The Thompson Denver Is Bringing A Taste Of Paris To The Rockies

The Thompson Denver opened its doors less than a year ago. But the property has already established itself as a premiere downtown destination for food and drink—in addition to luxury lodging. Anchoring all of that fine flavor is lobby restaurant Chez Maggy, a Parisian-inspired bistro conceived by celebrity chef Ludo Lefebvre. On top of that (literally) a sixth floor speakeasy called Reynard Social is delivering imbibers high-end cocktails in a spacious lounge backdropped by the Rocky Mountains. And for New Year’s they’re showcasing all of it with a progressive concept that’ll catapult guests from the Mile High City to the City of Light.

“Midnight In Paris” is a $1400 package inclusive of accommodations for two, a five-course tasting menu for two at Chez Maggy, and five hours of DJ-fueled frivolity at Reynard Social—with free champagne (and late night pizza) passed around just before the ball drops. To solidify the transportive effect, the hotel’s lobby and public spaces will be decorated to echo the enchanting streets of the French capital. Additionally, the bar has been reconfigured to resemble a Parisian cabaret.

It’s quite an enviable evening for folks in Denver looking to secure last-minute “staycation” plans. But here’s the thing: regardless of when you check-in at the Thompson, this a place that delivers full-on sensory escape. You gain a comforting sense of such the moment your spoon breaks through the gruyere crust of chef Ludo’s acclaimed Onion Soup Gratinee. It is accentuated with a sip of the bar’s French Martini—a crowd-pleasing combination of Grey Goose Vodka, Chambord and Pineapple. And once you’ve plucked a few garlic and butter-soaked snails from their shells, you’re inclined to believe that a segment of Parisian sidewalk has landed smack dab in the middle of Colorado. Apropos of nothing, don’t miss out on the Domaine Charnay, a slightly tangy, low-intervention Beaujolais offered by the glass.

Upstairs at Reynard, the escapism is more attuned to audiophiles than Francophiles. The sleek space was designed by Victrola (the classic record player manufacturer also based in Denver) as part bar, part listening room. As unconventional as that may seem, it’s the drinks here that truly defy expectations. That’s owed to the fact that many of the flagship offerings are built upon unusual foundations. The Alpine Sour, for example, blends unaged brandy with Salers, egg white and lemon agrumato for a bittersweet digestif boasting a velvety mouthfeel. The Soft Damn is another standout along these lines, using aquavit to hold down fino sherry, amaro, vermouth, and pachouli, of all modifiers. It is alluringly herbaceous and unlike anything you’ve tried before.

The tie-in with Victrola weaves its way into the suites at The Thompson, which come equipped with record players and a bespoke collection of vinyl offerings. Design elements and furnishings frequently pay tribute to the Mid-century modern era—back when turntables were a social necessity as opposed to a cultural curiosity. The mini-fridges come stocked with local suds, including a quaffable pale ale from Great Divide that might as well be dubbed “Denver Champagne.” In fact, you can walk 15 minutes through the LoDo neighborhood to grab a pint of it from the brewery’s original taproom. Because no matter how glamorous Paris might seem, it’s got nothing on this city’s craft beer scene.