Once an epicentre of the gold rush, Denver has some stellar Old West credentials, making it an interesting destination for those keen to soak up some modern history (head to Larimer Square to see the area’s oldest collection of heritage buildings). More recently it’s earned a reputation for burgeoning arts and beer scenes, with many galleries, theatres and breweries to be found across the city. As the capital of Colorado, Denver is close to the Rocky Mountains, making it an ideal stop-off en route to a skiing trip. Here are the best places to rest your head in the “Mile High City”.
Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek
Those planning to hit the shops will appreciate this Marriott hotel’s location, in Cherry Creek North, close to the city’s top boutiques. Rooms range from sleek doubles with soundproofed windows to a Presidential Suite with two TVs, mountain views and an open plan kitchen/living/dining room seating up to eight guests. Try some Central and South American cuisine at the Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge; here you can order from the ceviche bar, or opt for small and sharing plates, accompanied by hand-muddled cocktails. A 24-hour fitness centre is equipped with Peloton bikes and hydro rowers.
Four Seasons Hotel Denver
Rising 45 storeys, this building is a landmark on Denver’s horizon. Its restaurant, Edge, is at the bottom, allowing diners to observe and soak in the streetside downtown buzz. A spa occupies the third floor, with a salon, hot tub and steam room. While up on the rooftop, you’ll find an outdoor pool, a whirlpool and an alfresco bar — overlooked by a state-of-the-art fitness centre. The Four Seasons’ skyscraper houses 239 guest rooms decorated in an urban-chic contemporary style, with huge picture windows (book a suite with a freestanding tub for a bath with a view).
The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
Are you travelling for work? The Ritz-Carlton’s Central Business District location just 30 minutes drive from the airport, will be ideal. It boasts the largest standard rooms in the city and a complimentary house car to take you anywhere you wish (within a five-mile radius). Elway’s, the hotel’s popular steakhouse, is named after a Denver Broncos player and provides a true taste of Colorado. 202 bedrooms come with 400-thread-count Frette linens, Frette robes, coffee makers and iPod docking alarm clocks. The spa has eight treatment rooms with Tempurpedic beds (including a couples suite and bathroom, and a Vichy wet treatment room).
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection
Over a century old, The Brown Palace is especially popular with pop and rock and roll royalty, counting the likes of Taylor Swift, the Rolling Stones, Cindy Lauper, Metallica, Jon Bon Jovi and Pearl Jam among its past patrons. Instantly recognisable by its red sandstone facade, the building contains 241 bedrooms (whose showers tap water from an artesian well), a tavern, a cigar bar, a coffee shop, a fine dining restaurant, a high-end spa and a network of secret passages. Be sure to take its traditional afternoon tea, served beneath the stained-glass skylight of the impressive wood-panelled atrium lobby.
The Jacquard, Autograph Collection
Named after French Inventor Joseph Marie Jacquard (inventor of the automated looming process), this Autograph Collection hotel aims to “weave” together a top location and hospitable service. Sample local fare at its restaurant, Narrative, which has its own wine library holding in excess of 750 bottles. And drink cocktails with mountain/downtown Denver views at the chic Kisbee on the Rooftop bar; a patio area beside the bar accommodates the hotel pool (a swim at sunset is a must). Contemporary bedrooms at The Jacquard have floor-to-ceiling windows, sumptuous glass and marble bathrooms, fine linens and 65” TVs.
The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton
Found in the Golden Triangle — a hub of the Denver arts community — the Curio Collection by Hilton features striking modern architecture, with a quirky silhouette and mirror-effect glass walls. The geometric facade contains a curated collection of artworks within, making it ideal for lovers of contemporary design. Even the fitness centre (named Art in Motion) follows the theme. Farm-to-table New American dishes are served up in FIRE, with creative cocktails mixed at FIRE Lounge and in The Living Room. Bedroom decor is mostly neutral, offset by bright accent pieces, allowing the original prints and canvases to take centre stage.