Denver Thornton's BEST Hotel? DoubleTree by Hilton Review!
Denver Thornton's BEST Hotel? DoubleTree by Hilton Review! (Buckle Up, Buttercups!)
Okay, alright, alright! Let's talk Thornton. Specifically, the DOUBLETREE BY HILTON in Thornton. I mean, let's be honest, sometimes you just need a solid hotel. You know? No drama, just… a place to crash. But does this DoubleTree deliver? Let's dive in, because mama needs a getaway (and maybe therapy afterwards, who am I kidding?!).
The Hook: Why You Should CONSIDER This Place (and Maybe Book… Maybe…)
Look, Denver's a blast, but sometimes you just need to escape the downtown chaos. This DoubleTree is perfectly positioned for that: easy access, decent prices, and hey, those cookies. You know the ones. That warm, gooey welcome? That’s a winning strategy, and it almost works every time. Almost is the operative word here, people. (More on that cookie later… and you know the saying, don't you? "It's what's on the inside that counts…" well, that applies to the inside of the cookies, but let's get to what's inside the hotel itself!)
First Impressions & Accessibility – Let's Get Real
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. HUGE thumbs up here. Seriously. This hotel GETS it. Wheelchair accessible? YES. Plenty of ramps, elevators, the works. Seriously impressive. It makes a HUGE difference when you're traveling with someone who needs it or if you're having mobility issues yourself. This DoubleTree is making sure everyone can enjoy a relaxing experience.
Front Desk – The Good, The Bad, and the Wi-Fi Woes
Check-in? Mostly smooth. Although, on my visit the Wi-Fi was a little… temperamental. It's like the hotel has a mischievous gremlin in charge of the routers. Free Wi-Fi, yes, in all rooms! But sometimes, you gotta battle the internet. Internet [LAN]… well, I did not even remember it existed anymore, so I didn't test it. A minor annoyance, but hey, we're human, right? (And the Wi-Fi sometimes made me feel anything but.)
Rooms: Comfort & Convenience (with a Sprinkle of "Meh")
My room? Standard DoubleTree fare. Clean. The air conditioning worked like a charm (praise the lord!). The bed? Comfy. The blackout curtains? A lifesaver. (I love a good nap, don't judge me!) Free bottled water? Always a plus. Complimentary Tea? Nice touch. They’ve got all the usual suspects: Desk, Ironing facilities, Coffee/tea maker. No complaints. In-room safe box definitely gave me a little peace of mind about leaving my laptop out.
The Slight Downsides (because perfection is boring):
- The decor? A little… dated. Not offensively so, but definitely not screaming “modern chic.” Think "business travel meets hotel convention."
- My view? Facing the parking lot. Let's just say it wasn't exactly a postcard moment.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (OMG, Those COOKIES!!!!)
Alright, let's talk food. This is where things get interesting.
- The Restaurant (on-site): I had breakfast [buffet] here. It was…okay. Standard hotel buffet stuff. Waffles, eggs, fruit, etc. Nothing groundbreaking, but perfectly serviceable for a quick bite. And that's the magic of DoubleTree, isn't it? It's never awful, and it will usually hit the spot.
- Coffee shop: The coffee shop was convenient for a quick caffeine fix.
- Poolside bar: If you're lucky enough to be there in the sunny season, there is a poolside bar to grab a drink by the pool, as you will see later
- Room service [24-hour]: Excellent for those late-night cravings or lazy mornings.
**The *COOKIE* Phenomenon: Seriously, these cookies are a LEGEND. Warm, gooey, and just the right amount of sweet. Worth the trip alone? Maybe. Okay, yes, probably. They set the tone for the entire experience. That’s just how it is. They are the gold standard by which all hotel cookies are judged.
- "Desserts in restaurant"? YES!
- "Happy hour"? YES! Because, you know, sometimes you need a margarita after a long day of… well, whatever you do.
- "Asian cuisine in restaurant"? Hmmm, I missed it! I'll definitely try next time I promise.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Beautiful and refreshing! Even if the weather wasn't warm enough, you could still dip your feet in the pool.
- Fitness center: Yep, they have one. I didn't use it (judge me, I dare you!), but it looked well-equipped.
- Spa/sauna: I didn't try the spa, but it looked inviting.
- Steamroom: I’m a sucker for a good steam room, that is just who I am as a person. If this is important to you, then it is a good place to get one.
Cleanliness & Safety – The COVID Considerations
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: COVID. This DoubleTree takes it seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. They're trying, and that's what matters. They check all the boxes: Anti-viral cleaning products, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Individually-wrapped food options, and so on. It's not perfect (nothing is), but I felt relatively safe and comfortable. The hotel provides information on how to limit physical contact: Contactless check-in/out
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
- Elevator? Yes! A big plus.
- Dry cleaning? Yep. Always useful.
- Laundry service Yep! Always useful too, especially if you have an accident.
- Daily housekeeping: The housekeeping team was professional and helpful.
- Convenience store: For those last-minute essentials.
- Luggage storage: Always a lifesaver.
- Concierge: A good concierge is invaluable.
- Car park [free of charge]: Nice, though parking can be tight.
- Airport transfer: Didn't use it, but it's available.
- Cash withdrawal: The hotel does provide cash withdrawal services.
- For the kids: DoubleTree are family-friendly.
Getting Around – The Location Lowdown
Car park [on-site]: Plenty of parking. Taxi service: Available.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, and The Honest Truth
Okay, here's the real talk. This isn't the most glamorous hotel. It's not the trendiest. It's not going to blow your mind. BUT… it’s a solid, reliable choice. You know what you’re getting. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
- The little things that could improve: Like the Wi-Fi. And, oh, the decor!
- What makes this place great - Their commitment to accessibility. And those cookies. Still can’t get over those cookies!
Overall?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. Especially if I needed a chill getaway. The DoubleTree in Thornton will get the job done. It’s comfortable, convenient, and they have the cookies. What more could you ask for?
Pro Tip: Grab an extra cookie (or five) on your way out. You'll thank me later. And don't forget to tip the housekeeping staff – they work hard! (I saw their smiling faces at 7 am, what a dedication!) This DoubleTree, in the end, is a good choice. Not perfect, but in a messy, honest, and surprisingly charming way. Go, and enjoy!
Escape to Atlanta: Your Kennesaw Hampton Inn Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-ironed itinerary. This is a REAL, messy, probably caffeinated look at a potential trip to that DoubleTree by Hilton in Thornton, Colorado. Buckle in!
Day 1: Arrival and the Eternal Struggle for the Perfect Hotel Room
1:00 PM - Arrival - Let the Games Begin (or, You Know, the Luggage Wrestling Match)
Okay, landed at DIA, that airport that makes you feel like you've walked a marathon just to get your baggage. Rental car? Check. Feeling slightly smug about picking the compact instead of the SUV everyone else seemed to be clamoring for? Also, check. Heading north to Thornton.
Anecdote: The GPS, bless its soulless little heart, routed me down a road that looked suspiciously like a gravel driveway. My city-slicker heart gave a little flutter of terror. Managed to survive with only a few new dents to the car's undercarriage. Success! Kinda.
Quirky Observation: The sheer amount of trucks in Colorado. It's like a slow-motion monster truck rally everywhere you look.
2:00 PM - Check-In at the DoubleTree - The Battle for Room Real Estate Begins
Pulling up to the DoubleTree, a wave of polite, yet tired, normalcy washes over me. Ah, welcome to hotel life. The lobby is…well, it’s a lobby. Standard issue. Front desk person is fine (not annoyingly enthusiastic, not surly, right in the middle). However, I’ve learned the hard way: My room request (high floor, away from the elevator) is a suggestion, not a command.
Emotional Reaction: Okay, deep breath. Please, NOT the elevator. Please, NOT the screaming kids. Please….
Messy Structure: Okay, so after some pleading/charming (you know, the usual), and a promise to "write a glowing review", I get a room. 6th floor… away from the elevator. Score! But… the view? Ah, the majestic view of the parking lot. Such is life. A tiny part of me is secretly relieved, because it means no one can see ME, in my hotel-room-sweatpants-hiding-from-the-world mode. Which I'll get to.
2:30 PM - Hotel Room Reconnaissance - The Small Victories and the Tiny Tragedies
Unpack. Survey the room. The bed looks promisingly comfy. The bathroom? Hopefully clean. This is where things get real for any travel person.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: The bed wins the initial inspection. I'd cuddle with that sucker right now, to be honest. The remote is a tiny, ancient torture device. The coffee maker is a sad, lonely relic of hotel rooms past. At least there is a mini-fridge! (The important things in life).
3:30 PM - Thornton Exploration - A Deep Dive into…Well, Thornton
Time to plunge into the vibrant heart of Thornton! (Okay, let's be honest, I'm just going to drive around and see what's up)
Opinionated Language: The whole "suburban landscape" vibe. I mean. It exists. Lots of strip malls, chain restaurants, and… well, more strip malls. But! the sky! The Colorado sky is legit. Big and beautiful.
Messier Structure: Got lost. Briefly. Ended up near a park. The park looked surprisingly nice. And you know… sometimes you just need to soak up the non-urban scenery. (Maybe I'm just still shell-shocked from the "gravel driveway incident")
5:00 PM - Dinner: Finding Sustenance (and Maybe Regret?)
Dinner options, researched carefully (read: frantically Googled). Ended up at what looked like a decent Mexican place.
- Anecdote: The margarita was amazing. The enchiladas? Slightly less so. My stomach is now a battlefield. Worth it, though. In a masochistic way.
7:00 PM - Back to the Hotel - The Great Retreat
Back to the DoubleTree. PJs on, laptop out, and ready to… binge-watch something utterly trashy. Or read. Might even attempt to use the hotel gym I briefly spotted. (Spoiler alert: I'll probably just nap).
Day 2: Adventure! (Or at Least, a Slightly More Organized Morning)
8:00 AM - Breakfast - Hitting the Buffet (or Pretending To)
Hotel breakfast. It’s a gamble. Free food? Yes. Often questionable quality? Also, yes. The waffle station beckons. (I’ve learned there are two kinds of people: those who love hotel waffles, and liars).
- Quirky Observation: Watching the other hotel guests in various states of post-sleep disarray is almost as entertaining as the food itself.
9:00 AM - "Adventure" - Some Drive Around
My goal: Get out of the hotel, even if it’s just a drive. Found a scenic route on yelp.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: The actual scenery is stunning. The Rockies peeked in the distance, and the sun was doing a grand job.
12:00 PM - Lunch time
More quick stops for lunch; trying out a new local eatery.
- Opinionated Language: Food options- great, service- fine.
1:00 PM - Optional, More Hotel Lounge Time.
Or: Attempting to avoid human interaction.
Messier Structure: Honestly, hotel lounges are weird, but relaxing. It's one of those hotel amenities that I don't often use, but also never would complain about.
Anecdote: I read a book and watched people.
7:00 PM - The inevitable dinner panic
Okay, where to eat.
- Quirky Observation: I think I will just head back to the hotel.
9:00 PM - Bed, Finally.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I didn't even make it to the dinner reservations. I went to bed.
Day 3: Departure. Until Next Time, Thornton!
8:00 AM - Checkout - The Final Hotel Shuffle
The most dreaded moment of any trip: packing it all back up. And hoping you haven't forgotten anything vital.
- Emotional Reaction: Where did my phone charger go? This is a disaster.
9:00 AM - Farewell Breakfast - One Last Waffle (Maybe)
One last (questionable) breakfast before hitting the road.
10:00 AM - Heading to the Airport - Leaving the Denver Area
One last look at the Colorado sky. One last deep breath of… whatever the air smells like.
- Messier Structure: The drive to the airport. It was actually pretty peaceful.
12:00 PM - Flight Home - Done! (Until the Next Adventure, Mess and All)
- Opinionated Language/Final Thoughts: Colorado? It's alright. Thornton? It's… Thornton. Definitely worth a visit – especially if you need somewhere to avoid human interaction. I'd come back. Eventually. Maybe.
So there you have it. My DoubleTree Thornton journey. Flawed, human, and hopefully a little bit amusing. Now, time to go unpack that suitcase and re-enter reality. Until next time, and I hope you enjoyed some parts of this madness.
Denver Thornton's DoubleTree by Hilton: The Truth (and Probably More Than You Bargained For)
Okay, Okay, Spill the Tea: Is the DoubleTree by Hilton in Denver Thornton Actually GOOD? I'm Considering It.
That Cookie! The Famous Warm Cookie! Is It Worth the Hype? Please, Tell Me!
What About the Rooms? Are They Clean? Are They…Sufficient?
But (and there's *always* a but, isn't there?)… I mentioned the wonky showerhead, right? It sprayed water *everywhere* except where it was supposed to be. Think of it like a tiny, personal water park in your bathroom. It was less "refreshing shower" and more "mildly stressful battle with a faulty appliance." I called the front desk. Someone did come and… well, they *tried* to fix it. It improved…slightly. Let’s leave it at that. So, clean-ish, yes. Fault-free? Not entirely.
The Pool and Gym? Are They Actually Usable?
The gym? I’m not a gym rat, so I simply peeked. It had the standard equipment – treadmills, weights, the usual suspects. Looked clean enough from my brief, judgmental assessment. If you're a fitness fanatic, you'll probably find it adequate for a quick workout. It isn't going to blow you away, but it gives you a place to do some exercises and not feel totally guilty about the cookies!
Tell Me About the Breakfast! Buffet? A La Carte? Is It Worth Getting Up Early For?
Location, Location, Location: Is the DoubleTree in a Convenient Spot?
OK, Final Verdict: Should I Stay There?
Anything really annoying? Is there anything I should look out for?
Would you recommend it? Be straight with me!
