Holiday Inn Denver East-Stapleton

Although it resembles an airport terminal from the outside, the interiors of the Holiday Inn Denver East - Stapleton are airy and spacious, with the center of the hotel open in an 11-story atrium, in which a large art installation hangs. Two glass elevators run up the inside of the atrium, while a set of stairs leads down to the banquet, meeting, and presentation rooms. The lobby floor has several seating areas of large brown leather couches and chairs, rustic faded wood coffee tables, and Western-style accent pieces like cowboy boots and animal furs. The two restaurants are also located here: Quebec’s, where breakfast is served, is open and simple, with rustic wooden tables and chairs; Spurs Bar & Grill continues the Western theme, with horseshoes hanging on the walls and an L-shaped, saloon-style bar. The indoor-outdoor heated pool, is divided by a glass wall, and the exterior area is lined with a sturdy, woven few tables and chairs.

The hotel primarily attracts business travelers and families looking for a pleasant, affordable stay with lots of amenities.

Situated in East Denver’s suburban Stapleton area, this Holiday Inn has plenty nearby, including several restaurants, a couple of new strip malls, shops, and a large grocery store within a 10-minute walk. Buildings are far apart but there are plenty of sidewalks lined with manicured grass. Downtown Denver, Coors Field, the city-center museums, and the aquarium are all 15 to 20 minutes away by car. The Denver Zoo is just a 10-minute drive away. Denver International Airport is easily accessed by car via nearby Interstate 79 and is just over 20 minutes away.

There are 300 rooms at this Holiday Inn, all similarly decorated according to the mid-range chain's standards and all with private balconies, some of which have impressive views of the Denver skyline and Rocky Mountains in the distance. Beds are notably comfortable, with a choice of firm or soft pillows. Nightstands, dressers, and desks are made of sleek, dark wood, and the color palette tends towards dark blues and neutral creams. All rooms have a coffee machine, mini-fridge, microwave, and iron. Wi-Fi is free, and the flat-screen TVs have satellite channels. Bathrooms are relatively small, but have modern pedestal sinks, stainless steel-framed mirrors, and shower/tub combinations. Connecting rooms are available. Some guests complain of noisy air conditioners and note that some carpets could use updating.

In addition to a free airport shuttle, Wi-Fi, and parking, this Holiday Inn has an indoor/outdoor pool and a comprehensive fitness center with its own outdoor track. There's also plenty of space for meetings and events, with several meeting and banquet rooms. The hotel has two restaurants, one serving made-to-order omelets for the breakfast buffet (not included in rates), and the other, Spurs Bar and Grill, serving tasty, western-themed American food. The hotel offers laundry and dry cleaning services.