In a sea of polished sameness, the Curtis hotel already stands out from the crowd. Now, the beloved Denver property is unveiling the results of a multimillion-dollar, top-to-bottom renovation, creating spaces that are as fun and imaginative as they are functional.
With the project, the Curtis is doubling down on its philosophy that hotels should feel like destinations in their own right, not just places to sleep between outings. The renovation preserves the property’s “Stay Happy” spirit while also elevating the guest experience with new designs, art curated by NINE dot ARTS and even more personality than before, proving that hotels don’t have to be predictable to be successful.
“We’ve reimagined everything guests loved about the property to make it bigger and bolder,” says Lizzie Raudenbush, general manager at the Curtis.
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For years, the 336-room Curtis has leaned into its reputation as “Denver’s happiest hotel.” But this latest transformation pushes that identity further than ever. Every one of the property’s 13 themed floors has been reimagined as an immersive, nostalgia-fueled experience, designed to pull guests out of their routines and into something more playful. The result is a stay that feels less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping into a series of curated worlds, each with its own personality.
Take the “Camp Curtis” floor, which channels the carefree spirit of summer camp, or the “Level Up” floor, a love letter to classic arcade culture. The design team has layered in interactive elements, immersive props, playful decor and unexpected details that encourage guests to engage with their surroundings—whether that means rediscovering childhood pastimes or simply embracing a sense of whimsy and wonder that’s often missing from modern travel.
That ethos carries through into the guest rooms, where design and technology intersect in subtle but meaningful ways. Alongside themed decor, visitors will find smart TVs, upgraded connectivity via improved Wi-Fi throughout the property and small, playful touches that tie each room back to its floor’s concept. It’s a balancing act between comfort and creativity—one that acknowledges travelers still want reliable amenities, even as they seek something more memorable.
But the true centerpiece of the Curtis’ reinvention lies in its hyperthemed suites, which take the hotel’s imaginative streak to a whole new level. These one-of-a-kind spaces lean fully into their concepts, transforming a standard overnight stay into an experience that borders on theatrical.
On the “Life of the Party” floor, for example, the “Party like a Rockstar” suite glitters with iridescent walls and bold artwork, while the “Blacktop” floor’s “Recess” suite evokes a nostalgic classroom, complete with a vintage desk, schoolhouse chairs and a chalkboard accent wall.
Perhaps most intriguing is the “Get a Clue” suite on the 13th floor, aka the “Knock on Wood” floor—playfully themed around superstition—where a moody color palette, mini pool table and a Clue game set nod to the intrigue of a classic mystery.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our team of creative geniuses that brought this dream to life,” says Raudenbush. “It is no small feat to transform 13 themed floors and develop meeting spaces that are anything but corporate.”
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The design overhaul extends well beyond the guest accommodations. In an era when business travel often means beige boardrooms and predictable layouts, the Curtis has taken a decidedly different approach. Its more than 30,000 square feet of meeting and event space has been reimagined with vibrant colors, bold patterns and an energy that feels intentionally anti-corporate. Candy-striped walls, color-blocked interiors and bright carpets aim to spark creativity rather than stifle it—an acknowledgment that the environment can shape the tone of collaboration just as much as the agenda.
Even the property’s rooftop terrace—already notable as one of the largest outdoor hotel meeting spaces in Denver—has been positioned as part of this broader shift. With skyline views and an outdoor fireplace, it blurs the line between work and leisure, offering a setting where ideas might flow more freely because the space feels less formal.
Behind the scenes, the transformation was led by Sage Studio, the in-house creative arm of Sage Hospitality Group, in collaboration with global design firm DLR Group. Together, they approached the renovation not just as a design challenge but as an opportunity to reinforce a sense of place. Throughout the hotel, subtle nods to Denver’s culture and sports heritage—think: memorabilia tied to Denver Nuggets, Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies—anchor the more fantastical elements in something distinctly local.
With the new design, the hotel invites guests to engage, explore and, perhaps most importantly, feel something—whether that’s nostalgia, curiosity or simple delight.
“We don’t take our nickname of Denver’s happiest hotel lightly, so we have brought smile-inducing details to every part of the guest experience at the Curtis,” says Raudenbush.
