Life House, Lower Highlands

Denver, Colorado’s Highlands district is one of the most vibrant and fast-changing corners of town; art galleries, breweries, restaurants, bars, and now hotels balance the change that necessarily accompanies innovation with the need to hold on to local history. Life House, Lower Highlands, the third of a new brand with exemplars in Miami and Nantucket, is devoted to both efforts. It’s a new build, and an attractive one, a modestly sized contemporary building in a neighborhood that’s part commercial, part residential. Inside, however, modernity gives way to Victoriana, in a tribute to the era of LoHi’s founding.

With 16 rooms, it’s a smaller-scale operation than you might find in one of Denver’s busier, more central neighborhoods. But the modest size and the residential atmosphere go hand in hand; Life House’s concept, as the name may suggest, is less about traditional luxury and more about local living. In keeping with the apartment-style vibe, you’ll find Life House a bit lightly serviced by hotel standards — the front desk’s hours are limited, and staffers are relatively few.

The rooms are stylish, and more than comfortable, with rain showers, Le Labo bath products, and Marshall sound systems. Some are simple king rooms, with space for two, while others have bunk beds for parties as large as eight, and the suites blend the master-bedroom and bunk-room styles. Locals and guests mingle over early-morning espresso in the Coffee & Tea Lounge, over thoughtful Italian cuisine at Wildflower, and linger over drinks at the Life House’s cocktail bar.