Denver Delights

Hyatt Regency Denver At Colorado Convention Center

Hotel | "Room Downtown for over 1/2 OFF!"

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Here's my secret to getting a 4 star hotel room in downtown Denver at 2 star rates. Check out the 4 star hotels revealed on betterbidding.com and what winning bids others have won. Look on Priceline for all 4 star hotels in Denver to make sure all are acceptable to you. They should be as all are located within walking distance to downtown attractions or a short ride on the free RTD Mall Rid. Some lucky bidders win the higher end boutique hotels. My winning bid is always the Hyatt Regency, not too shabby for $55-$65.This high rise hotel has typical rooms but the one thing that I always notice are the shabby, rough bathroom towels. Not what I would expect of a Hyatt. The snacks and food...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 21, 2012

Hyatt Regency Denver At Colorado Convention Center
650 15th Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
866-539-8117

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Izba Spa

Attraction | ""Russian Bodywork & Banya" Experience"

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This is not a fancy, cucumber sandwich spa but rather like stepping into another time and world. I took a seat at the long wooden bench in the dimly lit lobby to fill out my paper work. The spa offers different combinations of treatments to chose from hot tub, massage, "banya". I chose the "Deluxe" which included all of the above and either a body mask or polish lasting 2.5 hours for a reasonable $135. Their website informs visitors that "Izba" means cabin. The large room is lined with gingerbread wood trim and walls painted with Russian folk art in muted pastels and holds a massage table, hot tub, the banya (sauna) and a shower tucked in the back. Sergei showed me around, gave instruc...Read More

This is not a fancy, cucumber sandwich spa but rather like stepping into another time and world. I took a seat at the long wooden bench in the dimly lit lobby to fill out my paper work. The spa offers different combinations of treatments to chose from hot tub, massage, "banya". I chose the "Deluxe" which included all of the above and either a body mask or polish lasting 2.5 hours for a reasonable $135.

Their website informs visitors that "Izba" means cabin. The large room is lined with gingerbread wood trim and walls painted with Russian folk art in muted pastels and holds a massage table, hot tub, the banya (sauna) and a shower tucked in the back. Sergei showed me around, gave instructions and left me on my own.

A world music CD cranked while I soaked in the 105 degree hot tub. Informed previously that I had 15 minutes total, I dried off soaking for about 10 minutes and started to climb on the table. Finding it only covered in a single sheet, I thought maybe a mistake had been made in forgetting another sheet I was left with no choice but to cover up with the damp towel. My therapist, Sergei, entered and covered me with a clean towel while discreetly removing the other one. He started in with a vigorous back rub, continued into my hips, legs and feet. The pressure was deep and he seems to have knowledge of the human body.

After rubbing the back of my body from head to toe, I was instructed to roll over, get off the table holding the towel in front of me. Sergei took the towel as I entered the sauna, climbed to the top level and laid down face up. Again doing draping for privacy, I was left with a towel bikini to sweat in the eucalyptus steam. It was hot but I could deal with it until I found myself willing him to return. Now was time for the light flogging with the soaked branches to open pores then honey rubbed into my skin. Led to the shower, I rinsed off the honey and returned to the table. After massaging my front, I went back into the banya to lie face down for another sweat and flogging. Now I was getting very hot, my head was throbbing and I was ready to get out. Sergei quickly applied the honey to soften my skin and then poured a bucket of water all over my body. The water wasn't cold but perfect to start to cool me off. Even though I knew it was coming, my mouth flew open in surprise but it actually felt fantastic. Another shower and I was back on the table for the last part of my treatment.

After applying the body mask to my posterior epidermis, Sergei returned after 5 minutes or so to apply the not so pleasant smelling mask to the front of my body. I showered and scrubbed, feeling worn out but relaxed. My head still hurt but my body felt great.

Back to the same wooden bench with a cup of tea and orange slices, I sat and relaxed for a few minutes before entering the office to pay. Personal reactions to the detox process will vary.

I may go back but skip the hot tub and body mask. Very interesting, unique massage experience. As the spa website says "This therapy has both antiseptic and detoxifying qualities" and that is the honest truth! Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 7, 2012

Izba Spa
1441 York Street
Denver, Colorado
(303) 321-1239

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Red Rocks Amphitheater

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Attraction | "Rockin' on the Rocks"

Red Rocks Empty Seats Photo - Red Rocks Amphitheater, Denver, Colorado

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One of the coolest places to see a concert in Colorado, if not on earth! West of the city, the stage sits with a background of the Denver skyline. Be prepared for walking uphill from the parking lots, hundreds of stairs to get into the venue and then more stairs to get to the bench seats that rise up like the rocks. Among other interesting facts, according to redrocksonline "Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a geological phenomenon – the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world." Probably used by the Ute tribe for performances, the hallowed ground of the stage has seen the likes of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Grateful Dead and many others in the decades since the deer roamed...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on February 21, 2012

Red Rocks Amphitheater
12700 West Alameda Parkway
Denver, Colorado

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Bamboo Forest

Attraction | "Great Rub Down with your Clothes ON"

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After reading other reviews I couldn't wait to try it! Knowing what to expect was helpful in this new experience with a stranger massaging me with my clothes on in a room full of others. A few tight parking spaces available up front and some around the side of Bamboo Forest in this dodgy neighborhood off Federal Blvd (also means many tasty ethnic restaurants nearby). Entered and asked for a one hour full body massage for a mere $25, shorter and longer rub downs available. I was lead around the corner into a dimly lit empty room lined with about 10 reclining chairs and ottomans. I reclined back on the towel covered chair and was covered with a blanket that may or may not have been used by the previ...Read More

After reading other reviews I couldn't wait to try it! Knowing what to expect was helpful in this new experience with a stranger massaging me with my clothes on in a room full of others. A few tight parking spaces available up front and some around the side of Bamboo Forest in this dodgy neighborhood off Federal Blvd (also means many tasty ethnic restaurants nearby). Entered and asked for a one hour full body massage for a mere $25, shorter and longer rub downs available. I was lead around the corner into a dimly lit empty room lined with about 10 reclining chairs and ottomans. I reclined back on the towel covered chair and was covered with a blanket that may or may not have been used by the previous customer.

A plastic bag lined wicker basket filled with warm water was produced for my feet to soak. The woman sat down behind me and started working on my head, face and neck. Even knowing what to expect there were a few surprises like when she stuck her fingers in both of my ears, basically punched my palm with her fist and slipped her hand into my shirt collar to do my shoulders. Also what sounds like others getting slapped around may startle you as it did me.

Using what I thought was a nice deep pressure, Ivy introduced herself and asked about the pressure as she worked down my arms. I replied that I liked deep pressure and she worked even deeper! After working on both sides of my upper body and down both legs, it was time for the feet. She took one foot out of the water, dried my leg, rubbed some lotion on it, wrapped it in a towel and proceeded to work on my other leg and foot. Momentarily, I thought that was all I was going to get on my feet. But she ended up spending quite a bit of time on them and it was probably one of the best foot rubs I've ever had.

The flip came with a surprise, there is a face hole cut out of the cushion. Again with firm deep pressure, Ivy worked on my sore back and shoulder blades, down my tender lower back and over my cheeks. Yep that's part of it and I really need the work on my hips. Various streching is incorporated into the fully clothed massage so wear comfy loose clothing. She hits accupressure points and really seems to know what she's doing. Wandered out of there dazed and relaxed after happily tipping almost the full cost of the massage.

On my second visit, the room was half filled with customers and they've added a bit more decor, coat hooks and shelves for personal belongings. A capable man was starting on me when I overheard the hushed conversation next to me when the blissed out customer asked for the masseuse's name again. It was Ivy who I keep forgetting to ask for on my return visits. No matter, everyone has been fantastic and has a bit different but skilled technique.

I've become an accupressure addict and believe there are benefits to this type of massage. Keeps me going in between more traditional types of massages and the price can't be beat! If you are overly concerned about getting cheap lotion in your hair and maybe using a blanket someone else was covered with this isn't the place for you. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on February 12, 2012

Bamboo Forest
952 South Federal Blvd
Denver, Colorado

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Sipping n Painting

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Attraction | "Sipping is Crucial to Painting"

Standing Tall Photo - Sipping n Painting, Denver, Colorado

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Think you can't paint? Me either! Now I have a few of my own hanging in my home and you can too. If a self professed lousy stick figure drawer can do it, I promise you can too!Kept hearing about this place, convinced a friend to go down with me and after looking at the online calender of painting choices we decided on "Orange bouquet". Free parking is handy behind the studio off Boulder St. in the LoHi (lower Highlands) neighborhood of Denver. We went in, received our smocks, token for a free wine/beer/soda and were off to find a seat. Many paint colors available if you want to change it up to match the decor of your house or your favorite colors. It's fun to walk around and see ever...Read More

Think you can't paint? Me either! Now I have a few of my own hanging in my home and you can too. If a self professed lousy stick figure drawer can do it, I promise you can too!

Kept hearing about this place, convinced a friend to go down with me and after looking at the online calender of painting choices we decided on "Orange bouquet". Free parking is handy behind the studio off Boulder St. in the LoHi (lower Highlands) neighborhood of Denver. We went in, received our smocks, token for a free wine/beer/soda and were off to find a seat. Many paint colors available if you want to change it up to match the decor of your house or your favorite colors. It's fun to walk around and see everyone's ideas, especially the brave ones who create an original or copy a painting off the wall.

My friend and I were too timid to try anything other than following the instructor even after encouraging phrases like "Ignore your inner critic" and 'We aren't learning to paint...we are painting". The story of one of the co-owners, Kelly Doak, is encouraging. A former art teacher told her she shouldn't paint and look at her now! Running a cool business and helping those also scarred by mean old teachers!

More drinks are available for purchase and I think it's essential to sip in order to relax. My favorite flowers and brushstrokes happened at the end when I wasn't thinking about every little movement. Anyway if something didn't turn out how expected just wait for it to dry and paint over it.

Both of us were happy with our paintings and mine is hanging in the home office. I won the free class drawing that night and have returned 5 times since! "Standing Tall" is living room worthy and a good choice for beginners. I wasn't super thrilled with how my "Aspens" and "Serene" turned out, kinda like a bad Bob Ross rendition from a community center class. Although others in the class had fantastic results so all blame lies in this new painter.

Sipping n Painting gives back generously to the community with fundraiser nights. They recently hosted my professional non-profit organization and it was a fun night out that raised more money in one night than we normally do in one year. "Standing Tall" was the group's choice and I finally changed up the colors! This one hangs in the bedroom.

They offer ideas for couples or roommates to change up the painting so duplicates aren't hanging in one home. Framing available for an additional $40 and it really makes the painting look professional. Private classes available for parties and would be something unique to do for a bridal or baby shower,employee group, or a milestone birthday. Good for anyone with any artistic talent or not! Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on February 12, 2012

Sipping n Painting
2563 15th Street
Denver, Colorado 80211
(303) 854-8345

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