Overview
by Caroline Costello
You won’t encounter any life-size cartoon characters during breakfast. There’s no teen center. And don’t expect to see dozens of children crawling over chairs in the lobby. But despite the chic, adults-only ambiance at the Ritz-Carlton, Denver, this property is a place where families are welcomed with open arms.
Staff will go out of the way to accommodate families at this hotel. One of Denver’s most luxurious hotels, this Ritz-Carlton property shines with top-notch service, beautifully appointed rooms, a great location and excellent onsite dining (with kids’ menus to boot). For families, there are plenty of amenities worth lauding, from special kids’ welcome kits to a fitness center with a full-size basketball court and rock climbing walls. Families seeking to explore Denver couldn’t have asked for a better base. The Ritz is located smack in the middle of downtown, walking distance from attractions like the 16th Street Mall and the Colorado State Capitol Building.
Our Editor Loves
- Pool and rock climbing wall
- Kids' welcome kits
- Central downtown location
Family Interests
- Museum/Cultural
- Skiing
Family Amenities
- Babysitting
- Children Programs
- Cribs
- DVD
- Laundry
- Onsite Dining
- Pool
Room Information
Find the Best Price for Your Stay
Guestrooms
Standard guestrooms at the Ritz measure roughly 550 feet. Rooms are beautiful, clean and well-appointed. You can expect spacious bathrooms with separate toilet closets, flat-screen TVs, an espresso machine, and generous bathtubs in addition to separate showers with rainfall shower heads.
Suites
For families seeking a bit more space, the Ritz offers deluxe, one-bedroom, Ritz-Carlton and luxury suites, which offer up to 3,030 square feet of space. One-bedroom suites have a private main bedroom in addition to a separate living area.
Cribs are available upon request. Families may also receive special touches like nightlights, plug blocks, stuffed animals and more. If you need it, all you have to do is ask. The Ritz-Carlton staff will generously lend a hand with a smile.
Reviews
by pickytravelerFlorida
This hotel is very close to everything in downtown Denver. Walking distance to the Coors stadium, tons of restaurants, shops and museums. Denver is a great city. I came out to mainly go to Red Rocks Amphitheater to see a show. It was a really neat and beautiful venue. Also, spent a day at Rocky Mountain National Park. Its views are breath taking. It's a must see. I spent 4 nights at this property. Super nice staff. I can't remember his name but when you walk into the lobby, there's a very distinguished looking gentleman, perfectly dressed, with a tray of delicious cookies welcoming you back. The club lounge had excellent service. Ritz Carltons usually have Pepsi products and the club lounge made sure to order extra Diet Coke during my stay so I would have it. And, this is why I'm loyal to this hotel brand. However, since this is more of a city property and not a resort, the food selections were super limited. The breakfast was very good but the other presentations were meh. But, the staff was so incredible, it made up for the food falling short. My flight from the east coast arrived early and the hotel happily let me check in a few hours early. My flight back was in the evening and again, late check out was not a big deal.
This is a smaller Ritz and not the most "blingy" but the staff makes you feel like you're the most important guest at the hotel. I would absolutely love staying here again on my next visit to Denver.
by ajwmlwslw
We stayed for a conference at the convention center this week . The staff is pleasant and hard working. I was able to check in early and check out late due to a late flight. The concierge gave excellent recommendations and was able to get us tickets to the sold out monet exhibit at the art museum. The spa was delightful and very professional . I enjoyed the hot apple cider and nut mix in the evening at the lobby entrance. Everyone I met was helpful. I enjoyed drinks and the game on TV at the Elways bar. The rooms could use some updating and I didn't like the carpet in the room. Felt dirty and old. I would prefer a tile or wood floor. But that is my own preference . Also the bathroom was large but a narrow tub/shower combo which I don't love. The mattress was not great but okay.
Family Activities
Fitness Club
This Ritz-Carlton property is attached to a sprawling 52,000-square-foot fitness club, which serves as a gym for residents of Denver. But guests of the Ritz get access to this impressive club, and kids ages 5 to 14 may use the club on Saturdays and Sundays under supervision of an adult. Teens ages 15 to 17 may use the club without adult supervision, but they may only gain admission on Saturdays and Sundays.
With a full-size basketball court, a pool, a whirlpool, a climbing wall, a sandpit and more, this fitness center is the whole enchilada. Your family can spend hours engaging in fun, active activities on a weekend day --- for free. On a rainy morning, a family basketball game or dip in the whirlpool is a fantastic way to spend some time inside.
Family Dining
ELWAY'S
The onsite restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Denver is ELWAY'S, the namesake restaurant of Denver Bronco quarterback John Elway. The restaurant is hip and trendy, and it's unlikely to see kids seated at its polished tables. But the Ritz does accommodate young eaters.
Whether ordering room service or dining at ELWAY'S, families can order from a special kid's menu that includes the standard fare: grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and breakfast foods like waffles and pancakes. Healthy snacks, from carrot and celery sticks to fresh fruit, are also available for children.
Keep in mind that during the evening, ELWAY'S attracts a well-heeled crowd of adults for dinner and drinks, especially on weekends. For a more family-friendly dinner experience, grab the shuttle and head to downtown Denver (see our section on family-friendly Denver restaurants).
Planning & Tips
All About the Extras
The Ritz's V.I.K. program (Very Important Kids) features a fun welcome kit for young guests. The kit includes a Colorado fact sheet, an information book that details local kid-friendly activities, a scavenger hunt, a coloring sheet and a bracelet.
Various packages are available at this hotel, depending on what time of year you're visiting.
Babysitting
Babysitting services are available onsite, through the concierge. Rates vary, so contact the Ritz-Carlton concierge for more information.
Wi-Fi
There is a fee for Wi-Fi access.
The Art of Smart Timing
All facilities at the Ritz-Carlton Denver are open year round. However, be aware that both the hotel spa and fitness center are used by locals as well as guests, so you may need to call well in advance if you are interested in booking a spa treatment or joining a class at the gym. We visited during Valentine's Day weekend, and the spa was completely booked.
Getting There
Denver International Airport is located about 35 minutes from the hotel.
Getting Around
Private shuttle companies or rental cars are available to transport guests to and from the airport. Denver is also an easily walkable city.
For Mom and Dad
Not every Ritz-Carlton property has a spa, and the Denver property's luxury spa is top-notch -- so parents in need of some relaxation shouldn't miss this gem. Services include manicures, pedicures, haircuts and color, facials, massages, exfoliation treatments and more.