Like many other nights, the bed called to me like a siren from a Greek epic, but this time would be different. I was about to find out if the buzz about the beds at Hotel Teatro in downtown Denver was true. Hotel guests have found the beds and sheets so comfortable they inquire about buying the items for themselves.
The buzz is justified. The Simmons Beverly Hills Black Edition mattress, 600 thread count custom sheets and two down duvets make for a blissful sleep by anyone’s standard, and are just a few of the many things that make a stay at Hotel Teatro dramatically elegant and enjoyable.
The AAA Four Diamond Hotel Teatro (“teatro” means “theater” in Italian) resides in what once was the Tramway building, originally built in 1911, across the street from the Denver Center for Performing Arts. In the spirit of its name, the hotel is
decorated with costumes, art and photos from the Denver Center Theatre Company, and offers hotel guests a number of theater and show packages.
The luxury boutique hotel has won a number of awards, including 2010 “Best in Stay Award” from Orbitz.com and 2007 “World’s Best Business Hotel” from Travel + Leisure.
The Deluxe Corner King room is popular among guests for its spacious layout and its downtown views. All the rooms have elegant and modern décor, including artwork and photos from Denver theatrical productions.
The TV in the five-fixture bathroom is a big hint to spend some time there. The deep soaking tub is part of their featured turndown service, where a “bath butler” is on call 24 hours a day to draw a bath for you, complete with bath salts, a choice of scented oils and beverages including champagne, wine or bottled water.
Business travelers will appreciate how easy it is to access the wireless Internet. Also, the free premium cable channels in HD on the 32-inch LCD TVs make it easy to stay in if you have to. Pets can also stay in the hotel’s 110 rooms.
The meeting space and fitness center are modest, and there’s no spa on-site, but whatever the hotel may not have available is easily arranged through their concierge service, including passes to the Colorado Athletic Club and spa treatments at Spa Universaire. I was practically lost on all the services and amenities I requested for my stay, but staff members went out of their way to answer every question, and scoffed at any hint I was giving them trouble.
Getting the opportunity to dine at the hotel’s newly renovated Kevin Taylor Restaurant is both rare and not to be missed. On the evening I dined there, couples occupied distant tables sharing intimate moments. Casual laughter from the business dinner in the opposite corner accented the low-key atmosphere.
The Broken Arrow Ranch wild boar loin entrée had a 5-minute story as to what ranch it came from and its free-range techniques to keep the pork tender. The taste justified the meal’s journey – tender, with hardly any “gamey” taste. The spectrum of flavor in the bittersweet “liquid center” chocolate cake was exquisite.
While the Kevin Taylor Restaurant is only open for dinner, the Italian-inspired cuisine of Prima Ristorante, also owned by Kevin Taylor, is open for all meals.
While the rates to stay at Hotel Teatro match its Four Diamond award, they do treat returning guests well with a rewards program and a staff that remembers you. It’s all the little things – the bed, the bath and the food, along with the great staff – that contributed to making an enjoyable and memorable experience.
If You Go
Hotel Teatro
1100 14th St.
Denver, Colorado 80202
303-228-1100 or 888-727-1200
hotelteatro.com
Reginald Bautista is a freelance writer who lives near Colorado Springs.