Denver

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Denver for a big convention

A July 2002 trip to Denver by Laura

I spent 5 days in Denver for a big conference.

  • 7 reviews

Denver for a big conventionBest of IgoUgo

Overview

The DAM - Denver Art Museum. The convention center is lovely. The city highlight tour. 16th street mall is great - like State Street in Chicago, but wuth free transportation.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Downtown is very walkable and there is a free shuttle up and down 16th street.

Crowne Plaza DowntownBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Holiday Inn"

I was a bit leary to choose the Holiday Inn for 5 nights. But it is the closest hotel to the convention center (1.5 blocks), so I did. It was fine. Not fancy, but the fitness center was free, there is an outdoor pool and and a coin op. laundry room which came in handy for our week-long trip. The room service was quick and freindly. All the staff was very friendly. The hotel is 1.5 blocks from the 16th street mall and 5 blocks to the Art Museum.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Laura on July 24, 2002

Crowne Plaza Downtown
1450 GLENARM PLACE Denver, Colorado 80202
303-573-1450

Marriott Denver City CenterBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Marriott City Center"

The Marriott City Center is a straight shot down California to the Convention Center. I loved my little room with a fluffy king-sized bed, dressed with down pillows, my favorite.

There was no charge for 800 # calls (a personal perk I love, so I can avoid charges for using my modem). I ordered room service. It was very fast and courteous. The French onion soup with topped with pepper jack cheese was awesome.

I would choose this place for sure next time I'm in Denver for a big convention!

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Laura on June 26, 2003

Marriott Denver City Center
1701 California St Denver, Colorado 80202
303-297-1300

Palm RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Palm Steakhouse"

As I waited for my group of about 10 to gather, I asked to look at the wine list. It was excellent and extensive and the host asked what types of wine I liked. I indicated I was in the mood for a Pino Noir and he recommended a fabulous one. The service was top notch - prosessional and knowledgable. The Palm is for sure a steakhouse and they have a location in most major cities. It is a good choice for a business dinner. The prices are not as outrageous as some steakhouses and everything is excellent.

There are pleanty of seafood selections for entrees and appetizers. The entrees do not come with anything, so you have to order one or 2 of the large size sides or a salad to go with dinner. The creamed spinach was excellent.

The walls are adorned with caricatures of politicians and actors to break up the serious dark wood panels. The tables tend to be packed together and the room can get quite loud. It is a great place to eat so it gets crowded.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Laura on November 28, 2002

Palm Restaurant
1672 Lawrence St Denver, Colorado 80202
+1 303 825 7256

Maggiano's Little ItalyBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Maggiano's is a part of the Lettuce Entertain You chain. It is Italian food family style. That means the entrees are huge and meant for sharing. I love their chicken parmigan or marsala. The meat sauce is not so great, but there are better pasta choices like the chicken marsala pasta with mushrooms in a creamy wine sauce. The salads are excellent. The spinach salad with a warm bacon dressing it fabulous. The dressing is almost like a sweet and sour flavor. Desserts are huge, too, and great---especially the tiramisu or apple crostada. The service seemed a bit slow, but friendly nonetheless. It gets super busy and on a Tuesday night we had to wait approx. 35 minutes.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Laura on November 28, 2002

Maggiano's Little Italy
500 16th St Denver, Colorado 80202
+1 303 260 7707

Denver Art MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This museum appeared very new. It was lovely. We went to the American Photography exhibit. It features American photos from the 1890s to today. There were also galleries on each of the 7 floors. We saw the Western Art gallery that reatured a collection donated from the Jolly Rancher Candy family. There is a pre-Columbin gallery and an Asian gallery too. The museum restaurant Palettes is a great choice featuring smaller and larger plates of eclectic food.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Laura on July 24, 2002

Denver Art Museum
100 West 14th Ave Parkway Denver, Colorado 80204
(303) 640 4433

Rocky Mountain National ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

RMNP is about 1.5 hours from Denver and is one of the best National Parks. The cost is $15 per vehicle to enter the park. The park exists to celebrate the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains towering more than 13,000 feet. Wildlfe viewing of birds, elk, mule deer, big horn sheep, moose, coyotes and more is popular. Hiking is available on over 300 miles of trails. Almost 90% of the park is managed as wilderness so that visitors can take in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. There are ranger led programs to learn about the plants and animals in the park.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Laura on November 28, 2002

Rocky Mountain National Park
1000 Highway 36 Estes Park, Colorado 80517
(970) 586-1206

About the Writer

Laura
Laura
Chicago, Illinois

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