The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
Best for history, afternoon tea and downtown sightseeing near the 16th Street Mall.
Hotel comparison guide
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa vs Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa is a downtown Denver landmark (since 1892) with historic rooms, multiple restaurants and a full-service spa — good for travelers who want a classic city-center experience. Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek is a polished Luxury Collection property in Cherry Creek’s shopping district — read this if you prefer a newer upscale hotel near high-end boutiques and meeting space.
Updated · about 2.0 miles apart
Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek
Best for staying next to Cherry Creek Shopping Center, modern Luxury Collection touches, and on-site meeting space.
Quick Verdict: The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa vs Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek
When The Brown Palace wins: choose The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa if you want a historic, downtown address, distinctive on-site dining (Afternoon Tea, Ship Tavern, Palace Arms), and a staffed full-service spa with steam rooms and signature treatments.
When Hotel Clio wins: pick Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek if you want to be steps from Cherry Creek Shopping Center, prefer a contemporary Luxury Collection property with concierge and substantial conference/meeting space, and need modern accessibility features and EV charging.
Bottom line: The Brown Palace is the pick for atmosphere, history and classic Denver location; Hotel Clio is the pick for staying in Cherry Creek with polished, contemporary service and event-friendly function space.
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa vs Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek – At a Glance
| Category | The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa | Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic, formal downtown landmark with old‑world public spaces | Polished, contemporary Luxury Collection hotel in a shopping neighborhood |
| Location | Downtown Denver steps from the 16th Street Mall and civic attractions | In Cherry Creek, steps from Cherry Creek Shopping Center and near parks |
| Size (rooms) | 241–243 rooms across 9 floors (sources vary) | 199 guestrooms |
| Ages / family policy | All ages welcome; primary guest must be 21 to check in | All ages welcome (no adults‑only policy published) |
| Pools | No on-site swimming pool | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple distinct venues (Ship Tavern, Palace Arms, Churchill Bar, Grand Atrium, coffee shop) | One on-site restaurant (Toro Latin Kitchen Lounge) and one bar/lounge |
| Spa & wellness | Full-service Spa at The Brown Palace with six treatment rooms, couple's suite and steam areas | Not published |
| Meeting & events | Large historic event program with many ballrooms and meeting rooms (multiple venues including Grand Ballroom) | About 9 meeting rooms and roughly 9,700 sq ft of conference space |
| Accessibility & green features | Accessible routes and elevator access; complimentary fitness center | Wheelchair-accessible paths, accessible meeting space, EV charging, LED lighting and compostable amenities |
| Parking | Valet-only parking (no self-park) with in-and-out privileges (fee) | Valet parking (surcharge); electric car charging station available |
Location: Downtown landmark vs Cherry Creek shopping
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa – Location
The Brown Palace sits in the heart of downtown Denver, a short walk to the 16th Street Mall and civic attractions.
- Address: 321 17th St, Denver, CO 80202; about two blocks from the 16th Street Mall.
- Close to Denver Art Museum, Colorado State Capitol, Union Station and Larimer Square.
- Complimentary hotel car service available for short trips within five miles.
Choose The Brown Palace to be in central Denver within easy walking distance of museums, restaurants and transit.
Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek – Location
Hotel Clio is located in Cherry Creek, immediately adjacent to Cherry Creek Shopping Center and boutique retail.
- Address: 150 Clayton Lane, Denver, CO 80206; steps from Cherry Creek Shopping Center.
- Short drive to Botanic Gardens, Cheesman Park and Washington Park.
- Preferred airport: Denver International Airport (DEN); nearest regional airport noted as BJC farther out.
Pick Hotel Clio to be based in Cherry Creek for shopping, neighborhood dining and easy access to parks.
Rooms: Classic suites and renovated top floors vs contemporary Luxury Collection rooms
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa – Rooms
The Brown Palace offers historic rooms and a range of suites, including specialty suites and renovated Top of the Brown rooms.
- Room types include Room, City View; Signature Room, City View; Classic Room, City View; Executive Room, City View and multiple suites (Beatles Suite, Presidential, Royal, etc.).
- Room count listed as 241–243 rooms across 9 floors, with top-floor renovations in 2020.
- In-room Wi‑Fi may carry a nightly surcharge; lobby and restaurant Wi‑Fi is complimentary.
For period details and large suites in a landmark setting, The Brown Palace provides character and variety.
Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek – Rooms
Hotel Clio’s 199 guestrooms are contemporary Luxury Collection designs with standard modern in-room amenities.
- Room names published include Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Courtyard View; Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Courtyard View; and mountain-view options.
- Rooms feature pillowtop beds, minibars and LCD TVs; wired and wireless internet are complimentary.
- Accessible room types are listed (mobility accessible with tub or roll‑in shower).
Hotel Clio delivers contemporary Luxury Collection guestrooms with accessible options and reliable connectivity.
Dining & drinks: Multiple storied venues vs a single signature restaurant
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa – Dining & drinks
The Brown Palace provides several distinct dining experiences from casual to formal.
- Ship Tavern (seafood/steak), Palace Arms (French-inspired fine dining), Churchill Bar (cigar lounge), Grand Atrium (Afternoon Tea and cocktails) and a coffee shop.
- Afternoon Tea is a daily tradition beneath the hotel's stained-glass atrium.
- Dress codes vary by venue; hours and offerings differ (Palace Arms dinner-only on select days).
If you value variety and historic dining rituals (tea, cigar lounge, storied steakhouse), The Brown Palace is stronger.
Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek – Dining & drinks
Hotel Clio lists one main on-site restaurant and a bar/lounge for guests.
- Toro Latin Kitchen Lounge serves American/Latin-influenced cuisine and operates a bar/lounge; room service is available.
- Full breakfast is available for a fee with weekday and weekend hours noted.
- On-site concierge and room service support dining arrangements and neighborhood recommendations.
Hotel Clio suits travelers who want a single polished restaurant on-site and easy access to Cherry Creek’s wider dining scene.
Pools or signature amenity: spa at Brown Palace vs meeting & business facilities at Clio
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa – Pools or signature amenity
The Brown Palace’s signature amenities center on its historic spa and public atrium rather than a pool.
- The Spa at The Brown Palace has six treatment rooms, a private couple’s suite and gender‑separate steam areas and lounges.
- Signature treatments include the Brown Palace Signature Massage and Facial and artesian‑well soaks.
- The Grand Atrium and daily Afternoon Tea are central on-site experiences.
The Brown Palace’s spa and its historic atrium are the standout non‑room attractions; there is no swimming pool.
Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek – Pools or signature amenity
Hotel Clio emphasizes meeting space and business amenities alongside a fitness center and garden views.
- Offers roughly 9,700 sq ft (901 m²) of conference space across 9 meeting rooms — suitable for events and groups.
- Fitness facilities are open 24 hours and a garden/rooftop garden is noted for views.
- Complementary wired internet, 24‑hour business center, express check-in and concierge services support business travelers.
Hotel Clio’s signature strength is its event/meeting facilities and business conveniences rather than a hotel spa or pool.
Wellness & nightlife: spa services vs neighborhood options
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa – Wellness & nightlife
Wellness and night-time options at The Brown Palace are centered on the spa and on-site bars/atrium entertainment.
- Spa hours and treatments are published; spa features steam rooms and relaxation lounges.
- Live piano and jazz in the Grand Atrium and piano entertainment in Ship Tavern on weekends.
- Complimentary on-site fitness center is available to guests.
Choose The Brown Palace for in-house wellness services and historic evening atmospheres (tea, live piano, cigar lounge).
Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek – Wellness & nightlife
Hotel Clio offers 24‑hour fitness and proximity to Cherry Creek nightlife and dining.
- 24‑hour fitness facilities and a garden/rooftop garden provide exercise and light outdoor space.
- Neighborhood dining and bars in Cherry Creek are within walking distance from the hotel.
- Hotel amenities include a bar/lounge and room service for evening meals.
Hotel Clio is convenient for guests who want fitness access and nights out in Cherry Creek’s neighborhood.
Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
The Brown Palace — choose it for its landmark atrium, Afternoon Tea tradition and period dining rooms.
Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek
Hotel Clio — steps from Cherry Creek Shopping Center and boutiques.
Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek
Hotel Clio — about 9 meeting rooms and 9,700 sq ft of conference space geared to business gatherings.
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
The Brown Palace — full-service Spa at The Brown Palace with multiple treatment rooms and signature therapies.
Frequently asked questions
See all FAQs →The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa vs Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek: FAQs
Which hotel is better for sightseeing in downtown Denver?
The Brown Palace — it’s in downtown Denver near the 16th Street Mall, museums and civic sights.
Which hotel is closer to Cherry Creek Shopping Center?
Hotel Clio — it’s steps from Cherry Creek Shopping Center and built to serve that neighborhood.
Do either hotel have a swimming pool?
The Brown Palace does not have a swimming pool; Hotel Clio’s supplier listing does not publish a pool detail.
Which hotel is better for meetings or conferences?
Hotel Clio has about 9 meeting rooms and roughly 9,700 sq ft of conference space; The Brown Palace also has substantial event space but is best known for historic ballrooms.
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Daily Afternoon Tea in the Atrium
- Lowest rate guarantee
- Complimentary perks & upgrades
- 24/7 concierge