What better way to step up a multigenerational family staycation getaway than at the historic Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in Denver, Colorado? Luxury and ambience combine to make history come alive in this downtown Denver hotel, and help you create a family tradition that will be as time honored as the historic Brown Palace.
Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
“Grammie, I feel like the Queen of England,” my 11-year-old granddaughter commented as she plopped and then stretched her pre-teen body across the king size poster bed in our suite at the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa.
Her mother (my daughter) and I agreed. A stay at “The Brown” is not unlike traveling through time and miles into England’s Victorian Era. But this is not the United Kingdom; this is downtown Denver, Colorado, and my multigenrerational family is staying at the historic Brown Palace Hotel and Spa. We had booked a classic queen room, but we lucked out with an upgrade to the Eisenhower Suite.
Before this year, our annual holiday family themed adventure included me, my oldest daughter and granddaughter. The Mile High Holiday adventure is a reason to get dressed up for a day or evening road trip to downtown Denver to shop, take in a show at Denver’s Theater District, and upscale dining.
This year, we splurged with an overnight stay at the elegant and historic Brown Palace Hotel and Spa. We really wanted to experience the holiday sin downtown Denver. The result was a female family bonding night with memories to cherish for a long time.
What Works for Multigenerational Families
- From the moment you enter, you feel pampered, and a stay at the Brown is a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Check out is at 12 Noon! Love!
- Location! The Brown is in the heart of downtown Denver. You can walk to shopping, and just about anything downtown. The 16th Street Mall is a block away, where you can also take the free 16th Street public shuttle.
- Complimentary car service within five miles! If you’re shopping feet get tired, or the weather isn’t conducive to a walk, simply call forThe Brown’s car service (first come, first served)
- On-site restaurants. Fine dining surrounds you and all restaurants do welcome well-behaved children (although Churchills is a cigar bar, so I wouldn’t recommend it for family). Room service is also available 24/7.
- Traditional Afternoon Tea in the atrium! This is perfect for a multigen “girl” getaway. Years ago, I treated my mother-in-law to the afternoon tea experience. (Unfortunately, afternoon tea was sold out during my recent stay, but we’ll be back!)
- Rooms are small but comfortable. Their standard, the classic queen, is 300 square feet.
- Full service spa. What girl doesn’t like to read this?
- Experience a History lesson when touring the iconic Brown Palace for ages 10 years and older. Reservations required for 1 hour 15 minute tour; cost $10.
- Dog friendly. Your four-legged friends are welcome, although there is an additonal charge.
What Doesn’t Work for Multigenerational Families
- This is not a budget hotel. Exclusive, luxurious getaway at The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa may not be for all families simply due to price point.
- Rooms are small (see above), so multigen families may want to consider upgrading to a suite or requesting adjoining and/or rooms on the same floor. You may request a rollaway bed, additional price.
- Although multiple restaurants are located at the hotel, the price point may be inhibitive to familes. BUT due to the prime location, plenty of other restaurant options at different price points are available within walking distance.
- Parking is pricey. Like many downtown city hotels, valet parking is expensive at $40, BUT with unlimited in and out privileges. Other parking options are available nearby, or families can opt to ride the Light Rail into downtown (airport service debuting in 2016).
- Wi-Fi in guest rooms is additional cost (although we were able to access public WiFi with no issue).
- My grandkids are all about pools, but unfortunately, athough there is a fitness center, there is no on-site pool at The Brown.
Room Cost
$$++ ($=$100). $229 -$1600 a night. Example: Your Brown Palace stay for a classic queen starts at $229.
The Brown Palace Hotel Details
Since 1892, The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa has been a legend among Downtown Denver luxury hotels. Since it’s opening in 1892, The Brown has welcomed celebrities, political figures, and every day people like you and me. Now part of the exclusive Autograph collection, this luxury hotel is 5 blocks from the Colorado Convention Center and less than 1 mile from Coors Field — and as mentioned above, walkable to multiple shopping, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Nearly every U.S. president since Teddy Roosevelt has visited The Brown, and the hotel offers three luxurious president suites (Eisenhower, Regan and Roosevelt) so you can sleep with history. If you’re into music history, then a stay at the Beatle’s Suite, named for them and where they stayed in 1964, is also worth checking out.
The Rooms
Classical and Victorian is the theme of the decor at this elegant luxury hotel in downtown Denver. Overstated is the best word, with the bright colors of Victorian wallpaper paired with marble. Simply luxurious!
Amenities
- In-room standard amenities include: flat-screen TVs, pod coffeemakers; In-room WiFi access (for a fee), and iPod docks.
- Wrap yourself in the super-thick towels, with plenty for everyone.
- Anything your heart desires is as simple as a call to concierge. From restaurant reservations at the Brown’s hotels to dining suggestions outside the hotel based on price point, the concierge is simply amazing!
- Suites include separate living rooms, some include dining rooms, studies or additional bathrooms– like we lucky ducks experienced when upgraded to the Eisenhower suite.
- Onsite fitness center does welcome children.
- The Brown Palace Spa is open to children with manicures and pedicures. If you’re interested in other treatments for your family, I’d suggest calling to talk with the therapists.
On-Site Dining Options
The hotel is home to 3 restaurants, a bar, cafe, and the Atrium, from casual to fine dining (some with a dress code). Well behaved children are welcome in all restaurants, although Churchill’s is a cigar bar so may not be age-appropriate.
- Ellyngton’s: serving breakfast amd lunch. We opted for breakfast at Ellyngton’s, and our timing was spot as we were seated just before the start of Breakfast Buffet with Santa. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves stopped by our table. The famous Ellyngton’s Sunday brunch includes Dom Perignon champagne.
- Palace Arms: fine dining and history, award-winning cuisine as its unique Napoleonic setting. Antiques, including a pair of dueling pistols believed to have belonged to Napoleon, dating from 1670 adorn this restaurant opened in 1950.
- Ship’s Tavern: more casual English pub style serving the best prime rib and bread pudding in town (in my opinion!).
- Churchill’s is a scotch and cigar bar and also serves lunch, dinner and desserts.
- Atrium: location of the traditonal Afternoon Tea, complete with Devonshire cream shipped directly from England. The 9-story Atrium is also a retreat to people watch or enjoy a cocktail.
- Brown Palace Coffee & Tea Co. Located inside main hotel entrance, servigs Allegro coffee and tea and backed goods.
Brown Palace provided accommodations for my review; opinions expressed are my own.
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