Monday, April 20, 2009

Denver Holidays Day 2 - 1st Apr

Denver Holidays Day 2
















The beautiful & elegant Castle Marne Denver where we stayed.


Our first full day as a Denver visitor, we were really excited to start our Denver adventure and visit as many of the beautiful Denver tourist attractions as we possible could in the short time that we had. As we were to discover, there were a great many Denver sights but not all these Denver attraction was available at this time of the year such as the Rocky Mountain Park where the roads are still closed. We also discovered that vibrant city of Denver is known as the ‘mile high city’ as it is located at the base of the majestic Rocky Mountains, 5,280 feet above sea level – exactly one mile high.

Our stay at Quality Inn & Suites near DIA Denver cost us USD60 nett for double occupancy. It included breakfast which was served till 0900 hrs. Some of the breakfast items included yoghurt, oats, cereal, fresh fruits, muffins and bread. Complimentary shuttle to and from the airport is provided.

Feel free to use the heated indoor pool and spa/hydrotherapy pool to relax or work out in the gym. Or if you just feel like catching up on your work, you can do so either at the internet station provided in the lobby or surf the internet form your room if you have your own laptop as free internet access is provided.

The bedroom is very spacious. The double double room can sleep four guests. Ice machines are available near the lift lobby.

As there are not many shops within walking distance, there is a little convenience corner if you need to pick up some snacks. Or you could take a walk around the corner to Ruby Tuesday for some real food.






Quality Inn & Suites Near DIA Denver

Although check-out time was at 1200 hours, we checked out early at 0930 hrs and caught the complimentary shuttle back to the airport so that we could hop onto the Super Shuttle bus which would take us downtown to Denver @ USD19 per person.

By the time we checked into our specially selected Bed & Breakfast (B&B) accommodation, Castle Marne B&B Denver, it was 1130 hrs. If you are looking for a real plush Denver suite hotel, you can try the Presidential Suite at Castle Marne Denver, a real gem that has been hidden.

At Castle Marne B&B which was built in 1889 and was the first show home of its kind, we were very warmly greeted by Michelle and Louie Peiker, part owners of the B&B. Located at 1572 Race Street, Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast is listed on the National Register of Historical Structures and has a long history. As we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves here in Castle Marne, we shall be devoting a whole article just on Castle Marne Denver in the near future.

After being shown our room, The Raymond Room on Level 2, we freshened up a little and took a few minutes to admire our elegantly decorated Victorian style room. The Raymond Room comes with a hot tub out on the private balcony for you to soak and relax in comfort under the stars. More like a hydrotherapy pool or Jacuzzi, you can enjoy nature at the same time.




Castle Marne Denver B&B

We took a walk from Castle Marne Denver B&B down 16th Ave and Colfax Ave to view some interesting Denver sights on foot before proceeding to the Molly Brown House, another building also on the National Register of Historical Structures, now run as a museum. Along the way, we could see many interesting houses with various intricate designs and architecture.

Some Denver Tourist Attractions

Molly Brown House Museum – Located at 1340 Pennsylvania St, you can learn about Molly Brown, Denver’s most unique character here, better known as the “unsinkable” Denver heroine in Titanic. Go on a guided tour of Molly Brown’s lavish 14 room Victorian mansion, immerse yourself in the past and learn about the remarkable story of one woman’s impact on the world during a tumultuous time and how she struck it rich in the gold rush and entered folklore when she survived the sinking of the Titanic. This is another building that has been designated as part of Historic Denver.

Molly Brown House Museum

Capitol Grounds & Park – Here you can see 2 Civil War cannons and a Civil War monument as well as enjoy the park grounds.










Colorado State Capitol – Modeled after the US Capitol in Washington, this impressive building was completed in 1908 and offers free tours on weekdays. The dome is covered with 200 oz of gold leaf. What is interesting here is that the 13th step on the west side is exactly 5280 feet above sea level – one mile high- and offers gorgeous views.




Brown Palace Hotel – Built in 1892, Denver’a grand dame hotel features a dramatic nine-storey atrium topped by a stained glass ceiling. You can enjoy high tea in the lobby or take a free historic walking tour of the hotel, every Wed. and Sat. at 1400 hrs. Take a sip of the natural spring water that flows from the natural artesian well located 750 feet below the hotel.


The nine-storey atrium





In the lobby

Enjoying tea
























A chance to taste natural spring water


16th Street Mall – Ride on the free shuttle buses that traverse this mile-long pedestrian promenade in the heart of Downtown Denver, which is lined with outdoor cafes, shops and department stores.




Along 16th Street Mall playing in the snow. In the background is the free shuttle bus which plies the 16th Street promenade







Buckhorn Exchange – The oldest restaurant here in Denver, Buckhorn Exchange on Osage St was established in 1893 and specializes in prime beef and buffalo steaks, ribs and elk in a genuine Old West setting. We ordered the Buffalo & Salmon Steak Combo as well as the Buffalo & Elk Combo. For the appetizer, we tried the smoked buffalo sausage that is served with red chile polenta and spicy wild game mustard. We found the buffalo sausage to be good, juicy and succulent. The buffalo steak that was done ‘medium’ proved to be very juicy and tender as compared to the one that was done ‘medium well’ which was slightly tougher. The elk had an unusual taste which we found a little strange, not being used to it.





Buckhorn Exchange

Other than that, the service was prompt and friendly and you can enjoy the numerous decorations of the restaurant. Be sure to take a look at the roof garden terrace where you can host an event or private parties as well.

Cherry Creek Shopping District – The largest indoor and outdoor shopping paradise in Denver where you can find products from accessories to sporting goods, Bath & Body to specialty gifts, fashion, jewelry, luggage and electronics as well as department stores and not forgetting food.


Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - Where His Holiness Pope John Paul celebrated the Eucharist during his historic pilgrimage to Denver for World Youth Day VIII on August 13th & 14th 1993 and blessed the garden dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 13th 1993.






Garden dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary







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