The Ritz-Carlton Denver general manager Andrew Rogers was well aware of how difficult it would be for the property to earn the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award, which designates the best of the best lodgings and restaurants in North America.
After the hotel won the first, and so far only, Five Diamond rating in Denver last year, he knew it would be even more of a challenge to maintain that rating.
But it did. On Friday, Rogers received the e-mail confirmation from the global travel organization that the Ritz had maintained the elite status.
Only 0.27 percent of the 60,000 North American properties rated earn the highest designation. For now, the Ritz-Carlton remains Denver’s sole Five Diamond hotel, but the Four Seasons Denver is hoping to join that club.
“We haven’t heard yet and are eagerly awaiting,” said Four Seasons general manager Thierry Kennel. The Ritz and the Four Seasons compete head to head in the luxury travel business.
“This is really a big deal for us,” Rogers said. “At the end of the day, it’s something that makes the team really proud.”
Diamond-rated hotels are evaluated on the layout and amenities of the property as well as customer-service categories. AAA sends staff anonymously on field inspections.
“They come in, have the experience, and then you find out,” Rogers said. “What’s cool for us is that we can continue that legacy and put luxury travel on the map for Denver.”
Author, author.
Thirteen local authors will gather for a meet-and-greet with the public during the Denver Press Club’s first Pen and Sword Literary Open House from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at 1330 Glen arm Place.
Book lovers and aspiring authors will have the chance to learn firsthand about the authors’ books and subjects and to pick their brains about the projects.
An array of story subjects, genres and styles will be featured, including art and architecture, biography, history, memoir, poetry, essay, photography, contemporary health issues, life stories, international politics, celebrity tales, sports stories and fiction.
Admission is free, but registration is requested at .
Charcoal ignited.
Charcoal Restaurant, the odd name for a new fine-dining restaurant at 43 W. Ninth Ave., opened Monday serving dinner nightly, lunch Monday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday brunch.
Chef Patrik Landberg (formerly of the lauded but shuttered Satchel’s Market) helms an open kitchen with Colorado custom-designed grills that burn hardwood at a high temperature. The menu includes West Coast halibut with beet carpaccio, roasted RedBird chicken with savory bread pudding, Prince Edward Island mussels steamed with Hatch red chiles and a variety of vegetarian dishes.
The wine list includes more than 16 wines by the flight, half pour or full glass. Reservations: 303-454-0000; more information: charcoaldining .
EAVESDROPPING
At the Forge Publick House in Fort Collins:
“I like Radiohead. I just don’t like to listen to them.”
Penny Parker’s column appears Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail pparker@denverpost.com.
