At over 120 years young, the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in the heart of Denver is no stranger to luxury. Hosting everything from royalty to presidents, A-list celebrities to rock stars, the historic halls of the beautiful hotel almost hum with a special energy–an opulence that is infused with the character of the hotel.
A gentle symphony of fine silver against handsome china can be heard in the stained glass-ceilinged atrium during afternoon tea; gentle piano music flows up the central atrium in the breathtaking lobby. The 241 rooms and suites are done in a distinctive Victorian or Art Deco style, with the main lobby affording historic elegance with modern luxuries.
Whether attending the annual Debutante Ball or a lucky guest of a private party or wedding, the legend of the Brown Palace Hotel finds itself interwoven into the fabric of many Denver histories throughout the decades.
Steps from 16th St Mall, which has shopping, dining, and entertainment venues as well as the free 16th St Shuttle which takes guests deeper into the city, the ideal location of the hotel is within walking distance of Denver’s main attractions. From the Capitol Building to the Denver Art Museum, the short and scenic strolls are a perfect way to see the city by foot.
Three Presidential Suites in the Brown Palace have been host to nearly every United States President since 1905.
Named the Roosevelt, Reagan and Eisenhower, the themed décor from each President offers luxury accommodations that leave guests feeling as if they are Commander in Chief themselves. If music is more a passion, the Beatles Suite is a popular option at the hotel, home to memorabilia and a jukebox.
Unlike the days of old with the first guests’ stay in the late 1800s, Brown Palace patrons of today enjoy modern accommodations and luxury services. Flat screen TVs, Wi-Fi, pure artesian water from the hotel’s own well, and iPod docking stations are in every room. A dog-friendly hotel, the Brown Palace caters to canine friends as well with a Brown Palace dog bowl and bed delivered to pet-friendly rooms and a “Bone-Appetit” welcome treat.
Not to be missed at The Brown Palace are the several dining options, from the casual and nautical “Ship Tavern” to the elegant Ellyngton’s, noted for its Dom Perignon Champagne Brunch on Sundays, there are options aplenty. Palace Arms restaurant (pictured at top) has accolades from Zagat and Wine Spectator, a favorite of Denver socialites and powerful businessmen alike.
One of the last remaining establishments that patrons can smoke within in the State of Colorado, Churchill Bar affords a customized humidor and wide variety of cigars. The elaborate ventilation system and lunch and appetizer menu make for a quiet getaway from the nearby bustling city streets.
The two-floor Spa at Brown Palace is home to 6 massage and treatment rooms, including a stunning couple’s massage suite, complete with relaxation tub and lounge. Utilizing honey in both products and procedures that is harvested from the rooftop beehive colony, the spa also offers a signature lemongrass sage product line as well as several hard-to-get items in the spacious retail space.
An oasis in the city, the beautiful white-onyx entryway used to be an oversized mantle of a roaring fireplace. Whether seeking a relaxing massage, a manicure, or Swiss shower, the Spa is the place to be within the Palace walls.
Hopeless romantics and celebratory couples alike can enjoy the fresh floral from the Brown Palace’s own floral shop. Creating the beautiful lobby and restaurant displays throughout the hotel to providing thoughtful gifts for your loved one, the full-service florist has a wide array of gifts and selections of flora for every need.
Kings and Queens agree, the Brown Palace is an esteemed luxury stay in Denver, Colorado. With a fascinating story, everything from history tours of the property to opulent public lounges and plush accommodations, The Brown Palace stands out in the luxury market as a Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond historic property.
If You Go
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa is located in the heart of Downtown Denver. Located 30 minutes from Denver International Airport, several shuttle and taxi services are available for an easy commute to the hotel.
Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
321 17th Street
Denver, CO 80202
800.321.2599
www.brownpalace.com
Chad Chisholm (www.creationize.com) is a Denver-based travel writer and photographer, his work is featured in AAA EnCompass, JustLuxe, Denver Life Magazine, Colorado Expression, Denver Post and various other outlets.
Photos courtesy of The Brown Palace.