Do you have your eyes on Downtown Denver for a staycation? Family Vacation? Romantic Getaway? Look at this urban beauty: Limelight Hotel, Denver, located in the Union Station neighborhood. It’s got a location wrapped up in an urban-chic retreat, within walking distance to everything downtown — although you might not want to leave. Read on for why this newish addition to the Mile High City’s hotelscape could become your new favorite.
In May 2023, Aspen Hospitality transitioned the former Hotel Born into its first urban hotel property, Limelight Denver. Last summer, I attended a media event when it first opened and immediately added this Downtown Denver hotel to my wish list. Last month, my hubby and I ventured out of Arvada for a concert at one of the event centers, Ball Arena, and we lucked into an overnight stay at the Limelight. Here’s a snapshot of what we experienced.
Arrival at Limelight Denver
Limelight Denver Hotel is tucked into Wewatta Street, a few minutes walk from Union Station. Photo: Aspen Hospitality/Continuum Partners
Initially, we planned on taking the light rail into Denver as it’s a 15-minute ride to Union Station and adjacent to the Limelight (exit light rail, down the stairs and you’re there). But time got away from us, and we opted to drive during rush hour. Traffic was on our side. We arrived within 25 minutes!
When driving, the hotel is tucked into Wewatta Street, and the entrance is almost hidden. We had to take a U-turn to drive into the alley-like entrance and valet. Since we were running late, we splurged on the on-site valet parking ($60 overnight fee), opting for less hassle when departing—and paying the price.
Our late afternoon Thursday check-in had no lines, and we were checked in and off to our sixth-floor room within 5 minutes.
Reception desk of the Limelight Denver Hotel Photo: Diana Rowe
Aspen Hospitality stays true to their mountain roots, transitioning this property into one of their high-quality, luxury hotels with soft touches and accents. (The hotel calls it alpine-meets-city.) The lobby is open, rectangular with light-colorado wood accents, and welcoming sitting areas with blonde wood. Scattered through the lobby is Scandinavian furniture, an impressive art collection, all accented by the warm lighting and open concept.
To the right of the reception desk, toward the restaurant Ajax, is another sitting area with a fireplace. Coffee is served here in the mornings, so it’s a hub of activity. Local coffee table books are available on the shelves. This is an excellent hang-out for groups and families, which I witnessed that same evening when families of all ages were playing games.
Accommodations at Limelight Denver Hotel
The hotel offers 200 rooms with oh-so-comfortable bedding and knotty wood headboards. Both sides of the bed feature a nightstand with outlets, and one side offers USB outlets. Our King-deluxe room also featured wall-to-ceiling window views of Wawetta Street below and a glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. Other features are a large closet with robes, a mini-refrigerator with local snacks and drinks, smart TVs, coffee machines, and a work desk with complimentary WiFi access.
And the bathroom! My first glimpse was the free-standing tub, which created a relaxing in-spa vibe. A bathroom vanity, separate toilet, and large shower complete the amenities.
Our king deluxe room with a view of mountains and downtown Denver. Photo: Limelight Denver
Dining Options at Limelight Denver Hotel
Replacing Citizen Rail, the new in-house Ajax Downtown Restaurant, recently opened for business. The open live-fire kitchen offers another option for guests with its open flame. Menu items from salads to scallops, crab to filets, many locally sourced and all delicious. My husband chose the grilled steak and the sauce was so yummy, while I opted for their beet salad, mushrooms, and other appetizers. The service was top-notch.
A lively terrace surrounds the restaurant, and another restaurant is the Tavernetta, which is both Michelin and James Beard-approved.
While the in-house restaurants are amazing, guests can select dozens of other local restaurants within minutes at Union Station and surrounding neighborhoods.
Dining at Ajax Restaurant, in-house at Limelight Denver. Photo: Diana Rowe
Pet-Friendly Hotel
Did I mention pet-friendly? Although there are limitations on where pets can roam, you may bring your four-legged friend (any size cat or dog) for a $60 per night fee. An in-room dog bed and complimentary water bowl are provided. Treats, doggy bags, and cat litter are available upon request, and the best news is that a park is one block away.
Other Amenities
For those searching for meeting space, the Limelight Hotel Denver features nearly 14,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
Other hotel guest amenities include live music in the lobby, Happy Hour specials, a fitness center, complimentary car service within a mile of the hotel, and in-room spa services.
Unfortunately, as with most urban and downtown hotels, including Denver, these amenities come with a nightly destination fee surcharge. Some, however, were disappointed by the additional $30 nightly resort destination fee.
Location!
What this hotel offers in spades is its location, adjacent to Union Station and with a direct route to Denver International Airport. This is perfect for travelers wanting a home base to explore the Denver Metro, an overnight stay before heading to the mountains, or, as in our case, a weekend retreat for locals.
In addition, Limelight Denver is within walking distance of the numerous activities Downtown Denver offers, including sports, concerts, theatre, restaurants, and more.
My husband and I agree that the Limelight Denver Hotel will be the top choice next time we have a concert, sporting event, or activity in downtown.
Check the current rates for the Limelight Denver Hotel at Booking.com.
Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary hotel room in exchange for a review; opinions expressed are my own.
