Colorado may not have a history of kings and queens, but what many visitors don’t realize is that we have a long list of incredible castles, some that you can tour or even stay overnight. And many of them are in the city center. Denver or just a short drive away.
From ornate Victorian castles to 15th-century-inspired Scottish castles to lavish mansions transformed into B&B, here are six ways to experience royal treatment in the Rocky Mountains.
Castle marne
Stay in a Victorian-decorated castle right in the heart of Denver near Capitol Hill and City Park. The rustic lava stone (quarried from Castle Rock) Castle Marne was built in 1889.
Even if you’re not staying in one of the nine beautiful rooms, you can still plan a night out suitable for a queen. Castle Marne also hosts tea parties and candlelight dinners. Or for the more romantic date idea, let the castle host a picnic for you, featuring a cold roasted Cornish hen with raspberry frosting.
Cherokee Ranch and Castillo
You won’t believe this building is in Colorado. The Cherokee Ranch and Castle is inspired by 15th century Scottish architecture. This spectacular building features massive wooden arches and stone walls, with a view of the Front Range and Long’s Peak that seems to stretch on forever. Visit guided walks, teas, lunches, and educational events, or reserve the castle for a one-of-a-kind event. Find Cherokee Ranch on thousands of acres of land in Sedalia, which may feel like a long way off, but it’s in Douglas County, just 40 minutes from Denver.
The Patterson Inn
You won’t see many buildings around Denver that look like The Patterson Inn. This 19th century senator’s mansion is built in the chateausque style. With its hand-carved staircase to its wraparound porch, the Patterson Inn is an important part of Colorado history (it’s on the National Register of Historic Places), but it has also been renovated to offer modern and luxurious amenities.
Stay in a suite here and you’ll be just a short walk from the Capitol and downtown, even though the property is located on a quarter acre of land.
Dunafon Castle
Dunafon Castle in Morrison (less than half an hour from Denver) was completed in the 1940s, tucked away in beautiful Bear Creek Canyon. The water from the stream flows around the castle in a semicircle, yes, moat style. Beyond the impressive architecture, the castle sits on 17 acres with private fishing ponds and a park.
Although you can’t stay overnight here (some lucky duck actually lives here), charities can occasionally rent you out to raise funds, and the proceeds go to help other humanitarian causes.
The holiday chalet
This 19th century mansion is right in the center of Denver. Beyond the dramatic ceilings, Victorian decor, cozy fireplaces, and lush gardens, there are a few other features that make the Holiday Chalet unique. First, the rooms have air conditioning. Second, each room has its own kitchen and private bathroom.
And third, the Holiday Chalet is marijuana friendly. Travelers can vape in the room and smoke marijuana on the patio.
Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn
The Capitol Hill Mansion, a B&B on Denver’s Capitol Hill, is an impressive ruby sandstone mansion, built in 1891 on Denver’s “Millionaires Row.” The elegant Victorian-style building has been restored as a romantic B&B with eight well-appointed rooms; some even have whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, or private balconies.
The National Historic Landmark mansion is just steps from downtown, the 16th Street Mall, the Convention Center, and some of Denver’s best restaurants.
