As AMEX Platinum Card holders, the first place we always go to search for hotels is the AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts website. The selection of hotel options are always 5*and their benefits are almost as valuable as the hotel rate. The benefits include early check-in and late check out (a hugely valuable benefit when travelling, especially overseas); room upgrade (if available, they usually are), free WIFI, complimentary Breakfast for two ($75 – $100 value depending on the Hotel), $100 Hotel Credit for Food & Drinks or Parking and a welcome indulgence. So for our trip to Sun Valley's Tour de Force, that's exactly what we did for our travel to and from Sun Valley (Denver, where we shipped the car to and Park City where we overnighted to break up the drive to Sun Valley and upon return to Denver). Sun Valley Tour De Force had blocked rooms at the Limelight in Ketchum where the events were taking place, so we reserved with them at the discounted rate and their associated benefits.
Limelight Hotel – Denver
In Denver, among AMEX's options, we chose the Limelight Hotel at Union Station in downtown Denver. Our choice was driven by our needs: close to the Airport, close to the McLaren Dealer in Denver, and great shopping nearby. The Limelight was a perfect choice: there was a free train that stopped directly in front of the Limelight (this was important as we had no suitcases on wheels just 2 very heavy duffle bags so they could fit in the frunk of the McLaren 765LT Spider), a quick Uber to the McLaren Dealer with a Luxury Goods shopping mall on route to drop me off at. The Hotel allowed us to park the McLaren directly in front of the hotel and we could put the cost against the Hotel Credit. The Limelight Hotel and rooms were very much in keeping with the Brand and the local environment. Our upgrade was to Superior King. There was a very warm and welcoming feel to the room. The bathroom had a separate WC (we have a pet peeve when it is not separated from the rest of the bathroom), an enclosed huge shower & separate bathtub. The furniture not only looked in keeping with the hotel's concept and location, but was also very comfortable. Every amenity you could think of was in the room, including a yoga mat, steamer and an excellent Nespresso Coffee machine with unlimited pods. The room was very quiet despite other guests occupying rooms around us.
We had dinner at the Bar which served the same menu as their restaurant, Citizen's Rail. They were very flexible and allowed us to eat in the more casual Bar and cancel our Restaurant reservation. We went during happy hour and enjoyed a delightful meal at no cost as the bill was covered by the balance of the room credit. Service was very attentive. Their Breakfast was excellent regardless of what you ordered, and the bill came in under the allowance.
On our return visit, we were upgraded to a one-bedroom suite. It was also warm and welcoming. The furniture – different than the Suite, but very much in keeping with the Brand. There was a lovely bottle of red wine and a chacuterie board to welcome us. The front desk was happy to exchange the red wine for a bottle of Prosecco. We decided to order Room Service as it was getting late. It was super-fast and excellent, especially for room service.
Tip to the Limelight Hotel: Clear the trays in the hallway during the night so they are not still there in the morning when your guests go down for breakfast.
The Limelight Denver gets a Karen 🍾 🍾 🍾 🍾 🍾 rating.