Visiting two additions to the downtown Denver lodging scene recently brought a smile to my face. Both are truly one-of-a-kind and the visions of Denver-based hotel development companies and their partners. The Slate Denver by Stonebridge Companies is located a block from the Colorado Convention Center in the former Emily Griffith Opportunity School, and Catbird by Sage Hospitality Group literally wraps around a circa 1890, two-story home in the River North Art District (RiNo).
The Slate Denver
The Slate Denver, Tapestry Collection by Hilton opened on May 24, and the front desk, sales and restaurant staff were already well dialed in after only four days of being open. I had the funny feeling of being back in my junior high school, which had similarities to this structure that dates back to 1926. The four-story, 135,000-square-foot property features 251 guest rooms, 4,500 square feet of meeting and event space, an outdoor patio, and fitness center. The cuisine and beverage at Teachers’ Lounge Food + Drink was tasty, creative, and beautifully presented.
Something to look forward to is The Slate Denver’s adjacent Emily’s Alley for shopping, dining, and gathering. A courtyard in Emily’s Alley can be activated by groups now, and movie nights and other events are being planned.
The Emily Griffith Opportunity School, one of the first trade schools in the country, opened its very first location in downtown Denver in 1926. To honor founder Emily Griffith and the designated Denver landmark, The Slate Denver’s design is inspired by the property’s educational roots, from the typewriter artwork and original school staircases and hallways to the school-themed meeting rooms and restaurant and bar. Meeting venues are aptly named Assembly, 1916 Boardroom, Library, and Study Hall.
Catbird
Opened in August, Catbird blurs the lines between hotel and home as it is both a hotel and short-term residence for people finding themselves in the Mile High City for for 90 days or more. It’s a unique model for a boutique hotel gives the Catbird a nice feeling of community, along with cool furniture and art throughout. All 165 guest rooms feature kitchens with high-end housewares, well-thought-out storage under platform beds, and multi-functional furniture, and each guest room floor has water-filling stations that dispense still and sparkling water.
Additional home-away-from-home amenities include a plant rental program, dog run, package delivery lockers, long-term storage, and the Catbird Playroom, which is a gear locker stocked with bikes, scooters, cameras, backpacks, board games, a putting green, small kitchen appliances, and more that guests can check out free of charge. The light-filled fitness room has Peloton bikes, Peloton treadmills, and anything needed for a workout.
For a bite to eat, there is Catbird Kitchen and Marketplace in the lobby for coffee, breakfast, lunch, and grab-and-go dining, while The Red Barber restaurant and bar is for afternoon and evening dining and drinks. The best part is the 17,000-square-foot rooftop with a 360-degree view of Denver’s skyline and the Rocky Mountains and includes the Red Barber’s 3,300-square-foot deck with an outdoor bar, lounge seating, fire pits, lawn, and games; two hot tubs; and event and stage area ideal for group. Having a cocktail and appetizer on the rooftop on a blue-sky day was divine!
Other meeting and event spaces includes the 180-square-foot Media Room just off the lobby for groups of up to 12, the 525-square-foot Annex Room that can hold up to 35, and the historic Klee House with a full-kitchen, living room, and loft, is perfect for a memorable meeting experience or private event.
The Slate Denver and Catbird are two fun additions to downtown Denver lodging scene, already strong with a great selection of name-brand and boutique hotels.