Denver's Ritz-Carlton: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
The Ritz-Carlton Denver: Or, My Attempt to Live Like Royalty (and Failing Beautifully)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just spent some time at the Ritz-Carlton Denver, and I'm here to spill. Forget perfectly polished reviews – this is the real deal, flaws and all. Think of it as a slightly chaotic, often hilarious, and ultimately gushing love letter to this oh-so-fancy hotel.
Metadata & SEO (because, well, I have to):
- Keywords: Ritz-Carlton Denver, Luxury Hotel, Denver Colorado, Spa, Restaurants, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Fitness Center, Pool, Dining, Room Service, Pet-Friendly (kind of - more on that later), Meeting Facilities, Business Travel, Romantic Getaway, Reviews, Hotel Review.
- Meta Description: A wildly honest and detailed review of the Ritz-Carlton Denver. From the ridiculously plush bathrobes to the (slightly intimidating) spa, I dish on the good, the great, and the "whoa, I can't afford this!" experience. Includes accessibility details, dining options, and honest-to-goodness opinions.
Alright, let's dive in…
First Impressions: The Lobby & The (Slightly Terrifying) Grandeur
Walking into the Ritz-Carlton is like being enveloped in a warm hug…a very expensive hug. Seriously, the lobby is stunning. Think soaring ceilings, shimmering chandeliers, and enough marble to make Michelangelo blush. The staff? Impeccably dressed, charming, and slightly intimidating (in a good way, mostly!). They were practically begging to help with my luggage, which, let's be honest, was probably a total disaster after my flight.
Accessibility – A Big Win, Mostly! 👏
Now, I have to give a HUGE shout-out to the Ritz-Carlton for its commitment to accessibility. From the moment you arrive, it's clear they've thought about it. Wheelchair access is fantastic: everything is smooth, wide doorways, and elevators that actually work (a massive win!).
- Elevator: The elevator was a major win for accessibility and navigating the hotel with ease.
There's Wi-Fi in public areas, thankfully, because I'm slightly addicted to my phone.
I didn't personally utilize the facilities for disabled guests, but everything looked thoughtfully designed, and I was super impressed. It seems like the staff is trained to cater to various needs.
Rooms: Plush, Practically Perfect (and a Little Lonely)
My room? Pure. Bliss. Think plush carpeting, a bed you could easily get lost in, and a bathroom that was bigger than my first apartment.
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning (essential!), Alarm clock, Amazing bathrobes (I considered "borrowing" one), Bathroom phone (um, why?), Bathtub (deep enough to swim in!), Blackout curtains (dreamy!), Closet (room for all my shopping fantasies), Coffee/tea maker (vital!), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping (bliss!), Desk (perfect for pretending I was important), Extra-long bed (heaven!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (views for days!), In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless (yay!), Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (tempting, expensive!), Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (gulp!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The daily housekeeping was amazing. My room was always pristine, and the staff consistently did a fantastic job. Speaking of, there's also a daily housekeeping service. Honestly, the level of comfort was almost too good. I felt a little awkward just watching TV in such a fancy space. Like, I was expecting a butler to appear at any moment and demand I start practicing my tango.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Foodie Heaven (and a Budget Killer)
Okay, confession: I’m a foodie. And the Ritz-Carlton Denver does not disappoint.
- Restaurants: The restaurants were all gorgeous, and the Asian Cuisine in restaurant was a highlight.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Ordering room service was a must, even if it meant my bank account wept a little. The food was divine - especially the late-night burger. My breakfast was excellent.
- Bars: Of course I ended up at the bar, and the cocktails were expertly crafted.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: They had free coffee in the lobby, which was perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
My advice? Budget accordingly, or prepare to be very, very tempted. The poolside bar was a nice touch.
The Spa: Trying to Be Zen, Failing, but Loving It
Ah, the spa. This is where things got…well, interesting. I decided to treat myself to a massage. The spa itself is gorgeous: soft lighting, calming music, and a general sense of calm that made me want to curl up and never leave.
- Spa: The amenities were fantastic.
- Body scrub: I got a body scrub. I'm slightly ticklish, which, let's just say, made the whole experience a bit…bouncy. But the therapist was amazing and so professional.
- Massage: The massage was pure bliss. I have to admit, I fell asleep. Twice.
- Sauna/Steamroom: I also enjoyed the sauna and steam room. Pure, unadulterated relaxation.
Fitness Center: Feeling the Burn (and the Guilt)
I actually did a workout at the fitness center (yes, really!). It was well-equipped, with modern machines. The atmosphere encouraged me to actually use the machines.
For the Kids (Bless Their Little Hearts):
I didn't travel with kids, but the Ritz-Carlton seems well-equipped to handle little ones: Kids facilities and Babysitting service (if you dare!) and are nice touches.
Cleanliness & Safety: They Take It Seriously
In these times, cleanliness is everything. The Ritz-Carlton takes it seriously:
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Constant cleaning!
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I felt at ease knowing everything was being disinfected and cleaned.
- Hand sanitizer: Available everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocols: The staff were friendly, helpful, and took safety very seriously.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
The Ritz-Carlton excels at the small details:
- Concierge: Super helpful with everything.
- Daily housekeeping: I mentioned this before, but it warrants repeating.
- Luggage storage: Convenient for early arrivals or late departures.
- Food delivery: Easy to order in.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry service: Super helpful for longer stays.
- Cash withdrawal: ATM on-site.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Overall Verdict:
Look, the Ritz-Carlton Denver isn't perfect. It’s expensive. Sometimes, I felt like a slightly bewildered tourist in a world of elegance. But that's also part of the charm.
- Smoking area: There is a designated smoking area.
- Pets Allowed: I didn’t see any pets, but the website might say otherwise – double-check! However, if you're dreaming of bringing Fido, I recommend verifying before booking.
- Check out time: Check-out was easy and quick.
My Final Thoughts:
Would I go back? Absolutely! The Ritz-Carlton Denver is a splurge, but it’s an experience. It's a place to indulge, relax, and pretend you’re royalty for a few blissful days. Just be prepared to pay the price – and maybe bring a friend to share the champagne. And, hey, even if you don’t have a butler (I certainly didn’t), you’ll still feel pampered. Highly recommended!
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your run-of-the-mill itinerary. This is a Ritz-Carlton, Denver experience… filtered through the glorious, chaotic mess that is me. Expect jet lag, existential crises over a poorly-made latte, and a whole lotta opinions. Let's get this show on the road!
The Ritz-Carlton, Denver: My Attempt at High-Society Chaos
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Adjustment (and a Panic Attack… Maybe)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown in Denver, Baby! Okay, so, the flight was a disaster. Picture this: me, a window seat, and a toddler kicking the back of my seat for a solid three hours. I'm pretty sure my blood pressure hit orbit. But hey, we made it! Denver, here I come!
- 1:30 PM: Uber to the Ritz. Praying for no traffic. Seriously, Google Maps and car horns don't exactly scream "luxury travel." I'm already regretting packing those six pairs of impractical shoes (what was I thinking?).
- 2:30 PM: Check-in & Room Reconnaissance. The lobby is gorgeous. Like, gasp gorgeous. Chandeliers, marble, the whole shebang. Okay, I need to calm down. I'm suddenly terrified I don't belong here! I'm like a Golden Retriever in a penthouse… but the people at the front desk are SO nice, and the room? Sigh. City views. A fireplace. Seriously, a FIREPLACE. I'm half-expecting a tiny butler to emerge offering me a martini. (Spoiler alert: there wasn't a martini, but the view is amazing.)
- 3:30 PM: Altitude Adjustment & Panic Attack…Maybe: I'm feeling a bit…fuzzy. Is this the altitude? Or the lingering jet lag? Or the sheer terror of seeing the price of the mini-bar? Anyway, I decide to rehydrate. Water. Lots of water. I also call my best friend. Let's talk a little bit, okay.
- 4:00 PM: The spa. (OH. MY. GOD.) Okay, so I saw the spa and I needed to go there. I was so stressed, and I thought a hot stone massage might help. It was great. I was in a cloud of delicious smells and the massage therapist was amazing. Like, seriously, I think I was snoring. I came out feeling like a new person. I think I might just live in the spa for the rest of my life.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at Elway's. Okay, so, this place is the definition of "scene." And I'm apparently supposed to dress up. The food was amazing. Seriously, the steaks are legendary. BUT. The people-watching was even better. I swear, I saw a guy with a toupee that looked like it was about to take flight. And a woman with so much jewelry, I'm pretty sure she could fund my next ten vacations. The noise and the buzz was incredible. I had a great time, even if it was a little bit chaotic.
- 8:30 PM: Fireplace & Existential Crisis. Back in the room. Fireplace lit. Glass of wine in hand. (Yes, two glasses…) And suddenly, I'm contemplating the meaning of life. Should I be a writer? A baker? A professional cat-petter? The answers… remain elusive. Maybe tomorrow.
- 9:30 PM: In bed. I never wanted to leave the spa.
Day 2: Denver Delights & Dessert Dilemmas
- 8:00 AM: Waking Up (Maybe). I'm still dealing with Jet Lag. This is a good thing though, because there's another day of Spa time.
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast at the Hotel. Okay, so the breakfast buffet is pretty epic. Everything from perfectly poached eggs to a mountain of pastries. I might have overdone it on the croissants. Regrets? Zero. Although… maybe I should have skipped the fifth one.
- 9:30 AM: More Spa. The same great experience. The same great smells. I made a reservation and I didn't regret it.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel. (I'm Sensing A Pattern…). I'm not sure what I thought, but, I ended up at the hotel. And it was good. It was very good.
- 1:00 PM: Exploring the City (Or at Least Pretending To). I figured I should see something of Denver, so I went wandering. Downtown is cool. I'm not sure where to go yet. Maybe I'll grab a coffee. I should probably get going soon.
- 2:30 PM: Coffee I ended up at a local coffee shop. I probably looked like a complete tourist. And the coffee, well, it wasn't quite as good as the hotel coffee. I probably should've stayed at the hotel.
- 4:00 PM: The Art Museum-ish. I went to the Art Museum and I was really impressed. I love art. I walked around and thought about it. Honestly, I'm not sure I'm an art person. But it was nice.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I chose to eat at the hotel again. I'm a creature of habit. I ordered something different, however. And it was good.
- 8:00 PM: Dessert Dilemma. I'm torn. Should I go for the decadent chocolate cake at the hotel bar? Or the ice cream from that little shop I saw downtown? (Decisions, decisions…) I went with the hotel. Seriously, I'm not even sure why I considered other options.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. I'm planning on leaving tomorrow, but can I stay?
Day 3: Check Out & Colorado Dreams… and a Plea to the Universe
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast & Packing (Ugh). Goodbye, glorious breakfast buffet. Goodbye, mini-croissants (you will be missed). Time to face the reality of packing up and checking out. I'm already planning my return trip.
- 9:00 AM: Last-Minute Spa (YES!). Okay, one last massage. Because, priorities.
- 11:00 AM: Check Out (Tears. Real tears.). This hotel is absolute bliss. I want to stay.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch (Again). I ate at the hotel. I didn't feel like leaving.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the airport. I had a good time.
- 2:00 PM: Fly Home.
My Conclusion: The Ritz-Carlton, Denver? Absolutely worth it. Yes, the price tag is a bit… terrifying. But the service, the atmosphere, the spa… it's an experience. A slightly messy, occasionally frantic, but ultimately wonderful experience. And I'll be back. Don't hold your breath for that tiny butler with the martini, though. I think that was just the altitude talking.
P.S. Universe, please send me a lottery winning so I can stay here forever. Thanks.
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Okay, spill! Is The Ritz-Carlton Denver REALLY worth the hype? (And the price tag?)
Alright, let's be real. Worth the hype? Mostly. Worth the price tag? Urgh, depends. I mean, I went a little… overboard on my boyfriend's birthday last year (oops, honey, if you're reading this!), and yeah, the bill stung. BUT…
The service is, genuinely, next-level. Like, one time I was in the lobby, stressed-out-of-my-mind because my flight got canceled. I was basically a crumpled ball of anxiety. This *angel* of a concierge (I think his name was Michael?) saw me, basically materialised next to me, and *immediately* started making calls, rearranging things, finding solutions... and he did it all with this ridiculously calm, reassuring voice. It was like the stress just… poofed away. He totally saved me. Worth it just for that moment? Maybe. Probably.
The rooms are gorgeous, obvs. Think plush robes, ridiculously comfy beds (I genuinely want to steal the mattress), stunning city views… I could go on. But honestly? It’s the little things. Like, they leave fresh fruit and a handwritten note for you. And the turndown service? Pure bliss. They leave chocolates! I have a weakness for chocolate. Okay fine, I'm weak in general.
But let's be honest, it's a splurge. So, if you’re on a tight budget, maybe save it for a special occasion. Or, you know, just start saving now. Because you *will* want to go. Trust me. (And tell Michael I said hi!)
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually convenient for exploring the city?
The location? Pretty darn sweet. It's right downtown, close to everything! You're basically stumbling distance from Larimer Square, which is awesome for wandering around, window shopping (and secretly judging everyone's outfits - guilty!), grabbing a drink… The 16th Street Mall is practically on your doorstep too, which is a plus. Easy access to public transport if you're feeling virtuous.
But, *and this is crucial*, parking is a nightmare. Pure, unadulterated, soul-crushing nightmare. The valet service is good, but pricey. So, be prepared. Factor that into your budget. Or… just use Uber. Seriously, save yourself the stress. I got stuck in the parking garage once for like, an hour, trying to find my car. Felt like a maze. I swore never again. And I still do.
Okay, back to the positives! You can totally walk to a bunch of restaurants and bars. Plus, it's easy to get to the art museum and the theatre. Excellent for experiencing Denver's cultural side! Overall, it's a win. (Just, you know, Uber. Seriously.)
Let's talk food! How's the dining experience at The Ritz-Carlton Denver? Worth the calories?
Okay, buckle up, foodies! The dining… is… well… delicious. And potentially dangerous for your waistline. They have a few options, but *Elway's Downtown* is the one everyone raves about. Is it as great as the people tell you it is? Mostly!
I had their steak once. Oh. My. God. It was cooked to absolute perfection. Like, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. I'm not even a huge steak person, but this… this changed me. And the sides? Creamed spinach? Heaven. The truffle mashed potatoes? I would sell, my soul to have those potatoes again.
It's fancy, expensive, and the portions are… adequate. Meaning, you might want to order appetizers. And maybe a dessert. Definitely a dessert. (I recommend the chocolate lava cake. Just… trust me.) The service is impeccable, like everything else at the Ritz. The staff makes you feel like royalty. You'll feel like you're missing out only having to leave. But that's how they get you to come back!
Does the spa live up to the Ritz-Carlton name? I need some serious pampering!
Okay, spa time! Yes. YES. A thousand times yes. The Ritz-Carlton spa? It's pure bliss. Seriously. I had a massage there once, and I think I actually fell asleep. Or perhaps I just floated away to a land of unicorns and rainbows. I don't know, and frankly, I don't care.
The atmosphere is incredibly relaxing. Dim lighting, soft music, that amazing spa smell (you know the one), and super-friendly staff. The facilities are top-notch — steam rooms, saunas, relaxation areas… you name it. The eucalyptus-infused steam room specifically felt like a warm hug! Just go prepared to want to linger. A long time.
The treatments are… decadent. And they are pricier than other spas, but you get what you pay for. The masseuses are *amazing*. They actually listen to your complaints, which is a rarity. My therapist was the best I've ever had! Do yourself a favor and book a treatment. You won't regret it. Unless you regret being relaxed, then maybe skip it. You weirdo.
Are there any hidden gems or special things to look out for at the hotel?
Hidden gems? Hmm… Well, the obvious ones are pretty amazing, so I'm not sure how hidden they really are. But here are a few things to keep in mind…
First, the bar! The bar is super classy and makes fantastic cocktails. Also, it has the best people watching. (Guilty, again.) Definitely a must-do! They make a mean old fashioned though.
Second, if you're lucky enough to get a high floor room, the views of the mountains are breathtaking. If you get a room with that view? You win at life, basically. Seriously, just stand there and gawp. It's that good. The Rockies are truly beautiful.
Oh, and the rooftop pool isn't like, super-hidden, but it's definitely a highlight. Especially in the summer. Great place to relax, soak up the sun, and pretend like you're a celebrity. Just try not to spill your cocktail (I may or may not have done that once...)
What about families? Is this place kid-friendly?
Families... hm. (takes a deep breath). Okay.
The Ritz-Carlton generally *tries* to be kid friendly. They probably have all the right amenities. Baby equipment and things. But let's be realistic. It's a *luxury* hotel.
I saw a few kids there, but it was also… quiet. Most people are there for a romantic getaway or a fancy business trip. So, if you have kids who are constantly yelling and running around and will make a mess… maybe pick a different hotel. Unless you're rich enough to notComfort Inn
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