Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel

Converted from an early 20th century bank (the building still bears the “Colorado National Bank” lettering on the outside), the hotel retains many of the structure’s original architectural and decorative details. Stately columns lining the entrance are a precursor to the elaborate and huge lobby inside, where plush black and red seating and modern bar are fun contrasts against the elaborate high ceilings, marble pillars, and beautiful historic murals. Several massive steel vaults, which now serve as meeting rooms, are also striking remnants of the hotel’s heritage. A fireplace adds a cozy touch, and frequent live music events in the lobby make it a lively place to relax. The tasteful blend of past and present makes for an upscale ambience, and is especially suited for the corporate traveler looking for something high-end and different.

True to its name, the hotel sits in the heart of downtown Denver, occupying a corner lot surrounded by skyscrapers. The location is ideal for business travelers and tourists alike, with easy access to popular spots like the 16th Street Mall (a three-minute walk away), the Colorado Convention Center (a nine-minute walk away), and Larimer Square (10 minutes away on foot). There are also bus and light rail stops within two minutes away on foot. The Pepsi Center is seven minutes away by car. Attractions like the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Sports Authority Field at Mile High, and the Denver Zoo can all be reached in 25 minutes by public transport (or under 15 minutes by car). Denver International Airport is about a 50-minute drive away. 

Unlike the common areas, room decor doesn’t reflect the hotel’s bank history, aside from the odd framed photograph of the building’s exteriors. Instead, the well-sized spaces are made tasteful and comfortable with contemporary furnishings like dark striped wood headboards and TV units, smart patterned carpets, and modern art canvases on the walls. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of natural light, but views aren’t worth writing home about. Rooms are surprisingly quiet, though many do face the street. 

Standard king or double queen rooms come with air-conditioning, desks, large flat-screen TVs, and free standard Wi-Fi (fees apply for faster service). Safes aren’t provided. Tea-and coffee-making equipment is available, along with mini-fridges and ironing equipment. Premium and Deluxe Rooms are larger, with the latter including separate living space. Suites have separate living and working spaces, plus multiple TVs. Club-level rooms come with extra perks like free breakfast, and access to extra amenities in the hotel. 

Marble-tiled bathrooms with white sink tops and crisp white walls -- some featuring black and white images of the hotel’s exteriors -- are small but stylish. They come with large mirrors and Aveda toiletries, along with walk-in showers with fixed showerheads and hairdryers. 

Features are convenient. The hotel’s main restaurant, Range, is an industrial chic space serving tasty, locally-sourced, New American fare for lunch and dinner. It’s also where the hotel serves a decent continental breakfast buffet, full American breakfast, or a hot breakfast. The meal isn’t necessarily included with room rates, though. Hotel club members get access to a beautiful second-level lounge overlooking the lobby, and free breakfast. Range also has a sleek bar with an impressive selection of beers and wines. Guests can also enjoy drinks at the lobby’s Teller Bar, which has ample seating on tall tables or a brightly lit counter. Live music is regularly performed in the lobby. For more casual fare, there’s also an illy Caffe on-site, offering casual meals, pastries, and coffee. A small convenience store off the lobby also sells packaged snacks. Room service is available.

Disappointingly, there’s no pool on-site, but the spacious fitness center is impressive, with lots of modern TechnoGym machines and equipment. 

There’s a two-computer business center on-site. Several of the old bank vaults have been converted into the hotel’s nine event spaces. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Valet parking is available for a pricey extra fee.