The Oxford's Dog-Friendly Guide for Denver LoDo
Long before "pet-friendly" became a standard hotel amenity, four-legged guests were making themselves at home at The Oxford. Since opening in 1891, the hotel has welcomed travelers to the heart of Denver's historic LoDo neighborhood, when railway travelers, cattle traders, and their loyal companions were a familiar sight along the city's streets. More than a century later, that tradition lives on. At The Oxford, pets aren't simply welcome. They're part of the story. Just one block from Denver Union Station, The Oxford offers an ideal home base for exploring the city together. Spend the morning wandering LoDo's historic streets, settle in at a dog-friendly patio, or venture to one of the nearby parks for a change of scenery. Here's how to make the most of a stay in Denver with your pup.
What a Dog-Friendly Stay at The Oxford Looks Like
Arriving with your pup is easy. Book your stay as usual and select the pet add-on, or simply let the Front Desk know you're traveling with a dog. A $50 per pet, per night pet clean-up fee applies, with a selection of pet-friendly add-ons available to make their stay a little more comfortable.
The Oxford welcomes up to two dogs per room with no weight limit. And the welcome doesn't end at the guest room. Dogs are welcome throughout the hotel's public spaces, making it easy to enjoy a leisurely morning in the lobby together beneath The Oxford's Gilded Age architecture and ever-changing art collection. Here, your pup gets to experience a little of the hotel's history, too.
Things to Do With Dogs in Downtown Denver
Once you've settled in, LoDo is best explored on foot, with plenty of places to pause along the way. Start close to home with dinner at Urban Farmer, The Oxford's modern steakhouse, where the patio is made for warm Denver evenings and al fresco dining. Just a block away, Denver Union Station offers another easy outing. On select Saturdays, the Terminal Bar Patio hosts Yappy Hour, a dog-friendly gathering with drink specials and treats for pups. Rescue partners, including Soul Dog and the Denver Animal Shelter, are often on hand, making it a fun stop for animal lovers and their four-legged companions. For a leisurely afternoon, there's no shortage of dog-friendly patios nearby. Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar welcomes dogs at its outdoor tables, while The Pig & The Sprout keeps its covered, heated patio open to dogs year-round. Inside Union Station, Mercantile Dining & Provision also welcomes dogs on its covered patio. And when your pup needs a little more room to roam, make the roughly half-mile walk to Confluence Park. Leashed dogs can wander along sandy paths beside the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, with downtown skyline views along the way. It's a quintessential Denver outing, and an easy one from The Oxford.
Cherry Creek Trail: An Early-Morning Escape
Confluence Park also marks the beginning of the Cherry Creek Trail, a paved, multi-use path where leashed dogs can join you for a quieter side of the city. Follow the trail south along the creek and, before long, the bustle of downtown begins to fade.
For early risers and morning runners, it's an easy extension of a walk to Confluence Park. Much of the trail sits below street level, creating a peaceful stretch where the sounds of the city give way to the rhythm of the creek and the morning. A leisurely 30-minute out-and-back offers plenty of time to explore while keeping the downtown skyline close by.
Practical Pet Tips
Make time for off-leash play. If your pup needs to stretch their legs beyond the Cherry Creek Trail, Railyard Dog Park is a convenient option. Located near 19th and Bassett Street, the fenced, sandy-floored park is about a 10-minute walk from The Oxford and offers a chance to run and roam off leash.
Take advantage of the courtesy car. The Oxford's complimentary transportation is available within a two-mile radius of the hotel, making it an easy way to venture a little farther with your dog without having to navigate a rideshare.
Know where to go if you need veterinary care. For those unexpected moments, VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, located at 9770 E Alameda Ave., is open 24 hours a day for emergency veterinary care.
Keep the season in mind. Denver's summer sunshine can make pavement hot enough to burn paw pads, so plan walks along the Cherry Creek Trail and patio outings for the cooler morning or evening hours. In winter, snow and frigid temperatures call for a little extra preparation. A warm dog coat and a shorter stroll around Confluence Park may be more comfortable than a longer trail adventure.
Quick Answers
Is there a weight limit for dogs? No, The Oxford welcomes dogs of all sizes.
How many dogs can stay per room? Up to two dogs per room.
Is there a pet fee? Yes, a $50 per pet, per night clean-up fee applies.
Are other pets besides dogs allowed? Not currently; the policy covers dogs only.
Do I need to reserve in advance for a pet-friendly room? No, just book as usual and let the hotel know you're arriving with a dog; they'll arrange the rest. Full details are in the dog-friendly policy.
The Oxford was built for a Denver that moved by rail and hoof, and it has kept that same instinct for who belongs in its lobby. Book your stay whenever you're ready.