Magnolia or Westin Tabor Center?

Question

We have a trip coming up where we will be going to a Rockies game at Coors Field one night, a concert at Red Rocks on another. We will have a car. Trying to decide between Westin Tabor Center and Magnolia,both of which we can get on points. Would love any pros and cons.

Answer

Great question. Both the Westin Denver Downtown (Tabor Center) and the Magnolia Hotel Denver are solid choices for a downtown stay, especially since you're planning to attend a Rockies game at Coors Field one night and a concert at Red Rocks another—and you’ll have a car. Below are detailed pros and cons for each, plus thoughts on which may make more sense in your situation.

Westin Denver Downtown (Tabor Center)
- Location & accessibility: The Westin is at 1672 Lawrence Street, right in downtown Denver, adjacent to the Tabor Center. It’s very walkable: only about 0.5 miles (or ~10-12 minutes) to Coors Field. It’s also very close to the 16th Street Mall, which offers a free shuttle that goes toward Union Station.
- Amenities: The hotel has a fitness center, a heated indoor/outdoor pool, and a rooftop deck. While there’s no full on-site spa, the hotel offers in-room treatments or can connect you with nearby spas.
- Parking: There is a parking garage (Tabor Center garage) connected to the hotel. Rates (per a parking flyer) are roughly $15 for 0–3 hours, $22 for 3–8 hours, and $45 overnight (but these are subject to change).
- Atmosphere: More of a modern, business-style hotel. According to reviews, rooms are contemporary but somewhat generic. There’s also a destination fee per night (which includes perks like a food & beverage credit, bike rental, etc.).
- Dining: On-site dining includes a restaurant (Augusta) plus a steakhouse (The Palm), and a coffee bar.
- Event space: The hotel has a lot of meeting / ballroom space if that matters for potential daytime business or group stays.
Magnolia Hotel Denver (A Tribute Portfolio Hotel)
- Location & accessibility: The Magnolia is located at 818 17th Street in the heart of downtown Denver. It’s very centrally located with easy walking to Coors Field (hotel materials cite Coors Field as nearby).
- Vibe & character: This is a boutique, historic hotel built in 1910, but renovated with modern design. It has a lot of charm — exposed masonry, large historic windows, and a more personal feel than a big chain.
- Amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour concierge, and a fitness center. They also run a nightly cookie & milk bar — a fun, cozy perk.
- Parking: Parking is available via valet (there is a fee). Because the hotel is downtown, parking structure options may not be as seamless as a self-park garage, and valet may be more practical.
- Dining / lounge: On-site is Harry’s Bar & Grille, with a locally inspired menu, and there’s a lounge with billiards and a library feel.
- Event space: The hotel has ~13,450 sq ft of meeting/event space.
- Trade-offs: According to reviews, some rooms are a bit small; there is no pool or spa. Also, some guests have noted issues like slow or limited elevator service.

Which makes more sense given your trip (Rockies game + Red Rocks, with a car):

If you want a more polished, full-service hotel with modern amenities, the Westin is likely your best bet. It’s very convenient to Coors Field, has good parking access, and has more “big-hotel” infrastructure. For big nights like a concert or game, having a reliable garage and valet may be a big plus.
If you prefer a boutique, historic feel, and want to soak in downtown charm, the Magnolia is excellent. It's walkable, centrally located, and has a more local/character-driven vibe. You’ll trade off not having a pool or huge meeting space, but gain a cozy, memorable stay.
Because you have a car, parking is more important. While both hotels have parking options, the Westin’s connection to the Tabor Center garage might make logistics easier, especially on busy event nights.
For getting to Red Rocks, you’ll need to drive either way; driving out to Red Rocks from downtown is pretty normal. After a concert, having a valet or a secure garage (like at the Westin) may make returning easier.

My recommendation: Given your itinerary (sports + concert + driving), I lean toward the Westin Denver Downtown as the more practical choice. It gives you great downtown access, good parking, modern amenities, and a reliable “home base” when you're doing big event trips. But if you value charm, history, and a more intimate stay, the Magnolia is a strong second.

Magnolia or Westin Tabor Center?

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