Retro style and pop culture are alive and well on the corner of 14th and Curtis in Denver at The Curtis- A Doubletree by Hilton themed hotel. This newer property is located right across from the Denver Performing Arts Complex and just 2 blocks from the pedestrian friendly 16th Street Mall. The Curtis is the perfect spot to see some of Denver’s best sights, catch a show and then spend the night in their quirky, fun and “happy” hotel.
The entire vibe of the Curtis revolves around playful and happy memories. The lobby exudes warmth and décor reminiscent of the 50s and 60s. Upon check-in, my wife and I were handed warm, chocolate-chip cookies—not your small ones mind you—but full-sized, industrial strength cookies like my mom never made.
Right next to the check-in is their 5 & Dime where you can pick up some classic retro candies, sodas and games, including a submarine toy that came as a gift inside cereal boxes back in the 50s. I felt my childhood memories start to resurface as I reached for the toy as a gift for my grandson.
Putting a smile on the face of guests is all part of the experience and the front office staff are well versed in the Rock, Paper, Scissors game, should the mood strike you and you wish to challenge for a cookie. Vintage board games like Candyland and Boggle are also available in the lobby and can be borrowed for in-room use.
Each of the 16 floors is decorated in a particular theme, from one hit wonders to chick flicks to fun and games. The mysterious 13th floor (aka: Dun Dun Dunnn!) is the scary floor. A photo of Jack Nicholson in his role from The Shining greets you when you exit the elevator
The 8th level is dedicated to sci-fi and doubles as the pet friendly floor. For a reasonable charge, the staff at the Curtis will pamper your pooch or kitty with all the creature comforts, including food, water, treats, and dog walking while you pursue your own fun.
Each of the guest rooms and suites are adorned with eclectic pop décor and our suite had an amazing view of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains. One of the things that stands out in my mind after staying at many different hotels all over the world is how much attention is given to the little details, and here, they have done it right. From the upscale bath products to the accessible power outlet right next to the bed to the little figurine of Dudley Do Right above the toilet, everything combined to provide an exceptional experience.
Their room service menu is equally well thought out and you can order a variety of snacks and drinks. Keeping with the fun theme, we received non-traditional amenities that featured Rice Krispies® squares cut in small triangles, like sandwiches; a small Etch A Sketch®; Pop Rocks®; old-fashioned root beer; and Bazooka® bubblegum. Again, all features of this hotel are designed to contribute to the happiness theme.
My wife and I didn’t have to go any farther than the first floor to eat at their restaurant, The Corner Office. The atmosphere is something that you might imagine as a place out of the television show Mad Men with an avocado palette, white upholstered walls, mosaic tile accents, and indirect orange lighting.
There are a variety of 50s era clocks all stuck at 5 pm, which, of course, is martini time.
The cuisine is described as global comfort food, and indeed it is. Dinner options include Southern fried chicken and waffles, baked lobster mac and cheese and low country shrimp and grits. They even had the harder to find ramen soup dishes made with chicken, confit pork shoulder, crispy pork belly, mustard greens, and house-made chicharrón.
Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday and features Funkytown Favorites such as sweet corn brown butter crepes with crème fraiche, an Irish breakfast and Israeli shakshuka made with a poached egg, polenta and pipérade.
From March 25- July 8, 2012 the Curtis will be offering an exclusive special package in conjunction with the Denver Art Museum called the Curtis Couture- Make it Work! This will include accommodations, a breakfast buffet and two VIP tickets to the upcoming Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective exhibit. Denver will be the only U.S. city offering this look back at 40 years of the designer’s work including 200 haute couture garments, photographs, drawings, and films on Saint Laurent.
For more information about the Curtis or the Yves Saint Laurent package, visit www.thecurtis.com or call 800-525 6651.
FTC Disclosure- The food and in-room amenities were sponsored by the Curtis Hotel for this story. Room costs were assumed by the author.