Happy Friday! Hope you guys have had an excellent week! I am home from Mexico after spending a few days in Riviera Maya (blog post coming soon!) which means it's time to knock out some posts before my next set of travels. So today, let's rewind to my most recent trip to Denver.
I've talked about my love for Colorado on here before (you may remember reading my weekend travel guide). So naturally, I made a point to stop through on my way home from my west coast road trip. As I've previously mentioned, I usually stay with friends when visiting Denver, so this trip I made a point to visit some of the hotels in the city to put together a guide of where you should stay. But being a sprawling metropolis, how do you narrow down the options? For starters, let's talk location.
There are tons of great neighborhoods to see in Denver, including:
-Five Points and River North (RiNo) - for great bars and art galleries.
-Highlands and South Pearl - for some great restaurants (like Linger or Old Major).
But my (personal) favorite neighborhoods where I always end up spending the most time are LoDo (Lower Downtown) or LoHi (Lower Highlands- which is technically part of the Highlands I mention above). I recommend staying in this general proximity if you want to be in the center of all the action. These areas put you close to Larimer Square (one of my very favorite spots in the city), all sporting venues (Coors Field, Pepsi Center + Mile High Stadium) and some of my favorite restaurants (see my travel guide for more on that!) With that said, I've rounded up a few of my favorite hotels in these areas that are sure to give you an excellent Denver experience.
FOUR SEASONS DENVER
It's no secret that I have a special place in my heart for Four Seasons (I don't like to play favorites, but they might be mine). No matter where I've traveled, every property has always been exceptionally beautiful and had the most wonderful, friendly staff you could ask for. Four Seasons Denver kept that reputation just as pristine as it ever was, if not elevating it a bit more. This icon of sophistication is housed inside a 45-story tower in central Denver. The hotel has an urban-chic design that subtly reflects the natural beauty of Colorado (complete with oversize windows to show off both the city skyline as well as the majestic Rocky Mountain views).
I spent some time in their spa which was truly world class (I was most impressed with this spa out of all the ones I visited on my US road trip). The interior boasts sleek, modern wood and stone--which brings the outdoors inside. Their whirlpool, sauna, relaxation rooms and everything else were stunning- I wished I could spend my whole day there. For my treatment, I got a microdermabrasion which was one of the best I've ever had (I was told my skin was glowing by multiple people in the days to come!)
After my time at the Spa, I went downstairs to EDGE, the signature restaurant on-site, to have a bite to eat with my friend Jim. EDGE offers an extensive wine selection and a varied menu that highlights Colorado-ranched beef. I had the filet, which was honestly one of the best steaks I've ever had in my life. But the entire menu was full of quality dishes I genuinely wanted to try (guess that leaves something to come back for!)
All in all, I was highly impressed by every little detail about this property. They get a lot of business travelers, so there's more of a demand during the week (and the cost at that time will reflect that) but that means you can find some really competitive rates if you're coming for a quick weekend jaunt! If you have the budget and you're wanting a luxury experience in the heart of the city, I'd argue you won't find a place with better hospitality to rest your head than Four Seasons Denver.
$$$ | 1111 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
THE RITZ-CARLTON DENVER
Another luxury option I visited just down the street is The Ritz-Carlton Denver. This hotel is the city's longest running AAA Five-Diamond property (and from the moment you walk into the beautiful lobby, it's easy to see why). This was actually my first visit to a Ritz-Carlton so I was curious to explore more about the brand. My initial reaction was sophisticated luxury. Every detail I came across in the hotel was impeccable.
I started my visit with a trip to their spa for a manicure and pedicure (along with some time in their relaxation lounge). The room was bright + beautiful, which made for a really enjoyable atmosphere for that particular treatment. I went on a Monday, which #funfact also happens to be Mimosa Monday (complimentary with any service). Talk about a way to start your week off right!
After wrapping up at the spa and showering, I went downstairs to check out Elway's- named after beloved Denver Broncos hall of famer, John Elway. Their signature restaurant is a seven-time recipient of the award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine. We also nibbled on their Lamb Chop Fondue (lamb chops, green chile cheese fondue, Chimayo tortillas and roasted sweet potatoes) which was delicious. Our wait staff was friendly (not to mention funny) and extremely helpful in selecting our food + wine.
My overall Ritz-Carlton takeaway was great, and I have no doubt that anyone would enjoy staying here! I'm excited to visit more of these stunning hotel properties- they made quite the first impression on me.
$$$ | 1881 Curtis Street Denver, CO 80202
THE CRAWFORD HOTEL
If you're wanting somewhere nice, but are on a tighter budget than the options above, consider The Crawford Hotel. Located inside Denver's Union Station, this hotel provides guests with the best of Denver all within steps (literally walking distance to all the city recommendations in my weekend travel guide). Each of the three hotel floors represent a different era of Denver Union Station's history, so no two rooms are alike. And within it's four walls you'll find access to shopping and dining with an emphasis on Colorado craft.
$$ | 1701 Wynkoop St. Denver, CO 80202
THE OXFORD HOTEL
The Oxford is the first of historic Denver Hotels to open its doors (back in 1891). The luxury accommodations are elegant, classic and romantic. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, family or romance, The Oxford is sure to meet your needs and give you a unique Denver experience.
$$ | 1600 17th Street Denver, CO 80202
Still haven't found what you're looking for? There are always great rentals on Airbnb that will give you a taste of local life in Denver, and you can scale to any price range!
I hope this helps you find the perfect place to stay based on your individual needs. If you have any questions for me, let me know in the comments below. Have a great weekend, and stay tuned for more travel tips on the blog next week!
xx,
Whitney
