At 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver is one of the flattest cities in the nation. Roughly 15 miles in distance from the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the city is home to top companies such as Lockheed Martin, Sprint Corp., and Coors Brewing Co. According to www.wetfeet.com, Denver is a well-educated city, boasting the highest national average of high school and college graduates of any major metropolitan city.
Wil Alston moved to Denver from Washington D.C., to attend Regis University. He has made the mile-high city his home ever since. That was in 1982. Today, Alston runs his own public relations firm called The PR Shop. It’s a task that requires him to host business guests and clients in a variety of settings. These are a few of his top choices.
AROUND TOWN
ACCOMMODATIONS
Denver is an old town, says Alston. And so the Hotel Monaco earns distinguishing marks as an ultramodern and stylish property. Located in the historic Railway Exchange Building in the downtown section, “it is attracting a younger professional,” he says. (1717 Champa St.; 800-990-1303)
The Warwick Denver just received a $20 million overhaul. Located in a park-like setting in downtown Denver, rooms are spacious, each with full balconies and spectacular views of the nearby Rocky Mountains. (1776 Grant St.; 303-861-2000)
The Westin Tabor Center has also received a multimillion-dollar face-lift. Centrally located, it offers a number of amenities for leisure and business travelers. (1672 Lawrence St.; 303-572-9100)
Tante Louise offers a premier French dining experience. The restaurant features stained glass windows, fireplaces, and a wine list of more than 600 domestic and imported labels. (4900 East Colfax Ave.; 303-355-4488)
“Denver Chop House & Brewery is one of the best steak houses–with seafood as well.” Its bottomless salads are tossed at the table. “Good for business lunches. It gets a little loud in the evening because it’s a bar as well.” It’s a popular spot for traveling business professionals and athletes, says Alston. (1735 19th St.; 303-296-0800)
“Avenue Grill, just east of downtown, is where the power lunches are held. It’s modeled after a San Francisco grill, with lots of seafood and pasta.” (630 East 17th Ave.; 303-861-2820)
“Dixon’s Downtown Grill is the best place for breakfast meetings. There’s nothing outstanding about the menu, but it is the spot for the power players.” (1610 16th St.; 303-573-6100)
TRANSPORTATION
“Because the airport is so far (roughly 20 miles outside of the city), it can be a little pricey to take a cab. Most travelers will rent or hire a car. Cabs are available on the street downtown.”
NIGHTLIFE
Nicknamed “The Pec,” its wall of fame will tell you that many great musicians have passed through. “El Chapultepec is not mainstream; it is a real jazz club. It’s considered a dive, but it doesn’t get much better than that.” (1962 Market St.; 303-295-9126)
“Comedy Works is a huge form of entertainment here in Colorado. I take a lot of clients there,” Alston says. It showcases national mainstream talent and new acts in a formal sit-down setting. (1226 15th St.; 303-595-3637)
SPA
Renaissance Aveda Spa