magazine | Travel | City Guides

The Ultimate Group Guide to Denver You’ve Been Waiting For

photo: Adam Szafranski

You asked, we started planning. When we took to Instagram earlier this month to ask where you wanted our next guide to be, we were met with an emphatic, overwhelming response: Denver. And we see why! Colorado’s capital is a treasure trove of chef-driven restaurants, historic landmarks and vibrant art scenes. But in addition to its fun and funky neighborhoods, the Mile High City is an easy drive from some of Colorado’s most impressive natural sights (we see you, Rocky Mountains). The next time you and your crew start to get the traveling bug, look no further than the city-chic and nature retreat getaway of Denver.

Reporter: Erica Nichols

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Love, and live, where you stay while in Denver. The city’s most popular hotels focus on creating accommodations that go beyond a place to rest your head, with chic bars and social clubs just steps from your room.

Photo:Adam Szafranski

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The Ramble Hotel

RiNo, Denver, Colorado

Inspired by 17th-century French salons, The Ramble Hotel is an elegant and artistic stay in Denver’s Arts District. The 50-room hotel houses an extension of New York’s beloved theater and bar Death & Co and is elegantly decorated in moody blues and brass accents. Read the full story ➝

Photo:Kimpton Hotel Born

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Kimpton Hotel Born

LoDo, Denver, Colorado

This Alpine-inspired boutique hotel is an ideal stay for the sightseers in your group, situated right outside Union Station. Explore the local art that lines the hotel walls and enjoy luxury amenities in each room.

Photo:The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block

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The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block

LoDo, Denver, Colorado

The Maven is a perfect example of where the newly-revitalized LoDo District is heading. Spacious suites, vibrant accents, a cool cocktail social club—all located in the heart of LoDo’s buzzing Dairy Block.

Photo:HALCYON, a hotel in Cherry Creek

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HALCYON, a Hotel in Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek, Denver, Colorado

Tucked into Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood, the Halcyon impresses with furnishings to feel like home matched with all of the luxury amenities of a hotel. In between boutique shopping and checking out local coffee shops, this hotel provides the perfect respite with a sleek rooftop deck and special events on-site.

Photo:The Jacquard, Autograph Collection

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The Jacquard, Autograph Collection

Cherry Creek, Denver, Colorado

Weaving minimalistic design with the intimacy and charm of the Cherry Creek District, The Jacquard Hotel creates a seamless blend between “stay” and “explore.” Art galleries, boutiques, eateries—they are all just steps away from this modern home base.

Photo:Moxy Denver Cherry Creek

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Moxy Denver Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek, Denver, Colorado

To set the scene for a glam visit to the Mile High City, look no further than the Moxy Cherry Creek. The stylish respite features a hip outdoor lounge, a modern indoor bar and a beer garden for the vacationers who prefer to sit back and relax than take the city by storm.

Photo:Adam Szafranski

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The Crawford Hotel

LoDo, Denver, Colorado

There are swoon-worthy hotels, and then there are stay-inside-Union-Station kind of hotels. Downtown Denver’s most iconic stay went for the latter with cherished historic elements intertwined with contemporary elegance and amenities housed inside Denver’s beloved landmark. In short? This is an unbeatable stay.

Photo:Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver

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Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver

CBD, Denver Colorado

The Downtown Denver hotel captures the stylish flair Kimpton always delivers, but with a cool Colorado touch. You’re just a short distance from Denver’s popular neighborhoods, but have a relaxing home base to return to when you need a break.

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Photo:The Source Hotel

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The Source Hotel

RiNo, Denver, Colorado

This lifestyle hotel serves as both a modern retreat and a popular market hall of independent restaurants and retail shops. Complete with impressive views of the Denver skyline and Rocky mountains on a clear day, The Source is a taste of Denver in one place.

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Photo:JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek

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JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek, Denver, Colorado

This sophisticated stay packs a punch with views of the Rocky Mountains and a prime location close to Cherry Creek’s most popular spots. The hotel also has a number of outdoor spaces ideal for lounging in after a jam-packed day of exploring!

Photo:Hotel Teatro

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Hotel Teatro

LoDo, Denver, Colorado

Housed in a restored Renaissance Revival building from the 1900s, Hotel Teatro is an eclectic, cozy boutique hotel in Downtown. For groups on a mission, the hotel offers a number of fun packages, like Bike and Brew for the beer fans and the Claude Monet for the art-chasers.

Photo:Peter Vitale

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Four Seasons Hotel Denver

LoDo, Denver, Colorado

Relax into the luxurious accommodations the Four Seasons is known for at its Denver outpost. Unwind in the refined elegance of your guest room, chill out at the rooftop pool, or meet with the concierge to plan your ideal day out in the city.

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Denver’s cool culinary scene puts an emphasis on global eats created from local ingredients, with chefs flocking to the city to put modern twists on their cultural recipes. For libations, Denver continues to wow with sultry lounges and spacious outdoor breweries that reflect the unique neighborhoods that make up the city.

Photo:Casey Giltner

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Morin

LoDo, Denver, Colorado

At Morin your group can taste the vibrant flavors of French cuisine, set in a modern rustic atmosphere. Each dish is inventive, masterfully plated and fun, with a just as memorable wine list to complement the pairings.

Photo:Adam Szafranski

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Death & Co.

RiNo, Denver, Colorado

The famous New York cocktail institution spread its wings and landed at The Ramble Hotel in RiNo. At the exclusive, 21-seat bar sip on unique craft cocktails and talk libations with the incredibly knowledgeable staff.

Photo:Adam Szafranski

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Cooper Lounge

LoDo, Denver, Colorado

“Imbibe in style” is the motto of this elegant cocktail lounge, which pays homage to the classic lounges of yesteryear. Find an extensive list of traditional and new cocktails, along with light bites to nibble on.

Photo:Rioja

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Rioja

LoDo, Denver, Colorado

With a James Beard award-winning Chef leading its team, Rioja offers a top-tier dining experience with locally-sourced Mediterranean cuisine and flavorful wines in a lively atmosphere. There are menus for brunch, lunch and dinner, but the evening entrees steal the show.

Photo:Jonnie Sirotek for Paper Laundry

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Beckon

RiNo, Denver, Colorado

This culinary experience breaks ground in Denver as an 18-seat chef’s counter. The tasting menu is curated with ingredients and produce from the Denver area, but inspired by the vibrant cultures from Scandinavian, America and European regions.

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Enjoy Latin-inspired cooking at this fun, vibrant eatery in Lower Highland. Ingredient-driven bites of coconut spare ribs, chicken empanadas and asado de res are beautifully plated alongside zesty cocktails.

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Photo:Adam Szafranski

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Dairy Block

LoDo, Denver, Colorado

This micro-district has had a renaissance of community, with 18 restaurants within its borders to taste your way through. Kachina Cantina, Denver Milk Market and Seven Grand are just a few of the many for your group to try out in Dairy Block.

Photo:Adam Szafranski

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Avanti Food & Beverage

Highland, Denver, Colorado

Avanti is an industrial food hall with seven different (but totally delicious) restaurant concepts under one roof. Go for drinks on the outdoor deck, enjoy an elevated dining experience, relax with light bites in the lounge... whatever is on your group’s agenda, this Highland hang out is a must.

Photo:Adam Larkey

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The Bindery learn more

This intimate neighborhood spot offers up modern Italian-inspired dishes alongside dreamy views of the bustling city. Check out the market cafe, situated inside, then head to one of their three patios for more sights of the Downtown skyline.

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Photo:Lula Rose General Store

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Lula Rose General Store

City Park, Denver, Colorado

A visit to Lula Rose is like stepping back into the ‘good ol’ days’ of visiting your neighborhood corner store. The City Park concept is part brick-and-mortar coffee shop and part general store in a bright, charming space.

Photo:Q House

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Q House

City Park, Denver, Colorado

Set in City Park’s Bluebird District, Q House is a friendly eatery serving modern Chinese eats with a refreshing drink menu (we love the lychee martini!). Be sure to order the crispy fried chicken wings and fried monkfish.

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Modern art galleries, popular landmarks, relaxing nature retreats—your group can experience the very best things about Colorado all within Denver’s main borders.

Photo:Adam Szafranski

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Union Station

LoDo, Denver, Colorado

Only in Denver is the city’s historic landmark and transit system also the city’s popular hangout spot. Union Station masters both with restaurants and local shops located at a 100-year-old building. Catch the Amtrak, go shopping or grab a bite to eat—the choice is yours!

Photo:Adam Szafranski

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Clyfford Still Museum learn more

For the art seekers in the group, the stunning architecture and captivating collections at Clyfford Still Museum make it a must-stop in Denver. Throughout the critically-acclaimed museum you can tour various galleries and exhibits of show-stopping art.

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Photo:Holly Mandarich

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Day Trip to the Rocky Mountains

Rocky Mountains, Colorado

This national park showcases Colorado at its very best—with miles of breathtaking forests, valleys and that famous mountain range. There are guided tours of the park available, but it’s also open to hiking and camping on your own schedule. Be sure to check weather conditions before heading out!

Photo:Ryan Loughlin

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Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Lakewood, Colorado

You haven’t experienced Colorado until you’ve seen a show under the stars at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The open-air theater is built into a natural bright red rock formation and features artists and bands from all music genres. Trust us, this is a must!

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Photo:ihanaphotography

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Catch a Game at Coors Field

LoDo, Denver, Colorado

Your Denver getaway isn’t complete without a seventh-inning stretch at Coors Field. Home of the Colorado Rockies, the baseball field hosts games all throughout the summer months into late September.

Photo:Adam Szafranski

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Commons Park

LoDo, Denver, Colorado

Your group can unwind at Denver’s Commons Park, a large stretch of green ideal for a lazy afternoon. With plenty of seating areas and entries, the park holds a number of events throughout the year, so keep a lookout on the calendar to see what you can schedule in.

Photo:Christopher Burke Studios

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Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

LoDo, Denver, Colorado

This contemporary art museum features a rotating collection of modern art exhibits from regional and global artists. In a variety of mediums, the exhibits encourage dialogue and reflection, making for great conversation with your group.

Photo:Riley Pope

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Day Trip to Boulder

Boulder, Colorado

Less than 40 minutes from the city, Boulder is an easygoing getaway with tons of outdoor activities and opportunities to dig into. A college town at heart, Boulder’s center is full of young coffee shops, local stores and restaurants. The rest of the city is surrounded by protected open land ideal for hiking and exploring.