I recently spent a few days in Denver celebrating the holidays with a stay at Brown Palace Hotel and a tour through Molly Brown House Museum.

Despite the name similarities, Molly Brown did not own or build Brown Palace. She was, however, a frequent guest and, apparently, occasionally coy in her responses about sharing the same name.

Who could blame her? Brown Palace dates back to 1892 and the Gilded Age when Denver needed a palatial hotel to house those seeking their fortunes in the West. Built on a triangular patch of ground originally used for cattle grazing, it was the first hotel of its kind with an eight-story grand atrium, stained-glass ceiling and balconies.

I’ve stayed at Brown Palace before, but it had been close to eight years since my last overnight visit. My queen room with a city view on the eighth floor was updated with much more modern furnishings than my last stay. The black and white onyx in the bathroom and high ceilings offered an elevated reminder of a bygone era.

Had I been thinking, I would’ve booked myself a reservation for high tea amongst the holiday decorations, live three-piece band and who’s who in Denver. Instead, I settled for a cigar and meal inside Churchill Bar (much quieter and a bit more casual). I enjoyed a Malbec and the crab cake sandwich with sweet potato fries, followed by a slice of mint Oreo cheesecake for dessert.

The next morning I enjoyed Saturday brunch at Ellyington’s with a classic Benedict and Bloody Mary before making my way to Molly Brown House Museum.

With fortunate timing, I was placed on the group tour starting within five minutes of my arrival. My tour guide, Vivienne, has been a guide at Molly Brown House for decades. She spoke with such admiration of Molly’s achievments in the areas of philanthropy, women’s suffrage, and miners’ and children’s rights (though she called her by her given name, Margaret). She painted a beautiful, well-rounded picture of the woman we typically see depicted in stage or film solely as one who survived the Titanic. It was easy to see Margaret’s influence in a variety of charitable and political areas thanks to the stories Vivienne shared.

The home itself has been restored with great care and allows visitors to enjoy more than 9,000 pieces, including original pieces of art, clothing, jewelry, china, glassware and furniture. I found myself taking numerous photos while considering the incredible amount of gumption it would take for a woman of her time to travel as extensively around the world as she did. I couldn’t help but bring home a photo replica of Margaret on a camel with the Sphinx in the background as a reminder of her wit, will and spirit of wanderlust.

These “Brown” Christmas memories are among some of my favorites of 2024. I always love an opportunity to combine history and luxury travel together, stirring a desire for my own travels and what may come in this new year.

— Carrie Cox, account executive