A historian once termed Denver the “turnstile city.” Travelers come in, travelers go out. Some come for the skiing, others show up to call the city home. Over the past few years the business crowd has been enticed by the region’s bustling economy, culture and recreational attractions. An addition to the convention center is in the works. New hotels preparing to open, or in the planning stages, will add to the 17,000 rooms already available. Many hotels occupy three prime areas: downtown, the Denver Tech Center (DTC) and the area around Denver International Airport (DIA). Comfortable lodging can easily be found in every nook and cranny of the city. Accommodations range from the glorious to the unassuming as do the prices, but most provide a good night’s sleep at a fair price. If you prefer the provincial charm of a bed-andbreakfast, Denver has some of the best in the western region. Usually located in elegant Victorian mansions, they provide many of the modern conveniences of a hotel with a dash of history.
Downtown/Auraria
The majority of business travelers heading to the city usually wind up staying in one of downtown’s array of notable and contemporary hotels. The convention center is propped in the heart of the district and many of the region’s corporate movers and shakers headquarter in the towers populating the skyline. In other areas, especially on the fringes of the metroplex, one might feel isolated without a vehicle, but downtown offers easy access to shopping, dining and the city’s popular attractions. Almost every hotel in downtown underwent extensive renovation in 1997, prior to the G7 Summit, so expect the latest in luxurious lodging.
The Brown Palace is the pride of downtown. Built in 1892, this Victorian brown brick building is a classic interpretation of Italian Renaissance design. Every president since Teddy Roosevelt, with the exception of Jimmy Carter, has enjoyed pampering in these posh rooms. Even The Beatles and Elvis Presley slept here. The Adam’s Mark, located at the entrance to the 16th Street Mall, is the city’s largest hotel, comprising two blocks and 2,500 rooms. Hotel Monaco is the new kid in town but has quickly carved a niche with the businesses class with impeccable service and homey rooms; it has also developed a reputation as the place for romantic weekend getaways. The Holtze Executive Place, in the restored American Bank Building, offers extended stay visits in one- and two-bedroom suites along spirited 17th Avenue (a.k.a “Wall Street of the Rockies”). If you are searching for Denver’s past, check out the Hyatt Rengency’s gold rush and Wild West motifs, or enjoy a long jog around its rooftop track. The Westin Tabor Center is Denver’s stop for all-out extravagance. The towering Marriott City Center offers affordable luxury and easy access to area attractions. For an even cheaper sleep, head over to the Capitol Hill neighborhood or try the downtown Holiday Inn.
Historic Lower Downtown
Tucked among the restaurants, bars and clubs of this nightlife haven are a couple of secluded lodging gems. The landmark Oxford Hotel. Once on the outskirts of a seedy red light district, it has served some of Denver’s most interesting and notorious characters. The hotel offers easy access to the Pepsi Center, Coors Field, and is home to the stellar McCormick’s Fish House.
Uptown/City Park
Denver’s most popular bed-and-breakfasts are scattered about this predominantly residential neighborhood. The fashionable Merritt House, in the historic Swallow Hill district, shares the same architect as the lavish Brown Palace and features rooms with antiquarian furnishings and 19th century charm. A less expensive getaway is the Franklin House, a restored 1896 mansion. Although not as fancy as some of the other inns around town, the owner has taken great care in reviving the home’s original Victorian luxury. A visual masterpiece, Castle Marne, resides at the east end of uptown. The place actually looks like a small castle, and features a unique window of circular stained glass ascending a grand staircase, known as the Peacock Window. Another local favorite is the Haus Berlin.
Capitol Hill
The East Mansion district is in the heart of Capitol Hill. Throughout the century many of the stately homes have retained their grandeur through conversion into multiple room apartments and museums. A few have been transformed into lively bed-andbreakfasts and provide visitors a chance to experience Denver’s Victorian legacy. The Capitol Hill Mansion, erected when the district bore the kindly term “snob knob,” is an aristocratic ruby sandstone structure complete with turrets and balconies, and is on the National Historic Register. Other area delights include the cozy Adagio Bed and Breakfast and the inexpensive Holiday Chalet. The area also offers the business class some excellent choices. The Burnsley Hotel towers high above the area and provides business travelers comfortable extended stay facilities and views of the Rocky Mountains.
Cherry Creek
This neighborhood is known as Denver’s upscale section. Despite its reputation it is still easy to find inexpensive lodging at the Best Western Landmark. But if it is luxury you want the Loews Giorgio, a stunning black glass tower just south of Cherry Creek Mall, is a magnificent feat of Italian design and ultimate comfort. Intricate murals and frescoes embellish the Tuscan motif and the service often rates as the best in town. The Four Points Cherry Creek resides next to the Cherry Creek Bike Path and offers easy access to most of the city’s attractions.
DTC/South Denver
A variety of accommodations, specifically designed for business travelers, reside in and around the DTC area. The Inverness Resort offers an elegant escape from the city and boasts one of the finest golf courses in town. Choose from the Marriott, Hyatt, Embassy Suites, or any number of the area’s extended stay or all-suite facilities.
Golden/Foothills
The western edge of the city is a great destination for vacationers to experience Colorado’s old-fashioned allure in a picturesque mountain setting. Whether you are staying in a lodge, bed-and-breakfast, or roadside motel, you cannot go wrong with the location. Wherever you stay, the best in biking, hiking, skiing, rafting, fishing and all other manner of mountain fun are only moments away. One of the more popular area lodges is the Table Mountain Inn. Nestled at the south end of Golden’s historic downtown, this is a wonderful weekend hideaway and is just minutes from Apex Park, Dinosaur Ridge, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and Heritage Square.
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