Imagine an empty plot of land in a vibrant urban landscape. Now on this blank canvas, you can design and build a hotel completely from scratch… What would you design? How about open spaces in the common areas with massive windows, so it feels spacious and the urban streetlife becomes part of the hotel experience… How about vibrant art from local artists, so it captures your imagination? Why not create a gathering place way high in the clouds, so visitors can marvel at the skyscape and gaze to the far horizons? And make the rooms clean and fresh with floor-to-ceiling glass walls to literally heighten the experience – a sleek retreat to rest after a day’s hustle and bustle – and refresh for the next day’s adventures? This is what was achieved at our next Colorado Stays: Le Meriden; an urbane oasis for Downtown Denver visitors.
Location
Le Meridien occupies a central downtown location, one block from the Colorado Convention Center, one block from the 16th Street Mall, one block from light rail stations, two blocks from the Denver Performing Arts complex. Truly Ground Zero for experiencing the urban excitement of Downtown Denver! Simply walk out the door and you’re on your way to numerous restaurants, stores, sights and unique urban experiences. It is not a secluded theme park location, however, so be aware of your surroundings as you venture out at night.
Room
Lean and clean, the rooms are designed to maximize the rooms both physically and visually. In our room on the 15th floor, window walls opened the space to the clouds, skyscrapers and streets below. With custom built-ins, no space is wasted with clunky furniture, so there’s a place for everything. Instead of the typical solid wall partitioning the wash basin from the room, a partial wall hides the messy stuff, but allows sightlines and conversations to continue unhindered. The glassed-in shower with white tiles provided a light and airy bathing experience. The room was a restful retreat, with the subtle message of “Enjoy your sanctuary, then get back out there and explore the city!”
Dining and Drinking
On-property options include Corinne, a lovely dining space with pretty outdoor tables, serving American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Lobbyist offers morning quick coffee and pastries with P.M. “Sparkling” drink program around a spectacular glassbox fireplace. In the adjoining hotel is Bar AC, a sumptuous Spanish tapas bar.
Weather permitting, the seasonal open-air rooftop bar 54thirty has become a must-do Denver experience. Denver’s highest open-air bar is THE place to admire the cityscape and the Front Range mountains to the West. Time it right to raise a glass and cheer a spectacular Denver sunset, then plop into a sofa pit and gaze at the stars… The bar is open to the public and admission is limited, so peak time waits are common.
For off-property dining, Downtown Denver awaits with numerous nearby walkable options, including: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse across the street, Bubba Gump’s next door; along 14th toward the Performing Arts complex are locally-owned spots and further down is Larimer Square with a blend of chains (Ted’s, Capital Grill, Ocean Prime) and local chef driven options (Rioja, Bistro Vendome, Green Russell, Tamayo, The Market). Bottom line – a 10 minute walk offers numerous dining options!
Extras
Borrow one of their stylish bikes to explore Denver by the miles of bike lanes; thanks to recent street improvements, you can reach the hip Upper Larimer and RiNo art districts. Crave a bit of nature in the heart of the city? Try the miles of paved trails paths along Cherry Creek (easily accessed from the hotel in a 5 minute ride) and Platte River. If pedal powering your way around is too much, Downtown Denver has plenty of shared e-bikes and e-scooters to snag and go for a spin.
Happy Hour at Bar AC, in the lobby of the hotel co-sharing the building with Le Meridien, is a delightfully budget-friendly way to cavort in a sexy space. Don’t miss their housemade Sangrias.
The well-appointed fitness room is on the same high level as the bar 54thirty. Enjoy a workout with an inspiring view of the Rocky Mountains.
The art work in the public spaces is worth lingering over; ask the Front Desk staff for insights to the collection.
Le Meridien is located at 1475 California Street in downtown Denver.
Read about our other Colorado Stays, here.
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