The Maven Hotel at the Dairy Block

"First impressions?The community spaces are the draw at this hip boutique hotel in LoDo, and when you walk into the lobby the first thing you'll notice is a giant wooden sculpture of an outstretched hand. That sets the stage for more than 700 paintings, sculptures, and photographs—all from Colorado artists—found throughout the hotel. The airy lobby has mismatched leather furniture and rugs, coffee table books, and long tables built for working and socializing. What's the crowd like?The uber-hip vibe attracts a creative and mod crowd, a tribe ready to Instagram and explore everything the city has to offer. How is checking in?Check-in at the library-esque counter is smooth thanks to the competent staff, but the best part of the process is the free house margarita or craft beer served from a vintage Airstream parked in the lobby. And, the rooms?The 172 rooms are modeled off of edgy New York lofts, and the millennial vibe continues with woven swinging chairs when you step off the elevator. Guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, colorful abstract art, and steel-accented furniture. Guest bathrooms are large and dramatic, clad in black and white tile and large mirrors. Families should book the Journeyman bunkbed room, which features a bottom king bed and a twin bed placed perpendicularly above. Anything stand out?Forget coffee pods, each room comes with pour-over coffee. The Wi-Fi is fast and free. Food options?The on-site coffee shop Huckleberry is worth stumbling out of bed for, and Kachina Cantina serves up Southwestern dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But the don't-miss dining destination is the attached Denver Milk Market, a 16-venue mish-mash from iconic local chef Frank Bonanno that showcases everything from spicy hot chicken to steamy bao buns. Anything else of note?A serviceable fitness center hits the spot when the weather turns nasty. Poka Lola Social Club has handcrafted cocktails in a gorgeous lounge with green mint couches and an airy bar. Bottom line.At the Maven, you get a lot for your money: an ideal location downtown, fun social spaces, and access to one of Denver's hip food markets." - Megan Barber