By Jamie Simon
The Ogden Theatre has morphed from a live theater to a movie theater and back to a live theater since its opening in 1919. In the beginning, it hosted live performances such as dances, organ recitals and vaudeville acts, including Harry Houdini. It was changed into a movie theater in 1937 and then went back to showing live performances in 1993. It hosts about 150 concerts each year and is operated by AEG Live. Nearby luxury hotels can be used as a landing point after attending a performance.
The Brown Palace and Spa
About a 10-minute drive from the theater, this hotel is steeped in 116 years of history. Its 241 guest rooms and suites offer twice-daily maid service, weekday newspaper, terry-cloth robes and Internet access (for a fee). For business travelers, all but one of the 13 meeting rooms overlook downtown Denver, and each has complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access. Amenities include daily afternoon tea in the lobby, the spa offering a multitude of services, six restaurants and a flower shop. Dogs of any size are welcome for a fee and are treated to a goodie bag upon arrival.
The Brown Palace and Spa
321 17th St.
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 297-3111
brownpalace.com
JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek
Rooms at this hotel offer complimentary wired and wireless Internet, daily turn-down service with chocolates, granite and marble four-piece bath and a 37-inch, flat-panel HD television; all rooms are at least 400 square feet. Guests can be pampered at the Spa at Cherry Creek with services such as skin care, massage, nail care and hair services. At the Second Home Kitchen and Bar, diners can watch their food being prepared in the exhibition-style kitchen. The 196-room hotel is about a 15-minute drive from the Ogden Theatre.
JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek
150 Clayton Lane
Denver, Colorado 80206
(303) 316-2700
jwmarriottdenver.com
Grand Hyatt Denver
Guests staying here will find that their 392-square-foot rooms contain comforts such as high-speed wired Internet access/dataport, iHome stereo with iPod dock, dual-line phones with voice mail, and a safe large enough to store and charge laptop computers. Three miles from the theater, the hotel also offers a FedEx/Kinko's 24-hour business center, a health club and an indoor pool. Hungry guests can find breakfast lunch and dinner available at 1876, named for the year Colorado became a state; those needing a cup of coffee can find it at the Starbucks Café.
Grand Hyatt Denver
1750 Welton St.
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 295-1234
granddenver.hyatt.com
About the Author:
Jamie Simon began her copy editing career with her college newspaper, "The Independent Florida Alligator." From there, she joined the copy desks of "The Palm Beach Post" and "The Tampa Tribune." She is now the managing editor of a monthly trade publication. Simon has a journalism degree from the University of Florida.
