Welcome to Denver, the Mile High City! Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a vibrant and dynamic city known for its outdoor adventure, rich history, cultural attractions, and thriving culinary scene. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, art lover, or foodie, Denver has something for everyone. This guide will help you explore the best of what Denver has to offer.
How to get there
We flew United Airlines with round trip tickets from Houston to Denver. Economy ticket was $395 non-stop roundtrip. On the departing flight, we upgraded to Economy Plus for $70. On the return flight, we upgraded to Business for $160, but it was free to us because we used our American Express Platinum travel credit.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport was still under heavy construction, so it took us a lot of extra time to park the car and get to our gate. We travelled May 2023. If you plan on travelling out of IAH anytime soon, expect heavy delay and plan for extra time. We suggest planning to leave your home 45 minutes earlier than usual.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is a major transportation hub and one of the largest airports in the world. The airport is renowned for its striking and iconic architecture, featuring a distinctive tent-like roof and expansive terminals. DEN has three concourses (Gates A, B, and C). Gates B and C are accessible from Jeppesen Terminal only via the Train to the Gates. Gate A can be reached by walking the passenger bridge or by taking the train from the terminal. The Train to the Gates connects Jeppesen Terminal and all three concourses. Signs are there to direct you.
Security check at IAH and DEN was quick because we used Clear, which was free through our American Express Platinum card. For those who don’t know, the Clear airport security program provides expedited access to security checkpoints at participating airports. Members enroll in the Clear program by completing a registration process that includes a biometric scan of their fingerprints and iris. This biometric data is then linked to their identity, allowing them to quickly verify their identity at designated Clear lanes.
When traveling, Clear members can proceed directly to the Clear lane where a Clear representative will guide them through a dedicated security screening process using biometric verification. The program complements TSA PreCheck, allowing Clear members to combine the benefits of both programs for an even faster and more convenient airport experience.
For the return flight, we flew Business class with United Airlines. Breakfast was included. I picked Belgium waffles and it was delish!
Where to stay
We stayed at the Jacquard Hotel located in the Cherry Creek area. It’s a Marriott property and part of their Autograph collection. It’s a boutique hotel with a contemporary design, featuring upscale furnishings and artistic touches throughout.
We stayed here for free using the vouchers we received from our Marriott Bonvoy credit card.
Each guest room and suite is designed and equipped with modern amenities, providing a comfortable and inviting space. As a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum member, you can get a free room upgrade subject to availability. We booked the smallest room and were able to upgrade to a corner room for free.
The bathroom was modern and clean. It had an unusual toilet/shower setup, separated by a clear glass panel, but it worked for us!
The hotel boasts panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and downtown Denver, and it offers a range of amenities, including a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant and bar called “Narrative” that showcases locally sourced ingredients.
The hotel had excellent service, great ambiance, and a convenient location near upscale shopping, dining, and other attractions. Recommended!
How to get around
We rented a car from Avis. Renting a car with Avis is a straightforward and convenient process. You can make a reservation online, selecting the desired pickup location and rental dates. We did the location by the airport, so we took the Avis shuttle from the airport to the rental location.
At the Avis rental location, there is staff inside that can assist you. They had an okay selection of vehicles, including sedans and SUVs.
We recommend joining the Avis Preferred loyalty program, in which you get a faster and more convenient car rental experience. It’s free to join. Members get access to the Avis Preferred Select & Go feature, which allows them to choose their own vehicle from a designated area. Avis Preferred members can also earn rewards points with every rental, which can be redeemed for future rentals, upgrades, and other benefits.
We used the Avis app on our phone to see which vehicles were available. We didn’t see anything better than what the staff member assigned to us, so we got into our car and easily drove off the lot without any additional work.
Next: What to do in Denver
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