Don’t be fooled by blank stares from hostesses and concierges: It behooves the service industry to woo theatergoers with deals and discounts.
That might seem straightforward, but a recent stroll through hotels within walking distance of the Denver Performing Arts Complex was an exercise in futility when many front-of-house staffers had little or no idea about available theater packages.
Still, some downtown businesses are eager to cater to the cultured crowd. Here’s what we turned up:
-The tasteful new hot spot 5¡ offers a complimentary dessert or martini to anyone who presents a ticket or stub before or after the show. 303-260-7505, 1475 Lawrence St.
-Check your program for 15 percent-off coupons for Sam’s No. 3. Located one block from The Plex, it serves everything from breakfast to blue margaritas. 303-534-1927, 1500 Curtis St.
ÈLooking for a mix of high and low culture? Drop by the granddaddy of LoDo nightclubs, Rock Island for one free wine, well drink or draft. The deal is good for anyone with a stub from any Denver theater, including The Curious Theatre and Teikyo Loretto Heights Theatre. 303-572-7625, 1614 15th St.
-Chef Elise Wiggins at Panzano has conceived a mouthwatering prix fixe menu. For $35 per person, you get a three-course mealÑplus dessert. Available 5 p.m.Ð7 p.m. daily. 303-296-3525, 909 17th St.
ÈMaggiano’s Little Italy circulates coupons offering free dessert when theatergoers buy two entrees. Tickets also work for the deal. 303-260-7707, Denver Pavilions, 500 16th St.
-Denver Center Attractions and the Denver Center Theatre Company teamed up with the Grand Hyatt this season to offer ticket-holders a 20 percent discount on their hotel stay. Mention the “DCPA Special” when booking and produce your theater stub upon checkout to redeem the offer. 303-295-1234, 1750 Welton St.
-Westin Tabor Center will even handle the tickets. For $289 to $319 per couple, its touring Broadway show package includes two orchestra seat tickets to “Disney’s On the Record,” “Wicked,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Little Shop of Horrors” or “A Christmas Carol,” a night’s stay, valet parking and breakfast for two. 303-572-9100, 1672 Lawrence St.
-A night at the Hotel Teatro is about convenience and elegance. Its Theater Package, priced at $225 to $265, includes Belgian chocolate theater masks and a pair of theater binoculars waiting in your room and “Grand Marnier” turndown service. 303-228-1100, 1100 14th St.
-Head to the Executive Tower Hotel east of The Plex in inclement weather. It whips up overnight deals for theatergoers who step out of the show and into the snow. 303-571-0300, 1405 Curtis St.
-Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Denver encourages the theater crowd to plan early. Its “Christmas in July” package offers a half-price rate to anyone who calls around Independence Day to book rooms for holiday time. 303-571-1114, 934 16th St.
-Concierges at the Magnolia Hotel hoard dessert, coffee and breakfast coupons for nearby eateries. Overnight guests should inquire about the day’s coupon stash. 303-607-9000, 818 17th St.
