The Curtis Hotel Denver: A Pop Culture Gem in the Heart of the City
Upon check-in at The Curtis—a DoubleTree by Hilton in Denver—we were greeted with warm, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, a signature welcome that instantly made us feel at home. This thoughtful touch sets the tone at all DoubleTree properties worldwide, though The Curtis stands out with its unique pop culture theme.
Arriving late after a rehearsal dinner for a friend's wedding, we were delighted by our floor: the "Dance Floor," one of 13 themed levels inspired by pop culture. The elevator opened to a striking silhouette of John Travolta's iconic Saturday Night Fever pose. Exploring further, we admired the Chick Flick floor's Charlie's Angels artwork and the eerie 13th floor, "Dun Dun Dunnnnn," featuring Freddy Krueger.
Hallways are lined with classic movie posters, such as Mulder's "I Want to Believe" from The X-Files on the Sci-Fi floor. Clever mirror quotes add flair—like "The call is coming from inside the hotel" from When a Stranger Calls on the horror floor, or "Nobody puts Baby in the corner" from Dirty Dancing on ours.
Our corner room on the 12th floor boasted two floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Rocky Mountains. While rooms maintain DoubleTree's comfortable, functional style without thematic extensions, they deliver quality: spacious layouts with sitting areas, desks, wardrobes, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and plush Signature Sleep beds.
The bathroom featured a large walk-in shower (no tub), premium Tarocco by Baronessa Cali toiletries, and ample fluffy towels. Practical amenities shone: reliable free Wi-Fi, in-room coffee makers, working irons, and iPod docking stations. We skipped the fun wake-up calls voiced by Elvis or Austin Powers but enjoyed the music docks.
Centrally located, The Curtis is steps from the 16th Street Mall, Capitol, and 40+ restaurants, with Starbucks nearby. Quick interstate access suits wedding events, day trips to Boulder or Red Rocks, or airport runs. Valet parking is available in the on-site garage.
Though time-constrained, the 24-hour fitness center impressed with cardio equipment, free weights, yoga mats, medicine balls, and kettlebells—adjacent to a "Run Forrest, run" poster. The lobby's retro games area offers Monopoly, Candy Land, and Twister for rainy days. A 5-and-Dime shop stocks nostalgic items like Etch A Sketch and classic candies. Pet-friendly policies enhance its appeal.
Standout Feature: The Corner Office
The Corner Office bar captures a cheeky "office affair" vibe, earning our top pick for hotel bars. Happy hour steals—$2 beers, $5 prosecco/cocktails—stand out downtown. Though we skipped snacks like Colorado Poutine, breakfast shone.
The menu's witty split—"Things my spouse won't let me eat" and "Spouse-approved"—led us to a breakfast burrito and spinach-tomato-feta omelet (solid, not exceptional). Sundays feature brunch hits like Flip Side French Toast or Israeli Shakshuka, paired with bottomless Bloody Marys or Mimosas.
Room for Improvement
While fun, it lacks full boutique polish. Staff were polite but not standout—check-in delayed slightly, doormen neutral. Theming could extend to rooms via themed towels, robes, or minibars.
Overall Verdict
The Curtis blends playful pop culture with DoubleTree reliability—perfect for vibe-seekers. Elevator tours of themed floors are a must. Comfortable escapes await after fun explorations.
Location: 1405 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202
Rates: From $219/night (double)
LGBTQ+ Friendly: Yes
Digital Nomad Friendly: Yes
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, in-room coffee/tea, fitness center, iPod docks, The Corner Office restaurant
Website: www.thecurtis.com
Disclosure: The Curtis sponsored our stay; opinions are our own, based on firsthand experience.
