Westward expansion didn’t end with the Gold Rush. As did the pioneers of the 19th century, people today are still looking west for exciting destinations to visit. Colorado ranks among the top of such locales, including the cities of Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs, surrounded by the picturesque Rocky Mountains.
The three destinations, while popular with outdoor adventure lovers, are also favorites with those who seek culture and high-end cuisine. Add a generous helping of award-winning meeting spaces and they are ideal for a variety of groups.
Denver
Known as the most common entry point into Colorado, most travelers have been to Denver International Airport, but not as many have ventured inside the city limits.
"We are still a secret for a lot of people," says Rachel Benedick, vice president of sales and services for Visit Denver. "It has a certain sense of attractiveness, and since we are known as a great place to vacation, that translates to great meeting attendance."
When groups head to downtown Colorado, its walkable nature shines through with attractions only a few blocks away.
"Our convention center [Colorado Convention Center] is built right in our downtown core," Benedick says. "It is within walking distance of 8,300 guest rooms and more than 300 restaurants."
Perhaps one of Denver’s biggest downtown draws is 16th Street Mall, a 1.5-mile stretch of pedestrian walkway filled with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.
"On one end of the mall you have the Denver Art Museum, Colorado History Museum, Denver Public Library, [Colorado State] Capitol and the Denver Mint," she says. "On the other end you have LoDo, which is short for our Lower Downtown neighborhood. This is a warehouse district filled with boutique shopping and brewpubs as well as the Pepsi Center and Invesco Field at Mile High."
Accessibility to attractions in Denver is magnified by the existence of a free shuttle that runs up and down 16th Street during the day and late into the night.
As of yet, driving is one of the more popular ways to travel the 25 miles from the airport to downtown, but come 2015, things are slated to change. Construction is expected to begin next year on a light rail line connecting Denver’s Union Station to the airport, making car rentals irrelevant for meeting delegates.
Also on the development front, a new Four Seasons property is expected to debut this fall with more than 17,000 square feet of meeting space, and a new Embassy Suites is slated to open in December with 20,000 square feet of function space.
Additional meeting space can be found at properties such as the newly renovated Sheraton and JW Marriott, Hyatt Regency, Magnolia Hotel, Grand Hyatt, Westin Tabor Center, Hotel Monaco and The Ritz-Carlton, Denver.
Boulder
Take US 36 west from Denver and about 45 minutes later you’ll find yourself in the picturesque town of Boulder.
Surrounded by the Flatirons, Boulder is a city filled with active residents, and meeting attendees can take advantage of an array of fresh-air pursuits—from hiking in the mountains and rock climbing to scheduling a sunrise yoga session and canoeing down Boulder Creek.
After enjoying the outdoors, attendees usually head down to tree-lined Pearl Street, a lively four-block pedestrian mall.
"More than 80 percent of our downtown businesses are locally owned," says Mary Ann Mahoney, executive director of the Boulder CVB. "The area is filled with art galleries, restaurants, great shopping and street performers during the spring, summer and fall. The 20 blocks surrounding Pearl Street have boutique spice shops, book stores and other unique spots."
Even with the current downturn in the economy, business in Boulder has stayed strong, according to Mahoney.
"We’ve ridden out the storm pretty well," she says. "The business mix in our community has protected us well in this economy. We have a number of federal labs, pharmaceutical companies and biotech and engineering companies."
Primarily accommodating groups between 75 and 200 delegates, Boulder has a host of meeting venues, all at hotels. The city’s largest property is the Millennium Harvest House, with 269 guest rooms and 18,000 square feet of meeting space, followed by properties such as the Boulder Marriott, Hotel Boulderado, St. Julien Hotel & Spa, Boulder Outlook Hotel & Suites and the newly renovated Boulder Courtyard.
In addition to well-appointed meeting spaces, Boulder offers a wide array of dining options.
"Boulder is a very sophisticated, upscale city," Mahoney says. "The restaurants are very sophisticated. We have many nationally known and award-winning chefs here. People from the East Coast and L.A. could be astounded by the quality of food in Boulder."
One of the city’s top places is The Kitchen, she says.
"The Kitchen prides itself on bringing in local, organic food," Mahoney says. "You can have an outstanding culinary experience but also know that the restaurant believes in sustainability. They have a place upstairs that is great for groups.
Another great place is Boulder Cork, Mahoney says.
"It has a great Colorado feel and wonderful steaks and seafood," she says. "They have rooms that can hold from 20 to 60 people for private events."
Colorado Springs
Where can a large group, say 500 attendees, meet in the mountains? Colorado Springs is a premier choice.
While many mountain destinations are reserved for executive retreat-type events of 50 delegates or less, C. Springs (as locals say) is a perfect spot for sizable groups.
"You just can’t find a lot of mountain destinations where you can fit a lot of people," says Merissa Harkness, director of sales for Rocky Mountain Connections, a local DMC, adding that The Broadmoor, the city’s largest meeting venue, can hold hundreds. "You can bring a huge conference and you are all enclosed in one area."
Other meetings properties include Cheyenne Mountain Resort, currently undergoing a renovation, The Cliff House at Pikes Peak, Crowne Plaza Colorado Springs, Antlers Hilton, Doubletree Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Marriott and Embassy Suites Colorado Springs.
Beyond meeting space, Colorado Springs offers year-round mild temperatures, incredible views of the Rockies and access to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods.
"We are home to 300 days of sunshine and more than 50 manmade and natural attractions," says Pam Sherfesee, vice president of sales for Experience Colorado Springs. "The destination is also very accessible whether through the Colorado Springs Airport or a short 70-mile drive from Denver."
After a long day of meetings, delegates can head to the city’s downtown (look for Tejon Street or Nevada Avenue) and stroll into restaurants, shops and galleries. Just a few blocks away, visitors can also take in the breathtaking sight of the Julie Penrose Fountain, located inside America the Beautiful Park framing a mountain in the background.
Katie Morell is a frequent contributor to Meetings West.
