Hotel Teatro, located in downtown Denver, had been beckoning me to come for a visit for many years. I was curious what a luxury, boutique hotel would be like. Being a resident of the Denver area, staying at neighboring hotels isn't something I usually do. However, at long last my dreams for an over-night stay was realized when my five children and their spouses arranged a VIP stay to celebrate my 40th Wedding Anniversary with my beloved husband, Rex.
Hotel Teatro's Lobby
After the warm welcome by the doorman, I stopped to take this picture of the lobby. I circled around taking in the elegant Tennessee light pink marble flooring, Vermont green marble base and Arizona white marble wainscoting . It was lovely. When Hotel Teatro was constructed in 1911 it was designed in a Renaissance Revival Style as a maintenance building for the city's trolley system. When a $1.5 million dollar renovation was undertaken in 1997, all the glory of the original building was preserved. The design was to blend the opulence of past years with modern luxuries. Tucked into the corner to the left of the lobby was this old mail box, probably an original from the 1911 building.
To the left of the lobby was the concierge desk, check-in desk and the parlor with the tower of green apples. I marveled at how every apple was polished and perfect. Of course, I had to take one from the top. I didn't want to be responsible for scattering them around the room. I chuckled wondering how often that does happen though.
On the other side of the room was this stately fireplace and mirror. Every detail was warm and welcoming.
At the Hotel, I was welcomed by Concierge Gabe Goltz. He was a wealth of knowledge about downtown Denver's restaurants. Once my husband and I decided on where we would like to eat, Gabe handled all reservations and even offered a ticket for a free appetizer or desert at the restaurant. A hotel Escalade courtesy vehicle could have driven us or picked us up from our downtown wanderings but since the 16th Street Mall was only two blocks away we chose to enjoy the evening air and walk. It was reassuring, though, to know if I had wandered too far away from a comfortable walking distance back, I had only to call for my chauffeured ride to come get me.
Concierge, Gabe Goltz, at our assistance.
On the wall and throughout Hotel Teatro are theatrical photographs of past Denver Center Theatre Company Productions.
To the right of the lobby is the well known Kevin Taylor Restaurant. It's list of accolades is extensive and even though I didn't take advantage of this highly rated destination, I do have it as a place to partake on another special occasion.
Entrance to Kevin Taylor Restaurant off the lobby at Hotel Teatro
Upon entering our room, I felt I was being escorted into my own private living quarters. A hallway with a mirrored table and sandstone sculpture led us into our deluxe, king size bed, corner room. The 12 foot ceilings and large windows on adjacent sides of the room framed the soft gold toned decor. The custom fabric headboard and plush damask fabrics spoke of elegance and an invitation to come in and relax. Our concierge, Gabe Goltz (did I mention, he's my :-) son-in-law?), warned us about laying down on the bed. He said it's hard to get up once we try it. I did some research and discovered the bed had 600 thread count custom handcrafted sheets, a down duvet and all that sat upon a Simmons mattress with cashmere fabric and modal yarn. As we were settling in, I "tested" what Gabe told us and I later told him "he was right". If I hadn't gotten up for dinner, I probably wouldn't have moved all night. The beds are wonderful I will attest.
Experiencing the rest of the room was as delightful as testing the bed. The cherry wood finishings and marble tops provided elegance at every turn. On the coffee table was the gift card for dinner from our children and a bottle of Merlot and chocolate truffles from the Hotel. Even though I was on holiday and not a business trip, the custom desk and leather blotter, high speed internet service and two-line telephone with caller-ID caught my attention and registered in my mind as a great amenity for business guests.
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Bathrooms have become a standard for judging excellence in the ratings of hotels. Hotel Teatro is no exception in the exquisite details offered in the bathroom. The deep soaking over sized bathtub with chrome features and the ceiling rainforest shower head brought a spa feeling into our stay. Terry robes and Plantation bath amenities added to the elegance expected in a room with Indonesian marble floors and sandstone finishes. A television and telephone were features I've rarely seen in places I've previously stayed.
Hotel Teatro is 100% non-smoking. To assist in a healthy life-style a fresh and inviting fitness room is available, complete with a bowl of shiny, perfect, green apples.
The Fitness Room
When you visit the fitness room, plan on taking the extra time to admire the period costumes on display from theatrical productions from past Denver Center Theatre Company shows that line the walls of the hallway. Theatrical photographs grace the walls as well throughout the Hotel. In my room, I had three of these black and white photographs to admire. In the picture below was a photograph from My Fair Lady, one of our favorite shows.
Prima Restaurante, located off the lobby to the left, through the parlor, is another creation of famed Denver Chef Kevin Taylor. It's open at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast and offers modern Italian cuisine until 10:00 pm. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast while admiring the black granite bar and Italian opera prints on the walls. I had a plate of scrambled eggs with tomato, basil and buffalo mozzarella. Rex chose Tuaca-Dipped Brioche French Toast with fresh berries and whipped cream. Sounds good, doesn't it? The menu had many tempting offerings.
Prima Restaurante
This upscale, luxury, boutique hotel stands stately at the corner of 14th and Arapahoe St. It is directly across the street from the Denver Center for Performing Arts. The name Teatro, which means theatre in Italian, was inspired by the neighboring Performing Arts Center. The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Denver. It's an easy two block walk to the Colorado Convention Center and the 16th Street Mall. Coors Field, to take in a Rockies game, the Pepsi Center, for a concert, and the Denver Pavilions for shopping and dining are also within walking distance. Hotel Teatro is a divine destination after exploring the nightlife of "LoDo", Lower Downtown. No driving needed.
Travel + Leisure Magazine has honored Hotel Teatro as one of the "World's Best Hotels" for 2014 (also in 2013 and 2012). It has constantly been named on lists such as The Best Chic Hotel, 2011 and again, Expedia rating of Exceptional and trending as a Romantic Hotel in Denver. It's known as Denver's only 4-star and 4 diamond premier boutique hotel. Conde Naste has also had it ranked in its Top 10 Best Hotels in the West in the Traveler Reader's Choice Awards, 2013, 2012. Hotel Teatro has also been named to Conde Nast Traveler's 2014 Gold List of the "511 Best Places on Earth".
Whether you are on a business trip to Denver or looking for a romantic night out, I suggest you consider Hotel Teatro. I plan on another visit so I can try out that lovely fitness room, The Kevin Taylor Restaurant and take some good pictures of the gorgeous gowns and costumes displayed. One visit and it's my new favorite place to stay. Maybe I'll see you there.
