A Girl’s Guide to Travel, Studying, Working, and Volunteering Abroad

Downtown Denver has a remarkable quaint charm with many ways to travel besides by car. In fact, they have a free public transportation called the Mall Ride that stops at each block. As far as being able to get to the local hot spots or to your massage, walking should be something that a visitor should do. (Ladies: bring some shoes with soul.) There is so much to see, do and hear.

But first, let’s talk about the place to stay. One of the best hotels located in Denver, Colorado that truly has character, elegance, and superior service is Hotel Teatro. From the outside standing on the corner it looks like a charming historic building. When you walk in, there is a modern twist with old world mixed in with Indonesian art. Throughout the hotel you can see exotic works of art on display. I’m not certain if the artwork throughout this boutique hotel is really original or is part of a theme. Either way the romance is there. If you choose the Superior Room as your room of choice, the hotel maids come through every day with turn down service, including chocolate delights. When you walk in you will see the cherry wood and the sandstone floors that really make you feel like you are a big spender.

The high ceilings and the floor opens up the room. The sitting area has a European style couch sets, old black and white photos and the best bed that I have ever slept in. I should of checked the maker of the mattress. The Italian linens were from Frette, which is Egyptian cotton, 200 thread count of ooh la la. The pillows were feathered and oh so plush. The flat screen is jetted out just enough for you to snuggle in bed and enjoy a movie without feeling cramps in your neck or too far to see the picture. The huge walk-in bathroom is all marble. Comes with a crystal glass scale if you choose to know how much you weigh. Walk-in showers are becoming very popular in hotels which I believe is a way to go. The glass shower was super clean and well made. You will literally feel like you are in a rain shower. They carry Aveda products which is okay, but I wish they carried the Bath & Body products Orange Ginger. They give complimentary internet connections as well as wireless. There is plenty of nooks and crannies to sit around the hotel.

Explore the hotel interior where the meetings rooms are located to see more art and white marble floors. There is a staircase that will lead you to the upper level of one of the restaurants that is run by chef Kevin Taylor. I didn’t really have the best service at their restaurants nor was the food spectacular that I would recommend. Definitely venture out. The Concierge rocks at Teatro! Attending a convention or have reservations for dinner in downtown, don’t worry these guys will take you in the Escalade at your beck and call. The Concierge have all the tips, tricks and they are definitely plugged into what is happening in the city so if you have an itch or a jive they surely will steer you in the right direction. And they would even go as far as making reservations for you on your behalf.

There is so much flavor and taste that you have to go to Earl’s. I know, it doesn’t sound sexy but they serve delicious prime rib and it is a local spot off of 16th where you see Denver come alive. Enjoy a glass of wine from the reserves and just enjoy the atmosphere. Along the way, you will see entertaining characters to musicians playing their hearts out. You will even hear the sidewalks sing! Okay well, if you walk down Curtis Street to 16th, you will hear what I mean. An elephant might trumpet you, a lion may roar or you might get startled by other jungle noises. Will you get spooked?

I had the pleasure of enjoying a Dom Brunch that traditionally only takes place on Sundays at the Brown Palace from 10am to 2pm. They feature all sorts of food that is unbelievable. Steak, oversized seafood, fresh fruit, sushi, every type of egg prepared, custom omelets, pancakes, exquisite desserts, fresh baked breads, to all sorts of sides. Expect to spend about $150.00 for 2. Oh and they also served Dom Perignon Champagne with this lavish buffet. The place is full of rich history and one of the places that I swore that I must see and do where the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown stayed one week after her return from Titanic. The Brown Palace has an Italian Renaissance atrium style design that is definitely built with elegance and prestige. The architect and engineer of the building had a green thumb. The place is built to be fireproof…wood was not included in the building materials. 720 feet beneath the lobby floor the original artesian well provides water for the entire hotel. The plot of land that it sits on is a triangular shape. All of the space in the hotel is used for entertaining. There is a charming coffee shop that is in the corner of the hotel. A great spot if you are waiting for a ride or a friend. There is a small selection of hand-picked books and fresh daily pastries and other baked delights. Find live entertainment in the Ship Tavern that has a vintage pub atmosphere. Your imaginations would lead you to believe that you are in an old world bar that looks like a club of the past where you would find businessmen puffing their cigars. In the lobby, daily they serve from Noon to 4pm a tradition of Afternoon Tea. Just like the Dom Brunch you have to reserve early, because they are so well done. A harpist or pianist plays nearby as hospitable waiters serve you scones, pastries, sandwiches that are prepared daily by the top chefs. If you do Denver, don’t forget to do the Brown Palace.

The 16th Street Mall is an open pavilion-like area where there are outdoor escalators, stairways to get to the boutiques, some popular chains like Express, Victoria Secret, Banana Republic and many others. You can also find other watering holes like Coyote Ugly, a GINARMOUS movie theatre (bigger than the ones in Texas) and a bowling alley.

Corridor 44, a great spot to enjoy champagne with friends for happy hour. This place is completely dedicated to sharing toasts to quotes from those in the past. They create original mixes transforming the champagne to taste luscious. They have an outside patio, swank furniture and chic private rooms.

I have to admit Marlowe’s was one of the local hot spots that is packed for lunch, happy hour and dinner in this historic looking building. Vaulted ceilings with a gorgeous cherry wood bar that has many levels of seating that is completely inviting. Although, they will shut down for private parties. They served the best halibut dish I have ever tasted which went great with the outstanding summer outdoor weather just before a quiet storm. Succulent dessert shooters that simply must be shared with friends. I don’t believe they list them on the menu because they are prepared daily. It’s one of those culinary surprises. But if you can go to this local saloon it will definitely feel like you are attending a never ending party.

Baur’s is a Mediterranean gourmet experience that has old-world charm. It takes me back to think about the elegance of the restaurant from the servers to the tastes of the food. The restaurant has this vertical sign hanging in lights off the front of the entrance that just screams old Hollywood to me. It’s one of those places that gives character to influence your mood for a romantic experience. Oh and the Baur family made their fortune from producing candies.

Interested for a quick snack, turkey Panini sandwich or mocha frap with extra whip crème? Then you have to stop in to Hannah’s deli off of 14th and Curtis. It’s a small shop where they have high boy tables and open space. It’s a place where you will not find a crowd. They are truly an affordable deli that makes great food. They will definitely not spare the pickle on the side. Especially, if you want a quick authentic meal.

There is so much to experience in downtown Denver from the fabulous fine dining to the theatre, historic buildings, walking chicken promoters, talking sidewalks, people watching on the Mall Ride, blue bears staring into windows, rushing rapids, the corner book stores, the delis, and just a great place to actually walk to nearby attractions. I believe that Denver is a romantic city and one place that I know that you will feel that you can getaway.

Written by guest writer, Adrienne Hill, who recently ventured to the Mile High City. Visit Adrienne’s website, ISYTES.