WHERE TO STAY
THE GATE WAY TO THE ROCKIES IS REDEFINING ITSELF WITH A RAFT OF INNOVATIVE HOTELS
The Mile High City, so named because it stands one mile above sea level, is scaling new heights. Situated where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, Denver was founded as a gold-mining town in 1858 —a history commemorated by the gold-plated dome of the state capitol. Today, it’s known for its gleaming skyscrapers and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, with urbanites and travellers alike drawn to its art trails, craft beer and elevated food scene (featuring everything from cheese-filled khachapuri bread to beef tacos), plus its boundless opportunities for outdoor pursuits.
Against this backdrop, a number of hotels have recently popped up across the city —and Thompson Denver, in LoDo (Lower Downtown), within walking distance of the Denver Art Museum, Urban Station’s upmarket restaurants and the cool Dairy Block district, is one of the most exciting. The interiors marry the city’s heritage with the great outdoors, with a palette of browns, deep greens and granite greys. There are also fun touches like saddle-leather headboards in its midcentury-inspired rooms. Since opening in 2022, Chez Maggy, the hotel’s French brasserie, has been one of the hottest dinner tickets in town. It’s headed up by chef Ludo Lefebvre, who uses native ingredients with flair in dishes such as bison tartare and Coloradan lamb chops with dandelion puree. The mood-lit Reynard Social bar is good for cocktails like tybert’s tailspin, made with Barr Hill Tom Cat gin, St Germain, Aperol, honey and fresh lemon. From $299 (£238). hyatt.com denver.org
Populus
Next to Civic Center Park, Populus is set to open its doors this summer. Its exterior
