Informed Traveler Insider Tour: Hotel Teatro

Recently, I had the opportunity to spend the weekend at Hotel Teatro. Situated in downtown Denver, the luxury boutique hotel is celebrating its twentieth anniversary in 2019. Originally the Denver Tramway Station, the historic Renaissance Revival-style property was built in 1911, by the same architect as Denver's 16th Street Clock Tower. Continue reading below the photo of the hotel.

My experience at the hotel actually began at Union Station. After arriving from the airport via train, I called the Hotel Teatro. The hotel dispatched the complimentary town car over to Union Station and we were on our way to the hotel in just minutes. Continue reading about the hotel below the photo of the Hotel Teatro's courtesy transportation service. 

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a friendly check-in process and promptly in our corner room in just minutes. 

Located on the 4th floor, my Deluxe Corner Room with One King Bed offered a spacious urban retreat. Large windows provided natural light as well as views of city. The plush sitting area included a chic couch (with a pull-out sofa bed), chair, and Keurig coffeemaker complete with Hotel Teatro mugs. Read more below the photo.

The spacious desk with multiple outlets was an ideal spot to charge phones and cameras, as well as jot down notes about my stay, check out my maps, and plan my stay. 

And the bed is certainly not to be overlooked! From its chic headboard to the ultra-comfortable Simmons Beautyrest Black Beverly Hills Edition 15-inch mattress, it was an idyllic haven after a long day of traveling or sightseeing. Plus, the nightstands were well-equipped with plug-ins to recharge devices. Continue below the photo.

But perhaps one of the room’s showstoppers was the bathroom. What a beautiful space! The dual vanity provided plenty of space to make ourselves at home, the soaking tub was ideal for some in-room relaxation time, and the rainfall shower was rejuvenating. Learn more about the hotel below the photo.

During my tour of the property I learned about the history of the hotel. Originally designed by William E and Arthur A. Fisher in 1911, the building was created as an eight-story office tower with an adjacent three-story car barn for the Denver Tramway Company. The Denver Tramway trolley service ended in 1950, and the elegant building soon became part of the University of Colorado at Denver. Following a significant rehabilitation, the National Registered Landmark building opened as the Hotel Teatro in 1999. 

Today, the historic hotel pays homage to its past throughout the property. Original marble and crown moldings can be seen throughout, there is an original mail slot from the first to the eighth floor, and the Chancellor’s Parlor (once the office of the University’s Chancellor) is now an 840-square-foot meeting space with a kitchenette, boardroom, historic details, and panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. Read more below the Chancellor's Parlor photo.

Additional meeting spaces like the Stage Left and Center Stage honor the hotel’s proximity to the city’s theater district, and the Wine Cellar is a unique space that feels like you’ve been transported to Italy, complete with an original bank vault door at its entrance.

In the lobby, the history of the hotel is intertwined within the functionality of its spaces. Guests are greeted by original marble in the entry, The Study has grand ceilings, bookcases, a fireplace and plenty of cozy spots to enjoy breakfast, or a cup of local coffee in the morning, or regional wines in the evening. Read more below The Study photo.

The Nickel Restaurant pays tribute to the history of the space, as it is located in the area that was once used to collect fares from customers riding on the Denver Tramway. The cost back then was 5 cents, or a nickel. Focusing on locally-sourced seasonal ingredients from the area’s top farmers, ranchers, distillers, and craft producers, visitors can take a look at the map on the menu to see where the food producers are located. Continue below the photo.

While at the award-winning restaurant, I tried one of the restaurant’s specialty charcuterie boards, where I was able to choose from a list of meats, cheeses and accompaniments. I also paired it with a cocktail from The Barrel Bar, which has an inventive new cocktail program highlighting house barrel-aged cocktails with local twists (as well as ice featuring a 5 in honor of the restaurant’s name). Highly recommend both! Read more below the photos.

Situated in Denver’s Center Business District, the hotel is right across the street from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. It’s also steps from Larimer Squares’ shops and restaurants, as well as the “LoDo” Historic District, 16th Street Mall, and the Colorado Convention Center. While Coors Field and the Pepsi Center are an easy stroll or quick ride in the hotel’s house car away. 

During my stay at the Hotel Teatro I found it to be a convenient location for exploring the city. Breakfast at The Nickel on the weekend (it’s in The Study on weekdays) was a great way to start the day, and my room was surprisingly spacious for being in a historic building in the heart of downtown. Plus, the courtesy car was quick and convenient, and the drivers were friendly and helpful with insider recommendations. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive breakfast for two daily in The Study (maximum $20 credit per person/per day), a welcome amenity, valet parking for one vehicle per night, and complimentary 2 pm late check-out. 

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