Denver: The Brown Palace Hotel
Anyone interested in Denver's Victorian history should book a room at The Brown Palace Hotel, which opened Aug. 12, 1892. Owner Henry Brown was on his way to the California Gold Rush, but his wife fell in love with Denver and they decided to stay. The Browns amassed wealth developing real estate in the Denver area. When Henry was refused admittance to the Windsor Hotel because he was dressed in cowboy clothes, he decided to open his own hotel. It was constructed in the Italian Renaissance style and boasted the first atrium lobby in the United States. The Brown Palace is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Although it now has an endless variety of modern amenities, the Brown Palace has retained its historic integrity. Amenities include a full-service spa, six restaurants, a bakery and a business center. The Brown Palace Hotel is 20 minutes from the Rockies' foothills and about 80 miles from the Rockies in Summit County.
The Brown Palace Hotel
321 17th St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 297-3111
brownpalace.com
Breckenridge: Hilton Valdoro Lodge
Although the Hilton Valdoro Lodge is part of Hilton's family of timeshare vacation hotels, it is possible to book a room without buying a unit. The hotel is within walking distance of the Breckenridge Rocky Mountains. There are gas fireplaces and washer/dryers in each unit, and the lodge has an extensive fitness center. The Hilton is close to the Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Breckenridge Golf Course.
The Hilton Valdoro Mountain Lodge
500 Village Road
Breckenridge, CO 80424
(970) 453-4880
hiltongrandvacations.com/breckenridge-colorado-lodging.php
Aspen: The Hotel Jerome
Even if you can't afford to stay at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen, you should at least visit the lobby or enjoy a drink at the J Bar. The Jerome is within the Rocky Mountains of Aspen. This 1892 hotel was the brainchild of Macy's Department Store magnate Jerome Wheeler, who also built the famous Wheeler Opera House. If you are interested in Aspen's history, book a history buff's package, which includes a historic tour of the town. Although the Jerome is one of Aspen's oldest hotels, its amenities are modern and include 300-thread-count linens and high-speed Internet access.
The Hotel Jerome
330 E. Main St.
Aspen, CO 81611
(877) 412-ROCK
hoteljerome.rockresorts.com
Article Written By Lisa Mercer
In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.
