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Luxury in the Mile High City: How to Enjoy the Finer Things in Denver

Denver, also known as the Mile High City, is often just thought of as the Gateway to the Rocky Mountains and is definitely a firm favorite for those who love being in the outdoors and surrounded by nature. And while all of this is true, and Denver is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, did you know that the city is also a great destination for luxury travelers? 

Denver is a perfect mix of modern sophistication and natural scenery. Where one moment you can indulge in fine dining, boutique shopping experiences, rooftop bars, and the high life, whilst being just a stone’s throw away from the Rockies, the next. In this blog, we’ll highlight how you can enjoy the finer things in Denver and how to make the most of your time in this truly iconic and unique city. 

Starting Your Trip in Style: Hiring a Car

When you have high expectations and only want the finer things in life, then the idea of catching public transportation throughout your Denver trip simply doesn’t cut it. Relying on buses and car shares, etc, although reliable in the city, doesn’t exactly scream luxury. So, with this in mind, you’re going to need to consider taking a look at some Denver airport car rental deals. Renting a car for your trip offers flexibility and complete convenience; your time is your own, and you can enjoy a much slower pace of luxury travel. 

You’ll find plenty of luxury car rental options, too, that will help set the tone of your trip. Just remember to book in advance if you’re hoping to select a specific brand of vehicle, such as a Tesla, SUV, BMW, or high-end hybrid. Renting a car means you can take full advantage of concierge services, valet parking in the city, and enjoy flexibility for day trips to areas like Red Rocks, Boulder, or the Rocky Mountains National Park.  

Staying in Luxury

When it comes to luxury accommodation in Denver, visitors are truly spoilt for choice. Whether you spend the day shopping until you drop or you’re exploring the hiking trails and Rocky Mountains, being able to come back to a beautiful hotel, sink into a hot bath, enjoy spa facilities to soothe those aching muscles, or to just sleep between the softest sheets you’ve ever experienced, choosing the right accommodation sets the tone for your luxurious trip. 

Some of the top hotels in Denver include The Crawford Hotel, a boutique-style hotel with full-service amenities, which you can find in the historic Union Station area. The Four Seasons Denver, which has its own rooftop pool, spa facilities, and fine dining restaurant, or The Ritz-Carlton, Denver, which, as the name suggests, is perfect for indulgent city breaks. Alternatively, if you don’t want to stay in a hotel, you’ll find plenty of luxurious Airbnb or private rental options placed throughout the city; you’ll just have to do a little research first. 

Fine Dining and Gourmet Experiences in Denver

The thriving food scene in Denver is full of indulgence, luxury, and gourmet experiences that are completely unique to this beautiful city. The area offers everything from farm-to-table cuisine to menus inspired by global flavours. Whether your idea of gourmet is in a beautiful fine dining establishment, a chic brunch location, or an Instagram-worthy rooftop bar offering extravagant cocktails, Denver caters to every taste and every whim.

Some of the city’s most popular restaurants include Guard and Grace, a sleek, high-end steakhouse offering premium cuts, fresh seafood, sophisticated atmosphere, and a casual elegance dress code. Mercantile Dining & Provision, located at Union Station, is an upscale casual dining eatery with artisanal touches where diners can enjoy market-driven dishes in a stylish, historic setting. Or explore some of the city’s speciality cocktail bars in LoDo and RiNo, bursting with creative mixology and perfect for tasting unique, locally inspired drinks in a chic setting.

Luxury Outdoor Experiences

If you’re an outdoor person but don’t want to miss out on the finer things, just because you prefer the fresh air, then don’t worry. Denver has got you covered. Remember, the city itself is a gateway to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains and a huge variety of outdoor adventures, perfect for those who want to combine the great outdoors with their taste for the finer things in life. Consider some of these suggestions:

Private Guided Hikes: Did you know that you can explore breathtaking areas such as Red Rocks Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park with a personal guide? These private tours can be tailored to your fitness levels and your interests, so whether you’re a wildlife buff or you want to indulge in some photography, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Helicopter Tours over the Rockies: Want to see the majestic Colorado mountains from a truly unique perspective? Private helicopter tours allow you to soar over rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and hidden valleys, providing an unforgettable VIP experience you won’t forget in a hurry. 

Wine tasting or private brewery tours: Denver has a huge craft beer scene, and it’s always growing! But these kinds of experiences aren’t just available in the city; luxury tours at local wineries and breweries can offer you private tastings, behind-the-scenes access, and curated pairings. It’s both indulgent and eye-opening!

Hot-air balloon rides and private horseback riding: If you prefer your outdoor adventures to be slower, then you might want to take to the skies in your own private hot air balloon or perhaps enjoy a bucket list experience and explore the Rockies with your own guide and horse. Exploring scenic trails on horseback is a serene and memorable experience, whilst taking a hot air balloon ride will certainly provide some fantastic photo opportunities you won’t want to miss. 

Final Thoughts…

Whether you’re planning a luxury road trip and Denver is one of many luxurious locations you intend to visit, or you’re planning an exclusively indulgent trip to the city and hoping to switch off from the rest of the world, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy a piece of luxury in the Mile High City. What would you like to experience? 

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Karen LeBlanc

Karen LeBlanc is an award-winning travel journalist and storyteller, honored with two Telly Awards and four North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) awards for The Design Tourist travel show. As the show’s host, producer, and writer, Karen takes viewers beyond the guidebooks to explore the culture, craft, cuisine, and creativity that define the world’s most fascinating destinations.

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