If you are planning to spend some time in the Mile High City on your trip to Colorado, you are probably interested in exploring the hotels in downtown Denver. Given the city's importance as a business and tourist destination, you will be pleased to discover that there is no shortage of hotels in downtown Denver. The vast variety of hotels in downtown Denver runs the entire gamut in terms of price range and style. Denver has its share of low budget and high-end chain hotels. However, it also has some historic hotels, as well as some interesting boutique hotels. Let's visit a few of them.
Denver Hotel Monaco
This elegant Hotel Monaco was once the 1917 Railway Exchange building and the 1937 Art Modern Title building. In its third incarnation, it became one of the hippest luxury hotels in Denver. The detailed, eye-catching décor at this Denver hotel is inspired equally by Art Deco and French design.
As you enter the main lobby, you will surely marvel at the multi-tiered 23-foot high ceiling that displays intricate geometric designs in multi-colored jewel tones. Look up and check out the ten-foot chandelier lights on the ceiling. Bookcases and comfortable furniture surround a warm and glowing fireplace. The main lobby is where you can get complimentary morning coffee.
While some guests marvel at the décor of this Denver hotel, others are charmed by a Jack Russell terrier named Lily Sopris who greets and entertains guests in the lobby. The management welcomes pets traveling with their owners. If you long for an animal companion, management provides guests with a goldfish on request. The hotel also has a 24-hour on-site fitness room that features Stairmasters, stationary bikes and treadmills. A full-service Renaissance Aveda Spa and Salon offers a variety of treatments.
The Hotel Monaco is a block away from the mile-long 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, LoDo (lower downtown) and Larimer Square, which is filled with art galleries, shops, cafes and restaurants. History buffs may be interested in a tour through Denver’s US Mint or head towards the State Capitol, just across Broadway.
If you have arranged for a Colorado car rental, you can take a drive to explore the old Rocky Mountain foothill mining towns of Idaho Springs and Georgetown. Stop in Golden to visit Coors Brewery or visit Buffalo Bill’s grave on Lookout Mountain.
You can also take the cog railway to Pike’s Peak, which climbs the mountain in a 3.5-hour trip. The location, décor and amenities make the Hotel Monaco one of the best hotels and resorts in Denver.
Hotel Teatro
The Hotel Teatro is another one of the best hotels and resorts in Denver. The building dates from 1911 and was originally the Denver Tramway offices. When it was renovated in 1997 much of the historic detail was preserved. This includes the beautiful marble in the entrance, which comes from various quarries around the US. Costumes, props and photographs from previous productions from the nearby Denver Centre for Performing Arts decorate the public areas and guest rooms.
The Brown Palace Hotel
You cannot talk about the best hotels and resorts in Denver without mentioning the Brown Palace Hotel. Opened in 1892, the Brown Palace has served presidents, celebrities, tourists and business travelers. When you enter the impressive atrium lobby, you will notice how the hotel's nine floors rise to a beautiful stained glass canopy. If you arrive in the middle of the day, you will hear a harpist playing during afternoon tea.
The Brown Hotel was designed by one of Denver’s prominent architects, Frank E. Edbrooke, who constructed the unique triangular shape in order to allow the Colorado sunshine to illuminate each of its 241 guestrooms and suites.
The Inverness Hotel
The Inverness Hotel is actually the only hotel in Denver that can be considered a resort. It facilities include tennis courts, a health club, jogging or walking trails, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and whirlpools, saunas and massage service. There is a fully equipped business centre and conference centre, two restaurants, a pub and a golf grill.
The hotels in Denver can be tourist attractions in themselves. Even if you do not choose to stay at one of these unique hotels, be sure to stop by and look at the buildings and impressive lobbies.
