I was originally planning to stay at the Embassy Suites in downtown Denver, but the cheapest rate there was $119/night plus another $19/night to park! This one in SE Denver was only $79/night, had free parking, and "is a full-service all-suite hotel with 206 suites conveniently located within walking distance of two shopping malls with six movie screens and 26 restaurants", to quote the Embassy Suites web site. More on the malls, movies, and restaurants later.
This Embassy Suites was a pretty typical one - atrium lobby, spacious rooms, indoor pool and exercise room, small bar, and restaurant. While not rundown, everything was beginning to show a little wear, especially the carpets, wallpaper, paint, etc.
The breakfast buffet featured juice, cereal, muffins, pastries, and fruit. Eggs, pancakes, and french toast were cooked to order with bacon, sausage, and potatoes. The chefs were a little slow, but fortunately it was not crowded so the wait in line wasn't too bad. Weekday breakfast hours are 6:30 - 9:30am and on weekends 7:30 - 10:30am. We went late towards the end of serving time each day and everything was still available and fresh.
The evening managers reception is served in the small bar, which is too smoky for kids (and adults). Snacks were chips, dip, and a pretzel mix. Drink selection is fairly limited and although the bartender was pretty surly, he did make a good White Russian! They even had a old guy playing cheesy cocktail music on the piano - it was kind of charming in a way.
We didn't try the in-house restaurant. We did go next door on the night we arrived for a very late Mexican dinner at the On The Border restaurant and found it to be excellent. We walked in 10 minutes before closing time and were pleasantly greeted, had some terrific, inexpensive Mexican food, and never felt like they were in a hurry for us to clear out. We noticed during normal dinner hours that the place was packed.
Our room was comfortable with a king size bed in the large bedroom, passable foldout in the living area, and vanities in both the bathroom and bedroom. As usual, the fridge and microwave were mini-sized but functional. The two TVs had free HBO and a good assortment of pay-per-view movies. Video games are available on the living area TV. The carpet was worn in places and patched in others. The toilet ran constantly, got plugged once, and the shower drain was pretty slow. I just kept telling myself "$79/night, $79/night". Maid service was very good. Checkout time is 1 pm.
The swimming pool was average sized. There is also a spa and sauna. One day the pool was too cold and the spa too hot, but the pool guy was doing his best to correct it. The small exercise room had the usual assortment of contraptions.
All in all, not the best Embassy Suites I've stayed in, but a good value for the money.