The hype
A beautiful, historic landmark with incredible dining and ambiance, but the rooms don't always match the luxury price tag.
The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection
$250-$400 / night
Book this if You want to step back in time and experience Denver's most iconic, historic grand dame, complete with afternoon tea and live atrium music.
Why People Love It
- Stunning 8-story Italian Renaissance atrium with a stained-glass ceiling
- Legendary afternoon tea with Devonshire cream and live piano
- Rich history of hosting presidents, royalty, and The Beatles
Quick Take: The historic charm is undeniable, but some rooms feel a bit dated and the 130-year-old plumbing occasionally shows its age.
Reviewed by @tieranie: I celebrated my 25th birthday at The Brown Palace and it was pure magic. The afternoon tea in the historic lobby with live harp music made me feel so pampered. The stunning architecture and personalized touches made it a trip I'll never forget.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
While the lobby and restaurants are immaculate, some guest rooms are showing signs of wear and tear, and the bathrooms can be hit or miss.
- You appreciate historic architecture and old-world charm
- You want to be walking distance to downtown Denver attractions
- You love a lively lobby with daily live music and cocktails
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Generally good, but some guests report missed spots and a need for better attention to detail in standard rooms.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are mostly updated with marble and Kohler fixtures, but occasional complaints mention running toilets and slow drains.
- Maintenance: The 130-year-old building shows its age; expect some finicky thermostats, peeling paint in corners, and older HVAC units.
- Linens & towels: Plush robes and comfortable bedding, though some standard rooms feel a bit 'shabby' compared to the luxury price.
- Odors & scents: The lobby smells of fresh flowers and tea, but a few guests have noted a faint sewery or musty smell in older parts of the building.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Live music and chatter echoing up from the 8-story atrium
- Old plumbing and rattling HVAC systems
- Street noise from 17th Street
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel offers a complimentary car service within a 5-mile radius, saving you money on Ubers.
- Afternoon tea books up months in advance, especially around the holidays—reserve early.
- The tap water comes from the hotel's own artesian well located 720 feet below the lobby.
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine to block out atrium echoes and old building sounds.
- Smart casual attire if you plan to dine at Palace Arms or attend the afternoon tea.
- Hydrating lotion and lip balm—Denver's mile-high altitude and dry air will dry you out quickly.
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top of the Brown rooms on the 8th and 9th floors for updated executive luxury and better soundproofing
- The Beatles Suite for a custom jukebox and unique pop-culture history
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms facing the atrium if you want to sleep early, as the music and lobby chatter echo upward
- Standard classic rooms if you need space, as they can feel cramped and dated
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm so excited for my stay! If possible, I'd love a room on a higher floor (8th or 9th) facing away from the atrium to ensure a quiet night's sleep. Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the afternoon tea worth it?
Yes, it's a legendary Denver experience with Devonshire cream shipped from England, but it costs around $46+ per person and requires reservations well in advance.
Is the hotel haunted?
Rumor has it! It's a popular stop for ghost hunters, with tales of spirited guests and paranormal activity, especially around the historic suites.
Does the hotel allow pets?
Yes, dogs up to 60 lbs are welcome for a $100 non-refundable fee, and they even provide memory foam dog beds and bowls.
How much is parking?
Valet parking is $63 per night with in/out privileges. There is no on-site self-parking, so you'll have to hunt for a nearby public garage if you want to save cash.
Is there a pool?
No, the hotel does not have a pool, but it does have a full-service spa and a 24-hour fitness center.
What is the Wi-Fi situation?
Wi-Fi is complimentary in the lobby, but in-room access costs $14.95 per night unless you have Marriott Bonvoy status.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Take advantage of the complimentary Mercedes car service for drop-offs within 5 miles—it's a massive money saver for downtown exploring.
- ✨
Ask the concierge for a historical tour of the hotel to see the hidden griffins in the architecture and learn about the underground tunnels.
- ✨
Skip the bottled water; the tap water in your room is drawn from the hotel's private artesian well and is delicious.
5 things to know before you go
💡The hotel has its own artesian well 720 feet below the lobby that provides water to every faucet.
💡The entrance to the spa used to be the building's grand fireplace.
💡The atrium's acoustics mean that live piano and jazz music can be heard clearly from the hallways of the upper floors.
💡President Eisenhower practiced his golf swing in the Eisenhower Suite and left a permanent dent in the fireplace mantel.
💡The hotel was one of America's first fireproof structures, built with sandstone, red granite, iron, and steel.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection is located and what's nearby.