This was my second stay at this beautiful, friendly hotel. When you walk in the door you will be greeted by the enormous lounge filled with comfy leather and upholstered chairs and sofas, centered around a big fireplace. I just start to feel good immediately because of the warm colors and natural, "Western" feel. The rooms are similarly appointed, with the signature excellent beds. The shower is amazing, although the position of the towel rack at its rear is stupid.

Location is far from the Denver airport and downtown (although a shuttle only costs $32 round trip) but the hotel is right next to a movie theatre, Dave and Buster's, skating rink, mini-golf, brand-new bowling alley, and even a free public Frisbee-golf course and walking trails. The restaurant is mid to high in price (I've never been). While luckily the oyster bar isn't a Rocky Mountain oyster bar, for some reason two of the five types offered are from the east coast of the U.S. When I get hungry, I walk across the street to the Rock Bottom Brewery, where the crowd in the bar stays late and the beers are excellent and only $3.75.

The main cons include a miniscule pool (though the workout center is big and extremely well supplied) and rapacious fees for phone and Internet usage. $2 to make a local call?!?!?! They do know the cell-phone has been invented, right?

I've attended two well-run conferences with good food at the Westin. Absolutely no complaints.

Basically, if you feel like a very nice, if not de-super-luxe hotel, I don't think you can do much better than the Westin.