Denver’s historic LoDo (Lower Downtown) district is continually reinventing itself, and among its newest entrants is the Thompson Denver. Opened this time last year, the hotel is the first Thompson property in Colorado, and it combines the conveniences of the city with the comforts of a winter cabin retreat—think fireplaces and views of the snowy Rocky Mountains in the distance. Here are three more reasons to check-in.
Dinner and Drinks: Chez Maggy and Reynard Social
The Thompson’s 90-seat brasserie, Chez Maggy, is the first hotel restaurant from Los Angeles–based celebrity chef Ludo Lefebvre. Among the highlights on his French–meets–American West menu are bison tartare topped with cornichons and potato chips, mussels in a vadouvan curry broth with crisp frites, and Colorado lamb chops with dandelion purée. After dinner, head up to Reynard Social, a sixth-floor hideaway with Front Range views, light bites, and creative cocktails such as the Bunny Slope, crafted with Del Maguey Vida mezcal, cinnamon cereal, and pineapple. Stay up late—a strong cappuccino from the lobby’s Duel Coffee will revive you in the morning.
Soundtrack: Victrola Listening Lounge
New York–based Parts and Labor Design has created a calming respite amid bustling LoDo, with a cool Mid-Century Modern ambiance and accents such as saddle leather–upholstered headboards, Sferra linens, and D.S. & Durga bath amenities. Make the space even more comfortable with your own personal soundtrack: The historic Denver-based brand Victrola has outfitted guest rooms with Bluetooth-enabled radios, and suites with turntables. You’ll also be able to spin records behind the velvet curtains of the Victrola Listening Lounge, adjacent to Reynard Social.
Location, Location: Lower Downtown Denver
Visitors hoping to explore Denver on foot would be hard-pressed to find more centrally located lodgings. Walk out the hotel’s front door and stroll down the I.M. Pei & Partners–designed 16th Street Mall, or head about half a mile up to historic Union Station, which boasts some of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and bars. Also within walking distance are the phenomenal Clyfford Still Museum and the cutting-edge Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. For baseball fans, Coors Field is close enough to the hotel that some corner king rooms have views of the stadium. Don’t worry, it’s far enough away that even in the mile-high thin air, your windows won’t be in danger of flying hardballs.
