Origin Hotel Red Rocks
"First impressions?This newer four-story hotel is the official accommodation at Red Rocks, the red-hued outdoor amphitheater known for perfect acoustics and twinkling views of downtown Denver. Conveniently located three miles from the amphitheater, just off I-70 (Colorado’s busy mountain highway), Origin Red Rocks features a bland, boxy exterior that belies the fun, music-inspired decor inside. Parking is plentiful in surrounding lots, and the colorful lobby reads like a famous drummer’s alpine retreat; leather-clad, midcentury-inspired rocking chairs sit around a modern gas fireplace, bright murals welcome guests to the elevator, and weathered reclaimed wood is balanced by floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s a cheery atmosphere for a hotel with a growing pedigree of distinguished guests—look closely between refurbished guitars and you’ll find autographs of musicians scrawled on the exposed concrete. What's the backstory?Origin Red Rocks is the debut location of the Origin Hotel Group, a Mississippi-based chain with outposts in Lexington, Ky., Raleigh, N.C., and Colorado. The hotel group’s branding is millennial marketing at its finest, with a focus on “shared moments," wellness and community. How are the rooms?An array of room types cater to every kind of concert-goer. Couples fit nicely in classic king rooms thanks to plush mattresses, spacious subway-tiled bathrooms, and 50-inch TVs that come wired with Netflix. The 900-square foot Red Rocks suites are large enough to host the whole band, and the hotel also offers eight-person rooms perfect for groups of friends wanting to bunk on a budget. If you want an upgrade without breaking the bank, ask for a corner suite—the larger rooms come with separate seating areas and panoramic mountain views. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?Wi-fi is free, fast, and reliable. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?The onsite restaurant, Nomad Taqueria + Beer Garden, serves southwestern-inspired food with more than 20 local beers on tap. Entrees can be hit or miss, but the margaritas and appetizers (like chips, salsa, and queso fundido) make it a pleasant spot to pregame before a concert. If you’re soaking in the Colorado sunshine, snag a spot on the dog-friendly outdoor patio, where modern picnic tables, yard games, and fire pits level up the standard hotel restaurant experience. And the service?Front desk staff are helpful and eager to please, while the service at the onsite restaurant is less consistent. If you’re headed to a concert at Red Rocks, ask the concierge to line up tickets for the hotel shuttle (about $25 per person). Although you still have to walk a quarter-mile into the venue after the shuttle drops you off, it’s an easy way to navigate a car-free trip to the concert. Who's here?Music is the common theme here, so guests range from Patagonia-wearing Dave Matthews fans to Gen Z Billie Eilish addicts sporting mom jeans. When concerts aren’t on tap (hello, winter), you’ll find outdoorsy types hiking nearby trails or enjoying a stopover on the way to ski towns. What about the neighborhood?Located about 20 minutes west of downtown Denver, Origin Red Rocks is best located for those looking to see a concert or hit the trails. Although a free shuttle operates in a five-mile radius from the hotel, a highway location away from Denver proper, means that you won’t find any walkable restaurants or shops. If you need dinner or happy hour, your best bet is a quick 10-minute jaunt north to the historic college town of Golden. Anything you'd change?The hotel’s exterior architecture feels more "suburban strip mall" than "downtown chic." Any other features worth noting?A well-equipped fitness center features rowers, treadmills, and TRX, and you can also ask for a stationary bike or yoga kit for your room. If adrenaline is more your scene, rent a mountain bike and hit the nearby trails—the concierge can point the way. Bottom line.With access to nearby hiking trails and a convenient location at the base of the Colorado foothills, Origin Red Rocks hits all the right notes for music lovers headed to a concert at Red Rocks amphitheater." - Megan Barber
