A Modern, Alpine-Style Stay at Denver’s Kimpton Hotel Born

In the heart of downtown Denver, a stone’s throw from historic Union Station, Kimpton Hotel Born is a perfect base for exploring the city’s attractions and the Rocky Mountains nearby. Modern and artsy with plenty of nods to Colorado’s great outdoors throughout, the 200-room boutique property warmly welcomes families.

During our recent stay, we found the hotel to be incredibly well-located for hitting sights and museums (e.g. the Botanic Gardens, the fantastic Children’s Museum and the Museum of Nature and Science), and we loved returning to it for an afternoon break before dinner or after a full day out on the town.

Family-Friendly Review of Kimpton Hotel Born

Rooms

Spacious rooms, including 40 suites, all feature floor-to-ceiling windows; meanwhile, knotty pine paneling extends from headboards up along the ceiling and visually brings a bit of the outdoors in. Marble and tile bathrooms, with separate showers and toilets, are sprawling by city standards and include paraben-free Atelier Bloem toiletries. Rooms that overlook Union Station see trains pulling into and out of the platform frequently.

Location

Without a doubt, the Kimpton Hotel Born’s location can’t be beat. In Denver’s LoDo neighborhood, adjacent to Union Station, the property sits within walking distance of dozens of restaurants, shops, breweries and more. The Union Station terminal itself is a lively spot with a bookstore, bar and shops within — parents can order a craft brew through the original ticket windows while kids get a cone from the ice cream shop. On Saturday mornings, browse the farmers’ market in front of Union Station to find fruits and vegetables, but also jams, hot sauces, artisanal bagels and more. 

Dining and Amenities

The Kimpton brand’s reputation for hospitality precedes itself. Along with complimentary coffee and tea in the morning, there is nightly wine and beer on offer in the cozy hotel lobby, complete with a flannel-upholstered nook. We were able to grab two Shirley Temples from the bar for the kids (a rare and special treat for them!) and make a fun family cocktail hour out of it. 

At the hotel’s all-day restaurant, Citizen Rail, where we had breakfast one morning, our dishes of quinoa oatmeal and chilaquiles were well-prepared and flavorful. We shared the generous portions with the kids, who were busy coloring and searching for words on the playful children’s menu.  

The hotel also boasts an extensive art collection. More than 700 works by local Denver artists, including an attention-grabbing video display of chirping birds in the elevator bank, line the property’s walls. The staff offers guests a map of the artworks; it’s like a mini art museum visit without even leaving the premises.  

While situated in the heart of a major city with proximity to plenty nearby, the Kimpton Hotel Born manages to still feel like its own retreat, a place where guests can recharge and reconnect. Isn’t that what vacation is all about?

Relevant Links:

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Editor’s Note: Photos by Kimpton Hotel Born except where noted.