Denver's Hidden Gem: Southwest Courtyard Oasis Awaits!
Denver's Southwest Courtyard Oasis Awaits! – A Review That's More Chaotic Than a Denver Rush Hour
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just emerged from a stay at what's supposedly Denver's “Hidden Gem,” the “Southwest Courtyard Oasis,” and I’m here to spill the beans. Forget those polished, sterilized hotel reviews – this one’s gonna be as messy and real as a post-BBQ food coma.
First off, the name is a bit… ambitious. "Oasis" conjures up visions of palm trees and turquoise lagoons. Reality? Let's just say my expectations and the actual courtyard had a little chat, and the courtyard lost. But hey, I'm getting ahead of myself.
Accessibility – The Good, the… Sort Of Good?
Okay, let's rip the band-aid off first: Accessibility. They TICKED that Accessibility box, which deserves applause. It’s clearly a priority, and I genuinely appreciated that. Wheelchair accessible? Yep. Facilities for disabled guests? Checked! They seemed to have thought of everything, ramped everything, and have a decent layout. (I say "seemed" because I’m not in a wheelchair, but I made a point of checking things out from that perspective.) Good job, guys!
Rooms: A Whirlwind of Expectations
Now, the rooms… where do I even begin? I opted for the "non-smoking" option (because, lungs, you know?). The Air conditioning blasted like a hurricane (maybe a good thing), but then the Blackout curtains? Amazing. Seriously, pitch-black. I could have survived a nuclear winter in that room, just based on the darkness alone. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a godsend. I mean, come on, who can live without cat videos these days? And they deliver on the Internet access – wireless. (I also have to point out the Internet Access – LAN, that's old school, no?)
BUT, and there's always a but, the extra-long bed wasn't quite as "extra" as advertised. I'm not exactly Shaq, but I'm not a hobbit either, and my feet almost dangled. And for the love of all things holy, the minibar! It was stocked. Too stocked! I'm talking a tiny fridge bursting with temptation. My willpower and the price of those snacks were engaged in a furious battle all week. Spoiler alert: the snacks won.
Bathroom Blues (and Some Perks):
The bathroom? Standard hotel fare. Clean, functional, but nothing to write home about. Except… the separate shower/bathtub combo was nice, and the bathrobes? Ah, yes, the bathrobes. Plush, fluffy, and the perfect accomplice to my lazy afternoon spent watching on-demand movies (gotta love the variety of the satellite/cable channels). The Hair dryer worked without setting off the smoke alarm – a win!
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, The World)
This is where they really shine. The Anti-viral cleaning products and the rooms sanitized between stays were incredibly reassuring. And the Hand sanitizer was abundant (almost too abundant – I got a bit splash-happy at one point). The whole place felt… safe. Seriously. The 24-hour Security. CCTV in common areas. They even had a doctor/nurse on call, which is a welcome bonus in these uncertain times. The Staff trained in safety protocol was noticeable. Every staff interaction felt safe and clean. Kudos. It gave me that cozy feeling of a warm blanket on a terrible day.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Prepare for a Rollercoaster:
Okay, let's talk food. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was there. Let's put it that way. I went for the western breakfast option, and it was… fine. Edible. The bacon was crispy in places, soft in others. The coffee was… coffee. But hey, they had coffee/tea in restaurant! I can’t complain too much because they did also have a breakfast takeaway service for when I inevitably overslept and was late for whatever I was doing.
Then, the Poolside Bar. It was there. It was mostly deserted, but I did manage to snag a beer and watch the sun set (which, while not a turquoise lagoon, was still quite pretty).
The Spa: My Personal Breakdown
This is where the story gets interesting (and embarrassing). I booked myself a massage. Needed it. My shoulders were screaming. I imagined myself emerging from a luxurious spa experience, radiating serenity. Instead, I found myself face-down on a massage table, in a dimly lit room, listening to… wait for it… elevator music. Elevator music! It was just slightly mortifying.
(Okay, deep breath). The massage itself was fine. The therapist was polite and professional, but the whole experience was… underwhelming. However, it did the trick, and my shoulders felt a little less like concrete afterward. Body scrub? Body wrap? Didn't try them. Too scared.
But about that pool… the pool with view? It just a pool. It was clean, and the swimming pool [outdoor] was pleasant enough. But it wasn't magical. It wasn’t a destination. It was… a pool. And sadly, it was not enough to create the oasis feel the hotel name promised.
Services and Conveniences: The Unexpected Gems
They have a concierge! Wonderful! The Daily housekeeping kept my room tidy (important). The car park [free of charge] was a HUGE bonus in a city like Denver. And the Contactless check-in/out was slick as butter. I also appreciated the laundry service (because, again, I'm a disaster). And did I mention the Wi-Fi for special events? Didn’t attend any, but good to know.
Getting Around – This One’s a Breeze:
Airport transfer? Check. Car park [free of charge]? Double-check. I was also pleasantly surprised by the availability to call a taxi service. Easy peasy. I’m terrible at directions, and I found it all very convenient indeed.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart):
I don't have kids, but I noticed they had babysitting service, kids facilities, and the place seemed generally family/child friendly. They even had a kids meal option. So, you parents out there, take note!
The Verdict: A Mixed Bag, But Ultimately… Worth It?
So, is the Southwest Courtyard Oasis a "Hidden Gem"? Maybe not. It's more like a… reliable, comfortable, slightly quirky, and slightly overpriced place to crash. It does the basics well, with thoughtful touches like excellent safety protocols.
The Good: Clean, safe, accessible, good Wi-Fi, and some surprisingly good food options. The staff are lovely.
The Bad: The pool is just a pool. The spa is… well, let's just say it's not going to win any awards. No real Oasis feel…
The Ugly: the elevator music. Seriously, people, update the playlist!
Would I go back? Possibly. Especially if they revamp the spa and maybe upgrade the pool area. And absolutely, if they start making some decent coffee. Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars (with a side of elevator music flashbacks)
Houghton Lake Getaway: Unbeatable Super 8 Deals! (MI)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your average pristine itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, Courtyard Denver Southwest/Lakewood, CO, and a whole lotta… me… thrown in. Prepare for a wild ride.
Courtyard Denver Southwest/Lakewood: A Human's-Eye View (and Bladder)
Day 1: Arriving and… Well… Surviving
- Afternoon (2:00 PM -ish): Land in Denver. Okay, so the flight was delayed. Surprise, surprise. Spent a good chunk of the time crammed between a guy who kept sighing dramatically and a kid who was convinced my water bottle was a portal to Narnia. Managed to snag a pretzel and contemplate the meaning of life – or at least, why airline pretzels can't be slightly better.
- (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM): Rental car fiasco! Seriously, Hertz, why do you need so much PAPERWORK?! Felt like I was signing away my firstborn to get the keys. Finally escaped, armed with a slightly-too-small Ford Focus and the desperate need to pee.
- (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM): Drive to the Courtyard in Lakewood. Good lord, the traffic. I swear Denver drivers are secretly competing in a demolition derby. Found the hotel, finally. The lobby is… functional. Neutral tones. Smells vaguely of cleaning products and… ambition?
- (4:30 PM - 5:30 PM): Check-in. The front desk person seemed genuinely happy to see me. Bless her heart. Got a room on the third floor. Pretty standard hotel room stuff. Clean, bed, TV, tiny bathroom. This is where the magic happens, right?
- (5:30 PM - 6:30 PM): Unpack, then a quick survey of the room. My initial assessment? Good enough. The light fixture over my head is a little… intimidating. Like, it's judging me, man.
- (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM): Dinner. Now, this is where it gets interesting. I decided to hit up a real Denver haunt. I was hoping to find a great burger and a local brew. Ended up at a place called "Burger Joint." Nothing wrong with the burger, but nothing amazing, either. The beer was cold. My stomach is happy. I'm happy. Except I forgot to tip. I'll be going back to tip the great gal tomorrow.
- (8:30 PM - 9:30 PM): Back at the hotel. Survived the night.
Day 2: Rocky Mountain High (or at least, a slightly elevated mood)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Wake up, hit the surprisingly decent hotel gym. Ran until I felt like I was going to throw up. Progress, people. Progress.
- (8:00 AM - 8:30 AM): Breakfast at the hotel's "bistro". Overpriced, but the coffee was strong enough to kickstart a small rocket.
- (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): DRIVING IN THE ROCKIES! This is what I wanted to be the highlight of the trip. So the drive was…something else. Seriously, the views were breathtaking. I mean, jaw-dropping, put-a-tourist-tear-in-my-eye beautiful. Felt like I was in a painting. I may or may not have shouted "YEAH, NATURE!" at the top of my lungs at one point. Don't judge.
- (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Stopped at a rustic-looking restaurant in a town called Morrison for lunch. The food was good. Not world-class, but solid.
- (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Red Rocks Amphitheatre! This place is unreal. Walked around, took about a million pictures, contemplated buying a t-shirt (ultimately, resisted, because my closet is already a t-shirt graveyard).
- (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Head back to the hotel.
- (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the room, feeling a little sluggish. Took a nap. Woke about 30 minutes later.
- (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Dinner, went back to my favorite place with great servers and good food.
- (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Enjoy the rest of the evening with no plans.
Day 3: The "Let's Pretend I'm a Local" Finale (and the impending doom of departure)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Late breakfast. Ate some carbs for the day.
- (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): This is where things got… interesting. I decided to go check out the local art scene so went to several museums, parks, and other places.
- (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Had one last lunch at my favorite place.
- (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Final Hotel Room Pack-Up. Managed to pack my luggage.
- (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Head to the airport.
- (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Drop the car off, go through security.
- (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Go to the gate, wait for the plane, enjoy the rest of the evening.
Final Thoughts:
Denver, you magnificent, slightly chaotic, beautiful beast. I'm leaving a little… changed. And a whole lot more tired. This Courtyard? It was a solid basecamp. The real adventure was out there. And maybe, just maybe, I will go back to that burger joint. And tip. This time, I promise. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a flight to catch, and a serious need for a nap. And a very, very large coffee.
Portland's BEST Downtown Courtyard Hotel: Convention Center Luxury Awaits!
Okay, so what *is* this Southwest Courtyard Oasis thing, anyway? Don't give me the brochure answer!
Alright, picture this: you're in Denver. You're probably thinking mountains, craft beer, maybe a guy on a bike. This "oasis" is… well, a courtyard. A *Southwest*-themed courtyard. Think terracotta tiles, maybe some cacti (watch out for those!), maybe a fountain that *probably* works, and a whole lotta sunshine. The official story? Relaxed vibes. I'll get to my *actual* vibes in a sec. Basically, it’s meant to be a little pocket of, you know, serenity.
Is it actually *hidden*? Because, honestly, I'm terrible at finding things. I once got lost in my own kitchen.
"Hidden" is… relative. It's not like it’s guarded by ninjas or anything. But it IS tucked away. You won't stumble upon it randomly while you're, like, power-walking to a yoga class. You need to *know* it's there. And even if you *do* know, be prepared to do a little sleuthing. My first attempt involved a solid 15 minutes of wandering, muttering about "damn Google Maps," and nearly tripping over a suspiciously well-placed garden gnome. Let’s just say, my sense of direction is… a work in progress. So if you are like me, prepare. Seriously prepare.
So, who *is* this place for? Like, should I bring a date? The whole family? My grumpy cat, Mittens?
Hmmmm. Dates? Maybe. Depends on the date. If you're going for that low-key, "I'm not trying too hard" vibe, sure. Families? Probably fine, but keep a close eye on the kiddos near any water features. Seriously, those little rugrats can be faster than a speeding… well, you get the idea. Mittens? Absolutely not. The sun's brutal. And the hissing... oh the hissing. The place does seem to attract a certain type. I saw a lot of people with books, people with laptops (bless their souls, trying to work *outside*), and a surprising number of people wearing those weird straw hats that make you look like you're auditioning for a spaghetti western. So, you know... bring comfortable shoes.
Okay, spill the tea. The actual experience? What's *good* about it?
Alright, alright. Even I, the slightly cynical adventurer, will admit there are moments of pure, unadulterated bliss. The sunshine! When it hits just right, it's like being bathed in liquid gold. And if you snag a comfy chair (which, admittedly, can be a challenge), and you bring a good book… pure magic. I swear, I could almost hear the cacti whispering secrets to the wind. (Maybe I had too much coffee that morning.) It’s… peaceful. Genuinely peaceful. When the sun’s not trying to fry you alive.
And the *bad*? Because nothing's perfect, right? (Except maybe pizza. Pizza is pretty perfect.)
Let’s be real. Here's the brutally honest truth, folks. Finding a decent seat is a game of thrones. Show up at the wrong time, and you're fighting for scraps. And the *bugs*. Oh, the bugs. I swear, they’re out for blood. And the sun!!! It beats down. It’s relentless. Bring sunscreen! The whole place is a little… *tired*. Some of the tiles are cracked. The fountain *might* be a suggestion of a fountain. My first experience, there was a small child crying in the background because he lost his favorite toy to a very large and hungry goose. The child was screaming. The bird was triumphantly waddling away. It was… an experience.
Tell me more about this… fountain. Is it worth it?
The fountain. Okay, so, I’m not sure what the official history is, but it *looks* like it *used* to work. You can *see* the potential. Maybe. Possibly. On a good day. On the day I went? It was… dry. Utterly, completely, tragically dry. I mean, the *idea* is lovely. A trickling fountain, the calming sound of water… But alas. It was just a concrete bowl with maybe, a couple of leaves in it. So, manage expectations. Do not, under any circumstances, build your hopes around a working fountain. You will only be disappointed. (And maybe a little thirsty.)
Anything else I should know before I brave this "oasis"?
Oh, absolutely. Pack sunscreen. Bring a hat. Stay hydrated. Bring your own snacks because you'll get hungry. Don't expect perfection. Embrace the imperfections. And, most importantly, be prepared for anything. You might find zen. You might get eaten alive by mosquitoes. You might witness a goose-related tragedy. It's all part of the adventure. Just remember, even a slightly disappointing oasis can be better than being stuck indoors. And hey, at least you’ll have a story to tell. You can always blame me later. Actually… please *do* blame me. Then I’ll feel better about all the sunburn and the aforementioned geese. It’s all part of the charm, right? Right?
What's the biggest takeaway, the *one* thing I should remember?
Lower those darn expectations. Go with an open mind. And maybe bring a can of bug spray. Seriously. Seriously consider the bug spray. You will thank me later. Also, accept that you might leave slightly sunburnt, slightly confused, and with a vague sense of having been… well, somewhere. And that’s… fine, I think. It’s fine. (Maybe.)
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