Halcyon, a Hotel in Cherry Creek

"First impressions?A modern boutique hotel located in the heart of the Cherry Creek North shopping neighborhood, Halcyon blends hipster-cool design with helpful amenities (hello, latte on arrival), modern art, and loads of style. The 154-room hotel wants to give its guests an experience, and it starts at the “kitchen counter” check-in desk with staff wearing satchels and typing on iPads. The counter doubles as a coffee bar, where complimentary beverages and snacks are served all day long. Likewise, a chic “living room” is outfitted a sectional couch and a mix of soothing grays, wood tones, and painted white brick. What’s the crowd like?Well-dressed and stylish—the Halcyon is a spot to see and be seen. How easy is check-in? If you don't know what to expect, arrival at the Halcyon can be a tad disorienting; it's easy to wonder: Am I in a coffee bar or a hotel lobby? But once you connect with the cheerful staff, you're whisked up to well-appointed, techy rooms. You can count on Enseo smart TV programming, loads of plugs for your laptop, and a vinyl record player. Anything else of note in rooms?High ceilings, white subway tiles, and brass accents give the rooms a New York-loft feel, while the comfy sheets and plentiful pillow selection are soft to the touch. Even the smallest "den" rooms feel spacious thanks to the minimalist white-wood-gray color scheme, and other, more expensive rooms offer terraces and even lofted sleeping areas for guests needing a bit more space. The vinyl record player in each room may seem kitchsy, but it's pretty damn cool. Rooms also are stocked with Nespresso brewing systems, Jonathan Adler bath products, and yoga mats for the zen inclined. How about dining and drinking?Two award-winning restaurants flank the Halcyon hotel; Departure serves modern Asian flavors from Top Chef-alum Gregory Gourdet, while Quality Italian elevates standard pasta into an art (order the chicken parm and thank us later). If you're looking for a cocktail, head to Elevated—the hotel's rooftop bar—for glasses of rosé, fresh cocktails, and epic views. Any other tips?A $30-per-day amenity fee is added to your bill, so you should take advantage. A courtesy Range Rover will drive you anywhere within Cherry Creek; lattes, fruit, and baked treats at the Kitchen Counter are complimentary; and a small but mighty fitness center does the job when you need to move. The Gear Garage on the main floor is also stocked with seasonal outdoor equipment, Piaggio scooters, New Belgium cruiser bikes, longboards, Go Pro cameras, and vinyl records, all available for guest use. Bottom line:.Halcyon embraces a fresh take on luxury, eschewing stuffiness in favor of chic, slightly edgy decor and a cool factor every Millennial wants to imitate. This is hotel living, elevated for a new generation." - Megan Barber