Denver’s Whimsical DoubleTree Unveils Major Renovation with Themed Floors and Suites
In Denver’s competitive hotel landscape filled with sophisticated accommodations, one Hilton Honors property stands apart by embracing a distinctly playful approach to hospitality.
The Curtis Denver — a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel has recently completed a comprehensive multimillion-dollar renovation, transforming all 13 guest floors with fresh themes and completely redesigning every room, suite, and meeting space. This distinctive property maintains its commitment to the “Stay Happy” philosophy while introducing new themed experiences designed to appeal to guests of all ages.
Initial Impressions
Upon entering the hotel, visitors immediately recognize this isn’t a conventional DoubleTree property. The entrance features vibrant lighting, colorful displays, AstroTurf wall treatments, vintage neon signage, and a retro camper van replica surrounding the front entrance.
The lobby atmosphere evokes an upscale summer camp experience, complete with the brand’s famous chocolate chip cookies welcoming guests.
Themed Floor Concept
The hotel’s signature feature remains its themed floors and accommodations. Each level presents a unique concept, beginning with vibrant elevator landings that introduce the floor’s theme, followed by coordinated decorative elements throughout the corridors.
The renovation shifted from previous pop culture-focused themes to concepts with broader appeal. New themes include Fur Babies (animal-focused), Camp Curtis (summer camp atmosphere), and On the Blacktop (grade school recess nostalgia). Some floors cater to adult interests, such as Level Up (retro gaming) and Let’s Get Quizzical (game show theme).
Standard rooms feature carefully curated artwork and decor reflecting each floor’s concept. Additionally, every floor includes at least one “Hyper Themed” suite that amplifies the theme through enhanced details and interactive elements. Notable examples include the Glam Squad suite on the fashion-themed You Better Werk floor and the Balancing Act suite on the circus-themed What a Circus floor.
Hotel staff report welcoming diverse guest demographics, including couples, families, and adult groups, often influenced by performances at the nearby Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Many guests enjoy exploring different floors via the elevator system to experience various themes.
Accommodations
The Curtis features 336 rooms and suites, with each floor containing at least one Hyper Themed suite. The Get a Clue Hyper Themed suite on the superstition-themed 13th floor exemplifies the property’s attention to thematic detail, featuring 1970s jewel tones, retro carpeting, vintage mystery game decor, classic paperback novels, and atmospheric artwork.
Hyper Themed rooms include interactive features encouraging guest engagement, with board games available in each suite and additional options at the front desk. Other notable suites include the Barbie Dreamhouse suite on the imagination-themed Up in the Clouds floor and sports-themed accommodations on the Go for Gold floor featuring Denver Broncos, Nuggets, and Rockies elements.
While the themed rooms offer unique experiences, some design elements could benefit from refinement, including lighting levels that may be insufficient for reading or gaming after dark, and furniture placement that doesn’t always optimize space usage.
Despite minor areas for improvement, the Hyper Themed rooms provide excellent value for downtown Denver, with rates beginning at $222 or 94,000 Hilton points nightly.
Dining Options
The Corner Office restaurant and martini bar connects to the hotel lobby, incorporating the property’s playful aesthetic through bright colors, retro furnishings, and neon signage. The menu design mimics office file folders with humorous labels, offering office-themed items like The Intern (seasonal beer), Buy Ins (appetizers), and Stacked Portfolios (sandwiches).
While maintaining a more sophisticated atmosphere than other hotel areas, The Corner Office attracts both hotel guests and local patrons. The venue provides comfortable breakfast, lunch, and weeknight dining, though weekend evenings see heavy theater crowd traffic. Takeout ordering remains available when table seating is unavailable.
The menu features modern interpretations of global comfort foods, including burrata, gochujang-spiced cauliflower, poke bowls, and pimento macaroni and cheese. Standout items include the TCO burger with black bean patty ($21), hummus appetizer ($15), and “office browns” roasted fingerling potatoes ($6).
Hotel Amenities
The property offers essential amenities with unique touches promoting guest interaction:
- Lobby grab-and-go market
- Business center with computers and printing services
- 24-hour fitness facility
- Pet accommodation for up to two pets ($25 per pet nightly, $100 maximum per stay)
- Lobby movie screenings and board game lending
- Connecting room availability
The hotel doesn’t include spa services, pool, or hot tub facilities, which is reflected in the accessible pricing structure.
Location and Transportation
Situated in downtown Denver, the hotel sits approximately two blocks from 16th Street and directly across from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts complex.
Transportation from Denver International Airport takes roughly 45 minutes by car, with rideshare services costing around $50. On-site parking is available for $45 nightly. Public transportation alternatives include RTD airport service ($10) to Union Station, followed by the 16th Street FreeRide and a short walk.
Booking Information
Standard rooms start around $140 during off-peak periods and $200 in summer, typically requiring 45,000 Hilton points nightly for reward stays. Hyper Themed suites begin at $222 or 94,000 points per night, offering reasonable value for downtown Denver accommodations.
Direct booking through Hilton channels maximizes points earning and elite night credit accumulation. Guests seeking specific themed floors or Hyper Themed rooms should contact reservations at 303-571-0300.
Optimal credit cards for booking include Hilton-branded cards offering bonus points and elite status benefits, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card (12 points per dollar, Gold status) and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (14 points per dollar, Diamond status).
Accessibility Features
The Curtis provides ADA-compliant accommodations in various bed configurations, including rooms with roll-in showers and hearing assistance equipment. Guests should contact the hotel directly to verify specific accessibility requirements can be met.
Final Assessment
The Curtis Denver delivers an affordable, distinctive lodging experience in downtown Denver’s prime location. The renovated themed floors appeal to both children and adults, with Hyper Themed suites offering memorable experiences for guests whose interests align with specific themes.
However, travelers seeking luxury amenities, sophisticated dining, and upscale ambiance might prefer alternative properties like The Art, a Hotel or Thompson Denver. The Curtis succeeds as a budget-friendly option that prioritizes fun and creativity over conventional luxury.