A Timeless Treasure in the Heart of Denver: Inside the Brown Palace
KLTT’s Pinpoint Colorado with Rachel Mains airs Saturdays at 5PM on KLTT 670AM on the dial or right here at 670kltt.com
There are places in a city that feel like more than brick and mortar. They carry memory. They carry story. They carry the fingerprints of generations. In Denver, few places embody that sense of living history quite like the Brown Palace Hotel.
In the latest episode of Pinpoint Colorado, host Rachel Maines steps inside this iconic landmark and sits down with Hotel Manager Alfonso Perez Vega for a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the Brown Palace so special. What unfolds is more than a tour—it’s a reminder of how beauty, tradition, and hospitality can quietly shape a community for over a century.
For 133 years, the Brown Palace has stood as a symbol of timeless elegance and faithful service. Alfonso describes it as a “generational place”—a hotel where families return again and again, creating memories that span decades. From the moment you enter the grand atrium, you feel it: this is a place where time slows down, where history isn’t preserved behind glass, but lived every day.
History You Can Walk Through
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Brown Palace is how deeply its past is woven into its present. Guests can tour presidential
suites, including the Eisenhower Suite—designed as a miniature replica of the Oval Office and filled with genuine historical artifacts. A handwritten letter from President Eisenhower himself hangs on the wall, thanking the hotel for the hospitality he received during his stays. It’s not just décor; it’s testimony to the role this place has played in the nation’s story.
Yet the Brown Palace isn’t merely about looking backward. It’s alive with purpose today.
A Place Full of Details (and Surprises)
The hotel still draws water from an underground well 750 feet below ground—the same source that made it the first hotel in America with running water. That well now supplies the fountains and spa, offering guests an experience rooted in something ancient and life-giving.
High above the city, six colonies of bees produce over 100 pounds of honey each year, used in the hotel’s tea service, guest rooms, and spa treatments. It’s a small but powerful reminder of stewardship—of caring for creation and using its gifts wisely.
Esoteric Lifestyle, Music, and a Tradition That Endures
And then there is tea.
For decades, the Brown Palace’s afternoon tea has been a cherished Denver tradition. Beneath a dazzling chandelier, guests enjoy a high tea experience that blends elegance with warmth—complete with Devonshire cream flown in from England and over 120 teas, including 20 blends exclusive to the Brown Palace. It’s a gathering place where friendships are deepened and moments become memories.
Music fills the building daily—piano, harp, jazz—curated by John Kite, who has been playing here for over 40 years. Every note becomes part of the atmosphere, wrapping guests in something both peaceful and profound.
The People Make the Place
What may be most inspiring, though, is the people.
Employees stay for decades. One associate recently celebrated 65 years of service. Tea servers average 25 years. This kind of longevity speaks to something deeper than a paycheck—it speaks to belonging. Alfonso describes a staff that feels true ownership and pride, not just in the building, but in the community it serves.
Serving Denver Beyond the Lobby
That heart for community shines brightly in events like the annual Champagne Cascade, which raises funds for local nonprofits. This year, the Brown Palace partnered with Mount St. Vincent, supporting children in foster care and raising $32,000 in a single evening. After 133 years, the hotel continues to invest in Denver’s future.
A Quiet Reminder of What Lasts
In a world that often feels rushed and disposable, the Brown Palace stands as a quiet witness to the power of faithfulness—showing up day after day, serving with excellence, and building something that lasts.
It’s a reminder that hospitality is holy work. That welcoming others is sacred. That places, like people, can glorify God by reflecting beauty, care, and grace over time.
We invite you to watch the full Pinpoint Colorado episode and step inside this Denver treasure for yourself. Whether you’re planning a visit, a cup of tea, or simply looking for a moment of inspiration, the Brown Palace offers something rare: a glimpse of what endures when a place is built on service, tradition, and heart.
Watch the full video below and experience the story of the Brown Palace for yourself.
