Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park: A Refuge in the Storm

Radiant Warmth at the Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park

Talk about walloped. Wow, Denver was hit hard with this last snowstorm that pummeled Colorado. Here in the mountains, most of us were lucky to eek out a few inches from this major dump. But Denver and the outlying region was buried in up to two feet of snow in some areas.

I can’t imagine the mayhem at Denver International Airport (DIA) where over six hundred flights were cancelled. And just because it’s Colorado, don’t think they’re any better equipped to deal with such a storm than other major airports. I’m sure people were holed up in airport hotels for days. That’s if they could find a room in the first place!

It’s in anticipation of these circumstances and others that I’m forever recommending people spend a night or two in Denver, or at DIA, when traveling to Colorado, especially in the winter. Why stress out? Also, I think it helps a lot to stay in the mile-high city—or at DIA—one night before reaching elevations of over 7,500 feet in the mountains. If you’re on your way home, it’s nice just to relax and catch your breath before flying out, particularly if you have an early morning departure.

Soothing Calm Away from the Fray

The problem is that some of these airport hotels feel stale and dated, not the sort of atmosphere you want to take in at either the beginning or the end of a trip. This is certainly not the case at the Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park, an inviting property that truly inspires relaxation and calm. Style-y guest rooms exude luxury in everything from deluxe bed linens to sleek and efficient work stations. Dining at the hotel’s Gateway Bistro also offers a superlative experience above and beyond typical airport hotel restaurants. (Even folks from the surrounding area come here to dine either for a night out or for events such as a Mother’s Day Brunch.)

Yesterday I began to hear rumbles about a “mother of a storm” off California that some are claiming will bring some significant weather to Colorado within these next ten days. The snow dance drums have begun to beat once again. Let’s hope the Rockies get hit hard this time and that Denver is spared. Although if you want to play it safe, reserve a night at Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park—one on your way in for acclimatization and one on your way out to avoid any potential upsets. Remember that out snowiest weeks of the season are yet to come and it’s no fun to be stranded out in the cold.

For hotel recommendations within Denver, go to my Faves Page where you’ll find some of my favorites.