Review | The Maven Hotel Denver
did we just become best friends?
Discovering The Maven in downtown Denver is like meeting a new best friend you did not think you needed!
You will struggle to find a more happening property in LoDo (lower downtown) connected to one of Denver’s most popular blocks for locals, creators, and leisure travelers alike called the Dairy Block.
The design of the hotel is an experiential clash of incredible local Colorado flavors blended with bold trendy vibes that will leave your jaw on the floor. Anywhere you look, you can take gaze at the mystery behind each unique piece and feature The Maven has so tastefully placed throughout.
If you are coming to Denver and looking to experience a beautiful boutique luxury masterpiece in one of the coolest areas in town, look no more!
en route
The Maven is easily accessible from the Denver International Airport (DIA), which is 22 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.
The light rail will take you to Union Station downtown which is located within walking distance to The Maven (only a 3-minute walk to be exact!) However, if you’re a heavy packer like Chelsea, The Maven offers a courtesy car to guests for pick up and drop off within a 2 mile radius. Unless you’re planning on heading to the Mountains or anywhere else during your trip, you truly don’t need a car if you stay here! If you do decide to drive, the hotel does offer valet.
first impressions
As soon as you walk into The Maven, you’re invited to experience Colorado like a local. The Maven is not your typical hotel lobby vibe and prides itself on eliminating traditional boundaries by creating an open connection between the hotel, the Milk Market and The Alley. Read more on these local spots towards the bottom of this post!
There are bright colors, bold designs, and artwork by local Coloradans throughout, but our favorite installation is the hard-to-miss wooden hand suspended from the ceiling in the lobby, meant to symbolize the hand of the “maker” or “master”. You may not know this, but the word “Maven” means being a master of your craft and, let’s just say they nailed it (literally).
To nerd out for a minute and dig even further into the symbolism behind this piece – artist Andrew Ramiro Tirado quotes this as a “regard for the craft and artistry of the past; the connection, via head, heart, and hand, that can only occur when one is intently present; yet while reaching, both without and within, for the possibility, the opportunity to find the unexpected.” This is the inspiration that carries throughout your stay and the curated decor of the hotel, even down to the room numbers built from nails.
accommodations
Speaking of rooms, The Maven offers 172 modern, spacious, and loft-style guest rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, luxury bathroom amenities, balconies, and more. The decor is clean and natural yet bold and eclectic – overall offering such a cool city vibe. You’ll literally want to live in their robes and make copious amounts of coffee from the in-room pour-over coffee makers!
There are 16 unique room types ranging from your standard Apprentice King Room to the Craftsman Bunk Bed to the Diamond Suite outfitted with a massive patio overlooking Coors Field.
The Maven offers some super fun and unique add-on room packages, like Time for YOU-calyptus, Shot Ski & Whis-skis and the Ulti-Mutt Vacation, just to name a few. Coming soon, each of the 7 floors of rooms will feature different local artists’ murals and creative installations. We can’t wait to go back and check this out once complete! If you couldn’t tell by now, this hotel LOVES having a good time!
on-site perks
Let’s talk about amenities…. where to begin with all the amenities you can find at The Maven! The property is basically an adult playground, with too many perks to list.
Stop by the lobby Airstream coffee bar in the mornings for complimentary drip coffee or margaritas at the front desk for happy hour! Make sure to take advantage of the discounts and freebies offered at the local eateries in the Dairy Block – free apps, drinks, 2-for-1 deals…ummm, yes please!
If you want to venture out, take advantage of the courtesy car we mentioned above! Although there is no on-site fitness center or spa at the hotel itself, guests do have access to the 4500+ sq ft Dairy Block Fitness Center, as well as 10% off spa & salon services in partnership with The Oxford Club. WiFi is available, complimentary to all guests.
The Maven also loves their furry friends! Dogs are more than welcome at this hotel for an additional $50/stay. They even have pet caricatures every other month in their hotel lobby!
You can view the property’s full list of amenities and more details here.
eats & sips
It’s tough to describe the extensive amount of activities you can do and places you can eat and drink within 100 feet in any direction you go from The Maven. Being a part of The Dairy Block, the hotel’s dining and shopping amenities are ultimately all interconnected under one roof. Upon entering The Maven’s doors, you’ll instantly notice Kachina Cantina and the Poka Lola Social Club.
kachina cantina
Kachina Cantina is a local favorite and serves authentic Southwestern fare in a vibrant whimsical atmosphere. There is a great patio that’s a go-to for sharing a Blood Orange Margarita pitcher with your best friends on those warm, sunny Denver days! Top choices for food would have to be the Chorizo Empanadas and Beef Birria, followed by the Roasted Plaintain Cake for dessert. Our mouths are watering!
poka lola social club
Poka Lola is a swanky boutique cocktail lounge with a funky vibe. The menu features craft cocktail creations, elevated bar bites and unique events like Psychedelic Sundays. (Tip: ask for the PS I Love You drink – you won’t be disappointed!) The garage doors located behind the bar open up to the patio that sits in the middle of the pedestrian-only Alley (keep reading for more on this below!)
If you’d rather stay in for the night, Kachina Cantina and Poka Lola Social Club also both offer in-room dining menus!
If you walk further past Huckleberry Roasters and the local retail boutiques, you’ll enter the Milk Market which is a lively food hall featuring 16 take-away and dine-in restaurants and bars, all local to Colorado. Grab a Lobster Roll from Albina by the Sea or some Lou’s Wings from Lou’s Hot Naked and you’ll be ready for the day!
From there you can step outside to The Alley which is downtown Denver’s first “activated” alley. The Alley is filled with bright-colored murals, immersive pop-up events, patios galore, and a plethora of Insta-worthy spots. Blanchard Family Wines and Run For The Roses are two of our top choices here!
Grab a coffee and buckle up folks, it’s time to catch a tasty wave down Colorado culture street!
local & unique
Dairy Block: an eclectic micro-district home to dozens of restaurants, bars, and retailers. There is always something fun going on here! You’ll be in the middle of the disco when you stay at The Maven!
Wynkoop Brewing Company: Colorado’s first brewpub – located only a few hundred feet from The Maven! Fun fact: Denver is often referred to as the “Napa Valley of Beer”. Pass us another crafty boy, please!
Coors Field: only a few minutes walk from the hotel separates you from cheering on the Rockies at a MLB baseball game! One of the funnest seats in the house? The Rooftop in the upper right field – it has some of the best sunset views of the Rockies and a party atmosphere
McGregor Square: one of our favorite new additions to this area! Home to 12+ restaurants & bars, 5+ retail outlets, and a 17,000 sq ft outdoor plaza complete with a stadium-sized LED screen (make sure to watch any of the Colorado sports teams on the big screen here!)
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row Denver: a new premier spot in town for an elevated nightlife experience, with a gastropub vibe, American food and over 30 draft beers. Incredible rooftop overlooking Coors Field with cornhole, fire pits and, of course, live music!
before you go
The Maven Hotel in Denver is perfect for someone looking to get the most out of their stay and truly discover all the unique experiences Denver has to offer. The ideal person who stays here appreciates bold vibes and loves having a good time outside of the norm. If you come here, clear your books – you’ll want to stay an extra couple of days!
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!
