By Nicholas Hegel McClelland, Men's Journal
Denver has long been one of our favorite cities to visit. The beer scene
is one of the best in the world. The city is known for its radiant blue
skies, so the weather is more often than not stunning, and it’s only a
quick drive to some of the most beautiful spots in the American West.
It’s a warm, friendly city, unlike some others we could name (cough,
Chicago, cough.)
The Halcyon in Cherry Creek
is a hotel as welcoming as the city. Set amongst the shops of Denver’s
chic shopping enclave, the hotel was designed to make guests feel like
they're staying at a friend’s house… and a well-heeled friend at that.
It’s the sort of low-key luxe we really enjoy, with effortless
hospitality permeating every detail. The conviviality begins the moment
you check in: The reception desk doubles as a complimentary coffee bar.
They use beans from Intelligentsia to make a damn fine cup of
coffee. If you arrive in the evening, as we did, the front desk offers
cocktails or a beer to help you relax as you shake off the trail dust.
The rooms, which start at $225 a night, are well-appointed and urban
chic, with brass fixtures in the shower, substantial barware, and the
cool-as-hell floating Gramovox record player. Best part: The Halcyon also offers guest access to their high-end “Gear Garage.” Those staying at the hotel can borrow a Vespa scooter, Leica or GoPro cameras,
long boards, or a bike for a Mile-High City adventure. The Gear Garage
also features a vinyl library so you can make the most of that record
player in your room (we were bummed to discover someone had already
checked out Speaking in Tongues).
Only a quick drive downtown or to any of the Denver’s breweries, the
Halcyon is a great base for exploring the city. But for those keen on
staying in, there are two restaurants on the property: Departure Restaurant + Lounge (Asian-inspired food) and Quality Italian.
There’s also a rooftop pool and bar perfect for taking in a near
360-degree view of Denver’s famous blue skies. The designers may have
wanted guests to feel like they were staying with friends, but sadly
none of ours roll quite like this. It might be time to make some new
friends.
