Colorado’s hotels and resorts are redefining luxury with signature culinary offerings from top chefs, exotic spas, and even big screen televisions. Here are a few that are setting new trends, wooing travelers, families and, in several cases, even their pets.
The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs
A Colorado institution since 1918, the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs epitomizes taste and luxury. Over the years, this “Grand Dame” has won various accolades, but the most notable is that the Broadmoor is the longest running consecutive winner of AAA’s Five Diamond and the Mobil Travel Guide’s Five-Star awards.
The Broadmoor resembles a sprawling university campus, with several buildings and guest towers built around Cheyenne Lake. A water complex and swimming pool are adjacent to the main building. The compound’s lawns, flowers and meandering walkways are meticulously manicured.
With 14 restaurants, 23 specialty shops, 7 tennis courts, 54 holes of championship golf and a movie theater, there’s no reason to leave the property. For total indulgence, the Spa at the Broadmoor, now at 43,000 square feet, offers an entire menu of services.
After amassing a fortune from gold and copper mining, Philadelphia entrepreneur Spencer Penrose purchased what was previously the Broadmoor Casino and Hotel. He turned it into one of the world’s most beautiful resorts, then and now. Inspired by the Italian Renaissance, Penrose used artisans from Italy and Europe to create a carved marble fountain, Della Robbia-style floor tiles, hand-painted trimming and ornate chandeliers in the main lobby.
Penrose’s style and architectural flair were only matched by his marketing prowess. He predicted the onslaught of prospectors to Pike’s Peak, a small gold-filled mountain nearby, and built a road leading to its summit. Until then the area was only accessible by foot or the Cog Railway. He was also responsible for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, a huge draw for Colorado Springs and the Broadmoor.
Each room comes with high-thread count bed linens, plush, contemporary furniture, flat screen televisions, signature toiletries and five-fixture bathrooms. Friendly and attentive staff, impeccable service as well as views of Cheyenne Lake and Mountain just add to the Broadmoor experience.
Dining options range from casual to fine and the hotel has an extensive wine cellar. Be sure to stroll by Bottle Alley in the hotel lobby where most of the empty bottles came from the prohibition era and were consumed by Spencer and guests. One, however, is signed by President George W. Bush, on his 40th birthday—the last time he is reported to have had a libation. (www.broadmoor.com)
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Denver
Many Coloradoans have either heard of or visited this historic luxury hotel in downtown Denver. Called the Brown, it has never closed its doors since 1892. This gem is still attracting travelers looking for an upscale, but affordable stay.
Originally, Henry Cordes Brown, a carpenter-turned-real-estate-developer purchased several acres and later donated a portion for the State Capital Building. He also used this particular triangular lot on the corners of Broadway, Tremont and 17th street to graze his cow.
Brown spared no expense on the Brown’s construction whose style was influenced by the Italian Renaissance. He adorned the exterior with Colorado red granite and Arizona Sandstone and then commissioned an artist to create 26 carved stone native animal medallions, still visible between the seventh floor’s outside windows.
The interior is equally detailed with an eight-floor atrium lobby, cast iron railings and elaborate grillwork panels. If you look closely you will notice two of the panels were installed upside down on the fourth and fifth floors for reasons still unknown.
The rooms are decorated with a Victorian or Art Deco motif and are comfy and tastefully covered with new carpeting, re-upholstered chairs and artwork depicting Colorado’s natural beauty. The olive, gold and burgundy theme is serene and soothing, allowing guests to feel immersed in a tranquil experience.
Other amenities include 24-hour room service, twice-daily maid service, weekly newspapers, terry robes, and crystal fresh artesian water from the Brown’s on-site well. Add excellent service to the mix and it’s obvious why the Brown has received the Mobil Four-Star and AAA Four Diamond awards on a consistent basis.
There are several on-site restaurants, including the Palace Arms, praised by Zagat’s, Forbes and Gourmet for its cuisine that includes rack of Colorado lamb and filet of King Canyon bison.
Other highlights are the 5,200 square-foot spa, complete with a private couple’s suite; Swiss showers; aromatherapy steam rooms; and a hair and nail salon. A favorite is the long-standing afternoon tea. Served daily in the atrium lobby, this is a genteel experience complete with various tea sandwiches, scones, pastries and an assortment of freshly brewed teas. (www.brownpalace.com)
Hotel Teatro, Denver
Having undergone several incarnations, Teatro was rated best hotel in Denver by Travel + Leisure Magazine. This boutique hotel offers a city sanctuary for couples, families and even canine companions.
The word “Teatro” means “theater” in Italian and the name was derived because of its proximity to the Denver Theatre Company. In fact, the theater contributed a collection of photographs, costumes, props and set pieces to decorate the hotel.
Together with a grant from the Colorado Historical Society, the former Tramway Tower, once a trolley parking lot, underwent an 18-month transformation in 1999 and became the Hotel Teatro. Vestiges of this old building were restored and today the red glazed brick and white terra cotta façade embellish the exterior while the Tennessee light pink marble flooring accents the interior.
Each of the 111 guest rooms and suites are decorated in a soft sage, gold and crčme palette and have a panoramic view of the Denver skyline. Sophisticated touches, including handmade silk bed coverings, floor-to-ceiling drapes, plasma televisions, and cherry-wood armoires.
Bathrooms are no less luxurious and feature Indonesian marble, oversized Frette towels, a sunken tub and a rainforest showerhead. Teatro also offers a one-of-a-kind bath turndown service with a scotch soak and sooth for men, an Aveda bubble bath with champagne for women and a splish splash bath for kids, complete with rubber ducky. This service is so unusual USA Today named it one of the county’s Top 10 hotel bathrooms.
Teatro does not forget man’s best friend. Every dog can have his day here with the hotel’s canine companion program. Each dog receives his or her own basket of toys, personalized silver food and water bowl and gourmet doggie biscuits. The bellman will even take your pooch out for a stroll in the park.
In addition to 24-hour in-room dining, the Teatro has two restaurants operated by the acclaimed Denver chef, Kevin Taylor. One restaurant, which operates under Taylor’s name, offers French-American cuisine. Prima Ristorante serves modern Italian cuisine in a contemporary setting.
Youngsters are also treated like VIP’s with Teddy Bear Turndowns or helium balloon bouquet, all free and Teatro’s way of making each guest feel special. (www.hotelteatro.com)
The Ritz-Carlton®, Bachelor Gulch, Colorado
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is a departure from what guests normally expect from a Ritz. Located about 18 miles west of Vail on Beaver Creek Mountain, it looks more like a large mountain lodge rather than a luxury hotel. Fortunately, this was by design and inspired by the area’s natural beauty and the early miners, many of them bachelors, who settled there in search of silver, ore and a better way of life.
During the early 1900’s famed American architect, Robert Reamer, started a new design craze throughout the western United States known as “parkitecture.” This style incorporated indigenous materials to preserve the look and feel of the natural surroundings. Best exemplified by the grand lodges of Yellowstone and Yosemite, the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch captures the essence of this style by using dormered windows; log balconies, massive timbers and forged ironwork throughout the property.
In addition to its unique design, the Ritz offers wintertime guests a “village to village” ski experience from Beaver Creek Village in the east and Arrowhead in the west. The Bachelor Gulch high-speed quad chairlift is just steps away from the rear of the resort offering ski in and out access. During the summer guests may enjoy tennis, kayaking, horseback riding, golf and guided nature walks. The annual Vail Valley Music Festival and the Beaver Creek Okoberfest are also an option.
Almost all of the rooms at the Ritz offer spectacular mountain or valley views and many come with wood-burning fireplaces. In fact, there are more than one hundred of these throughout the resort with a massive stone fireplace near the lobby.
As usual, the Ritz goes to great lengths when it comes to luxurious accommodations. Feather beds, goose down covers, high-speed Internet, separate showers, premium bath essentials and marble bathtubs grace every room. Attention to detail is a Ritz hallmark. Twig-like handles on bureau drawers and the pinecone and foliage accents on lamps are only a few nods to the parkitecture theme and the hotel’s demand for excellence.
This hotel is family-friendly and offers the Ritz Kids program, a ski nanny and the club level lounge featuring five daily food and beverage presentations.
Luxury resorts strive to offer out of the ordinary amenities to attract guests. The Ritz is no exception with its Loan-a-Lab program. No worries if you left your dog at home with friends. The Ritz will loan you its yellow lab named, what else: Bachelor. This friendly pooch hangs around the lobby and guests are allowed to walk him for up to an hour on one of two designated trails. The service is free and adds new meaning to the phrase “this place is going to the dogs.” www.ritzcarlton.com.
The JW Marriott® Denver at Cherry Creek
Located in the exclusive Cherry Creek area this relatively new property is part of the growing JW Marriott collection, one that encompasses 35 hotels and resorts in 18 countries. Called “approachable luxury” it offers tailor made comfortable and casual service—with that service being anticipatory rather than overbearing.
The JW Marriott is an easy drive from anywhere in the Front Range and situated among 300 of Denver’s best shops, restaurants and boutiques. The Cherry Creek Mall is within easy walking distance. Evenings are a good time to explore the neighborhood’s trendy eateries.
Since its opening in 1999 this property has garnered Zagat’s “Top Hotel in Denver” award and attracted celebrities including Josh Hartnet, Eva Longoria and David Grey.
Almost a third of the 196 well appointed guest rooms have unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains—an inspiring sight at sunset. You can relax while watching your 32” flat screen television, enjoy 24-hour room service or take a soak in one of its two outdoor Jacuzzis®.
The JW offers a “Pet Priority” amenity program featuring sheepskin beds, two –stainless steel food bowls and a gourmet pet menu. All are all prepared by the hotel’s staff to ensure that pets are pampered the same as people.
Many of these properties offer special rates, senior discounts or packages, making your experience both affordable and memorable. So, if you’re looking to splurge, treat yourself to a luxury experience at one of Colorado’s premiere hotels. (www.marriott.com/denjw)