Keeping up with the Kimptons: A Photo Tour of Kimpton Hotels

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2. The Brown Palace, Denver, Colorado
Back in 1892, when Denver was a rough and dusty cow town, the streets were filled with cowboys and miners. Gold and silver was pouring into the city from the rich mines of the nearby Rocky Mountains. Henry Cordes Brown was making his fortune in real estate, and he donated the land where the Colorado State Capitol building now stands. But he wanted his own monument, and, although he built his "palace" in Italian Renaissance style, the building is hewn from the Wild West: red Colorado granite, white onyx from Mexico, and Arizona sandstone.

The Brown Palace has its own artesian well, with fresh, clear Rocky Mountain water flowing from every faucet. The small Ship Tavern is a classic Denver retreat, with its distinctive triangular shape and classic long piano bar. The atrium, with balconies that rise up eight floors, is a symphony of stained glass and ornate grill work. Afternoon tea is still served in the lobby. And, impressively, the guest list includes every U.S. president since Teddy Roosevelt (except for Calvin Coolidge).

Rooms start at about $150 a night.