Hi,
I am going to be in downtown Denver in a couple of weeks - single mid-50's woman by myself. What do you all recommend - Ritz, Monaco, Brown Palace, etc.....I am going for the gusto for the 2 nights. Also, do any of these hotels have transportation from airport? (Included?)

Go for the Brown Palace. It is historical with great service. You can check with the hotels but I don't believe that any of them have their own service. Super Shuttle makes regular downtown runs. A cab ride is around $50, I think. And it would be fairly easy with public transit if that appeals to you.

If going for the gusto,I'd recommend a private car from the airport. It won't cost much more and will be so much nicer. I believe the current rate is about $60 for downtown Denver.

All of the places you mentioned are great, it's only a difference in style/ambience.

Brown Palace is historic, but our kids would say The Monaco. They used to treat themselves to a night there. The Ritz is brand new. You could bid on Priceline for a downtown 4* and probably come out with one of them.

Another vote for The Brown Palace.

Sue

We stayed at Brown Palace one trip and Monaco another, and preferred Monaco.

The Beatles stayed at the Brown Palace. -- Just in case that makes a difference to anyone. :^)

No question--Stay at the Brown but ask for an Art Deco room, as opposed to the Victorian rooms. On Saturdays they offer (or used to) one or two free guided tours of the hotel. Make reservatations a week or two ahead of time for afternoon tea in the lobby. Very nice!

Hotel Monaco is great and you certainly couldn't go wrong there (especially with the complimentary wine hour at night), but the Brown is truly something special.

Haven't stayed at the Ritz since it's so new so can't compare it to the others...