Flora House Denver: Nature, Sustainability and Victorian Elegance

Say hello to Flora House Denver, your new home-away-from-home, an updated, renovated, restored 1892 Victorian mansion, and boutique hotel in Denver! Located in central Denver, southeast of downtown, it is female-owned and operated and debuted last fall, after months of a labor of love to get it just right. Read on to see for yourself why Flora House Denver will not disappoint.

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Elegant and historical, your stay at Flora House Denver will be memorable. Photo: Flora House Denver

When given the opportunity to check out the newly renovated boutique hotel / B&B Flora House Denver, I was all in. I’ve always been a fan of boutique hotels and B&Bs. To me, from the moment you enter, it feels more intimate, more welcoming, and personal, as if an invited guest at someone’s (albeit fancy) home. I felt that same way when staying at this new Denver boutique hotel.

Since February 2022, the new owner and operator Jen Alderton has poured her heart and soul (and lots of time!) into creating the perfect combination of historic and modern. And from the moment I entered this historic boutique hotel, it was evident.

Arrival at Flora House Denver

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Entrance to Flora House Denver Photo: Flora House Denver

Flora House Denver is the perfect opportunity for a girlfriend getaway, so my two besties and I headed toward central Denver. Located on the south side of Interstate 70 just north of the Botanic Gardens and Cheesman Park, it’s a 30-minute drive from the suburbs of West Denver (where I live). 

My friends and I opted for a scenic drive through downtown Denver, past the Colorado State Capitol into Colfax. This Denver B&B is bordered north-south by Colfax and 8th Avenues. For those unfamiliar with East Colfax, it is one of the city’s upcoming neighborhoods in the heart of downtown, but also known as a rough part of the urban area.

Once you turn onto Race Street off of Colfax, you’ll enter the residential area with beautiful curbside appeal homes. Flora House Denver is the first building on the left at the end of the Walgreens’ parking lot (guests can park here too), and on the other side of the B&B is off-street parking for guests (space for 4-5 vehicles)  or off-street parking.

History of Flora House Denver

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The curb appeal of the historic Flora House Denver is just the start of an enchanting stay. Photo: Flora House Denver

This Queen Anne Victorian Mansion is now a luxury boutique Hotel/B&B located in Denver’s Wyman Historic District, touted as the city’s oldest subdivision. This area represents many of the architectural styles from the 1800s through 1955. One of several “Lang Mansions, it was constructed by one of Denver’s well-known architects, William Lang, who also designed the Molly Brown House and the Castle Marne, a  block north of Flora House.

This grand old house was initially a private home of a prestigious Denver attorney. The house was then converted to apartments and office spaces before becoming the Adagio B&B in 1996 — and now Flora House.

Following a full renovation/restoration in 2022, this beautiful mansion is refreshed and updated, once again ready to charm guests as Flora House Denver. 

Check-in at Flora House Denver

Towering pines and a landscaped front yard frame the entrance to the 3-story Victorian. The home’s Colorado sky blue exterior with white-trimmed windows is welcoming and inviting. The elegant woodwork on the front door is the first glimpse of the amazing carpentry throughout.

Check-in is 3 pm or after and guests receive an access code the day before arrival, along with instructions on locating their room.

I punched in our code, opened the door, and wow — that staircase!  And all the woodwork, décor, and furniture are quite simply awe-inspiring and immediately transport guests to the Victorian era with a tasteful blend of modern and historic touches.

As you explore, notice the beauty of nature throughout the boutique hotel. Discover live plants and botanical features throughout. Each nook and cranny is a celebration of nature with a variety of plants, both flowers and greenery.

And of course, the outdoor space is another colorful celebration of nature (more on that later).

Accommodations at Flora House Denver

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Iris Suite of the Flora House Denver

Choose from six lovely rooms on the second and third floors, accessed via the staircase on the main floor. (Please note, no elevator is available.) All suites are decorated uniquely and each offers its own version of luxurious historic Victorian with a modern twist.

Enjoy Smart TVs and complimentary and strong Wi-Fi signals throughout the property.  The four king suites include kitchenettes and lounge areas. Families, friends, and groups might consider a buy-out of the Top Floor or all six rooms (2-night minimum required). 

We booked the perfect suite for the three of us, the third-floor Iris Suite, one of the largest King suites. It features plenty of sitting areas, dining, kitchenette at the entrance, desk area in the corner, sink and mirror just outside the bathroom entrance.  

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The cute twin bed in the Iris Suite’s sunroom. Photo: Diana ROwe

This suite was perfect as we each had our own bed : King bed and optional Queen Murphy bed, and a twin bed in the adjoining sunroom.

Common Areas at Flora House Denver

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Looking from the formal dining room into the FIreplace Lounge. Photo: DIana ROwe

The ground floor is the common area, which includes the stunning foyer entrance and staircase with a fireplace in the corner. 

To the right of the foyer is the living room with another fireplace and formal dining room area. In the Fireplace Lounge, another “relic is the working vintage record player, and guests can play a selection of vinyl classics or bring their own. Guests are welcome to use the vintage working record player

The dining room leads into the breakfast room and kitchen area with the back door opening onto the lovely outdoor space.  

And then there is the outdoor space with even more green and flowering plant life, multiple seating areas, and a hot tub. Towels are available at the door. Our visit was earlier in the year, so we didn’t experience the full blossoming beauty of this space: medicinal plants, and native and annual flowers.

Each evening guests are also invited to complimentary S’mores at the fire pit, accommodating all seasons with space heaters and blankets for Colorado’s cool evenings.   

Dining Options

Continental breakfast is served in the dining room.

Continental breakfast is served in the dining room. Photo: Diana Rowe

An elegant continental breakfast is included and served in the breakfast dining room.  Choose from fresh fruit, yogurt, meats and cheeses, pastry and granola.  Guests can also help themselves to drinks and snacks in the guest refrigerator in the kitchen.  Recently, this boutique hotel received a liquor license, adding the option to purchase beer or wine. 

For other dining options, the property is a short driver or car service from the Cherry Creek area with many dining options. While we were there, we enjoyed the evening meal at Cucina Colore, an Italian restaurant with an exquisite wine list.

To make reservations at the Flora House, visit the hotel’s website or go to Booking.com.

Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary hotel room  in exchange for a review; opinions expressed are my own.

One Response

  1. blank Dee martellini May 10, 2023

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