Old-World Charm in Denver—What a Wonderful Place!

We blew into town after a week-long stay in Vail—four young women who were tired from skiing and enjoying Vail's nightlife, yet excited to continue their journey to Denver before returning home to NYC. We arrived in Denver around 8pm on a Sunday night with no idea where we'd be spending the night. After finding our way to the LoDo section of the city, I spotted The Oxford Hotel out of the corner of my eye, and something inside of me said, "THIS is the place." We parked the Jeep and went in inquire about a room, and low and behold, they had a large one with two queen-size beds for $159 for the night. What a steal! The lobby was absolutely breathtaking, with rich colors, dark wood, and antique furniture—and a wonderful little yellow canary that sweetly sings to you while you check in. The hotel is grand and historic, but without the stuffiness of some hotels. Everyone was SO nice and made us feel welcome and right at home from the get-go. The Oxford is on the National Register of Historic Places and apparently has been part of the city since 1891! The room itself was stunning—absolutely perfect! It had all the amenities and then some... flat-screen TV, etc. We wanted to move in permanently. The room, plus the hallways, have European antiques. It doesn't feel like a hotel, but a palace. It's an exquisite home. Downstairs attached to the hotel you will find McCormick’s Fish House, which is one of Denver’s best seafood restaurants. The hotel is right by Union Station and close to Coors Field and the 16th Street Mall, so you can walk everywhere! They valet your car as well, so you don't have to stress over street parking. This hotel is quite simply fabulous. I highly recommend it for a romantic weekend getaway!

At 9pm on a Sunday night in the LoDo district of Denver, we really had no idea where to eat (we had just arrived in town), but Vesta Dipping Grill came HIGHLY recommended by a pilot who lives in Denver, so off we went... and it was amazing! The restaurant is named after Vesta, the Goddess of the Hearth. She is supposedly the most beautiful of Roman divinities and presides over the preparation of meals. The atmosphere is so much fun, trendy but not stuffy, chic and elegant yet very comfortable. The decor is warm and the wait staff is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. The cocktails and martinis are excellent and the food was simply divine. The sampler platter is a great start to your meal because it allows you to sample several of their dipping sauces. Your meal is served with three dipping sauces, and the chef recommends three that go well with your dish, but you can always change them to your liking (sweet, savory, or spicy). I highly recommend Vesta's to everyone! We had a fantastic time!