Denver Tech Center's BEST Hotel? Drury Inn & Suites Review!
Denver Tech Center's BEST Hotel? Drury Inn & Suites: A Messy, Honest, and Seriously Long Review (Buckle Up!)
Alright, folks, let's get real. Finding a decent hotel in the Denver Tech Center (DTC) can feel like navigating a minefield of blandness. But I'm here to tell you… Drury Inn & Suites might just be that shimmering beacon of not-blandness you've been praying for. Seriously, I’m talking the kind of place where you might actually, gasp, enjoy your stay. Don't get me wrong, it’s not perfect – we’ll get to that – but it's got a whole lot going for it. Here's the lowdown, in all its messy, subjective glory.
(Disclaimer: My brain is still a little fried from the trip, so forgive the occasional tangent.)
Accessibility & Seriously Impressive (and Imperfect) Accessibility
Okay, let's start with the good stuff. Accessibility is HUGE for me, and Drury, bless their hearts, tries. Wheelchair accessibility? Check. Elevators? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Listened. But honestly, the real-world experience sometimes feels… less than perfect.
- Rant alert: I actually found myself struggling with the automatic doors on a windy day. They'd get confused and close on me! Then there's navigating the breakfast buffet with a tray and a crutch. It’s manageable, sure, but it gives me a little more work and I could see it being a challenge for some. However, they are trying to include, and that's more than some hotels provide.
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: They kinda have it, sorta. The free evening food/drinks (more on that later!) is easily accessible. The seating is mostly okay, but keep an eye out for those cramped spots.
- Curb appeal: The way it all comes together, the outside could be better.
Internet Access (Free Wi-Fi, Hallelujah!)
Thank the internet gods! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, babes! And it actually works! I'm talking a reliable connection that allowed me to stream, work, and generally not lose my mind. I’ve stayed in places where the Wi-Fi is slower than dial-up. This wasn’t one of them. Bless you, Drury.
- Internet [LAN]: Never actually used this, but it's there, which is kinda comforting, I guess.
- Internet services: Fine and dandy.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Solid. Didn't get a chance to stress test them.
Things To Do (and Ways to Relax – or Attempt To!)
This is where Drury shines (but also where it stumbles a bit).
- The Pool with a View : This is the one that really grabbed me. There's an outdoor pool. A view you'd think, but not really. Still good. Especially after working all day.
- The Gym/Fitness Center: Standard hotel gym stuff. Treadmills, weights, you know the drill. I skipped it because I’m lazy, but it looked clean.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Nope. Wishful thinking. Maybe someday, Drury?
- Other Things to do: I'm a chill person. There are things to do in DTC, but I was there for work and the hotel was my bubble.
Cleanliness & Safety (Important Stuff, Especially These Days)
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yes, they claim to use them.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Seemed like it. Didn’t see any janitors in hazmat suits, but everything looked clean.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Absolutely.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: This was a little tricky at the breakfast buffet, but they try.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Unverified, but I hope so!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes, from what I saw and felt.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Seemed fine.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to be. Everyone wore masks and seemed to be following the rules.
- Sterilizing equipment: I hope so!
- First Aid kit: Hopefully in every room and front desk.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Definitely.
- Hygiene certification: Great.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Not sure.
- Safe dining setup: Mostly solid.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Free Food, People!)
This is where Drury truly wins. The free food situation is ridiculous in the best way possible.
- Asian breakfast & cuisine: Unsure.
- Bar: Awesome! Had free drinks.
- Breakfast [buffet]: It's a buffet. But a good one. They have everything: eggs, sausages, waffles, fruit, pastries… just a dizzying array of stuff. And it's free! (I ate way too much, as usual.)
- Breakfast takeaway service: I'm pretty sure I saw this.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes, and available all the time!
- Coffee shop: Technically no. The lobby is set up for a constant stream of free coffee and tea.
- Happy hour: Oh. My. Word. Free beer, wine, and a rotating selection of appetizers. It's like someone designed a hotel specifically for me.
- Poolside bar: No.
- Restaurants: No official restaurants, but the free food setup is basically a restaurant in itself.
- Room service [24-hour]: Sadly, no.
- Snack bar: Nope. Not necessary with the free food fiesta!
- Vegetarian restaurant: Unsure.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Duh.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
- Air conditioning in public area: Yep.
- Business facilities: Basic and functional.
- Cash withdrawal: Nope.
- Concierge: Nope.
- Contactless check-in/out: Yes, and it was smooth.
- Convenience store: Small, but has the essentials.
- Currency exchange: Nope.
- Daily housekeeping: Fantastic.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Food delivery: Yes.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Nope.
- Ironing service: Yes, and it works!
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Seems decent.
- Safety deposit boxes: Of course.
- Smoking area: Yes (thankfully segregated).
- Terrace: No.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Yes.
For the Kids (Bless Their Little Hearts)
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Kids facilities: Some.
- Babysitting service: Nope.
Access (The Nitty Gritty)
- CCTV in common areas: Yup.
- CCTV outside property: I think so.
- Check-in/out [express]: Definitely.
- Check-in/out [private]: Not necessary.
- Exterior corridor: Yes.
- Fire extinguisher: Yep.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Yes.
- Hotel chain: Yes!
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes.
- Security [24-hour]: Yes.
- Smoke alarms: Of course!
Getting Around (Easy Peasy)
- Airport transfer: Yes, shuttle.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes.
- Car park [on-site]: Yes.
- Taxi service: Yes.
- Valet parking: Nope.
Available in All Rooms (The Room Itself)
- Additional toilet: Nope.
- Air conditioning: Always.
- Alarm clock: Yup.
- Bathroom phone: Nope.
- Bathtub: Yes.
- Blackout curtains: Godsend.
- Closet: Adequate.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes, and essential!
- Complimentary tea: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Amazing.
- Desk: Fine.
- Extra long bed: Not sure.
- Free bottled water: Yes.
- Hair dryer: Yes.
- High floor: Available.
- In-room safe box: Yes.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Probably.
- Internet access – LAN: Doubtful.
- Internet access – wireless: Yes!
- Ironing facilities: Yes.
- **Laptop workspace
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… my trip to the Drury Inn & Suites in Denver Tech Center. Prepare for some turbulence, existential musings, and possibly a mild sugar crash by the end. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival & Oh, the Joy of Airport Food (and a Delayed Flight!)
- 10:00 AM MST: Alright, let's be real, this day already started badly. My flight from (shh, don't tell anyone, it was that budget airline) was delayed. And the airport, bless its heart, offered nothing but the usual suspects. Burnt coffee, a sad-looking pre-made sandwich, and the distinct aroma of stale pretzels. I'm already questioning my life choices. But hey, at least the airport Wi-Fi is (sort of) working. I manage to distract myself by endlessly scrolling through Instagram.
- 1:00 PM MST: Finally, we're in the air. Relief washes over me like a lukewarm soda. The flight itself was… well, it was a flight. I spent most of the time trying to avoid eye contact with the person next to me (they were… intense).
- 3:00 PM MST: Touchdown in Denver! The air smells fresher here. Or maybe it’s just because I’m comparing it to the recycled air of the airplane. Airport chaos commences. Luggage carousel, meet me and my crippling anxiety.
- 4:00 PM MST: Taxi to Drury Inn & Suites. The driver, bless him, was a chatty Cathy. He told me ALL about the wonders of Denver, the rising cost of avocados, and the joys of his grandkids. I pretended to listen intently, mostly just nodding and smiling vacantly.
- 5:00 PM MST: Check-in. The front desk staff at Drury Inn are, in my experience, always ridiculously cheerful. This trip is starting to feel like a dream, right? Free snacks and drinks (even that evening!), I see the free breakfast. I love the free drinks.
- 6:00 PM MST: Room tour! Okay, the room is… fine. Clean, comfortable enough. Standard hotel room fare. The TV is huge though. I spend a frankly embarrassing amount of time scrolling through the channels looking for something, anything interesting. Found a rerun of a show I vaguely remember. That'll do.
- 7:30 PM MST: Dinner. The free evening snacks are… well, they’re free. I grab a hot dog and a soda. Not exactly fine dining, but it hits the spot after the airport food debacle. I then realize I forgot to pack my toothbrush. Ugh.
- 8:30 PM MST: Pool time. I change my mind, I'm tired, the pool is probably crowded, I don't want to deal with other humans, I am ready to pass out at that point.
Day 2: Exploring (or at Least Attempting to)
- 7:00 AM MST: Breakfast! The actual breakfast is… decent. Waffles are always a win, even if they taste a little too much like a waffle-shaped air freshener. The coffee is strong, which is exactly what I need to face the day. I feel like I'm in a cheesy commercial.
- 8:00 AM MST: I try to create a plan for today. Denver, the mountains, the breweries, etc, etc. My ambitious schedule quickly fell apart upon further inspection. It was just too cold.
- 9:00 AM MST: The first adventure for the day… the grocery store. I need snacks. And, you know, a toothbrush! It's a very long drive, and I still don't have a toothbrush.
- 10:00 AM MST: Finally! I decide that I'm tired and need a break from the day. I go back to the hotel.
- 11:00 AM MST: I take a nap. It felt amazing.
- 12:00 PM MST: I decide to order some food since I was already out.
- 1:00 PM MST: I take a shower and decide I need to go outside, at least for a few minutes.
- 2:00 PM MST: I decide to go to a park. It was still cold but still beautiful.
- 3:00 PM MST: I come back to the hotel and watch TV.
- 4:00 PM MST: I swim in the pool.
- 5:00 PM MST: I have a drink in the hotel.
- 6:00 PM MST: I watch TV.
- 7:00 PM MST: Dinner.
- 8:00 PM MST: Sleep.
Day 3: Departure & the Epilogue of Exhaustion
- 7:00 AM MST: Breakfast. Waffles. Again. Embrace the carb-y goodness! I'm starting to feel like a local by now.
- 8:00 AM MST: Check out. Saying goodbye to those cheerful front desk folks. They probably think I'm a total weirdo by now.
- 9:00 AM MST: Taxi to the airport. The driver is different this time, thankfully. He's quiet and I appreciate the peace.
- 10:00 AM MST: Airport. More airport food. More waiting. More existential dread.
- 1:00 PM MST: Back home. I didn't go anywhere and I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation. But hey, at least I have a toothbrush now!
Final Thoughts:
So, there you have it. A slightly chaotic, deeply imperfect, and entirely honest account of my trip to the Drury Inn & Suites in Denver Tech Center. Was it a perfectly planned, Instagram-worthy experience? Absolutely not. Was it… an experience? Definitely. Would I do it again? Maybe. Ask me in a week when I've recovered from the general exhaustion of existing. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go take a nap.
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Drury Inn & Suites Denver Tech Center: The REAL Deal (or is it?) - You've Got Questions, I've Got Opinions...and Maybe a Mild Panic Attack
Okay, Spill: Is THIS Drury Inn REALLY the "Best"? I see those reviews...
Alright, alright, hold your horses! "Best" is a strong word, isn't it? Look, I've stayed at a LOT of hotels. And the Drury Inn & Suites in the DTC? It’s... well, it’s definitely in the running. The reviews *do* paint a tempting picture: free breakfast, free evening snacks, free parking… it's like a siren song to a weary traveler. And honestly? Sometimes, after a long day of navigating Denver traffic (god help you), that siren song is the only thing that matters.
Here's the thing: it's consistently *good*. Not always amazing. More like reliable. Solid. Your grandma will love it. You probably will too. But the "best"? Let's just say it depends on what you're looking for.
That Free Breakfast… Is it Worth Dragging Yourself Out of Bed for? Be Honest!
Okay, THIS is the make-or-break question, isn't it? The free breakfast situation. Listen, I'm a breakfast person. I *need* food in my belly before I can face the world. And the Drury's breakfast? It's… adequate. Don't expect Michelin star quality. Think… a well-stocked Golden Corral, but miniaturized and with slightly less chaos.
They have the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (sometimes suspiciously yellow…), sausage (generally palatable), waffles (you make 'em yourself!), cereal, bagels, fruit, the whole shebang. The coffee? Let's just say you might want to bring your own emergency stash. Unless you're a caffeine-fueled zombie like I was that particular morning after a work crisis. It hits the spot, you know? And the best part? NO EXTRA COST. Saves you some serious dough.
Pro-Tip: Get there early for the freshest waffles. And grab an apple for the road. You'll thank me later.
And What About the "Free" Evening Kickback? Any Good? (I'm Thinking Margaritas...)
The "Kickback" is where things get… interesting. Okay, forget the margaritas. I'm not saying there aren't adult beverages. But I’m also not saying you should expect the Ritz. There's beer. Wine. And a selection of snacks that vary. One night it was some kind of pasta thing that tasted surprisingly good after that stressful client meeting. The next? Maybe it was chicken nuggets. Look, I'm not complaining. It's FREE. And honestly, after a day of wrangling emails and corporate babble, a free beer and some vaguely edible food? Heaven.
Warning: The Kickback area can get crowded. Really crowded. Like, almost-shoulder-to-shoulder crowded. Arrive early, stake your claim on a table, and prepare to defend it with your life (or at least, your free chips and salsa). Plus you may overhear some of your coworker's secrets, which is always good.
The Rooms! What's the Vibe? Are They Clean? Cozy? Do They Smell Like Old Socks?
Okay, the rooms. This is important. Comfort is HIGH on my list. Are they luxurious? Not particularly. But are they clean? Usually, yes. I’ve never encountered THAT smell of old socks (thank god). The decor is… well, let’s call it “functional.” Think neutral colors, comfortable beds (a HUGE plus), and enough space to actually move around without feeling like you’re trapped in a closet. The suites are a nice touch, if you can swing it. Gives you some breathing room.
My Big Room Experience: Speaking of space, I remember one time, I was in a room with a HUGE window looking out over the DTC. It was beautiful. I was feeling good. I was in my PJs, ready to order a pizza. And then? The fire alarm went off. At like, midnight. Turns out, someone burned their popcorn or something. Ugh. But hey, even with the panic and the freezing night air on the way to the fire exit, the room itself was pretty darn good. Maybe I should have bought some ear plug after all.
The Pool/Hot Tub – Are They Worth the Swimsuit Shuffle?
The pool and hot tub … okay, this is where it gets iffy. I’ve never been one for public pools. But I hear they have them. And they’re probably…fine. Clean, potentially crowded, and maybe not the perfect place to find your inner peace. I'm a total wimp though. However the kids seemed to love it.
Okay, The Real Question: What's the Parking Situation?!
FREE PARKING! That's the beauty of the Drury, especially in a city where parking can cost more than your actual hotel room. There’s usually plenty of space, though it can get a little tight during peak hours. Remember that fire alarm thing? Well, good thing I had a parking spot I could easily get back to.
Location, Location, Location! Is it Convenient? Close to Stuff?
The DTC can be a pain to navigate.But yes, the Drury is in a decent location. It's smack-dab in the middle of the Denver Tech Center. You have shopping, restaurants, and… well, more businesses. I'd say it's convenient if you're there for business. If you're hoping to explore downtown Denver, you'll need to factor in some extra travel time and the glorious Colorado traffic. However, there are some cool restaurants nearby, and the light rail is within striking distance. Just don't expect instant access to the mountains. Denver is a big city.
Tell It To Me Straight: Would You Stay There Again?
Absolutely. Without a doubt. Drury Inn & Suites in the DTC is a solid choice. Is it perfect? Nope. Is it going to blow your mind? Probably not. But is it consistently reliable, offers a bunch of free stuff that makes your life easier, and provides a comfortable place to crash after a long day? YES. Definitely. It's not fancy. It's not pretentious. It's just…good. And sometimes, that's all you need.
So yeah, if you're in the DTC, give it a shot. Just remember to bring your own coffee and maybe some earplugs, just in case.
