Denver's Hidden Gem: Ken Caryl TownePlace Suites Escape!
Denver's Hidden Gem: Ken Caryl TownePlace Suites Escape! - My Honest Take (and a Few Rambles)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Ken Caryl TownePlace Suites. Forget those perfectly polished hotel reviews; this is real life, folks. This isn't just a stay, it's an experience. And, let's be honest, experiences are rarely smooth sailing, right? This review is going to dive deep, really deep, covering EVERYTHING from the glorious to the (slightly) groan-worthy.
First Impressions: Getting There (and the "Oh, Crap, Did I Pack Enough Socks?" Moment)
Okay, so finding this place wasn't exactly a breeze. (It’s in Ken Caryl, duh.) The drive itself? Pretty. But my GPS was acting up (blame the mountains!), and I totally almost missed the turn. Note to self: Pre-download offline maps. I'm one of those people who packs everything, so I was relieved there was car parking [free of charge] and a car park [on-site]. Whew! That saved me some parking-related stress. Oh, and airport transfer? Not something I needed this trip, but good to know it’s an option for others.
CHECK-IN: Fast and Furious (and Contactless!)
Contactless check-in worked perfectly! Smooth, speedy, and I didn't have to make awkward small talk with a bored front desk clerk. (Sorry, hotel employees, I know you hear that all the time.) They had a doorman, but he was busy elsewhere when I arrived. Maybe he was dealing with a sock emergency like me. (Seriously, two pairs? Rookie mistake). The front desk is [24-hour] which is a godsend.
Rooms: My Temporary Kingdom (Plus the All-Important Wi-Fi!)
My room? Clean. Seriously clean. The sanitization protocols are seriously on point. They really put a lot of effort into this. I really appreciated the rooms sanitized between stays. Look, I’m not a germaphobe, but in these post-pandemic times, it’s reassuring.
Now for the important stuff: Wi-Fi [free] in ALL rooms! YES! It’s what we all want, and it’s what we all need. I was chained to my laptop for work, so this was EVERYTHING. The internet access was good, no lag, no buffering. And that's a HUGE plus for a workaholic like myself. Internet access – wireless, you're my hero! Having both Internet and Internet [LAN] were good too!
More room details? Let's see… the bed was comfy. Extra long bed? Yep. Blackout curtains? Absolute necessity for me! I was able to catch up on some much-needed sleep. Separate shower/bathtub? Check. In-room safe box? Excellent. Desk, laptop workspace – all there. I have a soft spot for hotel bathrooms, and this one was top-notch. Good water pressure – essential! And I love the daily housekeeping. I didn't have to lift a finger, and it was pure heaven.
One small (nitpicky) thing: the walls weren’t 100% soundproof. I could hear some noise from the hallway. But honestly, it wasn’t a deal-breaker.
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD (and the Occasional Hangry Moment):
Breakfast [buffet]? Yep! A classic. Western breakfast. The usual suspects: scrambled eggs (decent), pastries (needed more butter), fruit (thank goodness for fruit!). The coffee shop made a decent cup to get me going. There's also breakfast takeaway service, which is handy for those rushing. Side note: I seriously considered ordering Breakfast in room (a girl can dream), but my inner cheapskate won out.
The restaurants offerings were ok, I had both a Salad in restaurant and soup in restaurant. There's also a snack bar. The hotel also offers a bar for those looking to relax and grab a drink. The pool side bar is a bonus.
Things to Do (and Ways to Really Relax):
Okay, here’s where Ken Caryl TownePlace Suites really shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is incredible, and if the weather is bad you can kick it in the Swimming pool. The Pool with view is a total stunner. I spent an entire afternoon just lounging around, reading my book. Pure bliss.
For the more active types, there's a Fitness center. I'm not a huge gym person, but it looked well-equipped. I did, however, hit up the Spa. Massage? YES PLEASE. They have a Spa/sauna too! I would suggest adding a Body scrub and Body wrap.
Accessibility: A Sigh of Relief
As for accessibility, the hotel seems pretty on top of things. I didn't personally need these facilities, but from what I observed, the hotel has Facilities for disabled guests.
Safety First! (Because Let’s Face It, We All Worry):
I felt secure the entire time. CCTV in common areas, Security [24-hour], Fire extinguisher… all the essentials were present. I also appreciated the Hand sanitizer readily available everywhere. Smoke alarms and Smoke detector make me feel safe.
The Little Things (That Make All the Difference):
A few other things that stood out:
- Cashless payment service: Modern and convenient. Always a plus!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Luggage storage: Convenient.
- Non-smoking rooms: Excellent. (Please don't smoke in my room!)
- Ironing service: Saved my wrinkled shirt!
- Laundry service: Major time-saver!
- Family/child friendly They also offer babysitting service. The kids are definitely a priority here.
Downsides (Because Nothing is Perfect):
- The location is a bit removed. You'll need a car (or willing friends) to get around. Taxi service is also available.
- The "shrink-wrapped" breakfast pastries didn't scream "fresh."
Final Verdict: Ken Caryl TownePlace Suites - Worth the Escape? YES!
Look, this isn't the Ritz-Carlton. But for the price, the amenities, and the overall experience, Ken Caryl TownePlace Suites is a solid choice. It's a great base for exploring the area, or just a place to unwind and forget your worries. I would rate this hotel 4 out of 5 stars.
My Emotional Reaction:
Leaving was bittersweet. I was ready to get back to my own bed, but I also wanted to stay another day!
SEO Keywords (Just in Case You're Googling):
- Denver Hotels
- Ken Caryl Hotels
- TownePlace Suites
- Hotel Review
- Outdoor Pool Denver
- Spa Hotel Denver
- Accessible Hotel Denver
- Free Wi-Fi Hotel Denver
My Special Offer (To Tempt You Even Further):
Book your stay at Ken Caryl TownePlace Suites within the next 30 days and receive a complimentary upgrade to a suite with a balcony (subject to availability) AND a free appetizer at the poolside bar! Just mention the code "HIDDENGEM" when you book!
So, there you have it! My honest, slightly messy, and hopefully helpful review of Ken Caryl TownePlace Suites. Now go book your own escape! (And, uh, remember to pack enough socks.)
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Principado de Europa, Cabrales, Spain
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to embark on a journey with me… to Littleton, Colorado. Yes, Littleton. Don't judge. It's where the TownePlace Suites Denver Southwest/Littleton Ken Caryl (try saying that three times fast!) is. And, let's be honest, sometimes you just NEED a place to crash after a long day. This is supposed to be a "travel itinerary," but between you and me, it's more like a "diary of slightly chaotic happenings." So, here we go:
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bag-Unloading Panic
Afternoon (Around 3:00 PM): Arrive at Denver International Airport (DIA). Ugh, airports. I swear, the sheer smell of stale coffee and manufactured anxiety is enough to send my stomach into a tailspin before I even board the plane. Anyway, fought off the urge to buy a ridiculously overpriced magazine (again) and grab my rental car – a tiny, slightly unreliable-looking Ford Focus named "Barry." (Don't ask.) The drive to Littleton? Uneventful. Except for that moment when Barry inexplicably started vibrating like a giant, metallic hummingbird. Minor panic attack. Resolved by turning up the radio and pretending I was in a music video. You know, to distract myself. Success!
Late Afternoon (Around 4:30 PM): Finally, the TownePlace Suites. Honestly, not the most exciting building, resembling a giant Lego brick. The front desk lady was super friendly, thank goodness. Check-in went smoothly, which is already a win. Unloaded my bags, which is always a moment of truth. I'm a chronic over-packer. My suitcase exploded upon opening. Clothes, toiletries, and the entire contents of my emergency snack stash (don't judge) erupted onto the unsuspecting carpet. This is the part where I usually sigh, maybe mutter something about "adulting" not being all it's cracked up to be, and then start shoving stuff haphazardly back in the suitcase. Which, by the way, is the exact method I use for packing, ever.
Evening (Around 6:00 PM): Decided to brave the complimentary breakfast buffet. (Don’t tell me I didn't mention minor categories!) Pancakes, questionable eggs, and coffee that tasted suspiciously like watered-down dirt. Ate a few. Felt a little sad. But hey, free food.
Evening (Around 7:00 PM): Seriously considered ordering pizza and hiding in the hotel room with Netflix. But… I should probably explore. So, armed with a vague map I'd photocopied (because I'm so smart), ventured out. Found a decent local brewery (Lone Tree Brewing Company) within a reasonable driving distance. Tried a stout, which, surprisingly, didn't make me gag. Victory! The bar itself was… well, it was a bar. The staff was good, the people were friendly, and I felt… sort of calm. I think that's what I was looking for.
Evening (Around 9:30 PM): Back at the hotel. Collapsed on the bed. Exhausted. Tomorrow, I'll try to be a "good traveler." Maybe. Who knows?
Day 2: Red Rocks and Emotional Rollercoasters of the Tourist Kind
Morning (Around 8:00 AM): "Breakfast" (more of the questionable breakfast) - repeated eating. Then, attempted to use the hotel gym. (Yes, I am trying to be healthy. It's an ongoing battle). Found the treadmill to be… not quite level. Ended up jog-walking for about 10 minutes before giving up and deciding to compensate later over some other food.
Morning (Around 10:00 AM): Headed towards Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Oh. My. God. The pictures don't do it justice. Seeing it in person is one of those moments that steals your breath and makes you feel ridiculously insignificant. I was completely overwhelmed. I wandered around, just staring. Like, stupidly smiling at the sky and feeling the power of the place. I even started writing in a new notebook. I started to feel…inspired. My pen, the notebook, the feeling of the world. I was feeling it.
Lunch (Around 1:00 PM): Managed to find a "cute" diner in Morrison, the little town near Red Rocks, named "The Cowtown Diner." Sat at the counter. Had a burger. The fries were amazing. The waitress was friendly, and I got that "real life" friendly feeling again. After the initial awe, and a good burger, I was feeling good.
Afternoon (Around 2:30 PM): Spent another couple of hours wandering at Red Rocks. This time, I let the feeling of the space sink in. I listened to the wind. Observed the people. Realized I was probably dressed like a tourist. A bad tourist. But who cares? Felt a little bit in awe all over again.
Evening (Around 6:00 PM): Decided to avoid the temptation of room service and tried to find something local to eat. Ended up at a place in Littleton called "Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery." The food was… fine. The vibe was a bit loud and… a bit… expected. Felt a little bit meh. Maybe I'd been spoiled by the burger.
Evening (Around 9:00 PM): Back at the hotel. Sat in bed, watched a movie. Feeling slightly less overwhelmed than I had been.
Day 3: The Ken Caryl Ranch and The Great Bookstore Quest
Morning (Around 9:00 AM): Another stab at the breakfast buffet. This time, I armed myself with an extra-large cup of coffee and a steely resolve. I think I won.
Morning (Around 10:00 AM): Drove to the Ken Caryl Ranch. (It's literally in the name of the hotel. I figured I should go). It was… nice. Really nice. Rolling hills, pretty views, and the faint scent of… something… earthy. I felt like I should be wearing a cowboy hat, even though I'm about as far from a cowboy as you can get. (More feeling of being a tourist.) Wandered for a while, taking photos, and thinking about buying a horse. (Just kidding… maybe.)
Afternoon (Around 1:00 PM): The Great Bookstore Quest began. I am obsessed with bookstores. I need them. I love them. I Googled "bookstores near me," and ended up… somewhere. (Barry, the Focus, and I have a poor sense of direction.) Eventually, found a cute, independent bookstore with a fantastic selection. Spent an hour browsing, got lost in the smell of old books… it was heaven. Bought three books that I probably won't have time to read. Worth it.
Afternoon (Around 3:00 PM): Spent some time just sitting in a park and reading. The sky was blue, the air was crisp… for a moment, everything felt perfect. I felt… peaceful. Really.
Evening (Around 6:00 PM): Pack my stuff. More panic ensued about the suitcase. The snacks were gone. Then, a quick meal from a recommendation.
Evening (Around 8:00 PM): Back in the hotel. A little bit, sad to leave. A little bit, grateful to go. That moment of packing. And you realize, the journey is the thing. And you get to leave. And you get to come back.
Day 4: Departure
Morning (Around 7:00 AM): One last breakfast massacre.
Morning (Around 8:00 AM): Check-out. The front desk lady smiled. "Hope you enjoyed your stay!" I did.
Morning (Around 9:00 AM): Drive to DIA. Barry performed admirably (for a while.) The flight… was just a blur of in-flight movies and the inevitable leg cramp.
Final Thoughts:
Littleton, Colorado. Not exactly the most exciting place on the planet. But I had moments of beauty, moments of silliness, moments of genuine awe. The freedom. The good food. The feeling of being alive. (Maybe the feeling of being a tourist.) This trip was not a perfect itinerary. It was messy. It was imperfect. It was real. And, you know what? I wouldn't trade it for the world. (Except maybe for a slightly bigger suitcase.)
Escape to Paradise: ViVilla's Luxury Awaits in Cherating, Malaysia
Ken Caryl TownePlace Suites: You've Got Questions, I've Got... Opinions! (And Maybe Some Answers)
Okay, spill the tea! Is this Ken Caryl TownePlace Suites *really* a "hidden gem"? I've seen the photos... kinda generic, right?
Tell me about the rooms. Are they actually spacious, or just cleverly photographed to *look* spacious?
Breakfast – tell me everything! Is it the usual continental nightmare?
Okay, so location. What's the deal, is it actually near anything cool?
The pool. Is it any good? Because I'm a pool snob.
Anything annoy you? Let's be honest!
Would you go back? And, more importantly, *should* I go?
Post a Comment for "Denver's Hidden Gem: Ken Caryl TownePlace Suites Escape!"