In 1882, architect E. P. Brink described plans for a Denver hotel that would combine a traditional American hotel with “a system of palatial French flats.” On the site of a croquet field at 17th and Stout Streets, the hotel was built and opened as the Albany Hotel (named after hotelier W. H. Cox’s hometown of Albany, New York) in July 1885. Appealing to those reaping the benefits of a Colorado mining boom, the hotel was decorated in the style of the elegant 1880s with Persian velvet covering the floors and bronze peacock screens guarding the fireplaces.
The Albany Hotel would go on to host several major events, including the National Elks Convention in 1906 (in which a large bull elk was stabled in the hotel lobby) and the Democratic National Convention in 1908. Wild West Show stars Annie Oakley, Johnny Baker, and William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody stayed at the establishment while playing Denver and hotel manager Frank Dutton soon befriended Cody. Personal mementos Cody gifted to Dutton were put on display in the hotel’s Buffalo Bill Bar.
In 1938, the New Albany Hotel reopened after a major design overhaul orchestrated by architect Burnham Hoyt and closed for good on August 27, 1976. Demolition of the hotel building began on November 17, 1976, to make way for Urban Center I, a 29-story office building with adjoining plaza.
Learn more about the Albany Hotel’s story by visiting DPL’s Western History and Genealogy Department online or in person. Explore the books, photographs, newspaper articles, and menus that bring this hotel back to life!
I have a safe that belonged
I have a safe that belonged to Chester J Roseberry. Owner/ Operator A.J. Clark's drugstore and fountain in the Albany Hotel. 17th & Stout
Chester’s wife Frances had a
Chester’s wife Frances had a 1963 Thunderbird that still exists in excellent condition in Texas. Check Find a Grave for pictures.
I am a descendant of Arthur…
I am a descendant of Arthur Clarke -- it's A.G. Clarke's Drugstore.
I would to eat breakfast
I would to eat breakfast there every morning on my way to school in Globeville. I can remember the elevators so well. So many memories
Wow! What a way to start the
Wow! What a way to start the day, Kevin! Thanks for sharing your memories with us!
Did you ever have the French
Did you ever have the French toast Kevin?
Yes! The food was delicious.
Yes! The food was delicious. My sister and I would have to split the cheeseburgers because they were so big!
Why would they allow this
Why would they allow this beautiful historical building be destroyed? What a waste.
Have an ORIGINAL menu with
Have an ORIGINAL menu with prices and a picture of W.F."Buffalo Bill" Cody on it....
Looking for any information
Looking for any information on family member who was a hote manager at the Albany 1918-?, Cancel (C.B.) Donoho. Family has no record of him after 1918.
My g.grandparents stayed here
My g.grandparents stayed here in 1889 with their little daughter but only lasted one night due to an infestation of bed-bugs in their room (which cost $10/night - $4 each adult & $2 child). Mgt. did not believe them about the bugs until presented with the corpses. My g.grandmother, a Philadelphia girl, termed the decor "decidedly seedy. There is an attempt made at great style & things are supposed to be handsome but have been very much abused..."
I believe my uncle was the
I believe my uncle was the owner-manager of the Albany Hotel during the 1940s 50s and 60s his name was John McDonough. I wish I had more information comments welcome!
I lived there in 1975 with my
I lived there in 1975 with my mom and step dad I think he manage it or ha something to do with it trying to out his birthday date so I find him
You must be a relative of Don
You must be a relative of Don McDonough
I worked with him in the 70s in the finance business on 17th St.
I believe his Father was manager of the Albany...
What ever happened to Don, I don't know?
My father was the Bell
My father was the Bell Captain of the Albany from 1959 to 1965, when he took his life in the basement of the hotel. He was there in 1963 during a fire that took several lives. I remember him coming home covered in soot and telling my mom that he was glad more didn't perish due to the panic of the guests and employees.
It had a great drugstore like the old movies with a soda fountain that Hollywood movies depict from time to time.
My mother also worked there from time to time helping to set up and break down exclusive trade shows. It was always a great treat to visit Dad at work!
Stories like yours give life
Stories like yours give life and meaning to Denver places that we've lost over the years Thank you for sharing, Rosemarie.
I have a utility bag from the
I have a utility bag from the Albany Hotel in 1957 with my parents! John T. McDonough was the manager.
If there are some interior
If there are some interior shots it would be neat to see the links to those here.
My father bought AG Clark
My father bought AG Clark Drug in the late 50's after running 7drug chain stores for decades. I worked there all through high school. The catacombs under the hotel were great to explore, The hotel had it's own spring water pumped up to the roof to supply the building.
I have a Key Faub in brass
I have a Key Faub in brass found in an old suitcase.
My grandfather, an Irish
My grandfather, an Irish immigrant worked as a chef at the Orpheume Restaurant and Albany Hotel in 1907.
My grandfather’s name is John
My grandfather’s name is John (Jack) Walsh.
In 1887 there was a Mrs
In 1887 there was a Mrs Broderick staying here or perhaps working here. Any one have any info on that or where I might find it?
Hi E. Ruth,
Hi E. Ruth,
A Mrs. R.E. Broderick was the proprietor of the Albany Hotel and Restaurant in Victor, Colorado, for several years. Is that perhaps the Mrs. Broderick you are thinking of? For further assistance, please submit a reference request through the link below and we'll be happy to help you find more information: https://history.denverlibrary.org/contact-us
My grandfather and
My grandfather and grandmother had an apartment at 1129 17th Street in Denver. It was a couple of blocks from the Albany hotel where my grandfather worked. I used to visit them in the summer from New Mexico.
I ate at the Albany Hotel…
I ate at the Albany Hotel restaurant many times in the fifties. The food was great and very inexpensive, about $1.00 for a multi course lunch in the coffee shop. It was in the back of the lobby.
I remember a lot of red furniture in the lobby with stairs going up to the mezzanine. Another very good restaurant was just down the street, Bennetts with an organ player in the window.
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