The Maven Hotel
This boutique hotel is part of Dairy Block, a LoDo micro-district with 73,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. After cocktails at Poka Lola, Dairy Block’s soda fountain cocktail bar, visit Milk Market—an impressive food hall—and check out murals and outdoor art installations in The Alley. Catch a Rockies game at Coors Field before settling into a funky guest room with a loft aesthetic owing to high ceilings, oversized windows, and innovative décor. Feeling low-key? The stress of parenting melts away during a 50-minute couples massage at the Oxford’s day spa, accessible to Maven Hotel guests. 1800 Wazee St., Denver.
Magnolia Hotel Denver
History meets luxury at the Magnolia Hotel, where a multi-million-dollar makeover highlights original 1920s design elements—white marble walls, restored brass fixtures—while incorporating contemporary creature comforts. This might sound crazy, but if you’re feeling fancy, book the hotel’s Presidential Suite; it’s one of the most affordable in town. Check out happy hour at Harry’s Bar & Grill, featuring a bistro-style seasonal dinner menu, see a show at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, or meander down 16th Street Mall for people watching and hip nightlife. In the morning, recharge at Fluid Coffee Bar before returning to reality. 818 17th St., Denver.
the ART, a hotel
Ranked Colorado’s top hotel by Condé Nast Traveler, the ART offers overnighters a unique experience, starting with an expertly curated gallery of local and international artwork and memorable farm-to-table dining at FIRE. Guest suites are outfitted with vibrant wall coverings, and rooms along 12th Avenue and Broadway have pop-out windows with seats where guests can enjoy views of the city and the Rockies. The best night to stay is July 27, during Final Friday Art Walk, 6 to 9 p.m., and Denver Art Museum’s corresponding monthly Untitled event, when art lovers can mingle with artists over drinks and live music. 1201 Broadway, Denver.
HALCYON, a Hotel in Cherry Creek
Sidled up to the rooftop bar, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world, enjoying global cocktails, dim sum, and sweeping views at Halcyon’s upscale lounge. Notice the rooftop pool; consider returning after walking to dinner at one of dozens of top-rated restaurants in the Cherry Creek Shopping District. Halcyon’s “Date Night” package gives Colorado couples big bang for their buck, plus a complimentary upgrade to a larger guest room (when available). Room rates also grant boarders access to Pura Vida, so consider a spa treatment or morning yoga class: A little Zen couldn’t hurt before returning to the demands of parenting. 245 Columbine St., Denver.
