We plan to take the Celestial Seasonings tour on a Saturday. If the machines don't operate on the weekend, is the tour still worth it?

Thanks for the input regarding Six Flags vs Water World. I'm looking into it.

I definitely appreciate all the information I have received so far. It makes planning a little easier when you can talk to people who have "been there / done that".

We don't think the food at Casa Bonita is THAT bad. Not great certainly, though I have to say the sopapillas are the best anywhere! I think you do have to buy a meal to get in. And we have never found it to be dirty.

Sue

We live in the area & have 3 kids. The Museum of Science is always a favorite day trip (for us) to Denver. We also like a Mexican resturant called La Loma in Denver if you want good food & not hokey entertainment. The Colorado History Museum is interesting too, close to the Capital with dioramas of early settlements & mining equipment exhibits. For hotels, I would get one with a pool, it will be hot here! Have a great trip. Betsy

Tess,
Just a few questions about the area surrounding the Renaissance and Doubletree Hotels. Is it desolate? dirty? crime-prone? Can you, or anyone else, give me more details. Meanwhile I'm reviewing the downtown hotels again.

Here's another suggestion. It's sound like you are seeking a (small) city-oriented vacation. But the real beauty and the most special thing about the state of Colorado is the mountains. You'll be near the mountains with the activities you currently have planned, but consider spending a couple of days (at least) IN the mountains - Rocky Mountain National Park, Vail, Breckenridge, or even the Aspen area. You can go to an amusement park (or even a water park) most places, but there are few mountain ranges like the Rocky Mountains. (And while the altitude change is something to keep in mind, hundreds of thousands of people visit the Rocky Mountains each year and have no problems with the altitude.)

lewright,
I would classify the area around the Renaissance as 'business/light industrial' with some mid-level housing thrown in. There's a Walmart and Home Depot nearby if that helps. If you're looking to spend some Marriott rewards points (as we often are), honestly you're better off with the Downtown Marriott or even Marriott West (in Golden and at the foothills of the Rockies).