Mile High muse

Le Méridien Denver Downtown, a luxury hotel for the sophisticated and creative-minded traveler, is a design lover’s dream with its mid-century modern style infused with European energy and ambiance to create the ultimate oasis in the Mile High City.

Located at the center of the city’s business district and one block from the Colorado Convention Center, the hotel is steps away from Denver’s entertainment promenade and near the city’s arts and culture district. The 20-story, full-service hotel blends Colorado’s mountain culture with contemporary features among its 272 guestrooms that are thoughtfully and impeccably designed.

Led by the KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group, Le Méridien Denver takes shape with the clean lines of mid-century modern design. The interiors feature a cool and refreshing color palette complementing unique millwork concepts, reminiscent of the intricate craftsmanship of snowboards and skis. Each of the guestrooms and suites are designed with a cool gray color palette with striking accent color combinations reminiscent of blue skies, green aspens, sunset orange and crimson. The property features artwork curated by Denver-based firm, NINE dot ARTS, and created by local artists inspired by the property’s European influence and the Rocky Mountains.

According to Martha Weidmann, CEO/cofounder, NINE dot ARTS, Le Méridien/AC Denver is the first-ever global duo-branded luxury lifestyle Marriott and Starwood hotel.

“The joined boutique hotel embodies a sense of duality through the masculine and feminine characteristics, with a 1,800 piece art collection that elevates the establishment’s renowned charisma,” Weidmann said. “The design and art collection were inspired by two archetypes: one a mid-century Spanish Man (AC Marriott) who is maculine and bold; and the other a sophisticated French woman (Le Méridien) who is romantic and refined. The AC Marriott thus incorporates classic, modern features like a leather paneled wall at the reception desk. Meanwhile, Le Méridien embodies a mountain chalet, with an elegantly curved staircase and feminine tile and artwork at the reception.”

In the lobby, the hotel immediately creates a sense of arrival with one-of-a-kind artwork installations, constructed with vintage pieces reassembled into contemporary sculptural art, reimagining the intricate and rhythmic nature of a snowflake. Hand-painted Marie Antoinette mosaic portraits by local artist Jonathan Saiz line the wall behind the reception desk, comprising more than 1,000 miniature oil portraits. The lobby houses one of Denver’s most-Instagrammed chandeliers—the stunning glass fixture floats above the curved staircase and is inspired by the cottonwood trees found throughout Colorado. Also in the lobby is the state’s first and only Moët & Chandon champagne vending machine.

“We were intentional about incorporating local artists and emerging talent to convey worldly themes ‘at home,'” Weidmann said. “Twenty-two of the 33 featured artists are from Colorado, and many of the works reflect themes that are central to the city and state. For example, the rooftop features the work of Denver artist Ramón Bonilla. Entitled ‘Netherworld: The Front Range,’ it depicts an abstract mountain landscape. The space also features prints by snowboard artists Kelsey Anderson and Samantha Madden, displaying mountain peaks over a powder-blue background. Despite its European feel, the hotels highlight Denver’s rich arts community and distinguish it as a sought-after international destination.”

The hotel offers three distinct dining and cocktail options. Its signature restaurant, Corinne, is located on the ground floor and serves classic American comfort food with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients. Next to Corinne is The Lobbyist, Le Méridien’s sparkling cocktail lounge and social space that welcomes guests with French-inspired experiences. Situated on the 20th floor is 54thirty, an open-air rooftop bar, which offers unparalleled views of the city and the Rocky Mountains. Leading to the outdoor experience at 54thirty, ski lift chairs and ski lodge murals greet guests as the elevator doors open and they make their way to the rooftop.

For events and meeting spaces, the hotel provides places that are both creative and functional for groups of any size. Le Méridien Denver has more than 12,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art event space, including a 5,700-sq.-ft. ballroom, as well as meeting rooms brightened through floor-to-ceiling windows.