macbravery,
I used to go to Denver every summer growing up to visit family in the area. The last time I was there (about 4 years ago) I was amazed of how much nicer it was. I used to think of it as a pretty dirty/industrial city, but with the revival of the downtown area it's much better now. The Cherry Creek section of town is very nice (upscale shopping etc) and has a great bookstore. The area around Coors field is very happening. My fondest memories from my youth there were going to Elich Gardens and Casa Bonita. I once saw Will Shatner (pre-Priceline days) in Deathtrap at the playhouse in Elich Gardens but the amusement park has moved to a new site and I have no idea what it's like now. Also, if Casa Bonita is still open, just go there for the scenery and not the food. I never stayed at any hotels around Denver but I have always wanted to stay at Brown Palace. By the way, isn't the Renaissance the old Stoufer's at Stapelton Airport. What is the area like now???