The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton

Character and identity

Set in Denver's Cultural District, steps from the Denver Art Museum and the Clyfford Still Museum, this 165-room boutique property treats art as its organising principle rather than its decoration. A Leo Villareal light installation marks the arrival, with works by Ed Ruscha and Kiki Smith threaded through the public spaces and prints and lithographs in every room. Interiors run minimalist: greys, whites, birch accents and pops of primary colour, with airy bathrooms in dark wood and silver. Fire restaurant has a fourth-floor patio with a fire pit and city views, and the lobby (rebranded the "Living Room") keeps coffee, papers and rotating old-fashioned candy on hand.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The art collection is the genuine reason to book, and the location next to two major museums compounds the appeal. Treat it as a cultural base camp rather than a full-service resort. Request a mountain-view room for the sunsets, take the Saturday guided art tour at 11 a.m. or 5 p.m., and time drinks at Fire's 3-to-6 p.m. happy hour.