When people ask me what’s the best part of my job, sometimes they’re surprised when I tell them it’s the hotels.

I actually love hotels — ESPECIALLY the kind of hotels and resorts we connect with through Global Traveler. The beds are always soft and cozy, the lobbies are engaging, and I actually LOVE working in a quiet, impeccably designed room all by myself.

On two different trips to Denver I recently checked out Aloft Denver North Westminster from Marriott and Atwell Suites Denver Airport from IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Atwell Suites was literally brand-new — I believe it is only the second hotel of its brand open in the entire country. The night I walked in, an evening reception was taking place right smack-dab in the middle of the lobby with loud music and cocktails. Several executives were in town congratulating those involved on a job well done, celebrating the opening-night achievement. The front-desk receptionist joyfully gave me two sugar cookies with “Atwell Suites” delicately written in white icing across the top of light-blue fondant. Although I was pretty tired after a late flight, and the party-like atmosphere at check-in was unexpected, I completely understood what it’s like to cross the finish line and celebrate a big win with your team.

My room was also a bit unexpected — in a good way. I didn’t realize how much space I’d have, and I absolutely loved the “bonus area” with casual seating and fun wall art. I also loved the layout of the room, with a large bathroom and walk-in closet for my luggage. Finally, the little details like lamps and shower handles made to look like wrought-iron were noticeable and added a homey touch. I can easily see why IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding Atwell Suites across the nation, and as word gets out, I anticipate many will choose this upper-mid-scale, all-suites brand.

On a different trip to Denver, I chose to stay at Aloft Westminster. I was looking for a hotel closer to shopping and restaurants, and Aloft sits inside The Orchard Town Center, an outdoor shopping mall just north of Denver.

The lobby inside Aloft is fascinating — very eclectic with a pool table, live performance area and large bar. There are different clusters of seating everywhere, and the high, open ceilings definitely add to the “downtown” kind of vibe. But unlike other loft-like spaces where everything feels cold and generic, Aloft uses pops of color perfectly, giving an unexpected, energetic warmth to everything you see.

The rooms are also a bit unconventional but very well-designed. I loved the partition separating the bathroom from the bedroom, and, again, the colors kept the room feeling fresh and fun. Speaking of fun, the wallpaper inside the toilet room reminded me of an old-school gas station of sorts — random items are hidden within the design in a Where’s Waldo kind of fashion. Every once in a while, you see a white poodle with mint-green sunglasses. A unicycle. A rooster and a couple of flying saucers. Admittedly, the more I used the facilities, the more items I found, lol!

Both hotels offer something special to niche audiences and are indicative of the new trend in travel: directly addressing the more advanced/discerning traveler with cool, modern spaces and made to feel experiential instead of cookie-cutter.

And because I love a great hotel experience, I’m sure I’ll be back.

— Carrie Cox, account executive