I had an idea of what to expect during my visit to the Hotel Teatro in Denver,Colorado. From what I read, I knew it made Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List in 2006, and heard it was arguably the coolest, most luxurious place to stay in the mile-high city. So when I arrived on a sunny and brisk Autumn Friday, I was pleased to see that it offered so much more, from top-notch service to a charming local history lesson.

Hotel Teatro, with its 110 guestrooms and suites, is among the stunning restored buildings in downtownDenver. The 1911TramwayTower--hence the Ts on the glazed red brick and white terra cotta facade--originally housed offices for the Denver Tramway Corporation. Ten years ago, it was restored and reopened as a hotel. It is still connected to the community's history. The hotel is named for its proximity to the Denver Performing Arts Center, the second-largest of its kind in theUnited States. The Denver Center Theatre Company endowed the hotel with exquisite stage sets, props, costumes, and masks from past productions. They're displayed in glass cases and frames in the foyer and lobby, and hallways and rooms are decorated with photographs and playbills from past productions.

Our room was like a stage set- for serious relaxation, that is. The corner room, with its 12-foot ceilings and city views, was outfitted with a plush featherbed, Frette linens, and handmade silk bed coverings. The marble bathroom included a deep soaking tub. A plasma screen television sits alongside a range of Aveda bath products on the vanity. I didn't even think of bringing my laptop for the weekend, but had I needed at, an in-room laser printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine was next to the spare built-in desk.

Downstairs, there are two restaurants run by Kevin Taylor, one ofDenver's top chefs. Restaurant KevinTayloris the more formal of the two. Seasonal dishes like porcini and foie gras ravioli are served in a dining room decorated with alabaster chandeliers and opulentVersaillesmirrors. Be sure to check out the wine list of over 900 bottles, as it won the restaurant the Wine Spectator's “Best of Award of Excellence”. Across the foyer is Prima Ristorante and Enoteca. If you're there for breakfast, try the prosciutto, poached eggs and Parmesan roasted asparagus with Ciabatta.

One of my favorite things aboutDenverwas the sophisticated shopping in a relaxed atmosphere. Just one block away from the hotel isLarimer Street. I spent couple hours perusing boutiques. At Loft 22  I found the prettiest drop earrings by local designer J. Balducci. Equipement de Vin (1412 Larimer Street, Phone:720 946-3287)was filled with wine accoutrements, gourmet foods, and had a tasting room. A few stores over, Chromosome as stocked with work-ready separates by Chaiken, Milly, and Rebecca Taylor. Shoppers also have the option of heading to Cherry Creek, a quaint neighborhood five miles away. A Hotel Teatro driver will shuttle you there in a Cadillac Escalade. There's a large shopping mall that anchors the area, but you will find cute clothing boutiques including Gabarini and Roxy onEast Third Avenue(near the corner ofClayton Street).

With theRocky Mountainslining the horizon,Denveris definitely a sporty city. Curious to see what it feels like to run in a high-altitude area, my boyfriend and I skipped the 24-hourFitnessCenterand opted for a jaunt to the State Capitol to find out. It was harder than expected, but perhaps we would have received an extra push if we joined in on Hotel Teatro's guided running program that happens every morning at10:00. The hotel can also deliver yoga mats, props, and music to your room.

Dogs, which are welcome to stay at the hotel, also get their workouts. Once they're outfitted with a Hotel Teatro dog tag, bellmen offer to take them to a nearby park. Gourmet dog biscuits andFijiwater are at the hotel waiting for them. Better yet, Hotel Teatro will arrange for a certified canine massage therapist.

There are several packages, ranging from those for theater-goers and shoppers, to those looking for total relaxation. One of the features of Holistic package, which starts at $405, is a 60-minute in-room massage treatment for two. The Cherry Creek Shopping Getaway starts at $195 and includes transportation, as well as the requisite Aveda aromatherapy bath turndown service.

Rates start at $289

Hotel Teatro
1100Fourteenth Street
Denver,Colorado80202
Phone: (303)228-1100

www.hotelteatro.com

New York-based Sofia Galadza has written for Conde Nast Traveler, Time OutNew York, 360 and Four Seasons Magazine.

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