My 18-hour stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver earlier this month was quite short, but I managed to enjoy some of the on-site amenities and take in the classy ambiance at this high-rise hotel in the middle of downtown Denver. Here are the highlights:
Big living room in the One-Bedroom Suite.
1. Huge Rooms. The Ritz-Carlton, Denver says it has the largest guest rooms among any downtown hotels; the Deluxe Guest Rooms start at 550 square feet, so I believe that claim (that’s bigger than my first studio apartment). The One-Bedroom Suite I stayed in was huge, with pretty hardwood flooring in the entryway and warm, contemporary, decor. The marble bathroom with deep soaking tub was quite big, too, and the walk-in closet… well, one of my kids could have happily slept in there with room to spare.
2. The Spa. I had one of the best massages of my life at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Denver; I detail my experience over at our sister site The Spa Gals. The scene at the spa is serene and soothing. While the women’s locker room isn’t especially large, it certainly fits the bill with two relaxation areas, steam room and whirlpool.
25-meter lap pool at FORZA Fitness Club; free access for The Ritz-Carlton, Denver guests.
3. Fitness Center. Too many hotel fitness centers are little more than windowless shoeboxes with a couple of treadmills and a few free weights. Not the fitness center at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver. Guests here have access to the 52,000-square-foot FORZA Fitness Club right next door. This place is awesome. If you’re a gym rat, you’ll have a field day working out on the three levels, filled with amenities, including a 25-meter lap pool, basketball court and dozens and dozens of cardio machines. Plus, lots of windows.
4. Elway’s. I’m sorry I didn’t have a chance to eat at this on-site restaurant, owned in part by John Elway, the former Denver Bronco. I peeked my head in on a Thursday night, and the place was hopping. The decor definitely appeals to men — lots of dark woods and leather seating. I can see meeting for drinks here with a bunch of co-workers for happy hour. Elway’s is known for its steaks, but its dinner menu also focuses on seafood; I’d probably make a meal out of the wide array of soups, salads and starters.
5. Location. The Ritz-Carlton, Denver at 1881 Curtis Street is smack dab in the middle of downtown Denver and two blocks from the convenient 16th Street trolley and pedestrian mall. It’s a great place to be whether you’re in town for business, a couple’s getaway or with the kids to explore all of Denver’s great museums or downtown amusement park!
It sounds heavenly. I would love to stay at this Ritz.