Mile-High Modern

Author:

Known for its bountiful views of the Rocky Mountains, downtown Denver offers the perfect balance of urban edge and rustic flare. This walkable region of the Mile High City has something for everyone. Whether shopping at the 16th Street Mall, which was designed by I.M. Pei, or grabbing a bite at the historic Denver Union Station, which was constructed in 1881 in the beaux arts style, the city is full of architecture, history and fun.

Now design enthusiasts can indulge their love of luxury travel when staying at the Thompson Denver, the global brand’s first property in Colorado. Located in the LoDo (lower downtown), the boutique property is walking distance to the trendy RiNo (River North Art District) neighborhood and much more. Designed by renowned firm Parts and Labor Design, the interiors take on a mountain-chic aesthetic with Mid-century undertones. “The overall aesthetic direction was to infuse a contemporary urban chalet design to reflect the American West,” says Amanda Parsons, area vice president and general manager of Thompson Denver. “All Thompson hotels are designed with a sophisticated, contemporary elegance, and this particular property incorporates a natural palette representative of the organic materials found here in Colorado.”

Inside Chez Maggy, a custom mural infuses the energy of the Colorado Rockies with Chef Ludo Lefebvre’s French flare.
Photography courtesy of Thompson Denver.

Perhaps the jewel of the property is Chez Maggy, a 90-seat French brasserie-style restaurant that features classic French cuisine with subtle nods to Denver from one of L.A.’s most celebrated culinary masters—Chef Ludo Lefebvre. Curvaceous blue velvet banquettes and bistro chairs dance around a custom mural featuring delicately painted regional wildlife, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel as if you are in a Parisian palace. “Chez Maggy is a love letter to Margaret, Chef Ludo’s mother-in-law,” Parsons remarks. “It’s also a celebration of his childhood hometown—Burgundy. The surroundings echo his cuisine— sophisticated, elegant, but never too fussy.”

The rustic charm continues in the 216 guest suites that feel like modern cabins in the sky. All guest rooms include plush Sferra bedding and D.S. & Durga bath amenities, as well as a thoughtfully curated honor bar and a mini fridge with local artisan products and favorites from Thompson Hotel properties across the U.S. and Mexico.

At night, guests can head to the sixth floor to relish in the cocktails and design at Reynard Social, whose namesake is a nod to the character of Reynard the Fox, a whimsical character from European folklore whose mischievous nature and ingenious schemes never fail to topple the vain, the pompous, and the crooked. “Reynard Social is intended to be the steward of fun,” says Parsons. “Our goal is to blend an exceptional cocktail program with warm hospitality and approachable food to create an environment fit to celebrate the playfulness in us all.”

The 1,032-square-foot Thompson Suite features an expansive private terrace, an indoor/outdoor glass fireplace, separate living and dining areas, wide-plank hardwood floors, rainfall shower and freestanding soaker tub. Photography courtesy of Thompson Denver.
Photography courtesy of Thompson Denver.

Aside from the fantastic fare and designs, Thompson properties are known for crafting memorable programs for both guests and locals to enjoy. “Our programming reflects our version of hospitality,” she notes. “Our offerings include regular classes like Find Your Inner Rocker, which guarantees you’ll learn how to play guitar while enjoying cocktails at Reynard Social; Bitchin’ Stitchin, which can be described as an irreverent embroidery class accompanied by wine in our lobby; or Tapas & Tunes on Tuesdays in Reynard Social featuring local trios, cocktails and light bites.” Indeed, Thompson Denver is the perfect location for feeling connected to the soul of the city while finding comfort in one of the world’s most trusted hospitality brands.