A Look at the New Westin at Denver International Airport
The New Westin at Denver International Airport
by Tim Larison, CLIA Certified Master Cruise Counselor (MCC)
Photo courtesy of Starwood Hotels
The new Westin hotel at Denver’s International Airport (DIA) is a wonderful property adjacent to the airport’s main terminal. As the Colorado director of the National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) I was able to arrange an exclusive preview for area travel agents of this exciting new addition to the Denver hotel scene.
The first thing airport visitor’s will notice is the hotel’s unusual shape. As pictured above in a drawing from Starwood Hotels, the hotel has a U shape in the middle. Is it supposed to be shaped like a ship? No, as our Starwood guide Amber explained, the shape is meant to resemble a bird in flight. The dip in the middle was also requested by the airport so that the control tower would have an unobstructed view over the hotel.
To meet the number of guest rooms the airport requested, the Westin DIA is built wide rather than high (519 guest rooms in all)
We approached the hotel at ground level. On this day the airport parking garages were full so we parked further out in economy parking. Later in our tour we saw a new parking garage under construction adjacent to the hotel. Valet parking is available for $33/day (rate as of January 2016).
As we entered the hotel we were directed to the elevators, where we would discover the lobby is on the 6th floor.
The lobby was bright and open. On this sunny mid-January afternoon there were just a few hotel guests that we saw. Amber told us that since the hotel opening (November 22nd) the Westin has been completely sold out on a few snowy days.
The lobby bar was quiet this afternoon but is sure to be an active spot in the evening.
From the lobby we could see the new transit center under construction, scheduled to open April 22, 2016. From here airport visitors can be whisked away to downtown Denver’s Union Station – a 35 minute rail ride with 5 stops along the way.
A look at the transit center from a lower floor.
The Westin has a large exercise room, complementary to hotel guests, with awesome views of the airport and the Rockies.
After a strenuous workout guests can relax in the hotel’s indoor pool and hot tub.
We were shown several guest rooms. If you look closely at this picture you can see a plane taking off on the runway – we did not hear a thing! The Westin has excellent soundproofing so guests will not be disturbed by airplane noise. Each room features a comfy Westin Heavenly Bed.
The Westin features art work from local artists, giving the hotel a definite Colorado feel.
You won’t go hungry at the Westin thanks to the Grill & Wine restaurant – featuring farm-to-table dishes with fresh Colorado ingredients. Room service is also available.
Touch screens are located throughout the hotel to help guests navigate this large property. The Westin features the latest in technology. The wifi access was very fast when I tried it out.
Overall we were very impressed with the Westin. A good place to stay right at the Denver airport on those cold and snowy Colorado winter days, yet just a quick train ride away from the heart of the city.
Would you like to stay at the Denver Airport Westin? We can help! Contact us for a price quote.