately serving the community as a B&B since 1980. I had heard that the B&B was a bit dated so I hadn’t really been enthused to visit until I heard about its new owners.
Back in 2018, a friend sent an entrepreneurial unafraid-of-DIY couple the listing for the Dove Inn. They checked it out…and fell in love with this historic Victorian home.
Flash forward to a lot of sweat equity, tears, antique shopping, and general love for this home. The new owners Libby and Regan Foster introduced their new vision, according to 5280.com: a Victorian-meets-modern inn for a new generation of travelers.
And the rest, as the famous American Broadcaster Paul Harvey would say, “Now you know the rest of the story.”
Arrival at Dove Inn, Golden, Colorado
The front porch entrance to the Dove Inn, Golden, Colorado
While Golden is about a 30-40 minute drive from Denver International Airport, this former capital of Colorado is a 5-minute drive from my home. Our late December impromptu getaway was a Sunday night between Christmas and New Year’s. Yes, it was quiet, but after the craziness of our blended multigenerational family, my husband and I appreciated some downtime.
We arrived late afternoon just before 5 pm, and since we are familiar with Golden, we drove directly to the Dove Inn.
Parking Options at Dove Inn
Parking is an issue in this small town. While Dove Inn doesn’t offer valet or self-parking, there is free parking on 14th St. between Jackson Street and Ford Street. (Check out the city of Golden’s website for other options.) A short 2-minute walk away at 1250 Jackson St is a great parking garage.
Parking is also available on the street of the Dove Inn for a minimal charge, but do not pay for parking after 5 PM – parking is free from 5 PM to 7 AM. We had plenty of street options on our check-in, but do be cautious as the Golden police are diligent about that window of time.
Check-In at Dove Inn
Our Aspen Suite accommodations at the Dove Inn in Golden, Colorado, were up the stairs, second door to the left. Photo: Dove Inn Golden
If you’re looking for a feel-good B&B check-in, with hovering hosts, you’ll not get that here. But you will still receive amazing accommodations with a more hands-off “Air BnB / hotel approach.” Check-in is fully automated. Raise your hand if you’ve lost your room key. Raise your hand if you dislike long lines at check-in. Yep, me too. Well, you’re in for a seamless check-in.
On the day of check-in, we received a text (late morning / early afternoon) with two codes to access the Dove Inn and our Aspen suite. More information was also sent to my email. Both included a description of our room and directions to get to our room — up the stairs and second door on the left. Easy peasy and no lines, nor lost room keys.
The front door entrance & foyer to Dove Inn, Golden, Colorado
Of course, upon stepping inside, you’ll immediately notice the Dove Inn foyer, with a casual living-room-style sitting area, with those exposed brick walls, full kitchen with sink, microwave where you can enjoy brew four different ways (from local roasters). This is also where the self-serve continental breakfast is offered.
The common area of the Dove Inn in Golden is just to the right of the entrance, foyer, and stairway. Photo: Dove Inn
Accommodations at the Dove Inn
Aspen Suite Photo: Dove Inn Golden
Just wow. Our Aspen Suite couldn’t have been more perfect. Comfortable queen-canopied bed, private bathroom with shower, a sitting area that also includes a two-person soaking claw-footed tub. Romantic wow!
Dove Inn Golden, one of 10 suites
This is just one of 10 air-conditioned, cozy Victorian-style rooms, including three suites and a studio, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, FREE WiFi and a shared common area. Some rooms even offer a kitchen with a dishwasher and oven – score!
Oh my, my the bathrooms at the Dove Inn Golden
Queen Anne Suite
A cloud-like king bed and large sitting area with electric fireplace make this second-floor suite feel spacious, yet cozy. Photo: Dove Inn Golden, Colorado
The daybed converts to a twin bed to accommodate a third person. The private bath has an oversized shower. Feel like a queen!
Carriage House at Dove Inn
Carriage House, 1 of 10 accommodations available at the Dove Inn, Golden
The largest rental room at the Dove Inn, guests will enjoy some of the inn’s amazing period pieces as well as a 15-foot ceiling and just a beautiful room to spend a night…or two or three.
Dining and Activity Options in Golden, Colorado
While the Dove Inn may not offer full dining options, guests are literally minutes from Main Street (Washington) to explore Golden and its many great dining and entertainment options. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, brewpubs, casual eateries, and more — Golden has you covered. White water rafting, biking, hiking, and more. Golden is the place to be for things to do.
Our favorite dining spots are Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse, the Buffalo Rose, Abejas & Indulge. If you’re in Golden, you must take the Coors Brewery Tour and explore its craft beer culture at the Golden City Brewery, Holiday Brewing Company, and stop at the new Tributary Food Hall & Drinkery. Be sure to add a bucket list concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Rooms at The Dove Inn in downtown Golden start at $145/night. You can check for better rates on Priceline or other bookign sites.
Disclaimer: Thank you to the Dove Inn for providing accommodations for the purposes of a review; opinions expressed are my own. Photo credits: Dove Inn & Diana Rowe.
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