By Katie Rapone,
Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center’s $70 million transformation signals a new chapter for one of downtown Denver’s most recognizable hospitality assets, updating the property for a new generation of business travelers while reinforcing its role as a hub for conventions, meetings and citywide events.
Completed in just 14 months while the 1,100-room hotel remained fully operational, the renovation modernized guestrooms, suites and public spaces while reinforcing Hyatt’s long-term commitment to the Denver market. As convention activity rebounds and downtown visitor traffic continues to recover, the project illustrates how hospitality leaders are redefining the business travel experience through thoughtful design, destination-driven dining and amenities that seamlessly blend productivity with relaxation.
Rather than relying exclusively on national firms, Hyatt intentionally assembled a team of Colorado-based partners to execute much of the renovation, including DLR Group, Milender White, Benjamin West, and Artaic Group.
Greg Leonard, general manager of Hyatt Regency Denver, said selecting local partners was a deliberate decision.
“We felt strongly that local partners would bring a deeper understanding of Denver, make collaboration easier and have a genuine investment in the success of the project. They understood what this hotel means to the city, to the convention community and to Denver’s hospitality industry as a whole.”
The collaboration allowed construction to remain on schedule while the hotel continued serving guests throughout the 14-month renovation, minimizing disruption while delivering a fully refreshed property.
Designed for Today’s Business Traveler
For a property that has long served as a cornerstone of Denver’s convention district, the goal of the renovation was not to reinvent Hyatt Regency Denver’s identity, but to adapt its spaces for the changing expectations of today’s travelers.
Standing 38 stories tall, Hyatt Regency Denver has historically offered one of the city’s largest and most diverse selections of suites. The renovation focused on enhancing that foundation—creating flexible, residential-inspired environments designed around how today’s travelers actually work and unwind.
According to Eric Hoyt, area director of sales and marketing, business travel has become far less transactional than it was a decade ago.
“They’re looking for spaces that support productivity, but they also want opportunities to connect and enjoy the destination they’re visiting. Wellness, food and beverage options, workspaces and technology all play a much bigger role than they did in the past. There’s also a greater expectation that a business trip can include elements of personal enjoyment and balance.”
Working alongside Hyatt, DLR Group provided architecture and interior design services, redesigning every guestroom under a design philosophy known as “Slow & True,” emphasizing warm materials, residential comfort and adaptable layouts that allow guests to transition naturally between work and relaxation.
“DLR Group’s design for Hyatt Regency Denver celebrates the uniquely urban and natural essence of the city,” says Liz Pelletier, NCIDQ, senior interior designer with DLR Group. “The suites are intended to serve as a true sigh of relief after a long day, with soft textures, clean lines and adaptable spaces that support work, relaxation and connection.”
The hotel’s 59 suites were specifically reimagined for executives, project teams and long-stay guests. Dining tables can function as conference spaces, while lounge areas provide flexible environments for meetings, presentations or downtime. Open layouts, oversized televisions, generous credenzas and integrated storage solutions allow guests to easily transition between professional and personal needs without sacrificing comfort or connection to Denver’s city and mountain views.
Corridors are marked by intricate patterns that echo Denver’s rhythmic city grid, while the guestrooms offer a serene, tactile exploration of natural textures. Furniture designs are inspired by Denver’s surrounding mountain ranges, comprised of sedimentary stones, featuring layered designs with interlocking functionality.
Expanding on the hotel’s legacy as a premier meetings destination and adding to its over 60,000 square feet of flexible event space, the renovation also introduces Summit Five, a new 891-square-foot meeting space located on the fifth floor, ideal for small meetings and gatherings.
A Culinary Destination Beyond the Guestroom
Hyatt Regency Denver elevates the overall visitor experience through dining, gathering spaces and a curated collection of Colorado-inspired artwork.
The hotel’s culinary program includes three distinct venues designed to serve convention attendees, business travelers and downtown visitors alike.
Leading the lineup is Former Saint Craft Kitchen and Taps, an award-winning restaurant celebrating Colorado’s food and beverage culture. Opened in 2018, the restaurant showcases locally sourced ingredients, house-smoked specialties, craft burgers and seasonal entrees paired with 16 Colorado craft beers delivered through an impressive 425-foot polished copper draft system connecting a glass-enclosed keg room to the bar.
The restaurant’s contemporary design—featuring an open exhibition kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows and a striking 16-foot mural by Colorado artist Pat Milbery—earned a Gold Medal for Best Renovation at the 2019 Stella Awards, presented by Northstar Meetings Group. Former Saint has also been recognized as an OpenTable Diners’ Choice restaurant for its consistently high guest ratings.
For elevated cocktails and sweeping views, Peaks 27th Floor Lounge offers one of downtown Denver’s highest hotel bars. The intimate venue pairs panoramic skyline and Rocky Mountain views with handcrafted cocktails, local beer, wine and tapas-style small plates.
On the lobby level, Assembly Hall Bar + Market serves as both a casual gathering place and grab-and-go marketplace, offering Starbucks coffee, fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, cocktails and local beverages alongside flexible seating designed for everything from informal meetings to remote work.
The dining venues are complemented by one of downtown Denver’s most extensive hotel art collections. During the property’s 2018–2019 public-space renovation, Hyatt partnered with Nine Dot Arts to curate more than 150 original works by more than 50 Colorado-based artists throughout the hotel.
The collection includes Bill Starke’s sculptural “Climbers” installation in Assembly Hall and Pat Milbery’s vibrant mural in Former Saint, creating a gallery-like experience that celebrates Colorado’s landscapes, history and creative community while reinforcing the hotel’s connection to place.
A Catalyst for Downtown Denver’s Hospitality Recovery
While the renovation was focused on enhancing the visitor experience, Hyatt’s investment also reflects broader momentum across downtown Denver’s hospitality and business landscape.
According to the Downtown Denver Partnership, hotel occupancy increased from 61% in March 2025 to 69% in March 2026, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) climbed from $118 to $150 year over year, reflecting stronger demand from conventions, corporate travel and tourism.
The organization also reported that April foot traffic reached 95% of 2019 levels, with activity along the revitalized 16th Street corridor increasing 13% over the previous year. Major conventions, including the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting and the APS Global Physics Summit, brought nearly 25,000 attendees to the Colorado Convention Center, underscoring downtown Denver’s continued strength as a meetings destination.
“Denver continues to be one of the strongest meeting destinations in the country, so staying competitive means continuing to invest in the guest experience,” says Hoyt. “The transformation allows us to offer a product that matches the expectations of today’s meeting planners while building on the strengths we’ve always had—including our location, meeting space and service culture.”
The renovation is already influencing guest behavior, with Hyatt reporting increased demand for suite bookings from executives, meeting planners and extended-stay business travelers seeking accommodations that function as both workplace and living space.
“Executives appreciate the additional space and privacy, meeting planners often reserve suites for VIP attendees or event headquarters, and extended-stay guests value having separate areas to work and relax, almost like an apartment.”
Hoyt is most proud of the role the hotel has played in Denver’s growth over the past two decades.
“We’ve welcomed millions of guests, hosted major conventions and events, and built a team that is deeply committed to hospitality. The renovation is an important milestone because it reflects our continued investment in both the hotel and the city. Denver has evolved tremendously over the last 20 years, and it’s important that we continue evolving alongside it.”
