A few weeks ago, Denver International Airport unveiled its new Denver Airport Hotel – the Westin Denver International Airport. I got an invitation to go to the opening day celebration (November 19), but unfortunately I wasn’t able to clear my schedule for the day. Luckily, several other reporters that I regularly follow (like Harriet Baskas) were able to cover it (check out her trip report, including some awesome Denver #layovertips here, during her stay at the Denver Airport Hotel as on of the first guests).

For the opening day ceremony, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock led a ribbon cutting ceremony, and then invite-only guests were offered a tour of the hotel. There were plenty of opportunities for photos and questions, with Denver International Airport and Denver Airport hotel officials readily available to answer questions.

Here’s a video of the ribbon cutting:

Opening day of the new Denver Airport hotel took place more than 20 years after Denver city planners put the Airport 2.0 concept into action. The vision was to create a modern, globally connected airport with an on-site hotel (finally opened!) and rail service to downtown Denver (coming soon, in 2016). It cost $600 million to build, and the first hotel guests paid $1,500 per room, with the Denver Airport hotel operating at 50% capacity on opening night.

The Denver Airport Hotel and Transit Center is made up of a 519-room and 35-suite Westin Hotel and 35,000 square foot conference center (accomodates 750 people), as well as a public transit center including a commuter rail station that will be connecting the airport with downtown Denver. The transit hub also includes a public plaza that will offer entertainment and relaxation. The Denver Airport hotel offers complimentary transportation to and from the Jeppeson Terminal – the shuttle pick-up is from Jeppesen Terminal Level 5, island 3, outside doors 505-507 (east side) and 510-512 (west side).

Want to see a cool time-lapse video of the Denver Airport hotel being built? Check this out:

You can read more about the Denver Airport hotel on the Denver International Airport website here, or in the tripchi airport app.

We’ve also rolled up some great #layovertips for you here, focusing on day hikes from DEN, as there’s lots of things to do if you’re staying at the Denver Airport hotel anytime soon.