triptime

We are planning a visit to Denver in September and have narrowed it down to two hotels - the JW Marriott Cherry Creek or the Hyatt Regency at the Convention Center. Which do you recommend and why? Which hotel is closer to activities in walking distance?

MaureenB

JW Marriott in Cherry Creek, for sure. Much nicer area to walk around at night. North Restaurant near it is very good (pricey, too). Nice outdoor shopping area with little boutiques, cafes, etc. The Convention Center location is more business-like. The JW Marriott more leisurely chic.
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kellienjay

The Hyatt Regency -Convention Center is downtown which is where a large # of restaurants, bars, shopping, theatres, art galleries, etc.

Cherry Creek is about a 15 minute drive from downtown. This area also has a mall, shops, restaurants, art galleries, but is smaller (and a bit yuppier IMO) than downtown. It's also close to walking trails.

What do you want to do while you are here?

fmpden

Hyatt by far is closer to all activities. A free, 16th Mall shuttle bus covers the whole length of the downtown area. A wider range of resturants, parks, walking areas, access to light rail, new Art Museum, baseball, and even an amusement park. Rent a bike and ride for miles on either the Cherry Creek trail or Platte river trails. The light rail will take you to the old resturant in Denver, Buckhorn Exchange, You need for a car is min at the Hyatt

JRP

I love the Jay-Dub and often slip in for a martini while strolling The Creek area. However, for a variety of activities- which is what you seek- I would recommend The Hyatt. It is very much within walking or public trans distance in the Downtown Denver area.
The Cherry Creek area provides a variety of dining (see The Cherry Cricket for the best Burger in town) and shopping but is somewhat limited
The Hyatt places you in an area that allows for many more options- particularly for entertainment.

triptime

Thanks for the great information. My first choice was the JW, but now hearing all the other information, I may choose the Hyatt. We will only be in Denver for a few days arriving on a thursday and a Rockies game on friday night, leaving on Sunday. Any suggestions on how to fill the time. We have 2 children 11 and 14. Are there any excursions that are not too far from Denver so we can experience some scenic sights. How would Pikes Peak be?

fmpden

First, you can walk to the ball game from the Hyatt. Second there is a nice Childrens Museum in the downtown area that I am sure the kids would enjoy. For a quick day in the mountains, drive to Georgetown (about an hour) on Saturday, Interesting old mountain town with great old hotel. Take Georgetown loop railroad and visit the mine. Kids will love it. And a finally adventure -- take the back road out of Georgetown over Grinnall pass to 285 and back into Denver. Aspen should be turning and this is one of the prime areas for Aspen viewing. Close to a four wheeling adventure without having to have a four wheel drive vehicle. THEN -- have dinner at the FORT -- Morrison exit at 285. It is expensive but well worth. Make reservation and ask for a window seat. Time it about right -- 7:30/8:00 and watch the sun set on Denver and Denver lights come on. It doesn't get a whole lot better.

Pike Peak is too far, and not worth it except that the cog railroad is kind of fun but can be a little boring,

BetsyG

My kids, close in age to yours, like the Museum of Science & Nature. Its not exactly in downtown but you may be able to get a bus there. I think the Children's Museum is too young for your kids.
Betsy

jd_denver

Hi - We just spent a night at the Hyatt two weekends ago for my husbands b-day. FYI - bid on priceline $70. Anyway, I would definately stay here again. It was a short walk to the 16th Street mall shuttle which works great for getting over to Coors field.

They have a great bar in the hotel - maybe 27th floor - with an awesome view of the mountains and downtown.

I'd try to take a short drive up to see the aspens changing as another poster suggested. If you kids are into the outdoors they will probably like a visit to REI and Confluence Park on the western edge of downtown. REI is a nice walk on the Cherry creek bike path or quick cab ride from the Hyatt.

Colorado is beautiful in September!

kellienjay

Fmpden's suggestion is a good one. I would also suggest a stop off at Red Rocks (its name says it all- very beautiful) along 285 on your way up to Guanela pass. I also agree that the Children's Museum might be not as exciting for older children.

Kellie

martym

All good suggestons--and the road from Georgetown to US route 285 is over Guanella Pass.

fmpden

Thanks for the correction. For the life of me, I could not remember how to spell Guanella. But was close enough for communication purposes. I have always liked that drive especially the west side.

martym

One of my favorites also.

triptime

I would love to bid on priceline like you said to get the hyatt for $70, but I have never used priceline before and how would it be guaranteed to get that particular hotel? All those ideas are great and so informative. I am going to check in to all of them. Thanks!

jd_denver

As far as priceline goes, I think any 4* downtown would be great. It kind of depends on your needs for bed type (king v 2 doubles) etc. Usually when you get a good deal, the hotel has plenty of rooms and they will accommodate your request. I checked out this site before bidding and felt pretty confident that we would be happy with a successful bid. FYI - There was a Rockies and a Nuggets game the night we stayed and we still got a good deal.
http://p070.ezboard.com/fpricelinean...abiddingdenver

sylvia3

Elitch Gardens amusement park (no longer 6 flags) is downtown, and the art museum (with new wing)is close; the zoo and Museum of Nature and Science (terrific dinosaurs and Hall of Life very popular wtih kids) are next to each other, a bus ride away.

marthamom

The Denver aquarium (next to the children's museum and Elitch Gardens amusement park) is a fun indoor day activity for kids, although a little expensive. Also for kids, take them to eat at the Casa Bonita restaurant! The Mexican food is OK, but the atmosphere is great fun. It's a memorable place.

fmpden

but the Denver aquarium has been gone for a couple of years. It is now part of the Landary restaurant.

marthamom

Could the aquarium change be in name/ownership only (I.e. Denver Aquarium now vs. Ocean's Journey before?) Our family visited the aquarium on March 29, 2007, and we all enjoyed it. The restaurant was also fun for lunch with "tankside" dining.