The Dove Inn — Hotel in Golden

For the long weekend, my fiance and I decided to escape to beautiful Golden, Colorado and Instagram led us to The Dove Inn.

The Dove Inn isn’t your grandma’s bed & breakfast. Instead of doilies, lumpy couches, excessive floral prints, and weird smells, you’ll find a tasteful marriage of old and new that both honors the house (which was built in 1866) and clean, modern design.

Exposed brick and wood walls, antique furniture, and crystal chandeliers effortlessly mingle with marble countertops, bar stools with hairpin legs, and chunky knit throw blankets. My favorite design element in the common area is a SUPER cool fanimation ceiling fan that moves using interconnected wheels and leather bands. It looks straight out of a Restoration Hardware magazine.

We stayed in the Aspen Suite which is one of the larger rooms in the house. The suite is separated into two areas: 1) the sleeping area, which is home to a beautiful iron canopy bed and 2) the sitting area which has a cozy couch (which can double as a bed), TV, and bathtub so deep and long that it can comfortably contain long limbs (I’m nearly 5’9 and still had plenty of room).

Just like in the common areas, old and new design elements are tastefully united. Edison bulbs provide soft light, but recessed lighting and a small ceiling fan light give you more if you needed. Decorative antique mirrors give the room an elegant touch and the full-length mirror on the wall means no outfit is left to chance. A simple reclaimed wood plank serves as a shelf, giving additional storage and a place to store a wine opener and glasses (did I mention that I loved that they were already in our room and that we didn’t have to rummage around for them?).

Notable Cool Stuff:

For those who are trying to live a low-impact lifestyle, you’ll be happy to know that The Dove Inn doing its part to keep its ecological footprint low. Examples:

1. The Inn uses ceramic mugs and glassware in the house versus plastic or single-use cups. For those on the go, paper cups are available.

2. You won’t find hotel-sized toiletries here; instead, the innkeeper refills the soap, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner containers in each bathroom.

3. In lieu of make-up wipes (some of which contain bits of plastic), they have a dark washcloth labeled “makeup” in the bathroom for folks who need to wash their makeup off- I’m actually stealing this idea for our home.

4. Each room has a ceiling fan to move air around which means you can set the AC to a higher temperature or not use it at all.

5. The water gets hot fast - which means less water wasted as it runs to warm up.

Refreshing Happy Leaf Kombucha and energizing Coda Iced Coffee are available to you whenever you want for free ninety-nine because both are on tap in the communal dining room. I love to see local businesses supporting/promoting each other.

In the afternoons, they put out yummy baked goods for a little boost to get you through the post-lunch slump. We may have eaten more than one...

The bedding and mattress were magical, we did not want to get out of that bed. I know this may seem minor but I was so happy to see that the owners didn’t skimp on this detail (like a lot of hotels, to include major chains). I hate coming back from a long day of fun only to sleep on a sandpaper covered rock.

If you can’t tell - we really enjoyed our stay and can’t wait to go back. The property is immaculate, owners are amazing, and Golden is truly a gem away from the hustle of some of Colorado’s larger cities.

Please note that The Dove Inn may not be for you if you are the type of traveler that needs a front desk, concierge, room service, or housekeeping. This boutique bed and breakfast is pretty chill and there were times when the guests were the only folks on...

This is a magical space. I went for a little staycation escape on my own and stayed in the Columbine room. It was perfect for me but might be cramped even for a couple. The space was beautifully decorated and super clean. You could tell that the owners had put a lot of love and thoughtfulness into making it into something special. The sheets were really soft and there was a good selection of pillows.

I loved how they managed to fit the bathroom into the room, and I thought it was interesting how in that space, the shower was actually in the room as well. I definitely would recommend it to a solo traveler, but they had a wide selection of rooms at different price points so there is something for any type of traveler.

Breakfast was a selection of pastries, yogurt, fruit, or toast. They had nitro cold brew and kombucha on tap and a wide selection of coffee and teas. They also had fruit, cheese, and sparkling water available for snacks anytime.

If there was one downside, it was their "behind the scenes hospitality" model. Maybe some people like it, but I love going to inns and bnbs rather than hotels for the personal touch you get. Often they are run by families and in this case there was clearly so much love put into every detail, I would have liked to meet the people behind the space. While the house was warm and inviting, I definitely felt a lack of community and human connection that I was craving. It would have been nice to be greeted by a person or to even know the names of the people running it (all messages were from the Dove Inn Team). Whenever I would see anyone that worked there, it would feel like they were trying so hard not to be noticed that it felt cold. I would have also loved to have had an opportunity to do a happy hour or cocktail hour with the other guests.

The location couldn't be beat. Walking out the door, you had access to all of the cute restaurants along main street Golden. It was a short walk to the river, where you can sit and enjoy the park or nature, and so many cute little places to visit.

Parking was difficult as it was the main street, and it only offered 2 hour spots, although they also recommended a parking garage not too far away that was reasonably priced. I didn't really have trouble finding a place to park this time of year but it's a college town, so I imagine in more busy times could be difficult.

Price on this space was very reasonable and I definitely felt like I got my money's worth. I would definitely consider coming back and trying a...

I live in Golden and this is the only place I recommend guests stay at!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Historic Boutique Gem in the Heart of Golden, Colorado

If you’re searching for “charming Golden Colorado B&B”, look no further than The Dove Inn, a Victorian-style boutique bed & breakfast with modern amenities and unbeatable location—just half a block from downtown Golden’s Main Street and a stone’s throw from iconic attractions like Coors Brewery and the Foothills Art Center.

Location & Atmosphere: Walkable, Cozy, Historic

Guests consistently praise its prime downtown location, making shopping, dining, and exploring Golden a breeze—I loved that we could walk into town. Built in 1866, the inn blends old-world Victorian charm with modern comforts, transporting visitors into a nostalgic yet refreshed retreat.

Comfort & Rooms: Thoughtful and Inviting

With just ten thoughtfully designed air-conditioned rooms—including suites and a carriage house—each space offers privacy, cozy furnishings, and creature comforts like refrigerators, microwaves, and even dishwashers. The soaking tubs and comfortable beds are a highlight—one stay honestly felt like being in my own bed at home.

Seamless Stay: Automated, Efficient, Relaxed

Forget long check-ins. The Dove Inn uses a fully automated check-in system, sending access codes via text or email—ideal for late arrivals. This made my arrival incredibly easy and stress-free.

Amenities & Community Vibe

A self-serve continental breakfast awaits each morning—granola, yogurt, pastries, and locally roasted coffee from Huckleberry, Coda, and Two Rivers. The inviting common areas—including a cozy living space, kitchen setup, and a sunny front patio—make for a perfect spot to relax, read, or mingle.

Top-Rated Cleanliness & Amenities

The inn’s immaculate cleanliness and thoughtful facilities stand out. The bathrooms are spotless, the lobby and kitchen pristine, and everything feels fresh and well-maintained. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals, air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and nearby hiking or fishing opportunities. Truly, everything you need is right there.

Minor Notes—but Still a Must-Stay

The only small things to note: the coffee machine occasionally needed a reset, and while the breakfast is fresh and delicious, a few hot items like eggs or extra fruit would make it perfect. Parking in downtown Golden can also be tricky—meters have strict rules and two-hour limits—but a convenient garage is just a short...