Massive $80M renovation killed the 'tired conference hotel' vibe
Location is walkable to everything (Convention Center, Union Station, Pavilions)
Quick Take: A shiny new wrapper on a massive convention machine that charges you for the privilege of being there.
Reviewed by @celbelleq: We picked the Sheraton for our anniversary and it was perfect! They surprised us with a huge room upgrade. The city views were amazing, but dinner at Guard and Grace stole the show—they even gave us a personalized card. Such a romantic weekend in downtown Denver!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
The hype
Travelers love the modern room design and the pool, but hate the elevator wait times and aggressive fees.
Reality check
The 'free' breakfast is just a credit from the destination fee, and it barely covers a coffee and pastry.
You prioritize a good hotel gym (5,000 sq ft is huge)
You want a 'bleisure' vibe with coworking spaces in the lobby
You're attending an event at the Convention Center (4 min walk)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
Housekeeping: Generally reliable, though 'opt-in' policies mean you might need to ask for fresh towels.
Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling clean grout and glass, but some complaints about 'sandpaper' towels.
Maintenance: Renovated rooms feel fresh; public areas are well-kept despite high traffic.
Linens & towels: Bedding is crisp and new; towels are the weak link (rough texture).
Odors & scents: Lobby smells like the signature Sheraton 'white tea' scent; rooms are neutral.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
16th Street Mall construction (starts 7am)
Connecting room doors (thin soundproofing)
Hallway noise from large conference groups
Before you book
Good to know
The $30 destination fee includes a $27 daily food/drink credit—use it at the 16th Street Commons cafe.
The two towers (Plaza and Tower) are connected, but it's a hike between them.
Housekeeping is often 'by request' or every other day unless you push for it.
What to pack
Swimsuit (the pool is heated and open even in snow)
Noise machine (to drown out the city hum)
Refillable water bottle (hydration stations in the gym)
Room Genie
Best picks
Plaza Building High Floor (larger rooms, quieter)
Tower Building Corner Room (better views, smaller footprint)
Rooms to avoid
Tower Building rooms near the elevators (noisy)
Low floors facing 16th Street (construction noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd prefer a room in the Plaza Building for the extra square footage, ideally on a high floor facing away from the construction. If not available, a corner room in the Tower Building is great.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool actually open in winter?
Yes, it's heated to ~82°F and open year-round, though the run back inside can be freezing.
Does the hotel have a shuttle from the airport?
No. Take the A-Line train to Union Station ($10.50) and then the free MallRide (or a short Uber) to the hotel.
What is the difference between the Plaza and Tower buildings?
Plaza has larger standard rooms and the main lobby. Tower has the pool/gym but smaller rooms and tighter bathrooms.
Is breakfast included?
Not standard. You get a daily credit via the destination fee that can be applied to breakfast, but it won't cover a full meal for two.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, up to 2 pets (40lbs max) for a steep $150 per stay fee.
Is the area safe at night?
It's a major city downtown. 16th Street is generally busy, but keep your wits about you late at night, especially with the construction barriers creating blind spots.
Insider Tips
✨
The '16th Street Commons' cafe credit resets daily—buy snacks/drinks the night before if you didn't use it.
✨
The gym in the Tower building is one of the best in the city—don't skip it if you're a fitness nut.
✨
Avoid the valet queue at peak times; it can back up onto the street. Self-park if you can navigate a tight garage.
5 things to know before you go
💡The bathrooms in the Tower building are notoriously small—barely room to turn around.
💡The 'adjustable height tables' in rooms are cool but wobbly for serious typing.
💡Elevators in the Tower building can be painfully slow during conference check-out times.
💡The 'free' MallRide shuttle stops right outside, making it easy to get to Union Station without walking.
💡You can hear the bass from the pool DJ in some upper-floor Tower rooms on weekends.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel is located and what's nearby.