Review | Le Meridien Denver Downtown
baby i'm made for you!
If you’re heading to Denver to do some sightseeing, shopping at 16th Street Mall, or in town for a conference at the Colorado Convention Center, Le Meridien Denver Downtown is an excellent choice for you! This Marriott hotel option provides a boutique mountain chic vibe for an affordable price in the heart of the mile-high city.
en route
Le Meridien Denver Downtown is easily accessible from the Denver International Airport (DIA), which is 25 miles away. From the airport, you can either rent a car or order a rideshare but for a more unique (and affordable!) experience, our favorite option is jumping on the A train directly from the airport. This light rail will take you to Union Station downtown which is located within walking distance of the top luxury hotels in Denver.
Le Meridien Denver Downtown is 0.9 miles from Union Station so, in this instance, we would recommend taking a rideshare from Union Station (or directly from the airport). Or if you’re packing light, there are always electric scooters and bikes via Lyft or Lime available, located outside in front of Union Station.
first impressions
If you do drive to the hotel, the hotel offers valet parking. As soon as you walk into the hotel you’ll be greeted with a well-designed lobby and decor that is begging to be photographed!
The hotel features incredible and modern art pieces throughout but one of our favorites sits behind the front desk as you enter the hotel. This spectacular piece features 1,685 tiny oil portraits of Marie Antoinette, hand painted by mostly Colorado artists. The hotel decor blends Colorado’s mountain culture with modern features that are thoughtfully designed with traditional European and mid-century influences. It’s difficult to miss the beautiful two-floor spiral staircase, floor-to-ceiling windows, and the elegant low-dangling glass chandeliers that shadow it.
The hotel also features Colorado’s first Moët & Chandon champagne vending machine and, if you are like us, it’s a vibe after an exhausting day of traveling (but do you even need a reason for champagne?)! Nearby there is a perfect collection of cozy seating areas and a huge see-through, double-sided fireplace – many options to relax and drink that champagne! We are extreme foodies so staying at a hotel that offers outstanding on-site restaurant/bar options is a must for us. Le Meridien Denver Downtown doesn’t disappoint, offering three distinct options.
eats & sips
the lobbyist
The first-floor lobby has two on-site options – one being The Lobbyist. This is a quaint coffee bar in the AM and a lively champagne/craft cocktail bar in the PM – it also offers a great daily happy hour! The large wood-finished doors behind the bar rotate to showcase either coffee or liquor bottles, depending on the time of day. It’s really unique!
corinne
The second on-site option, Corinne, is an superb choice for those looking for an elevated and intimate vibe. This restaurant is adored by world travelers and locals alike with an extensive wine list and fresh locally sourced ingredients like waygu from local Brush Creek Ranch.
Winning many recent awards like the Trip Advisor Travelers Choice 2022, The Open Table Diners Choice Award 2022, and Denver’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2022, it’s high on our list of recommendations. The Burrata appetizer and Wagyu Steak Frites were to die for! Make sure to start it off with a Fig Time Mule!
54thirty rooftop (denver's highest)
As much as we love Corinne, you would be at a loss if you did not check out Denver’s highest open-air rooftop bar, 54thirty, located on the 20th floor of the hotel! The mile-high city’s highest bar has a quaint and loungey vibe with tableside firepits, epic mountain views, and in-your-face cityscapes – it will leave you speechless, even more so during sunset!
54thirty has an incredible menu crafted with love and local influence to keep up with the flavors of each season. We highly recommended the Cold Brew Sunset cocktail and Grilled Cheese & Butternut Squash Soup! Keep in mind, this bar is seasonal and weather-permitting so make sure to check the website or ask the front desk for the hours!
on-site perks
Along with the three on-site food & drink options, Le Meridien Denver Downtown also offers many other perks and amenities. The hotel is pet-friendly; there is 1 pet allowed per room and it is $50 extra per stay. They have digital check-in available, along with digital room keys. WiFi is available – this is complimentary for Marriott members. The hotel also provides a complimentary fitness center that is open 24/7 and includes your typical equipment like cardio machines, free weights, exercise equipment, and our personal favorite, a Peleton Bike. There is no spa or pool at this hotel but many options in the area!
accommodations
The 20-story hotel features 272 guestrooms that offer views of downtown Denver with floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms have a minimalistic and open, yet cozy, aesthetic with light and airy decor and a modern color palette. All rooms in the hotel share a similar European luxury charm and size. Our favorite room style for 1-2 people is the Skyline View King. For larger groups, unfortunately there are no suites offered, however you can book connecting rooms. There is a mini fridge and complimentary coffee and tea options, as well as in-room dining available. The bathroom features white herringbone tile and a rainfall-style shower head, as well as Malin+Goetz toiletries and plush robes.
local & unique
Denver Selfie Museum: first ever Original Selfie Museum in the U.S.! Colorful themed rooms and immersive art installations – perfect for instagram shots!
16th Street Mall: renowned outdoor shopping mall in the heart of downtown Denver with pedestrian-only streets
Denver Botanic Gardens: one of the top five botanic gardens in the nation. 23-acre park in the middle of the city with a conservatory, variety of theme gardens and an outdoor amphitheater for concerts
Dazzle Denver: intimate spot for live jazz music, coupled with a chef-driven menu, curated wine menu and craft cocktails
Larimer Square: an iconic pedestrian-only block in Denver. In fact, it was the city’s first block! Larimer Square comes to life at night with patios galore, string lights, live music and some of Denver’s top chefs
before you go
Le Meridien Denver Downtown would be the perfect choice for a business or leisure traveler looking for a minimalistic chic travel experience or for someone in town for a conference at the Colorado Convention Center. With the on-site food and drink options and proximity to other locals such as 16th Street Mall and Larimer Square, this hotel is a great option. Tip: be sure to ask about the Unlock Art program, featuring complimentary access to local museums and unique experiences by showing your room key.
weather tips
When coming to Denver, you should always be prepared for four seasons! With that being said, Denver has some of the best weather year-round nationwide (hello 300 days of sunshine!) Always make sure to double check the weather before you pack and remember – layers are your friend! Denver does have a dryer climate as we are a mile closer to the sun so with the lack of moisture in the air, 50 degrees here is actually very enjoyable! Make sure to drink lots of water so you can have as much fun as possible in the Mile-High city!
The Comments
susan
so difficult to find detailed information for travel location ideas and hotel properties… and your website had it all. really love the “top discoveries” shortened version and then i read further and found more information on property…so informative and just what i was looking for. can’t really find this information anywhere except on your website.
UniquelyDiscovered
> susanHi Susan! Thank you so much for taking time to read our blogs and for your supportive words!