Review: Thompson Denver

Why book? Urban cool and alpine comfort pair perfectly at this sexy boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Denver—plus it’s home to one of the city’s most exciting restaurants.

Set the scene Young Denver tech execs with Topo Design packs slung over their shoulders sip craft beers and cocktails overlooking the skyline from Reynard Social as an album from the Lumineers plays on the turntables. A crowd of discerning New Yorkers and Angelenos sit around the lobby bar waiting for tables at hotspot Chez Maggy.

The backstory  This is the first location in the Centennial State from Hyatt’s lifestyle brand, Thompson, and chef Ludo Lefebvre’s first restaurant outside of Los Angeles.

The rooms New York City design firm Parts & Labor is behind the mid-century look of the hotel’s 216 rooms and suites. Woven wool rugs cover the wide-plank hardwood floors and saddle leather headboards are a nod to Denver’s Western spirit. Amenities, such as D.S. & Durga bath products and Drybar hair dryer, have been thoughtfully curated. The 1,032-square-foot Thompson Suite is the hotel’s gem, featuring a private terrace with seating for eight and a two-sided indoor-outdoor fireplace.

Food and drink Chez Maggy, Michelin-decorated chef Ludo Lefebvre’s first foray outside of Los Angeles, was more hyped than the hotel opening. Maggy is the nickname of Lefebvre’s mother-in-law, who tragically passed away in a car accident caused by a drunk driver in 2019. Located on the lobby level, the menu channels a French brasserie by way of the Rocky Mountains. Dishes can be heavy (like many French chefs, Lefebvre has a heavy hand when it comes to butter and cream). For example, the French toast with chocolate and ice cream feels more like dessert than brunch. But Francophiles will appreciate reimagined classics like the bison tartare and trout almondine. The sixth-floor lounge, Reynard Social, has become a local hot spot for happy hour thanks to its city views, globally-inspired nibbles (shrimp and hamachi crudo and Mediterranean meatballs), and outstanding cocktails, like the tequila-and-sherry based High Water, which is spiked with sage and piñon. Early risers can score a cappuccino and almond croissants as early as 6 a.m. at the on-site outpost of Dual Coffee. 

The neighborhood/area Thompson Denver is in the heart of the vibrant LoDo (short for Lower Downtown) neighborhood of Denver, within walking distance to key attractions such as the Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, the historic Dairy Block, Meow Wolf, Larimer Square, as well as the mixed-use transportation hub, Union Station, which has direct train service to the airport.

The service Casual but efficient. They are better at making urban experiences happen (last-minute Rockies tickets or reservations at top tables) than helping plan adventures in the surrounding mountains.

For families The hotel appeals to families who want to be right in the center of everything, from the popular new Meow Wolf art installation, Convergence Station, to an Avalanche hockey game On property, the hotel offers activities such as a weekly “Find Your Inner Rocker” guitar lessons in Reynard Social Lounge, are great for teens. And the hotel is pet friendly so the family doesn’t have to leave their BFF behind.

Eco effort The hotel recycles, composts, and sources local wherever possible; they have no single use bath amenities—all large format; water refill stations are located on every floor, and rooms feature key card energy-saving light switches.

Accessibility The hotel features accessible guest rooms, with text telephone TTY, assisted listening devices for meetings, closed-caption or closed-caption decoders for guest room televisions, and mobility features like doorways with 32 inches of clear width. The public entrance, registration desk, public restrooms, fitness center, concierge desk, and restaurants are all accessible.

Anything left to mention? Rooms feature a selection of vinyl records specially curated by Victrola along with the Denver-based company’s signature turntables. There’s also a sixth-floor listening lounge outfitted with Victrola turntables and a collection of vinyl records. Check the hotel’s calendar ahead of your visit so you don’t miss themed events, like decorate your own shotski days.