Rather than waiting for our schedules and bucket list locations to align, my burnt-out friend and I, long overdue for a connection, set one simple, immediate goal: a one-night staycation. We had no excuse; we had to unwind and enjoy ourselves.
We picked the first available night and stole away locally to Denver’s Cherry Creek North. Bypassing the itinerary, we made a no-pressure agreement—we booked the Halcyon Hotel and simply indulged in the art of showing up. The location’s effortless and the Halcyon’s unpretentious luxury allowed us to quickly unwind.
Checking In, Tuning Out: Recharge Your Battery in Local Luxury
We chose the Halcyon Hotel as our basecamp for a staycation refresh. The Halcyon offers more than a hotel stay; it provides a truly curated experience. Its philosophy of "Unexpected Luxury" shines the moment you step up to the Kitchen Counter—the lobby check-in feels like arriving at a stylish friend's home. They immediately offered us prosecco or a regional beer, setting an instant tone of easy indulgence. The Kitchen Counter also provides 24/7 handmade espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and tasty snacks. We appreciated the environmentally friendly yet decadent nook found on each floor, which offers complimentary sparkling or still filtered water, tea, and fresh fruit.
The rooms themselves encourage unwinding. They feature plush velvet, vibrant textiles, and thoughtful tech, including an in-room record player and a selection of vinyl, perfect for setting the desired mood. The details elevated our stay, yet we felt perfectly comfortable and at ease with the Halcyon’s welcoming opulence and unassuming sophistication.
Indulge Without the Itinerary: Walkable Access to Shopping and Dining
After settling our things, prosecco still in hand, we stepped outside to shop. Surrounded by the 16 walkable blocks of Cherry Creek North Shopping District, we happily left the car with the valets for our entire stay.
We spent the afternoon strolling, dipping into locally-owned high-end boutiques, art galleries, and designer flagship stores. Cherry Creek North boasts one of the city's highest concentrations of independent galleries and locally owned boutiques.
For longer Denver stays, or for the out-of-towner, the Halcyon also makes a perfect spot, offering easy access to favorites like the Denver Botanic Gardens, Red Rocks, Union Station, and the Denver Central Market.
High-End Sips and High-Quality Company: Grown-Up Getaway
Once we worked up an appetite, we returned to the hotel, facing a hard choice between dinner at Local Jones or Quality Italian. We settled the choice by coin flip, welcoming respite from the decision fatigue that plagues us during the week.
We enjoyed a delicious, unpretentiously elegant meal at Local Jones. They deliver modern American fare in a setting buzzing with energy—a perfect spot for dinner or a lively brunch.
Afterward, we went up to the Halcyon’s rooftop pool deck and bar. I look forward to returning to enjoy the heated infinity pool that stares directly at the Front Range. We cozied up near a fire pit, and the attentive staff at the Rare Bird brought us blankets. We sipped delicious seasonal drinks, including a homemade eggnog, with a clear view of the city skyline and wished we’d saved some room for the delicious-smelling pizza.
Thanks to a bit of luck and being in the right place at the right time, we grabbed nightcaps at B&GC Denver, a clandestine speakeasy with fabulous decor set in the former post office. The bartending excellence and atmosphere make it worth breaking our rule next time to make a reservation.
Curated Wellness and Adventure, with Less to Pack
The Gear Garage is a unique amenity that truly sets The Halcyon apart. Guests receive complimentary access to premium items like Vespa scooters, luxury bicycles, and a selection of cameras. Grab a cruiser bike and glide along the Cherry Creek Trail, just steps away. For the wellness-minded friend, the hotel offers a Wellness Passport, granting free access to premium local gyms and studios—a fantastic way to keep up your routine while you relax or try a new studio.
Local Favorites:
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Aviano Coffee
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Element 79
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Hermitage Book Shop
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Lawrence Covell
This local stay did the trick for connecting and relaxing. Whether you plan a sophisticated weekend, a luxurious couples' getaway, or just a chance to reconnect, a staycation at The Halcyon is the perfect place. The location in the heart of Cherry Creek North was unbeatable for ease and access and reminded me, yet again, how lucky we are to live here.
To learn more and to book your stay, visit, HalcyonHotelCherryCreek.com