Arrival/Check-In: Enjoying my ride from Denver International Airport to my hotel downtown, I was so focused on the snow-capped mountains in the distance, I nearly missed the city buildings fast approaching. After a 30- to 40-minute ride into the city, I arrived at the Aloft Denver Downtown.

Pulling off the main street into the Aloft Denver Downtown entrance, I immediately felt tucked away from the city. I would never have noticed it on my own, as it has an unassuming entrance, resembling a parking garage. I hopped out and was escorted from the car to the concierge desk.

I checked in with the concierge as we chatted about nearby restaurants and the great location. My room wasn’t ready — and wouldn’t be for at least another 45 minutes — so I dropped off my bag and moved to the lounge area to plug in and get some work done while waiting. I noticed some hotel guests congregating in the lounge, playing pool and grabbing coffee at the W XYZ Bar when I got the text that my room was ready.

Guest Quarters: I grabbed my bag and headed up to my room on the third floor. The dimly lit hallways featured dark-painted walls, neon accents and pops of colorful text. Matching the various furnishings in the lounge downstairs, the path to my room boasted the same fun, young and playful theme of color popping against a dark palette.

My small but efficient guestroom felt infinitely bigger with the floor-to-ceiling curtains open, allowing me to look out over the pavement and directly at my neighbors. The room was simple, no-fuss and perfect for a quick stay — which I could have inferred from the guests in the lounge who looked like business travelers.

I set my luggage on the bench in front of the kingsized bed, my computer and bag on the large desk, and hung a few things up in the closet near the coffee machine.

The industrial-chic interior design was playful and casual — as I began to suspect was the general vibe of Denver.

Services/Amenities: Both the hotel’s pantry (located behind the concierge desk) and fitness center operate 24 hours for guests, allowing visitors freedom to come and go as they please. There is even a breakfast nook, re:fuel by Aloft, complete with a menu of fresh options inspired by local cuisine and flavors.

While the amenities may be limited, the location couldn’t be more ideal. I took advantage of the hotel’s close proximity to local attractions and museums as well as the concierge’s helpful suggestions for vegetarian options around the city.

Just a block from the Colorado Convention Center, a short walk from the 16th Street Mall and surrounded by fun breweries and restaurants, the locale is essentially a one-stop shop for business travelers and first-time visitors getting their bearings on the area’s surrounding neighborhoods. Aptly named, as it sits in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Denver’s downtown, the Aloft hotel offers an ideal home base for business.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ The king-sized bed was so comfortable, I fell into a deep sleep almost immediately.

◆ The bathroom soap, shampoo and body wash are a natural brand for sensitive skin.

◆ Remember to close your floor-to-ceiling curtains!

ALOFT DENVER DOWNTOWN

800 15th St.
Denver, Colorado 80202
tel 303 623 3063
marriott.com