Clarion Hotel Denver Central Review: What To REALLY Expect If You Stay

Pros

Convenient to two freeways and close to downtown Denver
Free shuttle service within a five-mile radius
Modern guest rooms with flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers
Free continental breakfast, plus an on-site sports bar/restaurant
Game room with arcade-style games
Heated outdoor pool
Small fitness center
Free Wi-Fi throughout

Cons

Some decor is worn
Guest rooms facing the freeway can be noisy
Dated common areas and features -- hotel is in process of renovating
Located in unattractive neighborhood

Bottom Line

The 213-room Quality Inn Central Denver is a budget hotel close to downtown. Guest rooms are generic but modern, with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Some have kitchenettes. Conveniently, the hotel's free shuttlecan take guests anywhere within a five-mile radius. Breakfast is free, and there's an on-site restaurant/bar serving lunch and dinner. The small outdoor pool and indoor game room make this a good budget choice for families visiting the area. However, the hotel is not in the most striking part of town, and some rooms can be noisy due to the nearby freeways. Travelers who want a more modern property and don't mind being further from downtown might want to consider La Quinta Inn and Suites Denver Southwest Lakewood instead.

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Hotel & Amenities Photos

Double Queen Room

Restaurants and Bars

King Suite

The Hotel

Amenities

Standard King Room

Pool

Amenities

Fitness Center
Internet
Pets Allowed
Pool

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Scene

Simple budget property

Housed in a curved, multi-story red stucco building, the hotel's exteriors have a dated look. Patchy grass surrounds the parking lot, where signs urge guests to protect their valuables -- the immediate area is industrial, characterized by railroad tracks, warehouse-type buildings, and major freeways. However, the hotel does make an effort to feel welcoming. Rock gardens and shrubs line the white stucco entranceway leading into the large lobby, with brown carpeting, low ceilings, and florescent lighting. Off the lobby is a basic buffet breakfast area along with the Palm Grill Restaurant and Bar, decorated with sports memorabilia. Due to its age, the hotel can smell a bit musty in areas.

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Location

Easy interstate access and close to downtown

The hotel is located at the interchange of I-70 and I-25, about 10 to 15 minutes from downtown Denver. There are some restaurants within walking distance, including a Village Inn, about a minute away. The hotel offers a free shuttle service within five miles, so guests can easily access downtown attractions such as the Denver Art Museum, the Botanic Gardens, and Denver Zoo. Entertainment venues in the vicinity include the Denver Coliseum, a five-minute drive away, and Red Rocks Amphitheater, which takes closer to half an hour. Denver International Airport is also about a half-hour drive from the hotel.

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Rooms

Rooms with standard chain decor; some with city views

Guest rooms feel more modern than most common areas of the hotel, although decor is still basic. Rooms have beige walls and drapes, red bedding, dark wood furniture, and patterned blue and gold carpeting. All come with flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers, and some also have microwaves and mini-fridges. The hotel's close proximity to freeways means that some rooms receive traffic noise, although others (notably on higher floors) have great views of downtown Denver. Suites are also available and have separate seating areas and cute kitchenettes with full-size refrigerators. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and cream-colored tiling.

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Features

Free shuttle and breakfast, game room, and sports bar

A free continental breakfast is served daily and includes a selection of hot and cold items, such as baked goods, waffles, oatmeal, and fruit. The attached Palm Grill Restaurant and Bar serves pub-style food for lunch and dinner in a fun atmosphere; decor includes colorful Christmas lights and framed sports jerseys. The outdoor pool is on the small side, as is the fitness center, which resembles a meeting room due to its swirl-pattern carpeting. There's also a game room with a good selection of arcade-style games, and an additional pool table in the restaurant. The ballroom is among the most dated parts of the property, with overhead florescent lighting, brown carpeting, and bright purple tablecloths. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and guests can use the computer and printer in the lobby.

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