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Lifestyle

A Hotel Concierge Shares His Must-See Denver Spots

Concierge Casper Lundemann's Must-See Denver List

Concierge Casper Lundemann's Must-See Denver List

Concierge Casper Lundemann's Must-See Denver List

Concierge Casper Lundemann's Must-See Denver List

Concierge Casper Lundemann's Must-See Denver List

Concierge Casper Lundemann's Must-See Denver List

Concierge Casper Lundemann's Must-See Denver List

Concierge Casper Lundemann's Must-See Denver List

Casper Lundemann

Concierge, Halcyon Hotel

Design lovers heading to the Mile-High City can find inspiration and a sense of home at Halcyon, a boutique hotel in the heart of Denver’s Cherry Creek North neighborhood. Most of this is courtesy of Johnson Nathan Strohe, the notable local firm that completed the architecture and interior design of the structure, which sits on the site of a former post office. Opened in 2016, the hotel boasts 154 modern rooms and 10 suites, a rooftop pool and partnerships with nearby restaurants, shops and boutiques. To further connect guests with the area, Halcyon imports “hosts,” who work as baristas, bartenders, concierges and gear-rental experts, from various cities and industries to offer familiar service and fresh perspectives on Denver and design. For instance, “I grew up surrounded by 1700s architecture, modern minimalism and midcentury-inspired interiors,” says Casper Lundemann, the hotel’s concierge, who hails from Copenhagen. Here, we tapped the Scandinavian host to lead us on a tour from Halcyon to the River North Art District and back.

9 a.m. Guests can check out a bicycle from Halcyon’s complimentary Gear Garage and ride along the Cherry Creek Trail to Black Eye Coffee‘s Capitol Hill location for breakfast. The attention to detail in the Art Deco design is amazing, and the coffee and food are fantastic. The avocado toast with eggs and bacon is the winner on the brunch menu.

10 a.m. A visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver is always a good idea. Check out the current exhibition: On display are paintings, sculptures, pottery pieces, woodwork and metalwork produced by 25 artists from Jalisco, Mexico, between 1915 and today.

12 p.m. Cycle to the River North Art District, where you’ll find the Denver Central Market. Order a cup of Novo nitro cold-brew coffee at Crema Bodega and a wood-fired pizza at Neapolitan-style eatery Vero–it’s one of the best I’ve had outside Europe.

1 p.m. Go to the Denver Botanic Gardens. While there, peruse the beautifully landscaped grounds as well as the exhibits–like the display of works by students from the property’s School of Botanical & Art Illustrations.

3 p.m. Walk around RiNo and take in the amazing street art, galleries and boutiques. RedLine, a nonprofit art center where pompousness is nonexistent, is a fantastic stop if you are interested in contemporary art or just want to experience some local culture.

5 p.m. Make your way back to Cherry Creek North and explore Room & Board‘s newly expanded showroom, a mecca for fans of midcentury furniture and design. The stunning facility will make you want to redesign your home; don’t miss the rooftop deck.

7 p.m. End the day at Quality Italian for a filet mignon with grilled asparagus, and save room for an affogato (mascarpone gelato drenched in espresso) for dessert. Afterward, head to the Halcyon’s rooftop bar, Departure Elevated, for a stunning view of the city as well as a taste of Japanese sake–give one a try.

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