By Ron Stern

If you’re looking for a place to go for a two or three night getaway, get online and book your trip to Denver. A quick search on Kayak.com found prices running as low as $231 at the end of April and $181 around the second week of May.

What’s there to do in Denver? Well, you can start with the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Nature and Science and the new History Colorado Center, which is opening April 28. There’s shopping galore at the LoDo Historic District, Larimer Square and the pedestrian friendly 16th Street Mall.

There are so many attractions nearby, it’s hard to list them all but a few of popular interest are the Denver Zoo, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Visitor’s Center, Botanical Gardens, and of course, movie and performing arts theaters. The Broadway blockbuster Wicked is playing at the Buell Theater through May 20th.

There are two great hotels worth staying while you are exploring the city. The first is The Curtis – A DoubleTree by Hilton-themed hotel. This newer property is located right across from the Denver Performing Arts Complex and just two 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. They serve warm, chocolate-chip cookies upon check-in and each of their 16 floors is decorated in a particular theme, from one hit wonders to chick flicks to fun and games.

The other hotel that I like in this area is the Oxford. Located just a block from Union Station, the Oxford is the oldest historic hotel in Denver and many notable people have stayed here over the years.

Like many historic hotels, the Oxford has had up to date renovations over the years while still preserving its age-old charm. Room sizes range from Superior, which is 250 square feet up to the Presidential Suite, which is 700 square feet, with various amenities such as French and English antiques, claw foot bathtubs and Chinese silk curtains. All of the modern conveniences are there as well including flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi and a complete spa and fitness center located adjacent to the hotel.

The Mile-High City is just a short flight away and spring is one of the prettiest times of the year to visit.

Resources

Denver Metro Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
www.denver.org

History Colorado Center
www.historycolorado.org

The Curtis Hotel
www.thecurtis.com

The Oxford Hotel
www.theoxfordhotel.com