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The Thompson Hotel Denver seen from corner with glass tower and stone facade on each side
Thompson Hotel Denver

Lifestyle Hotel Anchors LoDo District

Project Location

Denver, CO

Brand/Flag

Hyatt

Keys

220

Services

Architecture, engineering

On one of Lower Downtown Denver’s last urban infill lots, the Thompson Hotel brings refined contemporary architecture to a storied location, with deep contextual influence rooted in history. Late 19th century context meets the strong lines of mid-century modern design and 21st century transparency and accessibility, bringing downtown Denver’s story into a new chapter of vitality and community.

 

The new destination lifestyle hotel anchors an urban infill corner lot in an historic downtown neighborhood, the LoDo District. The hotel’s massing, materials, and details update the best of historic vernacular, with community spaces layered in from the ground floor to a sun-soaked skybar. Aiming to become Denver’s new living room, the hotel fits the neighborhood like a well-tailored hug.

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A Nod to the Past

In the 1860’s the Denver Tribune headquarters occupied this site, in many ways serving as the epicenter of the growing city’s breaking current events, popular culture, entertainment, and sports. Nearly 100 years later the building was demolished: the home of a city’s voice lost to a surface parking lot. Today, the new Thompson Hotel welcomes guests and residents as Denver’s social destination.

The Thompson presents a straightforward, industrial modern material palette. Inspired by the black and white contrast of newsprint, ivory bricks contrast with blackened steel framing and mullions. The hand-crafted feel of masonry matches the neighborhood’s industrial roots. Inside, architectural features veer toward brutalism, with concrete columns adorned with roughhewn wood and raw metal accents.

Detail of existing historical building blending into the Thompson Hotel Denver facade
Detail of existing historical building blending into the Thompson Hotel Denver facade

Lower Downtown’s historic context is echoed in the Thompson’s contemporary architectural details, including facade articulation and deep shadowlines designed to catch Colorado’s 300 days of sun.

Wide pedestrian walkway at the base of the brutalist hotel with large windows and exposed steel accents

In contrast to the sleek machine manufactured facades of modern architecture, the design team committed to push toward hand-crafted materials that rely on skilled tradespeople.

Entrance below Thompson Hotel sign in Denver with floor to ceiling window first floor below brick and exposed steel, car rushes by

True masonry fits with the neighborhood vibe in an authentic way, while blacked steel harkens to the industrial past more than aluminum storefront would.

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Community Connection Point

The hotel connects people to place by bringing community connections back to a prime urban core site. Hospitality for the next generation isn’t about walling off the community: the Thompson’s public amenities welcome the community at all hours of the day.

This “lighthouse” tower invites passerby in to enjoy the street-level lounge, coffee bar, or highly anticipated French bistro, Chez Maggy. From the main lobby, an express elevator whisks visitors to a mid-level lounge/bar with dramatic views of its Colorado context.

View through floor to ceiling window to street level lounge. Black canopy extends over sidewalk, wrapping around corner
View through floor to ceiling window to street level lounge. Black canopy extends over sidewalk, wrapping around corner

The base and mid-levels respond to neighboring historic buildings’ rhythm, proportion, and relief.

Interior of the same lounge space. Round bar at center, shape mirrored with recessed ceiling and elaborate modern chandelier

From intimate lounges to daylight-soaked hideaways, interior architectural features balance strength and lightness.

Interior seating with dark red carpet and arm chairs in exposed brick lobby with white columns and brown wood ceiling, chandeliers

A two-story brick fireplace invites exploration by drawing guests into cozy, low-lit entertainment level.

Upper level seating area with grey and brown couches along window lined wall with skylights above. Exposed wood trusses

Intriguingly lite exposed beams visually anchor expansive skylights at Reynard Social, the sixth-floor lounge and sunroom.

Blue velvet corner booth seating in front of snowy tree mural and stairs done to restaurant level. Modern chandeliers

The clever insertion of a mezzanine level at Michelin-star Chef Ludo LeFebre’s buzzy Chez Maggy restaurant offers another expansive layer of dining to the restaurant offering.

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The substantial heaviness and sculptural qualities of the natural environment are reflected in a lot of the design decisions.”

Kerri Murphy Design & Planning Director, Hyatt Lifestyle Division
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Award

2023 Platinum: Lifestyle Boutique Hotel

Muse Hotel Awards

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