The fading din of jackhammers and drills signals the pending completion of the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel’s $70 million makeover.
Considered a key component in efforts to revitalize the upper end of the 16th Street Mall, the Sheraton’s renovation is expected to increase occupancy — and room rates — at the 1,231-room hotel, the largest in Colorado.
General manager Mike Ehmann said the hotel along the 16th Street Mall at Court Place has been an underperformer with previous owners and management, but now will be able to better capitalize on group business and conventions.
He said room rates could increase by 10 percent depending on seasonal demand. Current rates for standard rooms range from $99 to $180.
The makeover included new furniture, appliances and finishes in guest rooms, common areas and meeting spaces.
A portion of the lobby has been designated “The Link,” combining lounge features with Wi-Fi service and wired computer stations.
A bar fronting the mall has been refurbished and renamed 16MIX. The adjacent space formerly occupied by Bravo Ristorante is vacant and being marketed to upscale restaurateurs.
Last year, an Urban Land Institute panel found the upper end of the mall was underutilized, leading to creation of a revitalization effort among property owners and the Downtown Denver Partnership.
Steve Raabe: 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com
