Meeting-goers high on Colorado
The three best-known Rocky Mountain cities of Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs have long drawn meeting-goers looking for outdoor adventures but now they are luring those who seek culture and high-end cuisine, according to meeting planners.
Despite heavy use of its airport, Denver is perhaps the least-known of the three.
"We are still a secret for a lot of people," says Rachel Benedick, vice president of sales and services for Visit Denver.
Despite its size, Denver is a walkable city. Its convention center is downtown and within walking distance of 8,300 rooms and more than 300 restaurants.
If visitors don’t want to walk, there’s a free shuttle running up and down the popular 16th Street Mall.
Boulder, located about 45 minutes from downtown Denver, is a city filled with active residents. Outdoor pursuits are extensive here, including hiking in the mountains and rock climbing.
Its lively pedestrian mall is Pearl Street.
The boast of Colorado Springs tourism officials is that it has 300 days of sunshine and 50 man-made and natural attractions. "The destination is also very accessible whether through the Colorado Springs Airport or a short 70-mile drive from Denver," said Pam Sherfesee, vice president of sales for Experience Colorado Springs.
New properties set to open in Denver include The Embassy Suites Denver-Downtown/Convention Center, set to open in December across from the Colorado Convention Center. The property will feature 403 guest suites and 20,000 square feet of meeting space.
Finishing touches are being put on the new Four Seasons Hotel Denver with an opening date set for this fall. The property will be located in the heart of downtown Denver and will have 239 guest rooms, condo units and 17,000 square feet of meeting space.
By David Wilkening
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