If you’re searching for opulence in the heart of Denver, Colorado, look no further than the Brown Palace. This hotel and spa offers a step back in time to an era of luxury from the moment you walk into the lobby. Regardless of whether you choose to stay in the hotel during your time in Denver, it is worth at least stopping by to have afternoon tea at the Brown Palace as it is a luxurious affair and sure to be a delight.
History of the Brown Palace
For somewhere with the word “brown” in their name, the Brown Palace is surprisingly opulent and not at all dull like the color suggests. Perhaps this is because it is actually named after a person—Henry Cordes Brown—and not a color, despite the exterior being made of a distinctive reddish-brown sandstone.
Brown was a rich man and purchased a triangular plot of land on the corner of Broadway, Tremont, and 17th street in the late 1800s along with several other plots throughout the city. This plot of land first served as a place for him to graze his cow, but it would soon become the iconic triangular Brown Palace! (Fun fact for bibliophiles: Henry Brown also donated $1,000 to help found Denver’s first library!)
The architect of the Brown Palace, Frank E. Edbrooke, chose to design one of the hotels most striking features—an interior atrium lobby with breathtaking eight-floor-tall exposed balconies. Looking up from below is a stunning sight, with the layers and layers of gilt railings and the stained glass windows at the top letting light filter into the lobby below.
In all, Brown spent around $1.6 million while creating this hotel (a crazy large number for the 1880s, especially when you consider that each room was rented out for only between $3-5 per night!) Yet this investment has paid off as the Brown Palace is still considered one of Denver’s most elegant hotels, and has remained open every day since its grand opening on August 12th, 1892.
Past guests of the Brown Palace are, of course, as lavish and interesting as you’d expect in such a unique place. Local hero Molly Brown (of “Unsinkable” Molly Brown fame) stayed at the hotel just a week after the Titanic sank. The Beatles also stayed here at one point, as well as many US Presidents from Taft to Reagan and Clinton.
Afternoon Tea at the Brown Palace
[one_half padding=”0 10px 0 0″]
[/one_half][one_half_last padding=”0 0 0 10px”]
[/one_half_last]
Afternoon tea here is an iconic and local tradition (particularly for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays) and is held in the lobby. From scones, to tiny sandwiches, to delicious desserts, you will walk away full, happy, and delighted.
Their menu changes depending on the season—when I was there it was fall, so they had pumpkin scones as one of the options. Their teas are also delectable and can also be purchased from their shop if you want to take some home. I highly recommend trying the Thé des Lords, a lovely Earl Grey with a pronounced bergamot flavor.
While the food is delicious, the atmosphere is also perfect. The pianist who played while I was there chose a variety of fun and beautiful songs from musicals that it was hard to resist singing along to! During the holidays, they also play Christmas music and deck the lobby out with stunning Christmas decorations.
But if you want to have afternoon tea here, make sure to make reservations before you go. Especially if you want to have tea during a busy holiday season (you may need to make reservations several weeks in advance at busy times). But no matter what season you go, afternoon tea at the Brown Palace is sure to be a delight and a memory you will treasure sharing with your friends or family!
Save for Later
