The Art, a Hotel
Photo Courtesy of The ART, a Hotel
With so many reasons to visit Denver right now — think booming restaurant scene, beautiful scenery, and access to outdoor fun — it’s time to book your trip and stay at one of these stellar hotels. The best part? All five places are found in the heart of downtown, which means you are close to some of the city’s top attractions and just 30 minutes away from a decent hike. From historical hotels to a revamped refinery, the choices have grown — just like the Mile High City.
The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
True to the brand, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Denver proves luxurious, modern and classy while offering guests superb service. Plus, those looking for a little extra during their stay can book the Club Level, which gives you access to a special concierge and a grand lounge replete with food, drinks, comfortable couches and large-screen televisions.
No matter what room you book, it will come equipped with a five-fixture, marble-accented bathroom, 400-thread-count Frette linens, plush terry robes, and overhead reading lights on each side of the bed.
Elway’s Downtown, Photo Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
You can’t leave without checking out the new Four-Star spa, which features Colorado-themed treatments such as the Rocky Mountain massage, the Mile-High Hydration Facial or the Aspen Leaf Renewal Facial.
While plenty of tasty food options can be found near this downtown hotel, spend at least one meal at Elway’s Downtown, the hotel’s high-end steakhouse named for the famed Denver Broncos quarterback, John Elway. Order from the comfort of your room, or head downstairs to dine in style.
The Art, a Hotel
The Art, a Hotel, one of the most unique properties in the city, features not only comfortable accommodations but also art around every corner. Literally, you will see original works in each room, in the hallways, lining the lobby and even on the portico outside when you drive up to the venue. Over 200 pieces grace the 165-room hotel, even in the restaurant Fire, which serves elevated American fare.
Completed in 2015, The Art showcases modern architecture at its best — in the building’s structure, the designers pay homage to the neighboring Denver Art Museum, the Denver Public Library and History Colorado. Each of these places can be seen from some window on property, and guests can easily pop over to check out the collections.
The hotel also conveniently resides near the capital building, Civic Center Park and the 16th Street Mall.
Four Seasons Hotel Denver
Meld into the aura of the mountains in this newly built, Four-Star luxury hotel that was designed to channel the natural surroundings that make Denver so special. As soon as you walk into the lobby, you can see this through the color scheme, roaring fireplaces and open, airy space that all at once feels comforting and free. And, with 14 stories and over 250 guest rooms available, this is one of the largest properties in the city.
Explore the state-of-the-art spa that offers plenty of hydrating treatments and an outdoor pool with a bar, if you’re looking to combat the arid climate.
As for fighting hunger, Edge Restaurant & Bar serves a burger made with local Wagyu beef that will have you craving more from this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended eatery.
The Brown Palace Hotel, Photo Courtesy of Autograph Collection Hotels
The Brown Palace Hotel
The most historic place you can stay in Denver also happens to be one of the most refined and a Four-Star hotel to boot. The Brown Palace opened in 1892, making it one of the oldest of its kind in the city. With a little love and a 2015 makeover that’s still in progress, this triangle-shaped edifice has remained a pinnacle of high society. Throughout the hotel’s history, celebrities (from the Beatles to U2) and politicians (nearly every American president since Theodore Roosevelt) have graced the halls and stayed in one of the 241 rooms. Book one of the modernized suites and enjoy the new digs and proximity to all the downtown activities.
Nibble on a lobster BLT for lunch at Ellyngton’s, or head to old-school Ship Tavern for an after-dinner pint of craft beer made locally by Hall Brewing Company. Also make sure to book a spot in the lounge for finest tea time in Denver, a treat accompanied by live music and ladies in lovely hats.
The Crawford Hotel
As far as boutique properties go, The Crawford Hotel proves lucky in location. Its Union Station address is easy to get to from the newly constructed airport train. Also, you get to stay in one of the coolest spots in Denver — the station itself. The hotel opened with the revitalized train terminal in 2014, and each of the three floors showcases a different era of the station’s history. Expect luxurious elements such as rain showers, claw-foot tubs, compelling artwork, unique design notes and technologically savvy touches.
When you aren’t living it up in the Lodo Suite, head to the station and lounge in The Great Hall, a sort of giant living room lined with leather couches, plush chairs and tables. Dining options abound for every mood and every time of day. Grab a drink at Terminal Bar or a latte from Pigtrain Coffee Co.; breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery; lunch at Mercantile Dining & Provision; an ice cream cone from Milkbox Creamery; and dinner at the seafood hot spot Stoic and Genuine.
Another great aspect to staying here? Dozens of trains, which can take you all over the city, are right at your doorstep.