Thompson Denver: Denver's Hottest Hotel? (You HAVE to See This!)
Thompson Denver: Is It Really DENVER'S HOTTEST Hotel? Let's Get Messy…
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the Thompson Denver. Everyone's screaming about it being “Denver’s Hottest Hotel,” but let's be real, hype is like a perfectly Instagrammed avocado toast: looks good, might be kinda bland. So, I checked in, stayed a few days, and now… well, here we are. My brain is still processing all the velvet ropes and overly-confident smiles. Let's unpack this chaos.
First Impressions (and a Small Panic Attack):
Walking into the Thompson is like… well, it's like your hipster aunt's apartment if she had an unlimited budget and a penchant for dark wood. Sleek. Stylish. Intimidatingly chic. The lobby? Think moody lighting, a million textures, and a general vibe of “You better look good in here.” (Spoiler alert: I’m generally a sweatpants enthusiast. This was not my comfort zone.)
Accessibility - Did They Think About Us?
Okay, the good news: they claim to be accessible. They have elevators (thank GOD, because my stamina for stairs is… questionable). The website lists “Facilities for disabled guests.” But… and there’s always a but, isn’t there? I didn’t personally need full accessibility, but I did notice some things. The lobby can be a bit of a gauntlet, with furniture artfully placed to create, shall we say, a "vibe". Navigating it in a wheelchair could be, um, challenging. I’d need a full inspection from someone who actually uses a wheelchair to fully assess. I'd give it a tentative "maybe" with a side of "call ahead and verify."
Rooms - The Pretty and the Practical (Mostly Pretty):
My room? Gorgeous. Truly. I had a view that, at night, twinkled like a million tiny diamonds scattered across the city. The bed? Cloud-like. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I melted into it. The blackout curtains? MVP. They ensured I could sleep in until the sun actually decided to show up – which, in Denver, can be a gamble.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (essential), alarm clock (obvious), bathrobes (yes, please!), bathroom phone (like I'm going to call room service from the tub? Tempting…), bathtub (check!), blackout curtains (thank you!), carpeting (standard), closet (yay storage!), coffee/tea maker (essential!), complimentary tea (love it!), daily housekeeping (bliss!), desk (for pretending to work), extra long bed (amen!), free bottled water (hydration!), hair dryer (duh), high floor (yes!), in-room safe box (good to have), internet access – wireless (yup!), ironing facilities (for the people who iron), laptop workspace (check), linens (soft!), mini bar (tempting!), mirror (lots!), non-smoking (thank goodness), on-demand movies (nice!), private bathroom (required!), reading light (appreciated), refrigerator (useful!), safety/security feature (always good), satellite/cable channels (yawn), scale (NO, STAY AWAY!), seating area (comfortable!), separate shower/bathtub (perfection!), shower (necessary), slippers (luxury!), smoke detector (safety!), socket near the bed (genius!), sofa (cozy!), soundproofing (needed!), telephone (obsolete), toiletries (fancy!), towels (fluffy!), umbrella (Denver weather is… unpredictable), visual alarm (important!), wake-up service (reliable), Wi-Fi free, window that opens (appreciated).
- A few specific room notes: I loved the design, but the lighting was a bit… too moody in some areas. Made it hard to, you know, read a book. And the "desk" was more of a stylish surface than a functional workspace. My laptop teetered precariously.
- One tiny gripe: the lack of a visible "Do Not Disturb" sign. Having to call the front desk to request it felt unnecessarily awkward.
Internet & Tech - Hit or Miss:
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Free Wi-Fi is a MUST nowadays, and thank goodness, the Thompson delivers. It’s generally reliable. (Though, on one particular, very important Zoom call, it decided to… sputter. Let's just say my boss wasn't thrilled.)
The Internet [LAN] thing? Obsolete. Who even uses a LAN cable anymore?
Audio-visual equipment for special events, Projector/LED display, Wi-Fi for special events: Yeah, this is probably more geared toward conferences and weddings.
Telephone: Still around, I guess… I haven't used one in years.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Where the Magic (and the Price Tag) Happens:
Okay, this is where the Thompson truly shines… and where my wallet started weeping.
- Restaurants: There are multiple. Swanky, gorgeous, and serving food that's both delicious and… well, expensive.
- A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast (buffet), Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Phew! That's a lot of options. From casual snacks to multi-course meals, you're covered. I indulged in a decadent chocolate dessert at the in-house restaurant - Worth it. The cocktail at the pool bar? Divine. But be prepared to spend.
- Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast: all options.
- Essential condiments: They have those.
Let's Talk About F&B (and My Inner Critic):
I had one truly memorable meal at the… (checks notes) … Mercantile Dining & Provision. It wasn't just the food (which was, admittedly, chef’s kiss level good). It was the entire experience. The room felt so alive! The smells, the noise… a perfect, controlled chaos. I ordered the… (another check) … the Duck Confit (and my bank account started crying). Seriously, it was the best duck confit I've ever had. Crispy skin, falling-off-the-bone tenderness, a rich, savory sauce that haunted my dreams for days. But… (and there's always a but) … the service was, shall we say, overzealous in its attention. I had a waiter who hovered… constantly. Refilling my water (which I barely touched!) before I'd even taken a sip, asking about my experience every three minutes. I’m not saying I need to be left alone, but I could have used a little less hand-holding. It felt… a little forced. Overall, the food was fantastic, but the service felt… rehearsed. They were trying to be perfect, and it made them a little… less human.
Relaxation & Pampering - Can I Afford It?
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Okay, the spa is amazing. The pool (with a view!) is gorgeous. The fitness center is top-notch (though, let’s be real, I mostly admired it from afar). I skipped the massage because, well, they were pricey (and I was already pushing the limits of my budget!). But if you have the cash to splash, it's absolutely worth it.
The Pool: The outdoor pool is where people look good. Effortlessly. I spent a solid hour just judging their outfits (and secretly wishing I looked as put-together as they did). The view of the city skyline is spectacular, especially at sunset. It's the kind of place where you want to be seen, but also want to relax. A tricky balance, to be sure. The pool bar, as mentioned, makes amazing cocktails. (Again, with a price tag.)
Cleanliness & Safety - Peace of Mind in the Pandemic Era (Mostly):
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They seem to be taking this seriously. Everything felt spotless, and I saw staff constantly cleaning. The staff was masked and friendly.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: a nice touch.
Services & Practicalities - The Boring Stuff (But Important):
- **Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because planning a trip is never smooth sailing, and I’m about to give you the unvarnished truth about my imaginary jaunt to the Thompson Denver. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and probably some existential dread thrown in for good measure. Here we go…
Thompson Denver Debacle: A Stream-of-Consciousness Itinerary
Day 1: The Glorious Arrival…and the Hangry Kraken
- 12:00 PM - Arrival: Okay, first, the airplane. Always the airplane. I'm a nervous flier. I envisioned smooth airport security, a charming gate agent, but more often than not, it's a cramped, sweaty cattle call. And then, the smell of airport coffee? It's a crime against humanity. Eventually, I did land safely, in Denver! (Phew.) Already feeling a bit…unhinged.
- 1:00 PM - Check In at Thompson Denver: I arrive at the Thompson. I've seen pictures. Slick, modern… kinda intimidating, if I'm honest. I imagine the lobby gleaming! The staff is probably impeccably dressed! And I, slightly disheveled from my flight, am instantly self-conscious. Will they see through my travel-weary facade and judge my slightly-too-worn travel sneakers? Pray for me.
- 2:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance: Okay, finally in the room! First impressions are EVERYTHING. Is the view stunning? Is the bed a cloud? IS THERE A BATH TUB?! This could make or break my whole trip. (Spoiler: It’s all about the bathrooms, isn’t it?) I’m hoping that the room is nice and the bed is comfortable and the bath tub is HUGE because sometimes you just need a nice bath you know – like a really good one with some Epsom salts and bubbles and maybe some a good book or something.
- 3:00 PM - Fueling the Beast (aka, Lunch, Because I'm Hangry): Okay, I’m starving. The flight food was, predictably, an insult to nourishment. Time to explore the nearby options. I've heard there are some AMAZING burger joints around there – that’s a MUST. Don’t @ me about the health food. I'm in vacation mode. And when I'm hungry, I'm a creature of pure, unadulterated GRIEF.
- 4:00 PM - Walk Around (or a feeble attempt thereof): Gotta get my bearings. The crisp Denver air! I imagine I stroll through the streets feeling like a local, with confidence and grace. Reality check: I’ll probably get lost, stumble awkwardly on a uneven sidewalk, and have a moment where I question my life choices.
- 6:00 PM - First Dinner: The First Taste of Denver's Soul: I think I'll find a nice little place, not too fancy. Maybe some sort of trendy tapas place? Or good old-fashioned American, because I'm always missing the simple things. I hope it lives up to the hype! I'm looking for a good vibe, good food, and hopefully nobody spilling wine on my new travel dress.
- 8:00 PM - Post-Dinner Stroll (or a Sit-Down, Because I'm Already Exhausted): Maybe a quick walk to feel the city atmosphere and see what all the fuss is about. I picture myself, casually chic, enjoying the night air. Maybe I'll stumble upon some live music. Most probably, I'll be back in the room, already in my pajamas, watching trashy reality TV. We'll see.
Day 2: Deep Dive into Denver… and My Inner Demons (probably)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Bliss (or the Reality of Hotel Breakfast Buffets): Okay, breakfast. The hotel breakfast. The buffet. The endless options. I'm always torn. Do I go for the healthy stuff (aka, the fruit that looks like it’s been sitting out since last Tuesday)? Or do I embrace the delicious, sugary chaos of the waffle maker? This is where I make important life decisions.
- 9:00 AM - Artsy Adventuring (Maybe): Thinking of visiting the Denver Art Museum. Gotta get my culture on! I hope to encounter something that will really stir something inside of me. I'll go down the rabbit hole of art and philosophy, pondering life's great questions. Or maybe I’l get bored and focus on finding a vending machine.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and a Mid-Day Meltdown (possibly) : It's midday! I am tired of everything! I’ll need lunch by this point. Maybe some street food. Maybe a quick bite. I am imagining a total meltdown.
- 1:00 PM - The Experiential Explosion: More About Denver's Arts: Okay, I'm feeling adventurous! I want to dig deeper into Denver's arts scene. Perhaps a walking tour? Or a visit to…is there a chocolate factory? If there is, I'M GOING. This is what I want. Please, universe, let there be a chocolate factory!
- 4:00 PM - Retail Therapy (Self-medication, anyone?): A little shopping never hurt anyone (except perhaps my bank account). Exploring some of the boutiques and quirky shops.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Delights (or the Search for Perfection): I want the perfect dinner. The kind where the food is so good it makes me cry. Seriously. Ambitious, I know. I found a highly rated upscale restaurant, I hope its as good as it sounds.
- 8:00 PM - Evening Entertainment (or the Couch Beckons): I'll go to a jazz club! Live music and cocktails! I'll probably go early, I'm old. Or maybe I'll just stay in my room, wrapped in a robe, and order room service. No judgement.
Day 3: Farewell, Denver - Until Next Time? (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM - Last Breakfast (With a Side of Regret): Did I see and do everything I wanted to? Probably not. Did I enjoy myself? Hopefully. But hey, it's a new day, and there's another breakfast feast!
- 9:00 AM - Packing Pandemonium: Time to pack. Let’s be honest, I’ll probably be rolling around in the floor, rummaging through my suitcase, and wondering where the heck I left my favorite socks.
- 10:00 AM - Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble: Gotta grab those last-minute souvenirs. Because, duh, I have to bring something back for everyone who put up with me.
- 11:00 AM - Check-Out (With a Sigh): Time to say goodbye to my temporary haven. Will I leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated? Will I secretly be planning my return the second I walk out the door? Who knows.
- 12:00 PM - Airport Antics: Back to the airport – the final nail in the coffin that is my travel sanity. Hope I don't miss my flight. Hope the flight isn’t delayed. Hope I don't start crying when I have to board my plane. I hope I do not get the middle seat. I hope.
- 1:00 PM - Final Thoughts (and a Promise to Myself): Reflecting on the trip. What will I tell my friends? That I loved it? That I'm exhausted? That I need another vacation to recover from this one? I’ll feel it out later. But one thing is for sure: I will definitely plan another trip. This time with a totally different approach, I promise!
- 2:00 PM - The End? (Or, the Beginning of the Travel Craving): Oh, the joy of being home, after all this trip. What is next? Where am I going next? The possibilities are endless! I will start planning now, on the plane, I promise.
Is the Thompson Denver REALLY as hot as everyone says? I mean, is it actual, sizzling, Denver-hot?
Okay, so here's the deal. “Hot” is subjective, right? Like, what’s hot for me might be a lukewarm Tuesday for you. But… YES. The Thompson Denver is sizzling. It's got that trendy, "I just stepped out of a magazine" vibe. The lobby? Gorgeous! The bar scene? Buzzing. The views? Okay, the views, let's be honest, is the best thing about it.
My first impression? Wow. The sleek design, the perfect lighting. I swear, I felt my Instagram followers breathing a collective sigh of approval. But… and here's the *but*… it can feel a *tad* impersonal at first. Like, you walk in and think, "Where's the *soul*?" But then you have a cocktail at Reynard Social (more on that later!), and suddenly, you *get* it.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they worth the price tag? Because, let’s be real, luxury ain't cheap.
Alright, the rooms. They were, in a word, *splendid*. I splurged (because, therapy, right?). Mine had a sprawling view, seriously, I could see the whole city. The bed? Like sinking into a cloud made of angel feathers. Seriously, I almost didn't leave. But then reality hits.
Here's the truth. Some of the rooms? Maybe a bit cramped for the what you pay. I heard the standard ones can be a squeeze. And the minibar? Let's just say, my credit card is STILL recovering. You're paying for the experience, the location, the *status*. Whether it's "worth it" depends on your budget and how much you value aesthetics over sheer space. For the view, though? Yeah, probably worth it. But, if you're on a budget, maybe check for deals. They're sometimes out there!
Let's talk food and drink. Is it any good? And more importantly, is it Instagrammable? (Come on, we all think about that.)
Oh, honey, the food. The *drinks*! Reynard Social, the rooftop bar… be prepared to *queue* and feel the frustration. But, oh lord, the view. The cocktails? Beautifully crafted masterpieces that just *demand* to be photographed. And the food? Modern American, with a few quirky twists. I had this… this *thing*… a lamb dish, and it was, honestly, one of the best things I've eaten in years.
Is it Instagrammable? Oh, absolutely. Everything is designed to be picture-perfect. The plates, the glasses, the lighting... it's like they hired Instagram ninjas to design the whole darn place. But, okay, the food is actually really good. Beyond the aesthetics. I'm not a food critic type personally - but this place is genuinely good.
What about the service? Is it pretentious? Because I can't deal with that.
Okay, so the service... this is where it gets a little messy. In general, it's good. Really good, even. Attentive, friendly. But… and here’s that pesky *but* again… it can feel a little… carefully curated. Like everyone is saying the *right* things, but you're left wondering if they actually mean it.
The hotel staff are trained to cater to your every whim. They’re always there, always ready to assist but again... it can feel somewhat impersonal. I like to be treated like a human, not a celebrity. Perhaps an overly eager hotel staff in the lobby, giving out "hellos" to everyone the second the enter and leave the hotel wasn't my cup of tea. Maybe that it has been a little too much, almost robotic. But hey, I'm just one person, right?
Is there a spa? And more importantly, is the swimming pool any good?
Ah, the spa. No, the Thompson Denver doesn't have a full-blown spa. (Which, honestly, is a bummer, because I love a good facial.) Instead, they have in-room massage services. Convenient, yes. But, for a hotel of this caliber, a spa should be standard. (Perhaps I'm just bitter about the lack of a hot tub, but I digress...)
The pool? Now THAT is a selling point. It's on the rooftop, it's gorgeous, and the views… well, let’s just say you won’t be disappointed. I spent a significant amount of time there. Sipping cocktails, soaking up the sun, and feeling ridiculously smug. The service around the pool is top-notch. However, be prepared to fight for a chair! It gets busy, especially on weekends. Also, that view? Worth all the battles.
What's the best part of staying at the Thompson Denver? And what's the one thing that totally bummed you out?
The best part? The *vibe*. The sheer, palpable buzz. The rooftop pool. The sunset cocktails. Feeling like you are in the middle of a movie. It’s glamorous, it’s exciting, and it’s a perfect place to let loose - well, as much as my introverted heart allows. However, it's the experience, the people, but just everything in general
What bummed me out? Okay, here’s my rant. Reynard Social. It's amazing with its rooftop views. But, it's also a nightmare. The lines! The waiting! I spent an hour, and even then, I was only lucky to get a seat with my spouse. I understand it’s popular, but management seriously needs to rethink the logistics. A little planning doesn't hurt anyone, right? And maybe, just maybe, a few more staff to keep things moving. I'm not even going in there again this year, I just don't wanna deal with it. It was a bummer, and it honestly tarnished the whole experience a bit. Ugh.
Would you go back?
Honestly? Probably. Despite the minor inconveniences – the potential crowds, the slightly high prices, the slightly *too* curated service. The Thompson Denver is a memorable experience. It's the kind of place that lingers in your mind long after you check out. The views alone make it worth the trip, and yeah, I'm a sucker for a good cocktail and a pretty view. So, even with its flaws, I can see myself returning. Eventually. Maybe. Possibly... after I've recovered from the Reynard Social trauma.
