Hot Hotel Trends — What’s Cool, Contemporary and Classic in CO

Long gone are the days of lumpy double beds, hideous artwork bolted to the wall, and air conditioning units that turned a hotel stay into an arctic expedition. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, hoteliers are recognizing that their guests are interested in more than just a bed for the night. They want to be comfortable, indulged and made to feel like their business matters. Fortunately, that’s what we’re seeing now in this year’s hotel trends.

Green is trending big time in hotels all across the country, but we’re not talking furniture or wall colors. More and more hotels are considering the carbon footprint they leave behind. For many frequent travelers, a hotel that practices sustainability and eco-friendly policies is a must.

And because busy business travelers are saying “no thanks” to the cold cereal/lukewarm coffee “continental breakfast” many hotel chains offered in the past (and even giving the cold shoulder to a hot breakfast at on-site restaurants,) hotels have had to come up with a new snack attack solution. As such, they’re giving guests the goods on the go with snack stations open and available 24/7.

Of course, most of us know business travel is for the birds. The same old/same old hotel rooms, restaurant fare and crabby front desk clerk in every city feel more than a bit unwelcoming. That’s why more and more often, hotels are striving to make their frequent flier guests feel like visiting royalty rather than a royal pain.

For those who join the exclusive My Inverness Club at the legendary Hilton Denver Inverness the benefits are quite majestic. Guests enjoy discounts on the gourmet cuisine offered at the Fireside Lounge, Garden Terrace, Golf Grille or Spotted Dog, their contemporary onsite pub. Perks like unlimited discounts off all spa services as well as discounts off corporate or leisure regular rates can suddenly make a trip about business more about pleasure.

The folks at Warwick Denver Hotel know a thing or two about pampering too. Featuring a 15th floor fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning panoramic views of the Downtown Denver skyline and Rocky Mountains, guests can enjoy the cloud-like experience 24 hours a day. With a rooftop heated pool, courtesy car service, patio dining and pet friendly policy, it’s clear comfort and luxury is the focus here.

The staff at the new The Crawford Hotel take spoiling their guests rather personally. Recognizing that not every guest has the same taste or needs, they offer a wide range of room styles along with luxurious touches, including rain showers, claw foot tubs, unique artwork and cutting-edge technology. The Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel is unparalleled in comfort and amenities, with a variety of rooms and suites in a modern experience in one of Colorado's most historic buildings the property showcases historical elements from the building's original construction and combines it with the comforts of a modern luxury hotel. At the Tivoli Lodge, guests relax in rooms designed to feel like an escape to paradise, each with gorgeous mountain views, the finest linens, fireplaces, and large soaking tubs.

Naturally, every good thing must come to an end, even business meetings. Recognizing that their business guests might be more than a bit stressed and exhausted, some hotels have taken to offering rejuvenating services like expansive spas or relaxing picturesque settings.  The St. Julien Hotel + Spa invites guests to a world of relaxation with a full menu of salon and spa services, including therapeutic massages, signature scrubs and wraps, skin care and makeup application, hair care, manicures and pedicures.

Fewer and fewer business travelers are flying solo these days. As traveling for business increasingly becomes a family affair, hotels are offering packages that cater to the kin, welcoming the whole household with spacious suites that boast full kitchen facilities, sitting rooms, fireplaces and private entrances.

No matter where you book your bunch, the hottest trends in hotels this year are all focused on enhancing the guest experience. In our book, that’s a trend that should always stay in style. For a free complete list of hotels in Colorado, visit our meeting and event hotel guide. Not sure where you to host your next meeting, conference or event? Check out our free Colorado meeting and event destination guide.