Hotels, a local guide to the pick of the litter.
As a local, I don't have much opportunity to stay in Denver hotels. Fortunately, I do have plenty of out of town friends and relatives who visit, and until recently, no room to accomodate them. Here are some of our favorites:
1. The Comfort Inn Downtown at 401 17th St. Comfort Inn is typically a lower end hotel or motel, but in Downtown Denver, it is a reasonably priced high rise in a quiet neighborhood that has been recently renovated. The best part is that it is attached to the historic Brown Palace hotel, where the President (and hopefully the next President) stay when they are in town. In fact, events hosted at the Brown Palace actually occur in the Comfort Inn's ballroom. Don't get me wrong, if you have an unlimited budget, and rooms are availible, by all means, do stay at the Brown Palace. The rest of us can stay at the Comfort Inn and hang out in the lobby of the Palace. Finally, the Comfort Inn offers free internet access, a basic feature that they usually charge you extra for at more expensive hotels.
2. The Holiday Inn Cherry Creek is another reasonably priced standout from an otherwise lackluster chain. This is also a newer highrise near the fashionable Cherry Creek shopping district. Although located on busy Colorado Boulevard, you have easy access to dedicated walking and cycling paths that lead directly to the Cherry Creek Mall and Downtown.
3. The Curtis Hotel at 1405 Curtis Street has recently openned as a high rise boutique hotel in a fabulous location. With a hip lounge and wild, pop-culture themed floors, it is a safe bet you have not stayed anywhere like this before. This is a great choice if you plan on attending the Colorado Symphony Orchestra or any event at the Denver Center For the Performing Arts accross the street.
4. The Teatro Hotel claims to be Denver's Only Luxury Boutique Hotel. Whether or not it is the "only" one, does not negate the fact that it is a really great hotel. The Teatro is also located next to the performing arts center, and is probably the closest hotel to the Pepsi Center. While the rooms are small, it is an elegant hotel in a perfect location. This is actually the one hotel I have stayed in as my wife and I spent our wedding night here!
5. The Courtyard by Marriot in Downtown might as well be the flagship for the entire Courtyard chain as it is not like one of the many I have ever seen or stayed in. Located in the heart of the city, it is right on the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, across from the historic Daniels and Fisher tower. Inside, you will find a beautiful lobby and atrium that is more like a boutique hotel than that of a suburban budget business chain.
Now I can't claim that any of these hotels still have rooms left during the Democratic Convention, but if you are planning a visit to Denver this summer, and you can get a room in any of these, I know you will enjoy it.