Staying at The Thompson Hotel Denver: What to Expect

Denver, Hotels in Denver, Uncategorized, Visit Denver Michelle@SquareState
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This wonderful hotel had the misfortune of opening during COVID. Then-Denver embarked on a years long renovation of the iconic 16th Street Mall. So, when I saw all the incredible reviews of the hotel I knew something special was happening there and that it was a great place for tourists and locals to stay and enjoy while in downtown Denver. The day before I worked on this post I walked by the hotel and was thrilled to see that construction is completed on the block that The Thompson is on. If you’re thinking about staying at The Thompson Hotel Denver while you’re in town it’s a great property and a wonderful base for your Denver experience.

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Cowtown Denver

Staying at The Thompson Hotel Denver

One of the best things about The Thompson Hotel Denver is where it’s located in downtown Denver. It’s located west of the May D & F/Daniels and Fisher Clocktower. This is important because at the time this post is being published downtown Denver’s 16th Street Mall is being renovated. Why is that important? There is A LOT of construction downtown and this impacting ease of use, retail and the overall experience of downtown. Especially east of the clocktower. West of the clocktower is a significantly different experience.

I do want to mention that across the street from the hotel work is still being done on that block. This will not impact your stay at the hotel.

The Thompson Denver

What I Like About the Thompson

  • The location is fantastic-You can take the train from Denver International Airport (DIA/DEN) and get off at Denver’s Union Station. You can then walk about 4 blocks over to The Thompson Hotel.

  • Great dining and bars in the hotel (Denverites regularly enjoy them too)

  • Uniquely curated experiences for guests

  • Proximity to good food

  • Walking distance to transit

  • Close to major points of interest in town

What I wish The Thompson Had

  • A pool

  • A hot tub

You can use a Resort Pass and What The Thompson Hotel is Close To

If you’re in town for a concert, theater, heading to a Denver Nuggets game or anything just want to wander around-The Thompson is perfectly located for those activities.

  • Meow Wolf-You can take the light rail from behind Union Station and get off at the Empower Field at Mile High Station and walk over or you can get off at the Decatur Federal stop and walk over.

  • Empower Field at Mile High/Mile High-If you’re heading to a football game, concert or other event you can use the directions shared for Meow Wolf and take the light rail over to Empower Field.

  • Union Station-One of the best decisions made in recent years around creating an activated space is specifically connected to Union Station. It’s not just a place to catch the train or bus. It also has a fantastic hotel, coffee shops, bars and markets in the summer. It’s also a great place for people watching.

  • Dairy Block/Milk Market/Free Market-These concepts are all interconnected and on the same block. My favorite thing about this space is the alley that they’ve built out. I try to visit when there’s a market happening in that space or a band. You can also enjoy drinks and a meal in that spot.

  • McGregor Square-Located across from Dairy Block and Coors Field, this sports focused space is so fun. I especially love the Milepost Zero food hall, the outdoor patio with the massive big screen where you can watch free movies during the summer. It’s a really cool spot to enjoy before heading over to watch a game or catch a concert at Coors Field.

  • Larimer Square-This historic block is now permanently car free and I’m so happy about this. Enjoy great food, people watching, shopping, music and more while on this block.

  • Denver Center for Performing Arts-I’m a huge theater fan, there’s nothing better than attending a Broadway show, concert or ballet at the DCPA.
This is the block that The Thompson Hotel is on (left not pictured) on the right is Dragonfly Noodle

Where to Eat

Post COVID there has been a lot of change in Denver’s downtown dining scene. I’m slowly eating my way through the new and old restaurants that are in close proximity to The Thompson. Here are a few spots that are on my “must” visit while you’re in town.

Close to the hotel

  • Dragonfly Noodle-Located directly across from The Thompson Hotel. If you love high quality ramen-you MUST eat there. They make their ramen with a machine that was flown over from Japan.

  • Milk Tea People-I love milk tea. This spot located across the street from The Thompson is in the Basecamp Market development. Don’t go if you’re in a rush. It takes a few minutes to make your drink depending on how busy it is.

  • Eat Ya Pizza-When I was in college I made pizza for almost 3 years as a part-time job. Basically, I don’t eat pizza that often during the year. I love Eat Ya Pizza. It’s a new spot and I’ll be going back.

  • Ultreia-If you love tapas as much as I do, this restaurant located in Union Station is a spot that I love for happy hour or dinner.

Grab a Ride Share (A little further away)

  • Civic Center Eats-Technically, this is a food forward event that happens during the summer. It’s located in Civic Center Park and if you like food trucks, music and would like to see Colorado’s state capital-you can take the free mall shuttle to Civic Center Station and walk one block over. It’s also a block away from the amazing Denver Art Museum.

  • Le French-This restaurant is beautiful and it has fantastic food. You don’t have to dress up, but it’s a great place to look good if you feel like it.

  • Saucy’s Southern BBQ-If you’re craving good soul food-this is one of the spots that I’m recommending. You might see some of well-known athletes in this spot too.

  • Somebody People-If you’re looking for a high-end meat free food experience (read-vegan) I highly recommend this spot. Delicious. They even have a community meal on Sundays.

  • Sap Sua-This elevated Vietnamese dining experience is a foodie fever dream.

  • La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal-One of my favorite foods to eat during the cold weather months is pozole. If you love spice, deep flavors and mezcal-this is the place to go.

The Thompson Hotel Denver

If you’re considering staying at The Thompson Hotel Denver, I think you’ll have a fantastic experience. Great location, wonderful vibes, good food and close to most of the venues that you’re likely looking to explore.

One last thing, while you’re in town I definitely recommend booking some tours to round out your experience. Most of the tours depart from Denver’s Union Station which is a few blocks from The Thompson Hotel.

Book a Tour

If you’re traveling solo, are with a group of folks who have different interests or don’t feel like driving-book a tour. Leave the planning, transportation and decision making to someone else.

  • Check out the different tours hosted in town

  • Add at least one food focused experience

  • Visit the mountains

I hope you have a great time while you’re in town. Let me know what shenanigans you get into!

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