Is The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa worth it? Honest pros and cons
Yes — The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa is worth it if you value historic character, a central downtown Denver location, several on-site dining options and a full-service spa. If you prioritize modern minimalism, a swimming pool, or the lowest possible room rates, another property may suit you better.
In this guide
Location and neighborhood — downtown convenience
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa sits at 321 17th St in downtown Denver, a short walk from the 16th Street Mall, Civic Center Park and the Colorado State Capitol. That makes it convenient for sightseeing, museums, restaurants and light-rail connections via Union Station.
Because it’s in central Denver you’ll find many dining and entertainment options steps away; the hotel also offers a complimentary car service for short trips within about five miles (confirm availability).
- About two blocks from the 16th Street Mall
- Close to the Denver Art Museum and Civic Center Park
- Walking distance or a short ride to many downtown restaurants and theaters
| Nearby spot | Typical walk time (source estimates) |
|---|---|
| 16th Street Mall | ~1–2 minutes |
| Civic Center Park / Capitol area | ~5 minutes |
| Denver Union Station | ~20 minute walk (~1 mile) |
Historic public spaces — the Grand Atrium and atmosphere
The Brown Palace is a downtown Denver landmark dating to 1892; its eight-story stained-glass-topped Grand Atrium is a signature public space. Afternoon Tea is served beneath that atrium, and live piano/jazz is common in the lounge areas.
If you appreciate historic architecture, ornate lobbies and a hotel with a story, the public spaces deliver character that most modern downtown hotels do not.
- Daily Afternoon Tea in The Grand Atrium
- Live piano in the atrium and evening jazz/cocktails on some nights
- Distinctive wood-paneled lounges, formal dining rooms and a cigar lounge (Churchill Bar)
| Public space | Typical use / feature |
|---|---|
| Grand Atrium | Afternoon Tea, cocktails, stained-glass ceiling |
| Ship Tavern | Seafood/steak, piano entertainment on weekends |
| Churchill Bar | Cigar lounge and cocktails |
Rooms and suites — choices and what to expect
The Brown Palace offers a range of room types from Classic Room, City View to larger suites such as Suite, City View, Corner and the Presidential Suite, 1 Bedroom, City View. Expect a mix of historic and updated interiors, with some rooms on the Top of the Brown floors renovated in 2020.
Room sizes and layouts vary; if you need specific features or views ask for details at booking (for example the Classic Room, City View is smaller than the Room, City View). In-room Wi‑Fi typically carries a nightly surcharge unless you have eligible loyalty status.
- Room, City View (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds)
- Signature Room, City View (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds)
- Classic Room, City View (1 Queen Bed)
- Executive Room, City View (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds)
- Suites include Grand Suite, 1 Bedroom, Smoking, City View; Suite, City View, Corner; Beatles Suite; Presidential Suite, 1 Bedroom, City View; Royal Suite, 1 Bedroom, Smoking, City View; Suite, 1 Bedroom, City View
| Room category | Typical occupancy / feature |
|---|---|
| Classic Room, City View | Smaller, 1 Queen Bed |
| Room, City View | Larger guest room, 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Presidential Suite, 1 Bedroom, City View | Top-tier suite with separate living area |
Dining and bars — variety on-site
The hotel has several on-site venues that cover casual to formal dining: Ship Tavern (seafood and steak), Palace Arms (French‑inspired fine dining), Churchill Bar (cigar lounge), The Grand Atrium (Afternoon Tea and cocktails) and Brown Palace Coffee & Tea Co. for quick coffee and pastries.
Service times and dress codes vary by venue (for example Palace Arms lists a shirt-and-slacks dress code and is dinner-only on select days). Afternoon Tea is a signature experience and can reduce parking costs when validated for that service.
- Ship Tavern: lunch and dinner, seafood and prime rib; piano on Fri–Sat evenings
- Palace Arms: dinner Tue–Sat, French-inspired prix fixe menu
- The Grand Atrium: Afternoon Tea midday and cocktails late afternoon/early evening
- Brown Palace Coffee & Tea Co.: mornings for coffee and pastries
| Venue | Typical hours / notes |
|---|---|
| Ship Tavern | Lunch daily 11:00 AM; evenings to 10–11 PM depending on day |
| Palace Arms | Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 PM–9:00 PM |
| Brown Palace Coffee & Tea Co. | Morning service (early hours) |
The Spa and fitness — what’s available
The Spa at The Brown Palace is a full-service spa with six treatment rooms, a private couple's suite and separate ladies' and gentlemen's steam rooms and relaxation areas. Signature offerings include the Brown Palace Signature Massage and Brown Palace Signature Facial, plus specialty soaks using water from the hotel's artesian well.
The hotel also maintains a complimentary, wheelchair-accessible fitness center with cardio machines and free weights for guests who want to exercise during their stay. Check spa hours before planning treatments.
- Spa: six treatment rooms, private couple's suite, steam rooms and separate relaxation lounges
- Signature treatments and soaks using artesian well water
- Fitness center: complimentary, cardio machines and free weights; wheelchair accessible
| Facility | Typical detail |
|---|---|
| The Spa at The Brown Palace | Open Sun–Wed 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Thu–Sat 9:00 AM–8:00 PM (confirm current hours) |
| Fitness Center | Complimentary for guests; cardio machines and free weights |
Practical considerations — fees, policies and accessibility
The Brown Palace is family-friendly and welcomes children of all ages, though the primary guest checking in must be at least 21. Children 18 and younger stay free when sharing a room and using existing bedding.
Expect additional mandatory fees: in the recent disclosures a nightly resort fee has been charged (amount can change) and in-room Wi‑Fi may carry a nightly surcharge of about $14.95 unless waived for loyalty members. Parking is valet-only (no self-parking) and has been listed at $66 per day with in-and-out privileges.
- Check-in: 4:00 PM; check-out: 11:00 AM
- Minimum check-in age: 21 (for primary guest)
- Valet-only parking; no self-parking option
- Pets (dogs) allowed with a non-refundable fee per stay; service animals exempt
- No on-site swimming pool
| Policy | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wi‑Fi | Free in lobby and restaurants; in-room Wi‑Fi often carries a surcharge |
| Pets | Dogs allowed (fee and weight limits apply); service animals free |
| Airport transfers | Hotel does not provide airport transfer service |
