If you’ve ever walked past the corner of 22nd and Arapahoe in downtown Denver, you’ve seen that massive red brick building. It looks like a fortress. Honestly, from the outside, it’s a bit imposing. But once you start digging into the lobby denver photos online, you realize it’s actually one of the most visually stunning spots in the city.
The building is the historic Paris Hotel, which dates back to 1891. That’s older than almost everything else in the neighborhood. When people search for photos of this place, they aren't just looking for pictures of eggs benedict. They’re looking for the architecture. We’re talking about three-story ceilings, a backlit stained-glass skylight, and a grand staircase that makes everyone feel like they’re in a period piece drama.
Why Everyone Obsesses Over the Courtyard
There is a specific shot you see in almost every Instagram post from here. It’s the courtyard. It basically looks like a secret European garden dropped into the middle of a dusty Colorado block.
The courtyard is tucked away behind the main structure. It’s framed by old brick walls and shaded by these massive, mature trees that have survived decades of Denver’s unpredictable weather. If you look at the lobby denver photos from a summer wedding, the "Greater Courtyard" is usually the star. It’s got this weirdly peaceful vibe despite being just a few blocks from the chaos of Coors Field.
One thing photographers love? The "hidden" feel. Because it’s sunken down a bit and enclosed, the light hits the brick at an angle that’s basically cheating for anyone with a smartphone. It’s soft, it’s warm, and it makes those bottomless mimosas look way more expensive than they are.
The Interior: More Than Just a Dining Room
Inside, the vibe changes. It’s less "secret garden" and more "Gilded Age saloon." The main level is dominated by a massive bar, but the real focal point in many photos is the stained-glass ceiling. It’s not just a window; it’s backlit, so even on one of Denver's rare gloomy days, the room has this amber glow.
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The Grand Staircase
You can’t talk about the interior without the stairs. They lead down to the Colorado Room, which is a semi-private event space on the lower level. For weddings, this is the money shot. Couples stand on the landing, the red brick is everywhere, and the wood floors reflect the light from above. It’s iconic.
- The Main Level: High ceilings, huge windows, and exposed brick.
- The Colorado Room: Moodier, cozier, and filled with local artwork.
- The Bar: Dark wood and massive, perfect for those "imbibing" shots.
What the Menu Photos Don't Tell You
When you’re scrolling through food pictures, everything looks delicious. But The Lobby has a specific "Southern-inspired" bent that sets it apart from the dozens of other brunch spots in RiNo or LoDo.
You’ve probably seen the "Chicken Fried Biscuits and Gravy" in your feed. It’s a mountain of food. Then there’s "That Sticky Icky"—fried French toast with bacon, caramel, and bananas. It’s a sugar crash waiting to happen, but it photographs beautifully.
The "Bottomless Mimosas" are the reason most people show up on a Sunday morning. If you’re looking at the lobby denver photos of a group of friends, there’s a 90% chance there are three or four carafes of juice on the table. They do traditional orange, but also grapefruit, cranberry, and pineapple.
A History You Can Actually See
A lot of "historic" restaurants just put some old photos on the wall and call it a day. The Lobby is different because the building is the history. It was originally meant to be a luxurious hotel, and later it was almost a city hall.
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In 1935, the space underwent a major transformation. When you look at the architectural details—the intricate moldings and the way the wood trim is cut—you’re seeing a mix of Victorian elegance and 1930s functionality. It’s a weird hybrid that shouldn't work, but it does.
The Five Points Context
The location matters too. Sitting at 2191 Arapahoe St, it’s on the edge of the Ballpark District and Five Points. This area has changed so much in the last ten years, but The Lobby has stayed pretty consistent since it opened in 2009. While other places have closed down (remember the COVID-19 era of 2020?), The Lobby managed to hang on, partly because of its massive footprint and its reputation as a "neighborhood oasis."
Planning Your Visit for the Best Shots
If you’re actually going there to take your own photos, here’s the reality.
Weekends are a zoo. If you show up at 11:00 AM on a Saturday without a reservation, you’re going to be standing on the sidewalk for an hour. To get the best interior photos without a hundred strangers in the background, try a weekday. They’re open 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
The light is best in the courtyard around 10:00 AM before the sun gets too high and creates those harsh, dark shadows. If you're inside, the afternoon light coming through the front windows is killer.
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Pro Tip: If you’re scouting it for a wedding or a big event, ask to see the "Greater Courtyard." It’s a separate area from the regular patio and it’s much larger, capable of holding up to 150 people seated.
Realities of the Space
Not everything is a filtered dream. The building is old. That means:
- Parking sucks. It’s downtown Denver. You’re paying for a lot or circling for street parking.
- It’s loud. High ceilings and brick walls mean sound bounces everywhere. It’s a "lively" vibe, not a "quiet library" vibe.
- The weather rules the patio. The courtyard isn't covered. If it rains, everyone scrambles inside to the Colorado Room.
Despite those quirks, people keep coming back. There’s a reason it wins awards from The Knot and WeddingWire year after year. It’s one of those rare places that looks exactly like the photos.
If you want to capture the best version of the space, head straight for the courtyard stairs or the landing of the grand staircase inside. Those two spots offer the most "Denver" feel you can get in a single frame—mountain-adjacent charm mixed with city-center history.
Check the current brunch menu before you go, as they tend to rotate seasonal hashes and cocktails. If you’re planning an event, reach out to their event managers, Christian or Branwyn; they’ve been running the show there for years and know exactly how to flip the space from a casual brunch spot to a high-end reception hall.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Before you head out, make a reservation on their website. They fill up fast, especially during baseball season when Rockies fans flood the area. If you're there for the photos, bring a lens that can handle low light for the indoor shots, as that stained-glass ceiling is beautiful but doesn't always provide enough light for a basic phone camera in the corners of the room.