Attaching a label as loaded as “club” to your property is a bold move, particularly when it’s located in such a swanky neighborhood. The Clayton Hotel & Members Club, however, which welcomes guests with a trio of cozy seating areas (grounded by leather couches) and a stocky oak billiards table, deftly manages to cater to the elite without veering into elitist territory.
As reward for walking that line so nimbly, the Clayton earned a sought-after Michelin Key just three years after it opened in 2021. Per Michelin Key standards, visitors can expect “service that always goes the extra mile.” To experience it, you’ll need to go the extra mile too, considering the hotel is situated a 30-minute (if you’re lucky) Uber ride from Denver International Airport. But the effort is worth it—guests of the Clayton leave feeling well-rested, inspired and (perhaps surprisingly) included.
Why stay at Clayton Hotel & Members Club?
Book one of the Clayton’s 63 rooms, and you’ll become an honorary club member with access to the private pool and restaurants, along with the privilege of joining fitness classes, expert-led workshops and seasonal parties. These offerings feed and breed creativity, and they do so in an environment rich in artistic expression.
The Clayton’s more than 200 pieces of original artwork span mediums (look for photography, oils, screen prints and more) and subject matters ranging from peaceful protest to Audrey Hepburn. Despite this collection of eclectic and undoubtedly expensive artwork, pieces like their life-size, electric green soldier in Warrior Pose serve as yet another reminder that the hotel, while luxe, doesn’t take itself too seriously.
What are the rooms like at Clayton Hotel & Members Club?
The lobby’s mid-century modern aesthetic–think warm woods accented by gold and brass–continues into the room decor. Here, find Prussian blue leather on the armoire (your decadent, stuffed-animal-soft robe awaits inside) and a cushioned charcoal headboard that provides a tasteful counterpoint to the crisp, all-white Sferra fine Italian bedding.
Size-wise, I found my 370-square-foot, two-queen room ample but not kingly. It of course offered the now-standard hair dryer (which was blessedly unattached to the wall), full-length floor mirror and fully stocked mini bar (filled with locally made suds like those from Odell Brewing Co.), but I was delighted to see elevated essentials like the Modio ambient noise control, sleek electric kettle and tropical green by Smith Teamakers. Grown Alchemist bath products in reusable containers left my hair silky and my skin soft, and after these many thoughtful details, I was able to forgive the dearth of outlets, which left me moving aside bed stands to facilitate plugging in both my phone and laptop simultaneously.
What is the food like at Clayton Hotel & Members Club?
Members and hotel guests are offered access to second-floor spaces like the parlor (sorry, American spelling), library, sunroom and coworking lounge, as well as the sixth floor’s rooftop pool, dining space and sitting areas. The vibe throughout feels slightly coastal with soft blues as the dominant hue while sunny oak accents appear in the hardwood floors and wall paneling.
The waitstaff are attentive, especially in the members’ restaurant where our cheerful server welcomed me by name on my first visit and then remembered my husband’s order on the second. Up on the sixth floor, the menu’s blistered shishitos and heirloom tomato pizza were fine, but views out to 14,000-foot Pikes Peak made the visit worthwhile.
Foodies: save your appetite for Alteño, the gleaming Mexican restaurant on Clayton’s first floor. As the fourth upscale eatery in just three years from Michelin-Star-boasting chef Johnny Curiel, Alteño is an homage to his father, who grew up in the highlands of Jalisco. Bring your crew as an excuse to try everything on the menu–especially the pan de elote, a cornbread topped with a decadent butter made using huitlacoche flown in regularly from Puebla, and the fire-roasted pollo a las brasa–but order your own costra de ribeye. This tender steak taco lathered with queso Chihuahua in an heirloom corn tortilla is big enough to share, but you won’t want to.
What’s the service like at Clayton Hotel & Members Club?
Despite the “club” in its title, the service here isn’t excessive. No butler will hover at your elbow or label you “sir” or “madam”, but you can expect to be greeted warmly by the doorman upon arrival. The front desk team (posted behind a marvelous stone desk in an off-to-the-side section of the lobby) will grin widely, make casual conversation about your trip to Denver, and speedily hand over your room keys. I found the valet service friendly and helpful upon arrival, but plan in advance when you need your vehicle. It may take upwards of 10 minutes to retrieve your car.
What is the pool and gym like at Clayton Hotel & Members Club?
Yes, The Clayton has a rooftop pool filled with rippling turquoise water. But, there’s a reason the Clayton’s Instagram photos don’t show the whole pool: At just about five feet wide and 30 feet long, it’s great for lap swimmers and quick-dippers, but not at the same time.
The gym, though unfortunately on a subterranean level (meaning no natural light) proves serviceable for nearly any type of workout, whether you’re looking to lift weights, hop on a treadmill, stair-step to heaven, or churn away on an elliptical. Join a yoga class if you like (they have mats, blocks and straps on hand if yours aren’t), or spin on one of the three Peloton machines standing at the ready. Post-workout, pop into the steam room.
What’s the area like around Clayton Hotel & Members Club?
The Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver encompassing The Clayton draws investment bankers and Instagram influencers in equal measure. Art connoisseurs can buy the latest from David Yarrow (or just ogle the scantily clad women leering next to wolves if you don’t have a spare $50,000 lying around), while real estate moguls can chat with ultra-premium realtors from Sotheby’s and The Agency.
Those keen to take home memories rather than things should head in the opposite direction from the boutiques within Cherry Creek Shopping Center, opting instead to stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens. Just a mile from the Clayton, this urban oasis boasts vibrant plants and trees all year round. Don’t miss the spiky, sunset-colored glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly that sits in a garden dubbed “the ellipse”.
Why you should you book a stay at Clayton Hotel & Members Club
Those who expect the finer things in life (say, concierge-style service and discreetly premium decor) but also truly appreciate them will enjoy their time at the Clayton. If that’s you, take advantage of the hotel’s community-fostering club to share space, and perhaps a Tanqueray gin martini or two, with those who feel the same way.
DETAILS
Address: 233 Clayton St, Denver, CO 80206 USA
Price per night: Starting at $299 for a standard room
Closest transport: Denver International Airport is a 30-45-minute drive
Book now: via Booking.com
Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.