Honestly, this was a nightmare hotel stay, which was especially disappointing because I came in…read moreexpecting the exact opposite.
I'd dined at Populus before, enjoyed coffee and a book in the second-floor lounge, and had been looking forward to finally staying here during a work trip to Denver. I was excited enough that I skipped online booking and called reservations directly to make sure I selected the best room for my first stay.
After traveling all day, I arrived around 9:30 p.m. only to be told the hotel had been overbooked. Apparently there were two conferences and a concert in town, and because I checked in late, staff assumed I was a no-show and gave away my room. A fascinating interpretation of a prepaid reservation.
To make matters worse, there wasn't an equivalent or better room available. No meaningful solution was offered. Faced with the choice of wandering Denver at nearly 10 p.m. hoping another hotel had availability, I reluctantly accepted a downgraded room (for the same price as my original room with a $15 dining credit, mind you).
The new room was directly across from the elevator bank, noticeably smaller sq ft and lackluster layout than the room I'd carefully selected, and had a bathroom vanity visible in the background as I worked from the desk. The "workspace" was about the size of a dinner placemat, which was unfortunate since I was traveling for work and intended to take meetings from the room.
Then came the night's main event: the acoustics. The walls, doors, and ceilings seem to have been engineered with an admirable commitment to sharing everyone else's evening. After midnight I listened to what I assume were concertgoers returning to their rooms, punctuated by elevator chatter, slamming doors overhead and next door, plus a conversation from the adjoining room so clear I could've contributed.
I won't be staying here again, and I'll also be discouraging my colleagues and friends. That's unfortunate, because there's a lot to like about this property. The architecture is a feat, the lobby coffee bar is excellent, and the bartenders at Stellar Jay are, appropriately enough, stellar.
One small suggestion: the in-room electric kettle was appreciated, but including a tea option alongside the coffee would be an inexpensive and thoughtful touch. And would it really kill the esthetic to provide a luggage rack or bench at the foot of the bed? With literally zero furniture in the room, where am I expected to place my suitcase and handbag?
Populus is a wonderful place to admire the design, have a drink, and enjoy a meal. If your primary goal is actually comfort and sleeping, however, I suggest you stay elsewhere.