As we wrap up 2015 and look forward to 2016, Denver is beginning to feel like winter with a blanket of snow coating the streets and the roofs of the dozens of hotels. We have visited some new hotels this year, and yet there’s more planned to add to the Denver skyline in 2016 and beyond. From downtown Denver to suburbia, historic to modern, romantic getaway or family vacation, these are teasers of new hotels coming to the Mile High City and reminiscing on a couple of our favorite Denver hotels and resorts.
Downtown Denver Hotels and resorts, such as the Crawford Hotel in Union Station, are some of our favorite hotels. Photo courtesy: Visit Denver
New Hotels in Denver
The Mile High City is enjoying the good life with several new hotels opening this past year, and all of these are pushing the needle to sway my preferred favorite places to stay in Denver. Hotel-Scoop has been there and reviewed most of these (with future Denver hotel reviews coming!).
Perhaps the most awaited opening in Denver metro was the Westin DIA. In November of 2015, Denver International Airport opened a world-class hotel and conference center and transit center with rail starting April 2016. The Westin Denver International Airport, breathtaking architecture and large-scale public art, along with a 82,000-square-foot plaza will transform Denver‘s airport into a destination of its own.
One of the most anticipated new hotels in Denver, the Westin Denver International Airport.
The Crawford Hotel at Denver’s Union Station opened in July 2014. Its historic blends with modern touches, while adhereing to the train theme, is destined to fast track it as one of Denver’s most iconic boutique hotels. I can’t help but the count days until my next stay! With the opening of the Light Rail line from Denver International Airport directly to the Union Station, The Crawford Hotel will be one of the first downtown sights for international guests.
Hyatt Place / Hyatt House Denver Downtown hotel is a new duo of hotels in Colorado, opened just before Thanksgiving 2015. Located near entertainment district with 24/7 dining, free breakfast & mountain viewsand newest hotels (review coming soon).
Located in Denver‘s Cultural District, the 165-room ART Hotel offers a one-of-a-kind hotel experience focused on delivering Denver’s most premier accommodations paired with captivating pieces of contemporary art woven through the entire guest experience. (review coming soon)
Another new hotel opening was The ART, a hotel, recently recognized as one of the top 5 “Best New Hotels”
Opening Soon Denver Hotels
Scheduled to open in the fall of 2016, the 170-room Z BLOCK HOTEL will open near Denver Union Station at 19th & Wazee. Sage Hospitality will manage the boutique hotel, which will join their more than 20 Colorado properites, including Downtown Denver’s: Oxford Hotel, The Crawford and The Curtis.
Halcyon – a Hotel in Cherry Creek, on 245 N Columbine St., is a slated to be a take on modern luxury with a feel of staying at your BFFs Rocky Mountain home. Another Sage Hospitality managed hotel, the 155-room hotel will open spring 2016 along with a rooftop bar, pool and two restaurants.
Opening late in 2016, Intercontinental Hotels Group will open the 180-room Hotel Indigo, located near Union Station neighborhood.
Late in December, 2015, financing came through for the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. Operated by Marriott International, the 1,500 room resort will be located in Aurora near Denver International Airport, targted opening late in 2018.
Opening in 2017, The Source Hotel will be the first in the RiNo, the River North neighborhood of Denver at 35th & Brighton Boulevard. The 100-room hotel will be owned by the same group behind the St. Julien Hotel in Boulder. Ground broke in June 2015, and the building will feature a second 25,000 square foot market hall on the first floor.
Favorite Downtown Denver Hotels
You can’t go wrong with either of the above new Denver hotels, but here are some of my old faithful favorites, continuing to make Downtown Denver a year round travel destination.
The atrium lobby at the Brown Palace. Photo Courtesy of VISIT Denver / Rich Grant.
Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, for its Afternoon tea in the Atrium, famous Sunday brunch with Dom Perignon champagne, and the seasonally themed, decor from steer in the lobby to Victorian themed Christmas decorations.
Each year, the Brown kicks off an Old West tradition honoring the National Western Stockshow. The sight of more than a hundred Texas Longhorn cattle herded through the streets of downtown Denver can only mean one thing … it’s Stock Show time. The sight of the National Western Stock Show’s Grand Champion steer in the lobby of the Brown Palace – priceless!
Located near the Pepsi Center, Larimer Square, and Denver’s Theater Distict, the boutique hotel, The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Denver Downtown opened in 2012 and provides a walkable option to downtown restaurants, entertainment, events and shopping. Of course, many Denver hotels do the same, but what sets this property apart is its affordability and packages.
Want more Downtown Denver hotel suggestions?