Monday, June 17, 2013

A Landmark 60th Birthday at the Brown Palace




Photo Source: clip art

"If you must look back, do so forgivingly. 
If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. 
However, the wisest thing you can do is be
present in the present, gratefully."

~ Maya Angelou

It isn't every day that one celebrates a special birthday! I've turned 60. Or, as I prefer to call it, "Double 30." That is why my birthday this year has been more than one day of celebration, with more to come!  Birthdays make me happy. I don't mind growing older, as I've found life gets more interesting the older I get. My one wish is for my good health to continue so I can keep enjoying it all. 


As you may already know, my husband recently treated me to tickets to see Andrea Bocelli at the Pepsi Center in Denver (click here) for my birthday, and my older brother and sister-in-law treated me to two pizzas (click here) flown in from NYC. But as a very special treat for my "landmark birthday" of 60, my husband fulfilled a dream I had of staying a night in one of Denver's oldest, continually running hotels--the landmark Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, which is located at 17th Street and Broadway in Denver, Colorado.


The hotel was built in 1892, by Henry Cordes Brown, (no relation to another famous Coloradan, Molly Brown). Brown had made his fortune in real estate and was one of the wealthiest men in Colorado at the time.  He hired Frank E. Edbrooke to design the new hotel, which was built by the cost of an unprecedented $1.6 million dollars in the Italian Renaissance style on a triangular piece of property.


The hotel featured the nation's first atrium lobby, with balcony floors rising six floors above the two-story lobby.



The balcony railings are all constructed of cast iron grillwork.


A close up of the panels in the balconies. A bit of trivia: two of the panels in the floors of railings were mistakenly installed upside down.


The atrium ceiling is constructed of a skylight made of stained glass.


The 2,800 square foot stained glass skylight is original., and it is currently being maintained by the fourth generation of its creator, Clarence Watkins.


The stone used throughout the hotel lobby is Mexican Onyx.



The hotel's original artesian well is located 750 feet deep beneath the floor, and still provides water to every faucet in the hotel!


I just love all the nooks and crannies of older hotels, especially when their decor and artifacts make me feel like I am visiting a previous era. The Brown Palace did not disappoint! The Brown Palace has been visited by every President since Teddy Roosevelt (1905) with the exception of Calvin Coolidge and has had many other famous and historic guests.


A glass of champagne is offered at check-in, and upon hearing that I was celebrating a birthday, the desk clerk had delicious chocolate truffles sent to our room, accompanied by a birthday card! 



Looking down at the main floor of the hotel the next day, you can see the main seating area was set for afternoon tea, which is served daily, between 12 and four, based on availability. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Scones, tea pastries, and tea sandwiches are artfully prepared by the hotel's culinary staff each day, while the Devonshire cream is shipped directly from England.
.

My husband treated me to tea, and we chose the "Royal Palace" selection from the menu, which included a glass of Kir Royale.



Just look at all the wonderful selections on our tea tray! (This photo and all photos in this post can be enlarged by clicking on them, and then again when they open on a new tab) When we finished our first selection of tea sandwiches, they were replaced with another platter of the same.



My husband chose the organic Masala Chai tea, while I chose the Organic Brown Palace Crown Jewel tea, which is a blend of  Assam and Ceylon teas. While we sipped our tea and enjoy the treats, we were listened to live piano music being played during the tea service... It was truly the most lovely experience, and one I'd love to repeat very soon.

My birthday celebrations are not completed, however, as later that night my family gathered at another Denver landmark, where we had the most unusual dinner. More about that in my next post!



I also thank all who commented on my post about the devastating Black Forest fire near Colorado Springs that claimed two lives, destroyed almost 480 homes, and many acres of ponderosa pine. The fires have been better contained after some much-needed rain and hopefully, they will be completely extinguished very soon. Thank you for your concern and prayers!


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43 comments:

eileeninmd said...

What a beautiful way to celebrate your birthday, Pat! Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing. Have a happy week!

Lynn said...

Such a beautiful hotel! Looks like you had a great stay Pat-enjoy:@)

Tracy said...

Happy 60th, Pat! LOVELY place and way to celebrate a special occasion--and special YOU! :o) What a beautiful tea Brown's puts on... mmm... Happy Days with the celebration continuing! ((HUGS))

podso said...

What a beautiful gift! I love that you took part in the afternoon tea! You have us waiting for the next installment! It seems you have celebrated well!

Old Kitty said...

Awwww Pat!! Happy happy happy happy HAPPY 60th birthday to you!!!

And what a brilliant pressie from your lovely hubby!

My goodness that is one gorgeous hotel! Did you find out which panels were installed upside down!??! Amazing!

Hope you continue to have a most memorable birthday!

Take care
x

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

Great way to celebrate! I can't tell you how many times I have walked wistfully around that lobby, peeking at folks enjoying tea and wishing time and reason allowed for a stay!

SmilingSally said...

No wonder you enjoy birthdays with a celebration like this! That tea alone would delight me! What a grand hotel it is.

♪ Happy Birthday to you. ♫



and also:
Happy Blue Monday, Pat.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

What a wonderful birthday you've had! It all looks and sounds just divine.

I have a friend in Aurora, not too far from you.

Kris said...

Hi Pat! I am here to catch up with your ever so interesting life and adventures!! First of all, Happy Birthday! You have sure been living it up, and having a grand time! So wonderful of your husband to arrange such special things to see and do. Love Andrea!!!!
That fire is so, so sad!!
Love,
Kris

Judy said...

Most special...the hotel...the ambiance...the afternoon tea! What a perfect place to celebrate your 'double 30th'. I'm glad you had a weekend set aside to do just that! Blessings to you as you continue on the journey...making wonderful memories and enjoying each day to the fullest.

Pamela Gordon said...

Oh Pat! The gorgeous hotel and the afternoon tea would be a wonderful birthday treat indeed! You took wonderful photos of the hotel and tea. Now I can't wait to hear about your dinner that night. Pamela

Anonymous said...

Happy double 30 - you look much younger. And wow, you know how to celebrate in style!

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

Amazing ! No WONDER you wanted to stay there...what fun to go on this tour of yours :)

Snap said...

It is so much fun to celebrate getting older -- all that knowledge was hard won! :D :D Happy Happy and thanks for sharing your birthday celebrations with us. What a special place the palace is and that's a great TEA! Happy Happy!

ellen b. said...

I'm so glad your birthday celebrations are being stretched out. I think this one deserves lots of celebrations for sure. Love this location with all the history and that amazing looking tea!

Nellie said...

What a wonderful celebration for your birthday, Pat! Tea looks amazing!

Lorrie said...

What a great way to celebrate your 60th birthday. You look so happy in the photo with your husband. What an amazing hotel. Looking forward to reading about more of the celebrating.

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Thank you for the peek inside that remarkable hotel! Your tea looks absolutely scrumptious. You sure do know how to celebrate. I'm glad you are enjoying your double-30 landmark in so many happy ways.

Ann said...

Another fabulous gift for your birthday. You must feel like royalty :)
That hotel is gorgeous

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

So much fun! Happy birthday, Dear Pat!

Michelle said...

I have been to Denver several times, but have not been lucky enough to stay at the Brown. How fantastic for you! Thank you for sharing these pictures. The place is just beautiful.

Millie said...

Happy double thirtieth birthday! That looks like quite the great place to stay.


I can't post with my open ID the way your comments are set up (stupid Blogger) because it says the url is missing, but it isn't. It will let me use the open ID if comments are embedded.

Teresa from Eden Hills

Unknown said...

Congrats!! That hotel is a beauty, and the architecture is so refreshing from the glass and chrome of today. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Anonymous said...

You husband treated you like a queen!

Vee said...

What a sweetheart he is! That looks like such a marvelous treat.

Jenny said...

You are loved!

What a treat!

And one you amply deserved!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

What a super lovely birthday gift! It looks like a marvelous place and the tea looks just wonderful, too.
Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing.

Margaret said...

Hi Pat, Your wonderful husband and family made your 60th birthday very special :) What an elegant historic hotel, a memorable way to celebrate 60 years! Thank-you for sharing it with us, excellent photos! I enjoy heritage buildings. When we were in Winnipeg I loved exploring the Fort Garry Hotel. I believe it is turning 100 this year. I didn't get to stay there, however was in the oval Palm room ( lounge ) a few times. It was gorgeous decorated for Christmas, and looked so magestic and mysterious with snow softly falling.
Margaret from B.C.

Cindy said...

Happy Double 30 birthday!!! You lucky gal, what a fabulous hotel to spend the night in and enjoy such a lovely tea! I am jealous! No not really. But I would love to stay in such a gorgeous hotel, that is certain.
I'm glad to hear that it has rained on those horrendous fires, I cannot imagine the devastation!
Have a wonderful week!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

You are such a daring couple, :). What a wonderful birthday celebration and happy double 30 birthday to you! :)

Sara said...

What a lovely way to celebrate your birthday...

I had tea at the Empress Hotel in Vancouver British Coloumbia and it was awesome...

I am sure your tea experience was the same. Do they sell their tea blend in the gift shop???

Lovella ♥ said...

Happy Double 30! What a beautiful lady you are. I love that special tea you had...and so wonderful that you could enjoy that with your dear husband. Many happy returns of the day!

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Happy Birthday to a lady who deserves all this and more. I think you hit the jackpot with that sweet husband of yours.

diane b said...

Wow! What a fabulous birthday gift. It looked and sounded a magical place and the tea a delicious treat. Happy Birthday.

Fashion Momma said...

Beautiful pics. Happy Belated to you. I played too. Mine are here and here.

Cathy said...

You celebrated your 60th in style, Pat. What a treat to stay in such a beautiful hotel. And an Andrea Bocelli concert too! Best birthday wishes.

Anonymous said...

happy birthday again Pat as the festivities continue to roll on :) love that hotel...fantastic and I love the tea!! continuing prayers for those involved in the devastating fire.

The Gathering Place said...

Happy birthday! I love old classic hotels and that looked like a wonderful one. The refreshments looked delicious, too. Fun!

Sheila said...

You must have enjoyed the whole experience Pat. Your husband certainly treated you royally! I was a Tea Waitress once upon a time and enjoyed seeing the delicious treats that were served at the Brown Hotel. Happy Birthday!

La Petite Gallery said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! How was the Flying Pizza? That Hotel sounds fabulous.
Glad the Fires missed you. I would love to see Bocelli, He is beautiful. What a fantastic night that must have been.
I wish you Love and Happiness.
yvonne

Tanna said...

What a way to celebrate your double 30th!! Happy, Happy belated birthday, Pat. You make 60 look GOOD! blessings ~ tanna

AdriBarr said...

Well happy birthday to you! Oh my, but that hotel is a dream. I have heard it is fantastic, but I had no idea how truly special. I love seeing you and your husband together. You look so cute and so happy! Best to you and lots of love, Adri

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

What a perfect celebration, you are loved!