Executive Travel

The Mile High City has a rural feel in an urban environment that combines fine dining, museums and theaters with hiking and skiing in the Rockies only minutes away. Fortune magazine rated Denver the third- best city for business in the United States in 1995.

Best Hotels

Brown Palace Hotel

321 17th St; (800) 321-2599

Called the “grande dame of Denver”, this century- old classic is conveniently located in the heart of downtown. Its Tiffany- like glass- domed lobby draws raves, along with attentive service and three dining rooms. The historic hotel continues to charm despite some dowdiness (which a post- survey reha may have remedied).

Rooms: 21, Service: 23, Dining: 22, Public Facilities: 23, Cost: $195

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Inverness Hotel & Golf Club

200 Inverness Drive W., Englewood; (800) 346-4891

Guests say they get a lot for their money at this magnificent contemporary conference hotel south of Denver. They like the quiet, well- appointed rooms, excellent restaurants and first-rate service. Between meetings, business travelers can enjoy the Olympic- size swimming pool, fully equipped health club, jogging trails, tennis courts and golf course.

Rooms: 23, Service: 23, Dining: 22, Public Facilities: 23, Cost: $169

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Oxford Hotel

1600 17th St.; (800) 228-5838

This 100- year- old landmark in the middle of booming lower downtown has been beautifully restored. Guest love the antique furnishings and rooms with character, though the latter can be small. The hotel has its own spa, salon and health club.

Rooms: 22, Service: 22, Dining: 21, Public Facilities: 21, Cost: $155

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Westin Tabor Center

1672 Lawrence St.; (800) 228-3000

This modern, mid-size business hotel enjoys a convenient location downtown. Beautiful, spacious rooms and superior food keep guests happy. Patrons say careful attention is paid to their needs. Direct access to the Shops at Tabor Center is an added benefit.

Rooms: 21, Service: 21, Dining: 20, Public Facilities: 21, Cost: $172

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Zagot Surveys are a series of regional dining and lodging guides based on extensive ratings and reveiws contributed by local restaurant goers and travelers. Ratings for food, decor and services are based on a numerical scale: 0-9, poor to fair; 10-19, good to very good;

20-25, very good to excellent; 26-30, extraordinary to perfect.

For more information or to participate in future surveys, call (800) 333-3421. Copyright 1995, Eugene H. Zagot Jr. and Nina S. Zagot