Moving Back to Colorado
Apr 29, 2021, 8:17 am
#16
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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JW Marroitt Denver Cherry Creek
Late Saturday and fortunately not much traffic on I-70 to the Colorado Blvd. exit.
We (or rather Mrs. SFO777) decided that we should stay at the JW Cherry Creek instead of my Cherry Creek favorite, the Jacquard. Once a really nice hotel, The JW is now just an OK hotel in a good location. But at least we were able to use our Bonvoy free night certificates so our only cost was the $49 a day valet parking fee.
Our 5th floor room was nice enough but that's where it ended, with the JW and Marriott taking full advantage of Covid B.S. excuses to provide no amenities or service. And housekeeping was on request only with a minimum 24 hour notice. No glasses, no robes, no slippers, no coffee cups, no water pitcher for the water station down the hall. And no sign of our pre-requested humdifier. Oh yeah, and no Do Not Disturb sign... I guess because housekeeping is on demand only. Sheesh. It only took 30 minutes for housekeeping to deliver all of the above while I walked around the corner to Whole Foods to save $100 on bottled water for the weekend.
The only redeeming feature about the JW is Richard Sandoval's Toro Latin Kitchen. His Denver-based chain has 50+ restaurants around the world including the fabulous Toro Toro at the Grosvenor House in Dubai.
We met SFO777Jr and Mrs. SFO777Jr in the lobby for our 7:15pm reservation.
The Sweet Corn Empanada was wonderful.
Blackened Tuna Tacos. Yummy.
Octopus Anticucho. Really good.
The Salmon was spectacular, with achiote marinade, dashi braised bok choy, bacon morita bacon jam and achiote ponzu.
The Lomo Saltado, beef filet with creamy jasmine rice and sweet and sour heirloom tomatoes, was outstanding.
And some great sides.
For dessert, OMG... La Bomba was to die for. A chocolate sphere with cookie crumbles, seasonal berries, assorted sorbets and ice creams. And what a show. Our server smashed La Bomba onto a plastic sheet, and we had at it.
Yeah, we did a number on it.
When we sat down at our table, we had been told that we had 90 minutes time limit. LOL. Well, nearly four hours later we were still there, apparently having ordered enough food and wine to justiify our squatting.
Back to our room, not surprisingly the same trash from five hours earlier was still by the elevators. It was also there the next morning. The carpets in the hall were filthy and looked like they hadn't been vacuumed in a week. When I mentioned it to the front desk manager, he apologized and said he would have housekeeping vaccum the hall. Nothing came of that and the carpet had still not been vacuumed by the time we left two days later.
Late Saturday and fortunately not much traffic on I-70 to the Colorado Blvd. exit.
We (or rather Mrs. SFO777) decided that we should stay at the JW Cherry Creek instead of my Cherry Creek favorite, the Jacquard. Once a really nice hotel, The JW is now just an OK hotel in a good location. But at least we were able to use our Bonvoy free night certificates so our only cost was the $49 a day valet parking fee.
Our 5th floor room was nice enough but that's where it ended, with the JW and Marriott taking full advantage of Covid B.S. excuses to provide no amenities or service. And housekeeping was on request only with a minimum 24 hour notice. No glasses, no robes, no slippers, no coffee cups, no water pitcher for the water station down the hall. And no sign of our pre-requested humdifier. Oh yeah, and no Do Not Disturb sign... I guess because housekeeping is on demand only. Sheesh. It only took 30 minutes for housekeeping to deliver all of the above while I walked around the corner to Whole Foods to save $100 on bottled water for the weekend.
The only redeeming feature about the JW is Richard Sandoval's Toro Latin Kitchen. His Denver-based chain has 50+ restaurants around the world including the fabulous Toro Toro at the Grosvenor House in Dubai.
We met SFO777Jr and Mrs. SFO777Jr in the lobby for our 7:15pm reservation.
The Sweet Corn Empanada was wonderful.
Blackened Tuna Tacos. Yummy.
Octopus Anticucho. Really good.
The Salmon was spectacular, with achiote marinade, dashi braised bok choy, bacon morita bacon jam and achiote ponzu.
The Lomo Saltado, beef filet with creamy jasmine rice and sweet and sour heirloom tomatoes, was outstanding.
And some great sides.
For dessert, OMG... La Bomba was to die for. A chocolate sphere with cookie crumbles, seasonal berries, assorted sorbets and ice creams. And what a show. Our server smashed La Bomba onto a plastic sheet, and we had at it.
Yeah, we did a number on it.
When we sat down at our table, we had been told that we had 90 minutes time limit. LOL. Well, nearly four hours later we were still there, apparently having ordered enough food and wine to justiify our squatting.
Back to our room, not surprisingly the same trash from five hours earlier was still by the elevators. It was also there the next morning. The carpets in the hall were filthy and looked like they hadn't been vacuumed in a week. When I mentioned it to the front desk manager, he apologized and said he would have housekeeping vaccum the hall. Nothing came of that and the carpet had still not been vacuumed by the time we left two days later.
Last edited by SFO777; May 1, 2021 at 10:59 am
Apr 29, 2021, 12:18 pm
#17
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Denver, Colorado
Programs: IHG Spire, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Titanium, Mileage Plus Gold
Posts: 1,736
Thank you very much mileageking.
Thanks glasman19. Totally agree. We figured what that we may as well cash out now while we can and escape. LOL on the wooden utensils. Those were actually Amex CL utensils. No utensils on DL since DL doesn't even serve meals.
Thanks so much safari ari. Yeah, that's what we're worried about. Hey ex-Californians, you're leaving for a reason. Don't bring that California crap with you.
Thanks glasman19. Totally agree. We figured what that we may as well cash out now while we can and escape. LOL on the wooden utensils. Those were actually Amex CL utensils. No utensils on DL since DL doesn't even serve meals.
Thanks so much safari ari. Yeah, that's what we're worried about. Hey ex-Californians, you're leaving for a reason. Don't bring that California crap with you.
This is the NEW OC. When swat team and pistol whipping is the norm now I guess. When stuff like this happens in Irvine you know its time to get out.
Apr 29, 2021, 7:48 pm
#18
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: St. Paul, MN
Programs: Delta Platinum Medallion, IHG Gold, HH Silver
Posts: 448
Great report as always, SFO777. I flew Delta this past weekend from MSP to MCO in F, and found the service to be very good, and at least a full drink service. I did miss enjoying a meal on a flight of this length in pre-pandemic times, but instead had a box of snacks which I didn't touch that many of. Looking forward to when there are definitely more food options brought back.
Good luck in your home search in Colorado. My wife and I are beginning to look for a new home ourselves and what a market it is ...
Looking forward to your next report. All best,
Matthew
Good luck in your home search in Colorado. My wife and I are beginning to look for a new home ourselves and what a market it is ...
Looking forward to your next report. All best,
Matthew
Apr 30, 2021, 10:38 pm
#20
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: In between IAD and DCA
Programs: UA Plat 1.1MM , Marriott Gold Elite, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,262
Great as always SFO777. It is absolutely disgraceful what hotels are justifying these days due to "Covid." I put it in quotes because we all know at this point these changes are not going away. Say goodbye to daily housekeeping, typical food service, etc. besides at the very top hotels.
I had a very good stay at the JW Cherry Creek a few years ago, sad to see it's kind of crap now.
I had a very good stay at the JW Cherry Creek a few years ago, sad to see it's kind of crap now.
May 1, 2021, 10:58 am
#22
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/l...sday%20morning.
This is the NEW OC. When swat team and pistol whipping is the norm now I guess. When stuff like this happens in Irvine you know its time to get out.
This is the NEW OC. When swat team and pistol whipping is the norm now I guess. When stuff like this happens in Irvine you know its time to get out.
Great report as always, SFO777. I flew Delta this past weekend from MSP to MCO in F, and found the service to be very good, and at least a full drink service. I did miss enjoying a meal on a flight of this length in pre-pandemic times, but instead had a box of snacks which I didn't touch that many of. Looking forward to when there are definitely more food options brought back. Good luck in your home search in Colorado. My wife and I are beginning to look for a new home ourselves and what a market it is ...
Looking forward to your next report. All best, Matthew
Looking forward to your next report. All best, Matthew
Great as always SFO777. It is absolutely disgraceful what hotels are justifying these days due to "Covid." I put it in quotes because we all know at this point these changes are not going away. Say goodbye to daily housekeeping, typical food service, etc. besides at the very top hotels. I had a very good stay at the JW Cherry Creek a few years ago, sad to see it's kind of crap now.
And you know that DL got a good deal on those minis.
May 1, 2021, 10:59 am
#23
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Denver Apartment Hunting
I headed out for the nearby Starbucks for Mrs. SFO777's grande triple shot caramel macchiato.
Breakfast.
And exploring a few options, this one in the heart of Cherry Creek.
And another option...
Next up, lunch.... at nearby North Italia, just up the block from the JW.
Delicious Wild Shrimp Scampi with amazing grilled bread.
And yummy Bolognese with tagliatelle.
After a relaxing afternoon, we headed for dinner at Nobu's nearby Matsuhisa.
As good as ever.
Next morning, back at it with more potential Cherry Creek apartments.
And then downtown to Parq on Speer. Very cool.
And Parq Barq in case we want to get a doggie.
As temps plunged, the snow started but we made it to tonight's restaurant, the wonderful Root Down in The Highlands, just west of I-25 and downtown.
Cool decor.
With amazing food. Colombian Arepas... Corn Cake, Mozzarella, Poblano Pistachio Pesto, Achiote Crema & Pico de Gallo.. Wow.
And the incredible Devils on Horseback...Tender Belly Bacon, Smoked Almonds, Gournay Cheese Fondue, Peppadew Peppers & Sherry Gastrique.
Risotto... peas, asparagus, roasted mushrooms, marscarpone, pecorino, black quinoa and pickled rhubarb. Yum.
And amazing mains...
Moroccan Roasted Chicken... Charred Broccoli, Harissa Carrot, Medjool Date, Lentil Salsa Verde, Preserved Lemon Yogurt & Black Tahini.. OMG.
And wonderful chocolate and banana cream desserts.
Back at the JW, winter is back with snow and temps down in the teens.
I headed out for the nearby Starbucks for Mrs. SFO777's grande triple shot caramel macchiato.
Breakfast.
And exploring a few options, this one in the heart of Cherry Creek.
And another option...
Next up, lunch.... at nearby North Italia, just up the block from the JW.
Delicious Wild Shrimp Scampi with amazing grilled bread.
And yummy Bolognese with tagliatelle.
After a relaxing afternoon, we headed for dinner at Nobu's nearby Matsuhisa.
As good as ever.
Next morning, back at it with more potential Cherry Creek apartments.
And then downtown to Parq on Speer. Very cool.
And Parq Barq in case we want to get a doggie.
As temps plunged, the snow started but we made it to tonight's restaurant, the wonderful Root Down in The Highlands, just west of I-25 and downtown.
Cool decor.
With amazing food. Colombian Arepas... Corn Cake, Mozzarella, Poblano Pistachio Pesto, Achiote Crema & Pico de Gallo.. Wow.
And the incredible Devils on Horseback...Tender Belly Bacon, Smoked Almonds, Gournay Cheese Fondue, Peppadew Peppers & Sherry Gastrique.
Risotto... peas, asparagus, roasted mushrooms, marscarpone, pecorino, black quinoa and pickled rhubarb. Yum.
Diver Scallops... plantain hash, kale, edamame, fried capers, pickled red onions and lemon habanero tartar sauce.
And amazing mains...
Moroccan Roasted Chicken... Charred Broccoli, Harissa Carrot, Medjool Date, Lentil Salsa Verde, Preserved Lemon Yogurt & Black Tahini.. OMG.
And wonderful chocolate and banana cream desserts.
Back at the JW, winter is back with snow and temps down in the teens.
Last edited by SFO777; May 5, 2021 at 10:57 pm
May 2, 2021, 7:13 am
#24
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: somewhere between ORD and Willis Tower
Programs: UA MM, Premier Plat, Costco EM
Posts: 1,392
Interesting trip report on rental options.
Super impressed that a rental has subzero and wolf - we are gut rehabbing a place and you would be shocked at the backlog for subzero and wolf.
Ironically, we are in Breckenridge (trying to suck all the value out of my veteran epic ski pass) - we are thinking of stopping by Cherry Creek later today for a late lunch before our flight.
Congrats on the quick home sale - prices are going crazy in the places where people want to live (e.g., Colorado, Florida, Texas etc.) and good luck with the move and home search!
Super impressed that a rental has subzero and wolf - we are gut rehabbing a place and you would be shocked at the backlog for subzero and wolf.
Ironically, we are in Breckenridge (trying to suck all the value out of my veteran epic ski pass) - we are thinking of stopping by Cherry Creek later today for a late lunch before our flight.
Congrats on the quick home sale - prices are going crazy in the places where people want to live (e.g., Colorado, Florida, Texas etc.) and good luck with the move and home search!
May 2, 2021, 1:31 pm
#25
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Nice report!
It's certainly a seller's market right now in a lot of places where people are fleeing to. Taking a year to rent and finding the best option isn't the worst thing, and maybe if you're lucky the market may soften a little bit in that time.
You can add North Carolina to that list too. Everything is selling above asking with multiple offers, it's wild.
It's certainly a seller's market right now in a lot of places where people are fleeing to. Taking a year to rent and finding the best option isn't the worst thing, and maybe if you're lucky the market may soften a little bit in that time.
You can add North Carolina to that list too. Everything is selling above asking with multiple offers, it's wild.
May 2, 2021, 6:16 pm
#26
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Denver CO
Programs: HHonors Gold, National Emerald Club, no airline affinity status
Posts: 3,349
Let us know when you are back in Denver. If you settle in Cherry Creek, I will wave each time I walk my client's dog down in the shopping area.
May 3, 2021, 8:38 am
#27
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: somewhere between ORD and Willis Tower
Programs: UA MM, Premier Plat, Costco EM
Posts: 1,392
I have a friend that bought in the Margaritaville development in Kissimmee 2 years ago at $950k - he's getting unsolicited cash offers north of $1.5 right now. insane
May 5, 2021, 5:58 pm
#29
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA GS-2MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 3,715
OMG!!! Thank heavens you have seen the light and decided to return to a normal state. Come stay at my place. My wine fridge is full to the bream, we have an amazing cheese importer in my town and I have finally found a place that sells duck liver pate that doesn't taste like it was strained through a jock strap. Call me - let's have lunch!
May 5, 2021, 10:36 pm
#30
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Location: TOA
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OMG!!! Thank heavens you have seen the light and decided to return to a normal state. Come stay at my place. My wine fridge is full to the bream, we have an amazing cheese importer in my town and I have finally found a place that sells duck liver pate that doesn't taste like it was strained through a jock strap. Call me - let's have lunch!
David