Queen Anne Bed & Breakfast

The Queen Anne’s owners have taken two side-by-side properties -- originally family homes, built in 1879 and 1886, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places -- and lovingly restored them into a bed-and-breakfast that retains original charm while adding stylish modern touches. The building has a lovely blue front porch, and inside there’s a homey and elegant feel, starting with the sunny lobby’s high ceilings, cream-yellow walls, large windows, and handsome wood-paneled flooring. Dark-wood antique furniture is scattered about, while the posh-feeling and extravagantly decorated dining room and lounge sport a stunning red velvet sofa with ornately carved dark-wood frame, and a large round statement dining table. There’s also a lovely garden patio, with overflowing plant beds. The Queen Anne provides a charming spot for both business travelers and tourists -- but note that kids under age 12 aren't allowed.

The Queen Anne is set in Denver’s Clements Historic District on a picturesque, tree-lined street just across from Benedict Fountain Park. It’s just on the fringes of downtown Denver, and attractions and restaurants are within walking distance.- 11-minute walk to Denver bus station

• 15-minute walk to Colorado State Capitol
• 18-minute walk to Molly Brown House Museum
• 19-minute walk to 16th Street Mall
• Eight minutes to Denver Zoo by car (25 minutes by public transportation)
• Eight minutes to Colorado Convention Center by car (12 minutes by public transportation; 22-minute walk)
• Eight minutes to Denver Art Museum by car (17 minutes by public transportation; 21-minute walk)
• Nine minutes to Larimer Square by car (15 minutes by public transportation; 25-minute walk)
• Nine minutes to U.S. Mint – Denver by car (16 minutes by public transportation; 21-minute walk)
• Nine minutes to Denver Amtrak station by car (18 minutes by public transportation)
• 33 minutes to Denver International Airport by car (63 minutes by public transportation)

The 13 quiet, individually designed rooms include four that were curated by local artists. These bright spaces each sport their own personality, but highlights include beautiful log fireplaces, fabulous internal French doors, and handsome wood-paneled or gray carpet flooring and neutral linens and throws. Other rooms have striking brick accent walls and stained-glass windows. One room takes a pop-art approach with typographical and print wall art, and contrasting black and white walls. The vinyl turntable in one of the Local Artist Suites is a nice retro touch. Also noteworthy is the quirky Aspen Room, with its imposing forest scene mural blanketing the walls at the peak of the building’s Victorian turret, and a rustic-looking headboard made from aspen wood. The Park Room is a lovely bright space with log-cabin-style pinewood panels on sloping accent walls, plus a cozy integrated living space with a gorgeous cream velvet button-effect armchair.All rooms have built-in or freestanding desks. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, robes, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, and eco-friendly, locally produced pump toiletries. Views of the park or neighboring properties are attractive, but guests report some rooms can get a tad warm.Bathrooms likewise vary in decor, but are attractive across the board, sporting a mix of cream walls, white tiling, brick accent panels, pedestal sinks, and freestanding wooden vanities (one bathroom has double sinks). Some bathrooms feature walk-in showers with gorgeous wood-effect wall tiling, brass taps, and fixed showerheads. The Park Room has a shower/tub combo with a rainfall showerhead, and one of the Local Artist Suites has an antique cast iron slipper tub. Many of the rooms have whirlpool bathtubs or generously-sized separate hot tubs.

As a historic bed-and-breakfast, the Queen Ann doesn't offer much in the way of features. The free made-to-order breakfast, often prepared by the chef/owner, is a highlight. The hearty, communal affair includes some especially popular Indian-influenced dishes. There’s an evening happy hour of free wine and snacks, to encourage mingling with other guests -- but the hotel doesn’t otherwise serve meals or drinks. The focus on eco-friendly and sustainable operations is admirable, including sourcing food locally where possible, growing fruit and vegetables on-site, recycling, composting, using organic and natural bedding and cleaning materials, and aiming for zero-waste status. There's free Wi-Fi and off-street parking is free.