Locals and travelers who have their maps pointed to west Denver have been waiting for this. A hotel that gets us. Invites to experience the beauty of west Denver including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and places us smack dab on the I-70 corridor to escape the city for the mountains. Give a big ol’ Mile High welcome to Origin Hotel Red Rocks.
Calling all experience junkies and concert goers! Get out, explore and experience is the motto of the newly opened Origin Hotel Red Rocks, the first hotel of this new brand and the official hotel of iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Since it’s opening in August 2018, I’ve had a stay at Origin Hotel on my radar, and the last week of December, with a light snowfall dusting the surrounding foothills, my husband and I packed our overnight bags to see if the hype was worth the visit.
Arrival at Origin Hotel Red Rocks
Located in Golden, Colorado, just 15 miles west of Denver, the boutique Origin Hotel Red Rocks is literally just off the Red Rocks / Morrison exit and on Colfax. Set into the foothills, on the northwest end of Colfax Avenue, the hotel isn’t visible from the interstate, but upon exiting, you can’t miss it! I took the above photograph from the always busy parking lot of the RTD park and ride.
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We checked the last Sunday in December (the day before New Year’s Eve) just as the temps dropped and the snow started to fly.
The lobby is an open-space, laid-back concept, with a cozy fireplace and equally comfy seating surrounding the warmth. The reception desk is to the immediate right, and the on-site restaurant is toward the back left.
Guests should take time to explore the front lobby with its music and mountain-themed decors.
Check-in was laid-back and efficient.
Since my hubby wanted to watch football at the hotel bar, I took the bags up to the room to check it out.
Accommodations at the Origin Hotel Red Rocks
This independent boutique hotel offers just 124 rooms, but the good news is there is a variety of accommodations. From King Classic to double queen all the way to a King plus or suite, whether you’re a concert-goer simply wanting a convenient place to crash after a Red Rocks show, or you’re a family searching for a convenient Homebase to explore Golden and throughout Colorado, Origin Hotel Red Rocks offers just that.
Our room was a King Suite, their largest studio suite, with a separate seating area, and walk-in shower, but if I were taking the grandkids, I’d have my eye on the King suite and adding one of their pop-up tents for the kids. The front desk staff mentioned that these tents have been so popular that they often run-out, so be sure to request up front.
On-Site Dining: Nomad Taqueria + Beer Garden
The Origin Hotel also offers an on-site restaurant, Nomad Taqueria + Beer Garden. The menu was created by its executive chef inspired by travels in Mexico and the Southwest Four Corners region, and (of course) Colorado. We loved sampling the southwest flavors. My favorite was the Carne Asada paired beautifully with a margarita.
Hotel Embraces Local Colorado Experiences
As I mentioned, the Origin Hotel brand invites guests to go out and get local. Within minutes, travelers (and locals) can take in an epic concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre a bucket-list performance for all musicians. Don’t wait in line for a Lyft or Uber. Save time by booking (in advance) The Red Rocks concert shuttle, just $15 roundtrip per person.
Or hike, bike, walk or explore Red Rocks Park with its awe-inspiring geological formations at 6,400 feet elevation. The hotel even offers mountain bikes for you to borrow!
A little farther “down the road” is Golden and you can check out all the things to do in Golden here. For those adventures, hop back on I-70 and head West for the Rocky Mountains and explore.
Need a little help discovering your to-do list? Ask the Origin Hotel Red Rocks for its Do List, an experience guide curated by the hotel’s tribe of Locals, featuring the area’s must-eat, drink and do.
With the exception of Red Rocks Concerts, the hotel’s local shuttle is available to take guests to and from any location within 5 miles of Origin Red Rocks, is complimentary for hotel guests.
Make your reservation online either at the hotel website or a hotel booking site like Hotels.com.
More Origin Hotels in the Future!
Like what you see? The Thrash Group already has planned to open the Origin brand in other communities. Origin Westminster has already broken ground in north Denver metro, where the former Westminster Mall stood, arriving in 2020. Other upcoming properties include Origin Lexington (Spring 2019) and Origin Raleigh (summer 2019).
Room rates start at $150 (although I spotted rates in the off-season at under $100).
Accommodations and dining provided by Origin Hotel Red Rocks; opinions expressed are my own. Photos courtesy of Diana Rowe & OriginHotel Red Rocks.
