Denver has changed. If you haven't been here in a few years, the skyline is unrecognizable, packed with glass-and-steel "lifestyle" hotels that look like they were designed for an Instagram filter. But then there’s The Ritz-Carlton, Denver. It doesn’t try to be the trendy new kid on the block because it doesn’t have to.
Honestly, it’s the scale that hits you first. While new boutiques are cramming guests into "efficient" floor plans, this place still boasts the largest standard guest rooms in the city. We’re talking 550 square feet for a basic room. That’s essentially a suite anywhere else.
The Five-Diamond Reality Check
People throw around the "luxury" label for anything with a espresso machine and high thread-count sheets. But the Ritz-Carlton Denver is the city’s longest-running AAA Five-Diamond property for a reason. It’s not about the gold leaf; it’s about the fact that the staff somehow knows your name before you’ve even handed over your credit card.
You’ve probably heard of the "hotel within a hotel" concept. At this property, the Club Level is the real deal. It recently went through a bit of a refresh (it was closed briefly through early 2026 for updates), and it’s back to serving those famous five daily culinary presentations. If you’re the type who likes an open bar and a dedicated concierge who can actually snag a table at the city's toughest restaurants, the upgrade isn't just a perk—it's a necessity.
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What’s actually in the rooms?
Forget those tiny hotel bathrooms where you can barely turn around. These are five-fixture marble sanctuaries.
- The Linens: 400-thread-count Frette. They feel like a cloud, basically.
- The Tech: HD Smart TVs and Nespresso machines that actually work.
- The Vibe: Espresso wood, royal blue accents, and gold. It feels expensive but not stuffy.
ELWAY’S Downtown: More Than Just a Name
Most hotel restaurants are a trap. You eat there because you’re tired and don't want to walk. ELWAY'S Downtown is the exception. It’s a local power-lunch spot and a high-stakes dinner destination named after Broncos legend John Elway.
The restaurant got a major facelift in late 2024, leaning into a contemporary look with "Broncos-inspired" blues and oranges, but done with enough class that it doesn't feel like a sports bar. You’re here for the USDA Prime steaks. Specifically, the hand-cut bone-in ribeye. If you aren't a steak person, the dashi-braised Chilean sea bass is a sleeper hit that most people overlook.
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They also have a "Chef’s Table" with a view into the kitchen. It’s a bit of a flex, sure, but if you’re hosting a business dinner or a birthday, it’s the best seat in the house.
Altitude and the "Beer Spa"
Denver’s air is dry. Like, "my skin is falling off" dry. The spa here is 6,000 square feet of relief. They have this specific treatment called the Hops N' Honey Beer-Infused Ritual. It sounds like a gimmick, but the enzymes in the beer actually do wonders for hydration.
If you're visiting from sea level, look for the oxygen-infused facial. Trust me. It’ll stop that "mile-high" headache before it starts.
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For the gym rats: the on-site fitness center is solid, but the real perk is the access to TruFit, a massive 55,000-square-foot facility next door. It’s got everything from yoga classes to a full weight room. Most luxury hotels give you two treadmills and a dumbbell set; this is a whole different level.
The Secret Service (Not That Kind)
One thing most people don't realize is that the hotel provides a courtesy car. It’s first-come, first-served, and it’ll drop you anywhere in the downtown radius. No need to wait for a rideshare when you want to head over to Larimer Square or Union Station.
Also, look out for the small touches. They do root beer floats in the lobby around 5:00 PM some days. It’s a weird, nostalgic tradition that keeps the place from feeling too corporate.
Is it worth the price tag?
Look, you’re going to pay for the name. Rates often hover around $450 to $600 a night depending on the season. If you’re looking for a "vibe" and a rooftop pool with loud music, go to the Thompson or the Crawford.
But if you want a room where you can actually stretch out, a staff that anticipates your coffee order, and a location that puts you right in the middle of the Financial District, this is it. It’s the "old money" of Denver’s hotel scene, and it’s aged remarkably well.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Stay:
- Book the Club Level: Especially if you plan on eating breakfast and having a drink or two at the hotel; it pays for itself.
- Check the Event Calendar: They often host "Candlelight Concerts" in the ballroom—super atmospheric and a great date night.
- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Even if you don't have status, members usually get free Wi-Fi, which is otherwise a paid extra in non-club rooms.
- Hydrate Immediately: Use the in-room Nespresso for your caffeine fix, but hit the spa’s hydration station the moment you check in to fight the altitude.