"The Clayton is Denver’s local answer to Soho House. The hotel debuted in spring 2021, and was the brainchild of Denver-based developer Matt Joblon, who’s played a pivotal role in bringing hip hotels—like the Moxy and the Halcyon—to Cherry Creek. The owners tapped Rachel Smith, formerly of Soho House, as the opening head of membership, and she devised a scheme to make the membership-based club feel inclusive, which is no small feat: The selection committee for new members was just under 50% BIPOC, and fees are reduced for those under 30 or those who can contribute to the club’s art program or events calendar in some way creatively. Don’t let the members' club moniker fool you: Service here is warm and casual, with a staff that might remind you of your favorite neighborhood baristas. In other words, you’ll feel cared for but not pandered to." - Megan Barber, Nicholas DeRenzo
