The hype
Travelers universally praise the unique 'school days' design and friendly staff, but the parking cost is a frequent sore point.
The Slate Denver, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a conversation-starting stay in a historic schoolhouse directly across from the Convention Center.
Why People Love It
- Kitsch-free academic nostalgia (chalkboards, card catalogs)
- Immaculate cleanliness standards that guests actually notice
- Teachers' Lounge restaurant serves genuinely good cocktails, not just hotel filler
Quick Take: A charming, spotless adaptive-reuse project that gets everything right except the $64 valet parking.
Reviewed by @thecuestaexperience: I still can't get over walking down those hallways—it felt exactly like high school until I opened my door to a stunning modern room. The 'Do Not Disturb' signs made me laugh out loud, and the food was actually delicious. Definitely the coolest stay in Denver!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'mountain view' rooms are worth the upgrade; lower-floor street-facing rooms get city noise.
- You are attending an event at the Colorado Convention Center (literally across the street)
- You appreciate adaptive reuse architecture (wide hallways, original staircases)
- You are a Peloton user (gym is equipped)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Consistent praise for daily service; guests note 'sheets cleaned with bleach' as a reassuring scent.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. No reports of mold or grout issues; showers are modern and spotless.
- Maintenance: Newly renovated (opened 2022), so wear and tear is minimal. Everything works.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, and fresh. Towels are plush enough.
- Odors & scents: Neutral to fresh. Occasional faint bleach smell (clean), no musty or smoke odors reported.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Delivery trucks on 12th Street
- City traffic/sirens (downtown location)
Before you book
Good to know
- Valet is the only on-site parking ($64/day); public lots nearby are cheaper (~$15-25) but less secure.
- The 'Teachers' Lounge' restaurant is actually a local hotspot, not just a lobby bar.
- There is no resort fee, unlike many other downtown Denver hotels.
What to pack
- Earplugs (if you end up on a lower floor)
- Workout gear (Peloton bikes available)
- A light jacket (Denver weather swings wildly)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Corner King with Mountain View (natural light, dual-aspect windows)
- Top-floor rooms for reduced street noise
Rooms to avoid
- 2nd-floor rooms facing 12th Street (delivery truck noise zone)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am staying for [INSERT REASON] and would love a room on a high floor, specifically facing away from 12th Street to avoid morning truck noise. A Mountain View room would be amazing if available.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No, there is no pool or hot tub on the property.
How much is parking?
Valet parking is $64 per night. There is no self-parking on-site.
Is it pet-friendly?
Yes, dogs and cats are welcome. The fee is $75 for 1-4 nights, or $125 for 5+ nights (max 75 lbs).
Does the hotel have a gym?
Yes, a 24-hour fitness center featuring Peloton bikes and free weights.
Is breakfast included?
No, breakfast is cooked-to-order at Teachers' Lounge and costs extra ($10-$20 range).
How close is the Convention Center?
It is directly across the street—less than a 2-minute walk.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask the bartender at Teachers' Lounge for 'The Emily'—an apple-themed cocktail honoring the school's founder.
- ✨
The hallways are extra wide (12 feet) because they were originally school corridors.
- ✨
There is a public parking lot across the street that is significantly cheaper than the hotel valet if you don't need in/out privileges.
5 things to know before you go
💡The front desk is designed to look like an old library card catalog.
💡There are no ghosts here—the hotel explicitly markets the 'spirit' of Emily Griffith as inspirational, not supernatural.
💡The 'Elote Fries' at the on-site restaurant are a legitimate reason to eat in.
💡You can spot original chalkboards preserved in the lobby design.
💡The hotel occupies the former Emily Griffith Opportunity School, which opened in 1916 to provide free education to all.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Slate Denver, Tapestry Collection By Hilton is located and what's nearby.