Enjoy a royal retreat in the heart of Denver
By Lexi Reich
Photography courtesy of The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
In a city as dynamic as Denver, it’s easy to overlook the treasures hidden in plain sight. The Brown Palace Hotel, with its timeless architecture and storied past, offers a retreat that feels worlds apart from the everyday. For more than a century, this Denver icon has epitomized luxury, drawing guests who seek more than just a place to stay—they seek an experience. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, The Brown Palace invites you to step into a world where history, elegance and relaxation converge, offering a “spacation” that’s a true escape within the city limits.
A Living Piece of History
Stepping through the doors of The Brown Palace is like entering a time capsule of Denver’s Gilded Age. The hotel’s triangular shape—a result of its unique location at the intersection of 17th Street, Broadway and Tremont Place—immediately sets it apart from its more conventional neighbors. But it’s the eight-story atrium lobby, crowned by a stained-glass ceiling, that truly captures the imagination and transports visitors to another era.
This atrium, a pioneering architectural feat as the first of its size in a hotel worldwide, has mesmerized guests since The Brown Palace opened its doors in 1892. The hotel’s history is as richly textured as its decor, tracing back to the late 1800s when Henry Cordes Brown, a visionary carpenter-turned-real-estate-entrepreneur, aspired to create a landmark that would embody Denver’s transformation from a rough frontier town into a burgeoning metropolis. In 1888, Brown chose a triangular plot of land, once a simple cow pasture, and enlisted Chicago architect Frank E. Edbrooke to design a steel-framed masterpiece—Denver’s first—ushering in a new era of architecture.
Over the years, The Brown Palace has welcomed a dazzling array of guests, from the Beatles to U.S. presidents. During Eisenhower’s presidency, it was even dubbed the “Western White House.”
As you explore, keep an eye out for subtle details, like the iron panels around the balconies—two of which are famously installed upside down, a nod to the idea that only a higher power can create perfection.
Stay
A stay in one of the Top of the Brown rooms offers a perfect blend of history and luxury. These eighth-floor rooms, once known as the “Skyline Apartments” during the Great Depression, now stand as a tribute to the hotel’s past and its commitment to modern comfort.
The rooms themselves are a study in contrasts. Art Deco–inspired rounded corners and glass block walls evoke the 1930s, while plush tufted headboards and Chanel-suit-inspired upholstery add a touch of glamour. Even the closets make a statement, with geometric wallpaper reminiscent of a honeycomb—a nod to the hotel’s rooftop bee colony.
But it’s not just about looks. Staying at The Brown Palace means enjoying a full suite of amenities. From flat-screen HD televisions and wireless Internet access to twice-daily maid service and artesian water from the hotel’s private well, every detail is designed to offer a seamless experience. Guests can also access 24-hour fitness and business centers, ensuring convenience is always within reach.
Eat
No visit to The Brown Palace is complete without partaking in its famous Afternoon Tea, served in the atrium lobby, where history and tradition blend seamlessly. The delicate piano notes fill the air as the tea is served on Royal Doulton bone china, specially commissioned for the hotel. The three-tiered tray before you is a work of art: delicate finger sandwiches on the bottom, warm scones with Devonshire cream in the middle and an array of tasty pastries on top.
This classic experience has been thoughtfully adapted for modern palates with gluten-free and vegan options and seasonal flavors. Yet the essence of the experience remains unchanged—it’s about taking a moment to slow down and indulge. Of course, there’s an option to add champagne.
Rest
The crown jewel of the spa-cation awaits on the hotel’s lower levels: The Spa at the Brown Palace. Spanning 5,200 square feet across two floors, it’s a haven of tranquility in the heart of the city.
The spa features six treatment rooms, including a private couples suite with a dual reclining hydrotherapy tub. Separate men’s and women’s locker rooms include relaxation areas, Swiss showers and aromatherapy steam rooms. But what truly sets this spa apart is its uniquely Colorado-inspired treatments, including soaking treatments using water from the hotel’s artesian well, drawn from 750 feet below the ground—deeper than many of Denver’s skyscrapers are tall.
The spa’s signature Honey Lavender product line, made from honey harvested from the rooftop beehives, is incorporated into many treatments, offering natural moisturizing properties. Whether you choose a crowd-favorite like the CBD relief wrap or a couple’s massage and plunge, each treatment is designed to melt away stress.
But for those seeking the latest wellness trends, the CBD Relief Wrap is worth a try. The experience begins with a dry body exfoliation, followed by the application of an aromatic CBD cream. You’re then wrapped cocoon-style for the ultimate skin-nourishing experience. This treatment harnesses the rejuvenating benefits of cannabidiol to stimulate the lymphatic system, detoxify the body and deeply hydrate the skin. To complete the experience, guests can choose between a massage or facial, ensuring total relaxation and renewal.
A Lasting Impression
As your spa-cation draws to a close, you’ll find yourself lingering in the hotel’s atrium, reluctant to leave this oasis of luxury. The Brown Palace has created a retreat that feels a world away, right in the heart of Denver. It’s a place where history whispers from every corner, yet modern comforts abound. Where you can sip tea like royalty and then pamper yourself with cutting-edge spa treatments.
For Denver locals, The Brown Palace offers a chance to see their city through new eyes and to experience the luxury that has drawn visitors from around the world for more than a century. Sometimes, the greatest escapes are right in your own backyard.
