By Katie Rapone, editor
Last week, Sheraton Denver Downtown officially revealed its impressive $80 million renovation, which included a full-scale renovation of its guest rooms, lobby, public and meeting spaces. The completion of the renovation will forever change the face of the hotel and Denver’s iconic 16th Street Mall. The hotel is among the first Sheraton branded hotels in the country to undergo the larger brand revitalization.
“We are honored to be one of the first hotels to bring the new Sheraton brand to life in the heart of Denver,” said Tony Dunn, general manager for the Sheraton Denver Downtown. “The renovation will serve to highlight what is already incredible about the local Denver community – and bring the best of the Sheraton brand to downtown. As travel starts to resume, these changes will strengthen Denver’s position as a global gathering place for groups, conventions, guests and locals alike, and will act as a public square for our growing, evolving city.”
The renovation was completed in a phased approach over the last two years. Tynan Group LLC, oversaw the development as the project management company, Johnson Nathan Strohe (JNS) was the lead architect and interior designer on the renovation of the hotel’s porte-cochere, façade and public spaces, while Kay Lang & Associates served as the interior designer for the Plaza Ballroom. PWI Construction served as the general contractor for the public spaces. For the guest rooms, Gensler served as the architect and interior designer and Digney York as the general contractor.
“Our design intention is to embrace the history of this iconic building while creating modern spaces that people will want to sit down and enjoy today,” said Heather Vasquez Johnson, associate principal at Johnson Nathan Strohe. “The architectural design is an interpretation of I.M. Pei’s distinctive approach to materials, architectural form and light.”
A Modern-Day Public Square
At the heart of the new experience is the lobby. This has been re-imagined as the “Public Square” of the hotel called the 16th Street Commons; a holistic, open space that invites people to join together or be alone amongst others, creating a sense of energy and belonging.
This hotel’s signature Community Table, an inviting, purpose-built workspace that anchors the hotel’s lobby, allows guests to work, eat and drink while soaking up the energy of the space. Following Sheraton’s philosophy to embrace both form and function, these tables are custom designed with amenities to keep guests productive, including built-in lighting, outlets and wireless charging stations.
The Studios, flexible gathering spaces, available to book whenever a guest needs it, celebrate collaborative working and connecting with others in a less formal setting. Built on elevated platforms and enclosed with glass, the tech-enabled Studios allow guests to contribute to the energy of the public space while also providing privacy and focus for everything from small group meetings to private dining experiences. Soundproof booths are also strategically placed around the lobby to connect privately with friends, family or colleagues from afar.
Part bar, part coffee bar, part market, the 16th Street Commons Coffee Bar Bar is a central pillar of the new Sheraton vision,
transitioning guests seamlessly from day to night with food & beverage options that are locally-sourced, easy to consume while working and customizable to accommodate all tastes and time schedules.
Guest Rooms & The Club Lounge
In the new guest rooms, guests are welcomed into a bright, well-lit space with warm, residential appeal, comprised of soft finishes and light wood tones accentuated with black metal accents. The rooms have been reimagined with new tools for productivity, such as a height-adjustable work table, integrated power and charging and layered lighting; while still retaining some of the classic Sheraton signature amenities, including the luxurious Sheraton Sleep Experience platform bed. The guest bathroom has also been completely redesigned with new and modern walk-in showers and bath amenities by Gilchrist & Soames.
Moving to the lobby level from the previous location on the 22nd floor, the Sheraton Club Lounge, an exclusive space for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members and Sheraton Club level guests, has also undergone an upgrade as part of the transformation. Guests will find updated food and beverage offerings, premium amenities, enhanced connectivity, and 24/7 access to provide a private environment.
Sheraton Denver Downtown is of course following all of Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean protocols, created in partnership with leading experts in food and water safety, hygiene and infection prevention, and hotel operations. These protocols include mandated mask-wearing for all guests and associates within the hotel, and the use of electrostatic sprayers and disinfectants recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization to sanitize surfaces throughout the hotel.
“This is a pivotal moment for Sheraton as we see hotel owners embracing the new vision and bringing it to life,” said Amanda Nichols, senior director and global brand leader of Sheraton Hotels. “Over the past 80 years, Sheraton has always offered guests the time-honored assurance of a welcoming community. We’re proud to have built on this legacy in the new concept, creating an environment where guests can enjoy all the familiar comforts of the Sheraton brand, but with fresh, contemporary updates. As travel resumes, we look forward to welcoming guests into this new chapter for Sheraton at Sheraton Denver Downtown.” A Modern-Day “Public Square”
Photos courtesy of Sheraton Denver Downtown
