Join the mile high club (Warwick Denver Hotel (Denver))

Member Name: The Scenery

Product:	Warwick Denver Hotel (Denver)
Date:	30/04/07 (168 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: short walk from downtown, excellent facilities, great views

Disadvantages: some may prefer more central site

It was about this time last year that I started looking for Hotels in the U.S.A. Having got the rough itinerary I set about looking for Hotels at our various stopping off points.

To be honest Denver was one of the easiest searches, as after looking at a couple of downtown hotels I came across The Warwick Denver.

? The Website?

I use Multimap.com to search the City Centres and use the hotel finder tool, which shows me the locations of hotels. I tend to look for sites slightly out of the main city centre, and after discounting the city centre four stars, I found this one a half a mile from the main street. The link clicks through to the Hotels website, and I must say it is one of the best hotel websites I have come across.

The layout and functionality are as you would expect. But it is the level of detail in the facilities, location, local attractions, and pictures, which drew me in. A complete page of sights and activities all with web links. The whole site gives you an impression of quality and good service

It is once you link to the main Warwick site that you realize this is a quality hotel group with sites across Europe and the U.S. A lot of thought has gone into their business, their website being first point of contact.

The booking function was easy, but there is a huge amount of booking options. I went for the Internet saver booking, with the best available room on arrival. The good thing about American hotels is you get a straight price for the room. No price per person, B&B, DB&B.

They also have this best available room, which is just like first come, first served. This may seem a gamble, but we were arriving in Denver at around 05.30am, so my plan was to head for the hotel, check-in, grab the best room available, even if we could not get in till later in the day, leave our bags with the concierge and head off for breakfast, and some sightseeing.

 Arrival >

Well that was the plan. Thanks to Amtrak we arrived Union Station Denver 09.40am.
We took a cab for the 5 minute trip up to the hotel, with a short "where everything is" tour from the driver.

The hotel is a quite understated modern building in a street of similar condo's and apartment blocks, the streets surrounding the hotel seemed quiet and pleasant, with wide side walks lined with trees, a large grass margin to the road. We asked a local later about the wide sidewalks, and were told "come back in November, you'll see why". Of course Denver can get anything up to 4 foot of snow, and that's where they deposit it.

The entrance to the hotel is again understated; two large doors lead into a wide lobby, with a long reception desk. The first impression is good. Marble floors, smart décor, and deep upholstered sofas and chairs.

The lobby was busy, mainly with people checking out, but we were greeted well by the lady on reception that was busy compiling bills. I suggested if we could stow our bags and get a coffee. She got a porter to take our bags and seated us in a corner of reception, and coffee and pastries were bought for us (complimentary).

Once she had cleared the throng of leavers, she came over and checked us in where we sat. I had been unwell on the train, suffering an increasing migraine, so it was nice for someone to take the time to help us. I really wanted to get into a room and try and sleep off this migraine, so our lady checked to see if there were any clean rooms.

There were two rooms available, but were east facing, away from the city and the mountains. We could wait till about 11.00 to get a better room, but I needed to crash so we opted for the available room. This room was a double (twin double beds) and we could have them $150 a night. "Yes Please". Our bags were brought up to us, and I crashed.


Zzzzzz the Room Zzzzzz

Well, after 8 hours of the best sleep I had since I arrived in the US. I felt a million dollars. The whole morning had been somewhat of a blur, so I came to and explored the room.

The first room to explore was the bathroom. Americans like their big bathrooms, and this was a bit special. Marble bath and sanitraryware, his and hers basins, gold taps and furniture. A lovely walk-in bath/shower. With the back wall completely mirrored.

So after a refreshing shower, I checked out the room opposite was the case room, with a wardrobe and a wall mounted safe.

The bedroom/living area is big. Two 5ft double beds with ample walk around room between them. Each have a bedside table, one with a phone, and one with alarm/radio.
A large dressing table, with another phone and Wi Fi connection. Next to that is a double wardrobe.
In the corner is the TV unit, with Mini Bar/ Fridge below.
Two large armchairs completed the furnishing of this tasteful, well appointed room, which measured about 20 by 15 ft. A good size for their lower spec. room. The room was bright and airy, with full Patio windows opening out onto a balcony, and on a clear day you could probably see Omaha.


^ The Hotel in General ^

It was Mrs Scenics turn to make herself glamorous for Denver, knowing this would take some time; I went off to explore the rest of the Hotel and facilities.

We were on the 10th floor, which gave us a fairly good view, but I wanted to get higher and see the lay of the land. So off to the lift for the rooftop swimming pool.

The late afternoon saw some younger guests swimming, but most had grabbed loungers, and sipped ice tea or cocktails from the bar. I got myself a juice and surveyed the city, Front Range, and Rocky Mountains beyond. The pool itself was not Olympic standard. It took up about half the roof space, with a bar and seating area another quarter.

The next floor down was the luxury suites, for which you needed your room card to stop the lift. The one below that (15th) was the fitness centre. A well equipped gym, with the latest circuit training machines. Not many customers here and the chap running it looked a bit miffed when I made my excuses and turned tail.

From there it was back to reception. I had not got a chance to check out the restaurant. Again it was busy with guests checking in, and returning from their days out.

There is a small row of shops as you leave by the car park exit. One a gift shop, another useful items store (shampoos, razors etc) the third is an information bar, with details of tours, and local attractions. I found the restaurant, where we would dine the following night.


! Location, Location, Location!

If arriving by Air at Denver International Airport you will find a 25 mile journey into downtown Denver. There is a shuttle bus which serves the Warwick and other hotels in the area, which charges $19 one way. The Taxi fare would be about $50-$60
The journey in takes you passed most of the City and gives you some idea of where the local attractions are, and I would recommend one of the Day Tours up into the Rocky Mountains, which pick up from the Hotel.

So many times I have booked a good hotel only to find the traffic noise appalling, or if as in New York you turn left outside the hotel you enter a no go area.

We double checked with the doorman the way downtown, and were offered a lift in the hotel town car. We opted for a walk. As it turned out the two blocks across and one down were no problem, and we were soon in the 16th street mall, the main shopping and Eatery Street.
Even at six in the evening it was still in the 80's, but Denver's main street is car free, and the free end to end bus is powered by electric, so it is a pleasant place to be. And we found a good restaurant and dined al fresco.

The walk back to hotel felt safe, and Denver has a laid back, friendly nature about it. But the last two blocks are up a steep hill, so beware.

A so to bed (don't forget to collect your mile high membership!) A peaceful night's sleep.


*Breakfast*

Breakfast is served in the Randolph restaurant, and you have the choice of a la carte, or buffet. One look at the buffet and we took that option. At $18 you get a self serve hot breakfast, or cereals, waffles, and fruit. Both were well displayed, and were delicious. If you go buffet you sit in a small side area, and help yourself to drinks and food.

The a la carte is served in the main restaurant seating area, and you can sit outside on the veranda. The menu looks good, listing steak, poached salmon, and various skillets (pan fried).


\ Evening Meal /

Randolph Restaurant boasts the finest chefs, preparing fresh local produce, in a modern western style.

The ambiance was good. We were seated by a pleasant woman, who asked which table we would like, stating that the jazz pianist would be starting in around 15 minutes; we opted for a table by a window, but preferred not to eat outside.

The restaurant is not large, but there is spare capacity in one of the function rooms. The tables were nicely laid out, with enough space so that you would not be listening to your fellow diner's conversation. The tasteful use of décor and plants made it a pleasant place to be.

Our waitress offered menus and wine list, with some recommendations from the chef. The menu was interesting without being too adventurous. A choice of about 10 starters, 15 mains, with a comprehensive wine list.

After much mulling I ordered Lake Granby smoked salmon starter, and a rib-eye steak, with gratin potatoes, baby leaf salad.

Mrs Scenic. Buffalo wings with 3 dip sauce and Halibut with baby new potatoes and herb and vegetable medley.

Both were cooked well, and the portions were a sensible size for once. They were washed down with a Californian white and red.

By now the jazz was humming, and the Bar was full with lively conversation. It seemed the locals also used the Bar and Restaurant which is always a good endorsement.

We skipped desert, although very tempting, we hit the Bar and finished the night with a cocktail

< Check Out<

So after two nights it was time to leave. The Bill was as offered $150 per night. Our evening meal came to $105 dollars which for the standard of the food and service was excellent. Talking of service I always pay for meals separately in the U.S as you then ensure that your server gets the tip in full, not a percentage after the hotel take their bit.

The check out was painless and credit to the hotel for their service and attention to detail, as the receptionist was very professional.

$ Prices $

There is a lot of flexibility with most US hotels, you can if on a budget, usually cut a deal with them, so the prices listed are approximate, and vary on time of year, method of booking, and room availability on the day.
Standard rooms-King or Queen Bed or twin large doubles $115-$150

Corner suite 2 rooms with King Bed, wet room $175-$220

14th Floor executive room $299-$349

These prices based around a 2 night stay in mid July.

All rooms have:-

Wi Fi internet access
2 Telephones, with Voice mail
Mini Bar
Coffee Maker
Iron and Ironing Board
Cable TV, with Pay per View Movies
In Room Safes

Services available:-

Town Car Service
Valet Parking
Business Centre
Fitness Centre
24hr Room Service
Dry cleaning (same day)
Year Round Open Air Swimming Pool

The hotel has 219 rooms of which 21 are smoking rooms


& Contact Information &

The Warwick Denver Hotel
1776 Grant Street
Denver
Colorado
80203

Tel: +1 303 861 2000 Fax +1 303 832 0320

http://warwickdenver.com


~ Conclusion ~

We had a very good experience in this hotel. I found it excellent value for money. The staff and facilities are well up to a four star standard.
The Warwick Hotel chain has found a loyal customer, and future trips to Europe and the USA will feature one of their Hotels.

Summary: A well appointed hotel and value for money