By Lisa T. Bergren

If downtown Denver’s The Curtis is like the partying younger brother that cleans up nicely for Family Functions, the JW Marriott Cherry Creek is the elegant big bro. He’s definitely highbrow, luxe all the way, but he’s also a gracious, welcoming host that immediately puts you at ease, guiding you to a comfortable but high-end couch and setting a perfect glass of Old Vine Zin in your hand.

Smartly appointed in an accessible way, I can see why this hotel was named a top hotel in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Set in the center of the Cherry Creek shopping district, with over 300 upscale shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants from which to choose, it’s a great place to land and stroll.

The Room is Calling

Out of any chain I’ve visited, I think Marriott has the best bedding, hands down. Fabulous thread-count, fluffy duvets, terrific pillows. Best of all, it feels clean, fresh with each stay, no recycled, spooky covers for the germaphobes among us.

Our room, #925, looks over some rooftops and parking garages, out to a beautiful, wooded golf course and the entire Front Range of mountains—and downtown Denver—in the distance. There’s a small couch and reading chair, and papers of every flavor (from WSJ to USA Today) available each day.

The bathroom has a separate tub and a gorgeous, glass shower, as well as a granite-topped vanity. There’s a hairdryer, slippers and scale (does anyone really use it?), as well as spa-quality shampoo, conditioner, body soap and lotion. Speaking of spas…

The Spa is Calling

On the third floor is the Spa at Cherry Creek, a lovely, warm salon with full services. Right now, the JW is offering the Ultimate Cherry Creek Shop, Spa & Stay Escape, which has me thinking about a speedy return. It includes:

• Accommodations for two
• $100 gift card to Cherry Creek North
• $100 certificate to the Spa at Cherry Creek
• Two cocktails at Second Home Kitchen & Bar
• Free valet parking

Check the website for current packages available or to make a reservation for whichever spa service you may require.

The Restaurant is Calling

We enjoyed a lovely dinner at Second Home, the restaurant downstairs, which also has a fun “outdoor living room,” A.K.A. the bar, complete with fireplace. Their full menu, which features primarily American cuisine, is available for room service, even though only a portion is in the Marriot room service book—just stop by to pick up a menu. You can read all about our special dining experience, if you wish.

The next day, we also adored our lunch at North, a restaurant specializing in Northern Italian cuisine, just up the block on Clayton. Don’t miss it, when you’re so close!

Other details:

• You can park on your own on the street, but then you have to deal with the meters; conveniently, they take credit cards; valet parking is $25 a night
• Complimentary car service within five mile radius
• Coffee maker and hair dryer in room

Full disclosure: Our stay at the JW Marriott Cherry Creek was graciously covered by them, but we’d happily stay here again on our own dime…particularly if my mom, who loves to shop, came to visit. –LTB

Been to the JW Marriott Cherry Creek? Or would you like to go? Would you be a spa or shopping visitor, or both?