Whether you’re visiting from out of town or live 15 minutes away, there is something so sumptuous about staying in a hotel. From the beautifully-made bed to the fragrant toiletries in the bathroom, it’s like someone is saying, “here, relax, I took care of everything for you.” Really, the hotels ARE saying that to you, so take advantage and enjoy. In the past few months, we’ve been “sleeping around” at some varied Colorado properties. You’d be amazed at how even just one night away, in a different setting, can be so rejuvenating. Take a look at our first stop, the Magnolia Hotel in Downtown Denver.
At the historic heart of the downtown Denver financial district, the Magnolia Hotel occupies a 1920’s, grand old commercial structure, the First National Bank, lovingly renovated into a stylish place to stay. A recent multi-million dollar renovation refreshed the rooms and common areas. Now the hotel pays homage to Denver history – notice the extensive collection of photographs in common areas and lobby with white marble wall accents and a back wall made of safe deposit boxes, inspired by the building’s history as a bank. There’s a very contemporary energy expressed through the hotel’s art collection and decor.
Location
The Magnolia is central to numerous attractions, dependable bus lines and a light rail station. Within a two-minute walk of the front door, you can catch a free shuttle bus on the 16th Street Mall to the Civic Center Historic District (including the Art Museum District) or the historic LoDo neighborhood and Union Station where you can catch the train to DIA (Denver International Airport). Numerous dining and entertainment options are all within an easy 5-15 minute walking distance. Looking outside the windows can be a real treat for design buffs as architectural treasures of Denver’s historic past face the Magnolia across 17th Street and Stout. In a relatively young city like Denver, such views can be hard to come by!
Room
Once an extended stay hotel, the Magnolia’s renovations have adjusted to changing tastes, with a greater focus on leisure travelers seeking a spacious, luxurious space to rest after a day chasing fun in the Mile High City. Rooms are open and airy and many have living rooms and kitchenettes. The décor is calm, sleek and sophisticated, providing a nice counterpoint to the historic character of the building’s “bones.” Thanks to solid walls, rooms are quiet from interior noises; however, the rumbling of the nearby light rail can be heard on lower floors, which we found to be a strangely comforting “white noise.” If urban noise bothers you, request an upper floor or interior room.
Dining
Harry’s Bar & Grille offers a casual “drop in” kind of atmosphere with full bar and cocktails and a menu that changes seasonally. Service is friendly and personable. It can be hopping at night and then calm in the morning for a quiet breakfast.
Extra
On our stay, after grabbing breakfast at Harry’s, my husband went to his office downtown (so convenient), but I returned to our room and considered those hours until checkout in that lovely room my personal Writer’s Retreat. The morning light filled the room and, in the silence (I resisted that big screen TV), I was inspired and got a ton of work done. It was my “me time,” made all the more pleasurable in that modern but comfortable atmosphere. Plan your getaway whether it’s for work, play, romance or some solitude. The Magnolia Hotel is a great place, in the heart of Denver, to accomplish it all!
