Each month, Mile High CRE will highlight a new place to dine or recline in the Centennial State. This month’s feature is DoubleTree by Hilton Denver.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Denver is set to complete a multi-million-dollar interior renovation in June 2023. After a four-year pause in renovation caused by Covid and a weakened economy, the project is finally set to be completed, and the hotel’s public areas, food and beverage outlets, 565 guestrooms and suites, and convention center will all receive an upgrade.
Brenda Amsberry, principal and senior interior designer with OLC, has been entrusted by the new owner, Pyramid Hotel Group, to complete the stalled renovation. With over 30 full-service hospitality designs under her belt, Amsberry is a true veteran in the hospitality design industry. Amsberry stated, “We wanted to open up all of the public space to create an open, inviting flow throughout, while creating an experience for the guest which is tactile, organic, upscale, cozy, and timeless.”
The hotel’s renovation history goes back to August 1, 2018, when OLC announced the completion of the renovation to the DoubleTree by Hilton, Denver, which included the lobby, lobby bar ( The Hub) full service restaurant (The knife and Board) and Grab n Go (Grounded) and North Tower guestrooms and corridors.
The collaboration between the owner, Hilton Food and Beverage, and the OLC team led to the creation of a functionally flexible layout that provides free-flowing access to all areas of the hotel. The décor incorporates a modern interpretation of Colorado’s western heritage, inspiring environment, and healthy lifestyle.
One of the hotel’s standout features is the new Hub Bar, located within sight as soon as guests enter the hotel. The bar offers a rich combination of Colorado’s wild beauty, tamed by the civility of the city. Guests and locals can enjoy the elongated double-sided fireplace, the cozy bar seating, and the signature cocktails created by a friendly mixologist. Local craft beers flow from the 16 beer taps, while local music creates a high-energy atmosphere.
The Knife & Board restaurant is another unique environment created by the hotel’s renovation. The low lying meadow, slow stream, and aspen tree canopies above a soft, flat grassland provide a quieting of the soul that guests can enjoy while dining. The restaurant is filled with a soft buzz of content diners, surrounded by local music that changes with the time of day. The menu features a healthy offering of locally sourced produce and grass-fed meats, with menu options changing seasonally to reflect Hilton Chef-inspired offerings.
For guests who are on the go, the new Grounded Grab n Go is inspired by the vintage coffee house and casual family store “gone urban.” The display cases of locally made sandwiches, parfaits, salads, and entrees welcome hungry and thirsty guests. We Proudly Brew Starbucks” baristas welcome guests to concoct the beverage of their choice. Guests can settle into a private cubby, lounge chair, or chat with others at the communal or dining tables. Warm woods, vintage beadboard, rustic flooring, and an interesting word wall create a welcoming and comfortable place to pause before the busy day ahead.
The completion of the guestroom towers will reflect the vibrant, yet serene spirit of Denver. Natural colors and textures will be combined with authentic materials and timeless forms to create guestrooms that welcome relaxation. There will be 27 different guestroom and suite types, all of which will have an accessible version available to the guest. The guest tower will be a sensory delight of classic designs paired with modern twists.
The conference center will continue the modern mountain décor initiated in the 2018 public space renovations. It will feature striking contrasts of hues and patterns that play off of the urban Denver architectural trends. The hotel’s dive sports bar, Character’s Sports Bar, has also received an upgrade. OLC enhanced the authentic sports bar experience by adding exposed brick veneers, authentic leather seating, and wood-top tables. The addition of string lights simulates an evening city vibe, topping off the new look.
