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Denver certainly isn't short of hotel options, and new ones are springing up often -- especially in the downtown area. This past August, Kimpton Hotel Born opened its doors in the heart of Union Station in Denver’s Lower Downtown (LoDo) neighborhood -- an ideal location for any visitor -- and frankly, it's a gorgeous property. Here's what we found during our recent stay at the new hotel.
THE BASICS
Budget Level: Upscale ($150-$300/night)
Lodging Type: Large Hotel (100+ rooms)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Look
If there's a hotel that captures the aesthetics of Denver, it's this one. The property feels as if you're staying in a contemporary alpine ski lodge, if there were such a thing. Here, a thoughtful mixture of knotty pine paneling, custom millwork, and walnut herringbone floors are combined with board-formed concrete. Add in hand-woven rugs, custom furniture pieces, along with an art collection composed of more than 700 original and limited edition works by Denver-area artists -- and it feels more like a wealthy friend's Colorado cabin than a hotel. Rooms are outfitted with massive pinewood canopy headboards and large floor-to-ceiling windows with views of downtown Denver; suites are worth the splurge for the free-standing soaking tub.
The Vibe
At the Hotel Born, the lobby is buzzing with everyone from business types to hikers to those coming in for a ladies-only weekend getaway. Upon entering, there's a cozy fireplace, surrounded by a banquette and sofas -- often filled with guests sipping coffee or wine. Come evening, the hotel is abuzz with locals and regulars who make their way to Citizen Rail, the property's restaurant and bar.
Who Will Love It
Those with an eye for design and Kimpton devotees (who will appreciate the gorgeous new property) will be quite comfortable here.
Who Might Not
If you're looking for a sprawling resort or cookie-cutter chain, this isn't the place.
Best Amenity
Citizen Rail, the hotel’s restaurant and cocktail bar, has fantastic food. Helmed by Executive Chef Christian Graves, it's a hotspot for both locals and hotel guests. You can find a meal worthy of a special occasion -- the menu highlights the various house-butchered cuts of meat displayed in the adjacent dry aging room. For lunch, there's a lovely lamb tartare starter and a fantastic burger. There's also a terrific happy hour with $7 wood-grilled oysters, a $6 Scotch egg, and delightfully surprising drink combos such as a saison beer and amaro or IPA and rye for just $7.
MONEY MATTERS
What’s Included
A lot: Morning coffee and tea service is available in the lobby. There's a nightly hosted wine hour featuring a rotating tap of local Colorado craft beer. Each room is outfitted with a yoga mat and there's a dedicated channel for in-room classes, and sleek Born-branded bicycles are available for use during your stay.
Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About
Valet parking costs $49 per night.
How to Get a Deal
Sign up for Kimpton Karma Rewards (it's free) to receive the best deals year-round. Members also score free WiFi and a $10 drink credit (to be used at the bar or your mini bar). Rates start at $239 per night with lowest rates often found in late November through early January.
GETTING THERE
In the Neighborhood
The LoDo neighborhood is nothing if not walkable. Situated at of the platform of the city’s main transportation hub, Hotel Born is at the nexus of four walkable neighborhoods, and it's next door to Union Square, a ton of shopping, and loads of breweries.
Nearest Airport
The Denver airport lies about 25 miles from downtown, but a train service from DEN straight to Union Station will land you right in front of the hotel entrance.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Stay -- and eat, and relax -- in style at this cozy-sleek new hotel in downtown Denver.
