A Night’s Reprieve at the Thompson Hotel

The posh listening lounge on the Thompson Denver’s sixth floor reveals a collaboration with Denver-based Victrola, including curated vinyl and Premiere T1 Turntables, a hip retro musical combination that extends through all the hotel’s rooms. | Photo by Julie Soefer

Occasionally, everyone needs a staycation, whether it’s a break from the kiddos, a romantic getaway or just a respite from everyday life. For me, it was a mix of all three, so I made arrangements for my son to go to a friend’s house, dropped off the dog with a relative and drove the five miles from my home to Thompson Denver for a night’s reprieve.

The Lobby combines Thompson Denver’s signature Midcentury Modern with metropolitan style and upscale mountain chic. “Throughout the hotel, you’ll see cabin-inspired warmth blended with an urban edge reflected in rich colors, raw materials, and bold artwork,” says general manager Amanda Parsons. | Photo by Julie Soefer

Thompson Denver, which opened in early February, is a 216-room luxury boutique hotel on the corner of the 16th Street Mall and Market Street. Its progressive Colorado vibe gives the space an understated feel of the American West. Using a palette of dark browns, greens and grays, the design team created spaces that are both elegant and soothing.

The Lobby at Thompson Denver is outfitted with Belvedere quartzite in a leather finish. The design team strived to create a sculptural and monolithic reception desk inspiring an impactful impression for all guests upon arrival. | Photo by Julie Soefer

“Thompson strives to be at the cutting edge of culture across its many urban and select resort locations, and that certainly rings true here,” says Amanda Parsons, general manager. “It was only a matter of time before Thompson Hotels found a home in the Mile High City.”

Our executive suite on the fifth floor was spacious and tranquil, thanks to the fragrant dried eucalyptus bouquet hanging in the bathroom, minimalist art and a mix of rich colors and raw textures. Charming décor included an old-fashioned Victrola and a selection of branded items that are for sale.

Guest Rooms are generous and accommodating, with offerings for sale such as Mile High Miracle Skin Kit and Sleep Sublingual Hemp Oil. Comfy amenities include luxurious robes and sublime sheets. | Photo by Julie Soefer

After dropping my bag, I took a stroll while I awaited my husband’s arrival. The hotel has a perfect downtown location, with an easy walk to Coors Field, Union Station and the Dairy Block. When my husband arrived, we headed upstairs to the sixth floor for cocktails at the buzzy Reynard Social. The space is relaxing, with a sophisticated alpine feel and various seating areas, including a bright sunroom and billiards room.

Chez Maggy was designed as an elegant French bistro with striking European-style décor by Parts and Labor Design out of NYC. The profiteroles (pictured) are pure decadence. | Photo by Marc Fiorito with Gamma Nine Photography

The hotel’s marquis restaurant, Chez Maggy, is a traditional French dining room by Michelin-starred celebrity chef Ludo Lefebvre—his first restaurant outside Southern California. Chef Ludo’s wife of over 20 years, Krissy, was raised in Colorado, so the stunning restaurant with its European-style décor is an homage to her family. Our meal was excellent; we particularly enjoyed the Onion Soup Gratin and Trout Almandine. The next morning, after a quick espresso and blueberry scones from Duel coffee shop, I hit the Peloton in the lower-level fitness center; the gym is thoughtfully stocked with apples and pears, bottled water, chamois towels and earphones. Although this was my first official staycation at Thompson Denver, it won’t be my last. Escaping for even 24 hours was the most fun I’ve had in a while.

Guest-Room Bathroom design features a mixture of natural elements, such as wood, leather, marble and stone, combined with industrial concrete, glass tile and Midcentury Modern plumbing fixtures. | Photo by Julie Soefer

THE DETAILS

THOMPSON DENVER
1616 Market Street, Denver, CO 80202 303-572-1321, thompsondenverhotel.com

LOCATION
In the heart of LoDo (lower downtown Denver) on the corner of the 16th Street Mall and Market Street.

Drinks Reynard Social offers a selection of mountain-themed cocktails, such as my Summit Selfie, a refreshing and not-too-sweet drink with cucumber vodka, elderflower, lingonberry, herbal liqueur and lemon. And they have the BEST barware and glasses. | Photo courtesy Rebecca Gart

LODGING
Pet-friendly, with about 200 rooms and 16 suites. Standard rooms are 350-400 square feet with espresso machines, a Drybar hairdryer and luxe robes.

DINING
The Thompson offers three options: Chez Maggy, Reynard Social and Duel.

ACTIVITIES
Whether it’s to explore LoDo and the nearby neighborhoods or get a ride to Coors Field for a Rockies game, guests are able to scan a QR code on the stationary pedicab in the lobby to arrange a driver; the 24-hour fitness facility offers state-of-the-art equipment; and the Victrola Listening Lounge, located adjacent to Reynard Social, offers an immersive musical reprieve for guests with a full turntable system and a curated selection of vinyl. Look for community programming to be offered this summer.

MAY/JUNE RATES
Rooms start at $359 per night.