I was in town for a conference and overall had a very good stay. I was there 6 nights They told me at check in that housekeeping was every 2 days. What I found out was that you have to ask at the desk the day before to have them come. I really just need trash pick up and fresh towels. When they did come they did a great job. I had a couple little routine things that needed fixing when I first arrived. The guy came the next morning and took Care of it all. My TV in the living room area volume didn’t work right It only came on very low and sort of out of the back of the TV. It was weird. I only ate breakfast once - I am not a breakfast person- but it was the usual spread as at other Residence Inns. The beds were new and very very comfortable. There are washers and dryers. The washer is $3 in quarters but the machine holds more than my home washer. The dryer I think was $1 for 30 minutes which was plenty of time. Everything was very clean
The bad part is that the recent remodeling of the Hotels by Corporate are beautiful but not practical. Instead of all drawers in the clothes chests, there are 2 drawers and a large open area but the open area is colored dark inside. It is very easy to not see an item and leave things behind. Also, the new lights are in the wrong place. The overhead light at the bathroom sink is in the middle of the area half way between the closet and the sink. Whichever way you are looking, you cast a shadow on it because of the light. There are lights in the mirror for make up but they really shine in your eyes. In the kitchen, the light is again in the middle. You cast a shadow trying to do dishes or cook. The light under the microwave over the cooktop is very dim, not useful for anything but a dim nightlight. I had a large flashlight with me that I used to cook. I only go into such detail as the corporate folks need to know. Wish I would have had a trouble light to use for cooking. The cook top is one of the glass/ ceramic type and very difficult to control temp. I am accustomed to a gas stove so that make be part of it. I had an oven in my room which was terrific and allowed me to bake as well. The dishwasher is a little loud. You might want to run it while you are gone.
I had a special rate that included parking, otherwise it is $42 per day. The parking has in and out privileges which is unusual for the area. What is nice is that the parking is part of the same building. The lobby is on the first floor then the next few levels are the parking garage floors then the room care above that. The door into the anteroom for the elevate requires a hotel key. The floors with rooms requires a key as well. There is a small bar on the first floor - the bartender was very friendly and kind. They have the usual assortment of high and moderate end liquors and beer and wine. The front desk people were really terrific- kind and helpful day and evening.
There is a Trader Joe’s about a mile and a half away. Fairly close to there on Colfax is a big liquor store something like a smaller version of total wines- I was able to speak with a worker whose expertise was local beers and he helped me select several microbrews that are only sold in the general area to bring home as gifts for the neighbors who all like to try new things. They have a nice selection of wines so I was able to get a couple of bottles to try that I had not previously had. There are other grocery stores as well within a couple of miles. on 16th and California, about 3-4 blocks and an easy walk there is a Target that has a grocery section. They have a security presence as you enter and they watch carefully. There are a number of gift shops along 16th street with the usual assortment of souvenirs - shirts, sweatshirts, bottle openers, refrigerator magnets, canvas bags, post cards et cetera. Further down 16th, a block or so past the Target, there are great restaurants and a wonderful local candy shop that makes their own chocolates and a candy shop with lots of the things young kids like such as sour candies, candy necklaces, bulk jelly beans and other items. It is cool to just look. Found some great gifts there as well.
The downside to downtown Denver is a huge homeless population. They don’t approach you, but there are just so many. I live in New Orleans who also has a homeless issue, but Denver was far worse in sheer numbers. Many were obviously mentally ill but most were just hanging out. The other major problem is that marijuana is smoked everywhere so that the whole of downtown smells like weed except in the very early morning around 630 to 7 am. It is not just the homeless but also that weed for recreation is legal there. I did attend a function one night close to Coors stadium. I could have walked but for safety I took an Uber. Even that went well with fast and careful service. They made sure I was inside the place and then the hotel before they left.
