Denver's Brown Palace: Luxury Awaits (Unbelievable Spa!)
Brown Palace: More Than Just Pretty Pictures (And That Spa? Oh. My. God.) - A Review That's Actually Real.
Okay, so you're thinking about the Brown Palace, huh? Denver's Grande Dame. You've probably seen the glossy photos. The perfectly coiffed guests. The polished mahogany. Let me tell you, it's almost as good as it looks. Almost. I'm gonna give you the real deal – the good, the slightly less good, and that ridiculously amazing spa. Buckle up, buttercups.
First Impressions: Access and Arrival (and My Slightly Clumsy Entrance)
Right off the bat, I need to say the Brown Palace seems to really understand accessibility. They've got the ramps, the elevators, the whole shebang. Easy peasy. Accessibility: They’re definitely doing it right. Wheelchair accessible: Yes, absolutely. This earned some serious points from me. It’s a crucial thing, and they nail it.
The entrance itself? Gorgeous. Classic. But, and this is a minor confession… I almost tripped on the welcome mat. My clumsiness, not the hotel's fault, mind you. Just a heads-up: You're likely to feel a bit underdressed at first, but that fades. We all look good in a robe, right?
They have a Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge], and Valet parking. Score! We opted for the valet because, you know, luxury. And I’m terrible at parallel parking.
The Room: Chic, Cluttered, and (Eventually) Cozy
Okay, the room itself was… nice. Very nice. Air conditioning was a life-saver (especially after my near-fall at the entrance!). Soundproof rooms are a must in a hotel this size, and thankfully, they delivered. Non-smoking rooms are the norm, which is appreciated.
I had a High floor room, so the view was decent. They also had Blackout curtains, which are a gift from the gods for someone who likes to sleep in. The Bed? Oh, it was seriously comfortable. Like, I’m pretty sure I didn’t get out of it before noon one day. They provided Extra long bed for tall people like me, The Linens were crisp and inviting.
Now, here’s where it gets a little… human. Initially, I was overwhelmed. It felt slightly… sterile. Room decorations weren't quite my taste (lots of… floral patterns?). But after a while, once I'd unpacked and scattered my stuff everywhere (confession: I'm a terrible packer), it started to feel… cozy. The Coffee/tea maker came in handy. The Minibar, tempting, but let's be honest… overpriced. I did appreciate the Refrigerator for my guilty pleasures (hello, leftovers!). The In-room safe box was a sensible addition.
A few things that were great: Complimentary tea ready to go. Free bottled water. And most importantly, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! A total essential, even though I tried to be unplugged. You can also use Internet access [LAN]
A minor gripe: the Bathroom phone was a little… old-school. Seriously, when was the last time anyone actually used a phone IN the bathroom? But the Bathtub and Separate shower/bathtub situation were pure luxury. And the Bathrobes?! Heavenly. Slippers, too – a small touch that makes a big difference. the Mirror and Hair dryer were spot on.
The Spa: Where Angels Get Massages (Seriously)
This. This is the bit you really want to hear about. The spa. If you do nothing else at the Brown Palace, go to the spa. Seriously. Just book it. I’m getting emotional thinking about it.
Spa/sauna. Steamroom was bliss. Sauna was hot enough to melt away all my worries. The Pool with view, was good.
The Massage… Oh. My. Lord. I had a Deep Tissue massage, and my therapist, bless her, she practically un-kinked my entire existence. The space is calm, serene, smells divine.
I'm not a spa person, really. I'm more of a "Netflix and a bag of chips" kind of gal. But the Body scrub and the Body wrap were a revelation. I left feeling like I'd been reborn. The Foot bath was the perfect start.
Important: Cleanliness and safety really mattered. They went hard on this. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas. Staff trained in safety protocol. Room sanitization opt-out available. They even had Anti-viral cleaning products. It made me feel very secure.
Dining & Sipping: A Culinary Adventure (With a Side of Pricey)
Okay, let’s talk food. There are multiple Restaurants. Restaurants are a big deal here.
First, the good: There is a great Breakfast [buffet]. I'm a sucker for a good buffet. And the Brown Palace did not disappoint. The Breakfast service was on point. You could get Breakfast in room, if your heart desired. They even offered an Asian breakfast. There were several Restaurants including a Vegetarian restaurant. And there was a Coffee shop, where you can load up on caffeine as you need.
Then, the less good: It’s expensive. Like, painfully expensive. The Room service [24-hour] is tempting, especially after a spa day. But my wallet cried. The Happy hour is essential to enjoy. The Poolside bar is beautiful, even if I don’t actually use it.
I tried the bar once and got the Bottle of water even though it was a bit of an unnecessary luxury. The Al a carte in restaurant was good. The Desserts in restaurant were delicious. They do a mean Salad in restaurant!
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Snack bar for a quick bite.
Speaking of safety, the Safe dining setup was reassuring. They were also careful about the Cashless payment service in case something went wrong.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The Brown Palace is all about service. And they’re mostly excellent at it.
Concierge was super helpful with recommendations. Doorman opening doors, always. Daily housekeeping was impeccable. Dry cleaning and Laundry service are lifesavers (though, again… pricey). I loved the Invoice provided, so you can keep track of the expenses. The Luggage storage was a godsend.
There's a Convenience store for forgotten essentials, a Gift/souvenir shop for impulse buys. They also had Facilities for disabled guests, which is great. There are Meeting/banquet facilities, suggesting the hotel is ideal for business. The Car power charging station is a plus.
For the Kids: I didn't bring kids, but I saw a few families. It seemed Family/child friendly, but the vibe is overall a little more grown-up. There is a Babysitting service for those who need it.
Getting Around: The Denver Hustle
Airport transfer offered. Taxi service available, but I ended up using Car park [free of charge]. There is Bicycle parking as well.
Things to Do (Besides Spa-ing All Day)
They offer Audio-visual equipment for special events, and a Projector/LED display.
Ways to relax: Gym/fitness, Sauna, Spa.
My Emotional Takeaway
Look, the Brown Palace isn’t perfect. It has its quirks, its priciness. But it’s a genuinely lovely hotel. It's opulent without being pretentious. It's historic without being stuffy. And the spa? That spa is worth the price of admission alone. Go. Just go. You won’t regret it.
Cherokee NC Getaway: Unbeatable Microtel Inn & Suites Deals!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is real life, Brown Palace style. Denver, here we come!
The Brown Palace: My Love/Hate Affair (Spoiler Alert: Mostly Love)
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Adjustment (aka, Face-Plant into Luxury)
1:00 PM: Touchdown in Denver. (Ugh, the air is so…thin!)
- Delayed flight. Of course. Because the universe enjoys testing my patience. Finally make it to the baggage claim, and… my suitcase is missing. Cue the internal scream.
- Rambling Thought: Why is it always my suitcase? Is it cursed? Does it have a personality disorder? Does it secretly want to escape?
2:30 PM: Uber to the Brown Palace.
- Okay, the moment the imposing, red-brick facade of the Brown Palace hoves into view, all previous travel woes melt away (almost). It's stunning. Like, "I need to Instagram this IMMEDIATELY" stunning. My jaw actually dropped. It takes my breath away, the smell of polished wood and old money is intoxicating.
- Quirky Observation: The Uber driver? A sweet, slightly eccentric guy who swore he'd seen a ghost in the hotel (more on that later?)
3:00 PM: Check-in. Praying for a decent room.
- Success! Not just decent, but amazing. I'm in a corner suite with views that make me feel like a minor celebrity. Huge windows, a plush bed, a bathroom bigger than my apartment back home… and my suitcase arrived! Victory!
- Emotional Reaction: Relief. And elation. And a tiny, giddy dance.
4:00 PM: Exploring the Hotel (and desperately trying not to get lost)
- The hotel is a labyrinth. Seriously. I swear I spent a good twenty minutes wandering in circles, convinced I'd discovered a secret dimension. But the grand lobby is mesmerizing. The stained-glass ceiling is just breathtaking, and I had to get a picture from the second floor.
- Anecdote: I nearly tripped over a perfectly groomed poodle (owner very unimpressed).
- Opinion: I'm not sure what the poodle thought of my outfit, but the service is flawless!
6:00 PM: Altitude Adjustment (and Cocktails at the Ship Tavern)
- Okay, I was warned about the altitude. I'm still feeling a little woozy. So, I decided to combat it with a classic cocktail at the Ship Tavern. It's dark, atmospheric, and the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: That first sip of a perfectly crafted martini? Pure. Bliss. Suddenly, the thin air wasn't so bad. I might have even gossiped with the bartender.
- Imperfection: I ordered a second one by mistake.
7:30 PM: Dinner at Palace Arms
- I had high expectations, and it delivered! The service was impeccable, and the food was… well, let's just say I didn't leave hungry. And I am not that kind of girl.
- Opinionated Language: The scallops? Melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The wine pairing? Spot-on.
- Imperfection: I tried to act sophisticated and accidentally spilled red wine on the white tablecloth. Mortification level: high. A lovely waiter rescued the situation! This is a place for professionals.
9:30 PM: Ghost Hunting (or at least, a half-hearted attempt)
- Remember the Uber driver? Yeah, the ghost thing? Well, I had to experience it for myself. Armed with nothing but my phone's flashlight and a healthy dose of skepticism, I wandered the halls, looking for… something.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Is that a draft? Or a ghost? Am I just tired? Okay, I'm definitely tired. Also, the hotel is creepy at night. Maybe I'll just watch some Netflix.
Day 2: Spas, Shopping, and the Sinking Feeling (that it's all going too fast)
8:00 AM: Breakfast at the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
- Room service! I'm officially living the high life. Fluffy pancakes, fresh fruit, coffee strong enough to wake the dead. The perfect start to the day.
- Anecdote: The waiter, bless his heart, tried his best to understand my sleep-addled request. I'm not entirely sure what I ordered, but it was delicious.
9:00 AM: The Spa Experience (or, how I almost fell asleep during a massage)
- This is what a vacation is supposed to be about! The Spa at the Brown Palace… ahhhhh. I booked a massage and facial, and melted into a state of pure, unadulterated relaxation. It's so good, that I might have drooled a bit. Don't tell anyone.
- Doubling Down: Seriously, I could have stayed there forever. The masseuse was magical. The scent of lavender was enough to make me tear up with joy. It was the best part of my trip.
- Emotional Reaction: I felt reborn. Seriously.
11:00 AM: Downtown Shopping (or, the credit card's worst nightmare)
- Denver's downtown is lovely. I browsed a few boutiques. I bought a hat I probably don't need. I'm not sure how, but I ended up in a high-end jewelry store. My credit card shuddered in fear.
- Rambling Thought: Maybe I should have been a trust-fund baby. That life looks pretty good right now.
1:00 PM: Lunch and People-Watching at a Random Cafe
- Found a quaint little cafe. Grabbed a sandwich and watched the world go by. Soaking in the vibe, listening to the chatter, and feeling like a local!
- Opinionated Language: I like the city.
3:00 PM: Afternoon Tea at the Brown Palace (the grand finale)
- I saved the best for last! Afternoon tea in the lobby? It was pure elegance. Delicate sandwiches, delectable pastries, and the most amazing tea I've ever tasted.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Okay, this is it. This is the moment. This is what I will remember forever. The music, the china, the way the light hits the chandeliers… this is perfection. And I'm not sure I want to leave.
5:00 PM: Packing and the Bitter-Sweet Departure
- Time to pack. The suitcases are safe now. The hotel is beautiful. The spa was heavenly.
- Emotional Reaction: I don't want to leave! I wasn't ready for this vacation to end. The bad parts were worth it and the good parts were amazing.
- Imperfection: I can't stand to leave my room, I'm going to miss this so much.
- Time to pack. The suitcases are safe now. The hotel is beautiful. The spa was heavenly.
6:00 PM: Goodbye Dinner
- Went for a final meal at the hotel restaurant.
- Opinionated Language: The best dinner ever.
8:00 PM: Head to the airport (reluctantly)
- Quirky Observation: I had a dream.
- Final Thought: It's time to go home and start planning my return. I'll be back, Brown Palace, I promise!
This itinerary is a living document. It's filled with imperfections, moments of joy, and the messy, wonderful truth of being human.
Bakersfield Getaway: TownePlace Suites West Bakersfield (CA) - Your Perfect Stay!
Denver's Brown Palace: FAQs – Where Luxury Meets...Well, Maybe a Little Chaos?
Okay, So, the Brown Palace. Is it *really* as fancy as everyone says? Like, do they have gold-plated toilets? (Asking for a friend...)
Alright, let's be real. The Brown Palace is... *fancy*. Think old-school elegance, think impeccable service, think "I probably shouldn't wear my jeans." Gold-plated toilets? Hmm, I didn't *personally* spot any. But honestly, the sheer *vibe* of the place is enough to make you feel like you're in a particularly glamorous time warp. The atrium? Breathtaking. The grand staircase? Perfect for strategically placed selfies. The *price* of a room? Breathtaking in a different way. (My credit card still hasn't fully recovered.) But is it worth it? Well, that depends on your definition of "worth it." If you're aiming for Instagram perfection, then yes. If you're on a budget? Maybe stick to drooling over the pictures online. (I did that for years, by the way, before finally succumbing to the allure.)
Tell me about the Spa! Is the "Unbelievable Spa" hype legit, or just marketing fluff? I need a good massage after a long flight.
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup, because this is where the Brown Palace really shines. The spa... Oh. My. Goodness. "Unbelievable" is *not* hyperbole. It's an understatement! I had the most divine, cloud-nine massage of my *life* there. Seriously, I think I briefly ascended to a higher plane of existence. The masseuse, bless her heart, was like a Zen master with magical hands. She worked out knots I didn't even *know* I had (years of bad posture, I'm looking at you!). The ambiance? Serene. The aromatherapy scents? Heavenly. The heated stone massage? Oh, *mama*. Worth. Every. Single. Penny. (Which, again, was quite a few pennies. But still.) My actual advice, book the massage as soon as possible, because the spa is popular, and you don't want to miss out. Seriously, treat yourself!
Is it family-friendly? Could I bring my kids without feeling judged?
Okay, here's the tricky one. The Brown Palace *tolerates* kids. They *may* even welcome them. But let's be real, it's not exactly Disneyland. If you have well-behaved children who can appreciate hushed tones and elegant surroundings, then maybe, just maybe, you'll survive. I saw a few, and they seemed to be on their best behavior. However, consider that the vibe skews heavily towards romantic getaways and luxury experiences. So, if your kids are prone to meltdowns, sticky fingers, or a penchant for running amok in the lobby, perhaps reconsider. You might feel a bit...out of place. I saw a few families, but mostly it was couples and business people. Honestly, maybe wait until the kids are teenagers who can appreciate a good afternoon tea before you attempt it. You'll have a less stressful experience, and the other guests will thank you!
What about the afternoon tea? Is it worth the hype? And do they have cucumber sandwiches? (Very important.)
The afternoon tea at the Brown Palace is… an EXPERIENCE. Like a time-traveling, doily-filled extravaganza. The cucumber sandwiches? Oh, yes. They have them, and they're delightful. And the scones? Fluffy, warm, and served with clotted cream that will make your taste buds sing. The ambiance is pure elegance - live piano music, tiered trays of dainty treats, and servers who seem to know exactly how to pour tea without spilling a drop. The tea selection itself is impressive; everything from Earl Grey to fancy, flowery blends I couldn't pronounce. It’s a little pricey, yeah, but honestly, a total splurge that feels *worth it*. (I mean, who doesn't love feeling fancy, right?) My advice? Book in advance! Especially if you want a weekend slot. And wear something cute - you'll want to take pictures!
I'm a foodie. Is the food good? Are there any must-try restaurants in the hotel?
Foodie, huh? Okay, you're in luck! The Brown Palace has several restaurants, ranging from casual to ultra-fancy. The Palace Arms is the grand dame of the dining scene – a bit pricey, but the food is exceptional. (And the service? Impeccable, as you'd expect.) I particularly enjoyed the [mention a specific dish if you had it - even a generic one like "the steak"]. I even tried the [Mention something you didn't like - e.g., "the fois gras, which was alright but not my favorite at that price"], which, you know, it's an experience. If you're feeling less spendy (and let's be honest, sometimes I am!), the Ship Tavern is a great option for lunch or a casual dinner. It has a fun, pub-like atmosphere. I would recommend making reservations for dinner at Palace Arms, as it's very popular.
How's the parking situation? Do I need to worry about finding a spot?
Ah, parking. The bane of every city dweller's existence. The Brown Palace has valet parking (obviously). It's convenient, but you're going to pay for it. I remember pulling up and feeling a frisson of panic about the cost. (Again, my credit card shuddered a little.) If you're feeling thrifty (and adventurous), there are some parking garages nearby. But be prepared to walk a bit. Also, Denver traffic? It can be a beast. Factor that into your travel time. Honestly, if you're just there for the spa or afternoon tea, consider a ride-sharing service. It may actually be cheaper and less stressful in the long run. That way, you can focus on your zen and not on the parking meter!
Anything negative about the experience? Any downsides I should know about?
Okay, let's get real for a second. It's not all sunshine and roses. The price tag is the big one. It's expensive. Like, really expensive. The food, the rooms, the spa... everything costs a pretty penny. Also, the service, while generally excellent, can sometimes feel a bit formal, maybe a little too *perfect*. (I’m not saying they aren't polite, but I'm a bit informal, and I sometimes wish I could just chat with the staff without feeling like I should bow.) And, depending on the time of year, it can be crowded. But honestly, the overall experience is worth it. Just be prepared to loosen your purse strings (or tighten them, depending on your budget!). And maybe, just maybe, embrace the slightly overwhelming, overly-posh vibe. It’s part of the charm, even if it's not *5 Star Stay Find
Post a Comment for "Denver's Brown Palace: Luxury Awaits (Unbelievable Spa!)"