Special Libraries Association:Travel
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Accomodations
This list of hotels (and website links) is provided only for your information. It is very important to make room arrangements through SLA's housing bureau. SLA has posted a hotel map at http://www.sla.org/PDFs/sla2007/2007HotelMap.pdf.
The designated conference hotel is the Hyatt Regency
- Hyatt Regency Denver
- 650 15th Street
- The front door of the hotel is on California St, only a half-block walk from the convention center entrance.
SLA has made arrangements for blocks of rooms at these additional hotels in downtown Denver:
Walking directions are from the Big Blue Bear at the corner of 14th and California
- The Curtishas been added to the list of official accomodations. Although it isn't on the hotel list on the conference website - it IS on the drop down menu when you go to pick a hotel in the online hotel reservation process.The room rate is $159.00 a night.
- 1405 Curtis Street
- Three blocks west of the Convention Center at 14th and Curtis Street
- Adam's Mark
- 1550 Court Place
- Six blocks from the Convention Center.
- Walk two blocks to the 16th Street Mall, and either catch the shuttle east to Court Place or walk the five blocks.
- Brown Palace
- 321 17th Street
- Six blocks from the convention center.
- The front door of the hotel is on Tremont Street, slightly north of 17th. There is a door that exits onto 17th.
- Walk two blocks to the 16th Street Mall. Walk (or catch the shuttle) three blocks east to Tremont. Walk North one block on Tremont. Distinguished guests of this historic hotel include every US President since Roosevelt, and the Beatles, too! Be sure to take the free guided tour.
- Comfort Inn Downtown
- 401 17th Street
- The front door is directly across from the Brown Palace on Tremont Street. There is a door that exits onto 17th. These two hotels are operated by the same management; staying here gives you access to the Brown Palace.
- Courtyard by Marriott
- 934 16th Street ( Curtis and 16th )
- Four blocks from the Convention Center.
- Walk two blocks to the 16th Street Mall, then walk ( or catch the mall shuttle) two blocks west to Curtis.
- Denver Marriott City Center
- 1701 California Street
- Four blocks north of the Convention Center on California.
- Grand Hyatt Denver
- 1750 Welton Street
- Six blocks from the Convention Center.
- Walk two blocks to the 16th Street Mall. Walk (or catch the shuttle) east for two blocks, to Welton Street and walk two blocks North to the Grand Hyatt.
- Holiday Inn Denver
- 1450 Glenarm Place
- Walk two blocks east on 14th, turn north on Glenarm for about a half a block.
- Magnolia Hotel
- 818 17th Street
- Three and a half blocks from the convention center.
- Walk west to Stout, and three blocks north to 17th.
- Residence Inn Denver City Center
- 1725 Champa
- Six blocks from the convention center.
- Walk four blocks north to 18th Street and two blocks west to Champa.
Getting to Denver
For a printable PDF version of this information, click here
Arrival at DIA
If you fly to the conference, you will arrive at Denver International Airport. All the major US airlines, among several others, fly to Denver, but DIA is dominated by United and Frontier.
Designed to eliminate many of the problems of the old Stapleton, DIA is one of the world's largest airports, but also a good distance from the heart of Denver. This can make it seem a bit intimidating, but it is actually a fairly simple airport to use.
The main Jeppesen Terminal runs North and South, with baggage claim, airline counters, transportation services, and passenger pick-up/drop-off on the East and West sides; which side depends on your airline. Arrival/Departure gates are on Concourses A, B, and C, which are located north of the terminal, in that order.
When you deplane, follow the signs to baggage claim. In the center of your concourse you will go down to the train that runs Concourse C --> B --> A --> Terminal. This single train is the only way to exit the airport, except in Concourse A, where a bridge connects to Level 6 of the terminal. When you exit the train at the terminal, take the escalators or elevators up. You will be in the center area of level 5 of the main terminal. If someone is meeting you, the fountain in this center area is a good meeting place.
Check at the Ground Transportation desk near the fountain for information on where to catch a bus or shuttle. Car rental agency desks and shuttle service desks are located on the perimeter of this center area, too.
Also near the Fountain is the Information Desk staffed by knowledgeable folks who can provide a map of the whole place and answer more questions than you can think to ask.
Signs on pillars direct you to the baggage carousels in the east and west hallways running parallel to the center hall. Baggage carts are available for rent for $3 (cash or credit) near the carousels. The doors to outside are next to the baggage claim area. Each doorway has a number on it - odd number doors are on the East side and even number doors are on the West side. Door numbers also start with the level number.
Ground transportation providers, including taxis, vans, rental car shuttles, hotel shuttles, RTD buses, etc. operate from several lanes, or islands, on Level 5, the same level as baggage claim. Your transporation service may mention a specific door and island as the closest exit to their pick-up location, e.g. Door 506, Island 3.
Passenger pick-up by friends and family is done on Level 4, so you will need to use an elevator located near an exit door to go down to 4. Short-term parking is limited. Your ride may have to wait at a designated area away from the terminal, so keep your cell phone handy to call them. Tip: use the door number near where you are waiting to help them find you, e.g. Door 413.
A full complement of other services are provided at DIA, either in the terminal or in a concourse. A wide variety of food options are available in the terminal and in each concourse, ranging from frozen yogurt to Wolfgang Puck. (The biggest variety is in the terminal and Concourse B.) Either check at an information desk at the airport or visit the Shops & Restaurants section of the DIA website for specific information.
Foreign Currency exchanges are available at Denver International Airport in the main terminal and Concourses A & B. A traveling tip: If your home bank is part of an international network, you often get the best exchange rate from your bank by using your cash card to get U.S. dollars from an ATM machine. But check with your bank first for their rates and fees! You can use the currency services to exchange remaining dollars when you leave.
Though you will probably be preoccupied with finding your way, pause a moment to admire the architecture of Jeppeson terminal, specifically its truly unusual ceiling. It is a notable feature, paying tribute to the snow capped peaks of the Rockies.
Departure from DIA
Follow airline and TSA guidelines as to when to arrive at the airport, but after checking in with the airline, allow time to get through security and out to the concourse. Passenger drop-off by private vehicle is on Level 6, where check-in counters are located. Check signs as you approach to determine if your airline is on the East or West side. Public transport will drop you on Level 5, so you will need to go up to Level 6 to check-in.
If you have a rental car, there is a gas station on the left at the airport entrance (when you start to see signs for rental car return or remote parking, watch for service plaza). It is, of course, pricier than gas stations in the city, but as the next closest station is about nine miles away, you may need to top off your tank here. Don't forget to allow time to take the shuttle from the rental car location to the terminal.
There are two main security stations, one each at the south and north ends of the terminal, in the center hallway on Level 5. If your gate is on Concourse A, you can also walk across the bridge on Level 6 to a small security station in that concourse. From main security, you descend down to the train platform to travel to your departure gate on Concourse A, Concourse B, or Concourse C.
The Main Terminal Level 5 is the best place to get those last-minute Colorado souvenirs. If you wait to shop in the concourse, your choices may be more limited. There is also a full service post office on Level 6, where you can mail those last-minute postcards.
Not interested in shopping, but still have some time? Take in the various art exhibits and installations on Levels 5 and 6. Especially interesting are the display cabinets outside the entrance to the Concourse A bridge. These tell the story of aviation pioneer Elrey B. Jeppesen, for whom the terminal was named. Continue toward Concourse A (you’re not through Security yet) to see the current art exhibition – it could be photography, quilts, even miniature engines and it’s always interesting. The current exhibition is "Colorado in Space: Our Heritage, Our Future".
If you are a plane watcher, you have a good view of taxiing planes from many places on the concourses. The main reason the concourses are so spread out is to allow several planes to back away from or approach gates at the same time. Several planes can be taxiing between concourses and runways without creating a bottleneck. It can be quite interesting to watch during busy periods.
If you want to eat before your flight, or get something to eat on board, a wide variety of food options are available in the terminal and in each concourse. Either check at an information desk at the airport or visit the Shops & Restaurants section of the DIA website for preferred food options, or to find other last minute items, e.g. reading material, ATM, etc.
For more details about DIA, security wait times and TSA restrictions, check their Web site http://flydenver.com/
Airport to/from Downtown
Denver International Airport, or DIA, is located about 23 miles from downtown. Depending on traffic and weather conditions, it can take 45 to 60 minutes to travel between downtown and the airport. Check the airport’s website for a variety of options including public transit, taxis, vans, etc. Note: services are basically the same on both the east and west sides of the terminal.
Shuttle Services
The major shuttle services have a counter in the center hall area, Level 5 of the main Terminal at DIA. SuperShuttle is probably the most familiar for transport to Downtown hotels. The published one way fare is $19.
The SLA webstie has a coupon for the Super Shuttle Service
http://www.sla.org/pdfs/07slaconfshuttlecoupon.pdf
Or, if traveling with colleagues, a sedan for 4 is $75. Go to the website for current information. Other shuttle services inside the terminal may travel downtown, specific metro areas, or to more distant locations, e.g. Boulder, mountain towns, etc. Check signs, or just ask at the Ground Transportation Information counter.
There are also privately operated shuttle services located at Island 3 of Level 5 Ground Transportation. As there is security pass control for access to this level, only authorized van/shuttle providers should be in the lane. But do ask for their rate before you board (you can negotiate). Have cash ready as many do not take credit cards.
Taxi/Limo
One-way taxi fare from the airport to downtown is generally in the $50-60 range so it pays to consider your options. If you want to take a taxi, look for the Taxi/Limo booth on Island 1 on Level 5. There is usually someone to ensure taxis are hired in an orderly manner.
If you have reserved a Limo, they will also contact the driver that you are ready for pick-up. (Drivers are not allowed to idle at the curb, but use a special waiting area.)
Bus
RTD’s skyRide is a convenient and inexpensive means of transport from and to DIA. A one-way trip on skyRide between the airport and downtown costs just $8.00. skyRide buses stop at the Market Street Station (16th Street Mall and Market Street) or the Denver Bus Center (19th & Arapahoe Streets). Buses are scheduled at least once an hour. skyRide drivers make your trip easy by loading and unloading large baggage for you. The trip takes about 50 minutes on skyRide’s deluxe transit coaches with comfortable reclining seats, individual reading lights, and overhead compartments for smaller luggage.
To get to the Hyatt using skyRide: Board the bus on Level 5 of the airport terminal. Be sure to take the 'AF' bus and have the exact fare in cash. Get off the bus downtown at the Market Street Station. Take the free eastbound MallRide shuttle bus seven blocks to California Street. MallRide stops at all intersections and streets are announced. Upon exiting the shuttle, you'll see the Hyatt one block down California street to your right.
Car Rental
If you plan to explore the Denver metro area, the Front Range, or other parts of Colorado while attending SLA, you may want to rent a car. All of the major rental companies have a presence at DIA and several have offices in Downtown Denver. If you are picking up your car at DIA, go to the rental agency shuttles on Island 4, Level 5 to be transported to the car lots (a fair distance from the terminal).
Parking downtown is as difficult and expensive as in most large cities. If you are planning to get a car for day trips before or after the Annual meeting, we suggest that you use downtown locations to pickup and/or return your vehicle rather than park it at the hotel. There is also an extra fee for renting at the airport, so try different pick-up and drop-off locations when pricing your rental.
Avis, 1900 Broadway. 303-839-1280
Budget, 1980 Broadway. 303-292-9341
Enterprise, 2255 Broadway. 303-293-8644
Hertz, 2001 Welton. 303-297-9400
Driving
If you rent a car at Denver International Airport, the following directions will take you to the Colorado Convention Center:
1. From the airport, take Pena Boulevard south to the junction with I-70. (Do not use the C-470 toll road to I-70.)
2. Take I-70 west for about 10 miles.
3. At exit 274, turn south (Colorado Springs) on I-25.
4. At exit 212A, take Speer Boulevard south.
5. Turn left on Lawrence Street.
6. Turn right on 14th Street.
7. The Colorado Convention Center is located at 700 14th Street.
If you travel to the conference by car, you will probably drive into Denver either on I-70 or on I-25. If you travel on I-70, follow the directions above from step 3. If you travel on I-25, follow the directions above from step 4.
Be aware that as in many cities, most downtown streets are one-way. There is also a light rail system on downtown streets so watch carefully for trains and the relevant signals. And, finally, though most Denver streets are on a north-south, east-west grid system, downtown streets run northeast-southwest, northwest-southeast. (This follows the old system that originally ran parallel to Cherry Creek and the Platte River.)
Getting Around Denver
If you want to use a mapping program to get around town, The Convention Center address is : 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
Bus Service
The FREE MallRide is an efficient, not to mention environmentally-friendly, way to get up and down the 16th Street Mall through the downtown Denver area. The buses used for the MallRide are hybrid electric vehicles powered by a combination electric/ compressed natural gas (CNG) engine, one of Denver’s efforts to keep our air cleaner. The MallRide runs between Civic Center Station and Union Station all day and evening, from 5 a.m. until the last trip at 1:30 a.m. All hotels in the area aren’t more than one or two blocks from 16th Street Mall and the Colorado Convention Center is only two blocks away, as well.
Buses can provide service to other areas not served by the MallRide or the Light Rail. You should check with the concierge at your hotel or visit the RTD web site (http://www.rtd-denver.com/) for information about traveling to a specific locations. You pay your fare when you board the bus with exact change only.
Fares for Bus (http://www.rtd-denver.com/FaresAndPasses/Fare_card_Nov1906.pdf): $1.50 one way/$3.00 round trip ($.75/$1.50 for Seniors 65+ or Individuals with Disabilities)
Bike Paths
One of the pleasant ways to get around Denver is to ride a bicycle. Denver has quite a few bike paths. The Denver Trails website (http://www.denvertrails.com/) offers information and maps about bike trails.
The city of Denver also offers bike maps.
Trails closest to downtown Denver include the Cherry Creek Trail and the Platte River North ad South Trails.
Driving
Denver is a fairly straightforward city for driving around. At least, since you can see the mountains from many points, you know which way is west! As most visitors are in the Convention Center (CC) area, that will be the main reference point. If you use mapping software for directions, the Convention Center address is 700 14th Street, Denver Colorado, 80202.
There are two main highways in Denver. Interstate 25 runs north-south along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, through Colorado's most populous regions, from Wyoming to New Mexico. Interstate 70 runs from the Great Plains of the eastern border with Kansas, through the majesty of the Rockies, to the western border with Utah. (There is also I-76 which runs from Denver to the northeast corner of Colorado to join I-80 in Nebraska.) Several more regional highways and freeways serve the metropolitan area.
Most Denver streets run on a north-south, east-west grid pattern. However, downtown streets west of Broadway and north of Colfax are parallel to the confluence of the Platte River and Cherry Creek. They run northeast-southwest and northwest-southeast. Broadway, about 1/2 mile east of the CC, is also notable as the east-west dividing line for Denver streets on the normal grid. Colfax Avenue, just south of the CC, is 1500 North on the grid, but it is one of the few continuous east-west streets in the city, making it an important artery. Running from the foothills in the west to the eastern edge of the metro area, it has a reputation as one of the longest streets in the country.
Most trips around the city will probably involve getting to Broadway or Colfax from your hotel. Speer Blvd is another main artery behind the CC, but primarily to connect downtown with the Cherry Creek (shopping) area. For directions to specific locations in the city, hotel staff or volunteers at the CC will be happy to help. If you are a AAA member, they have a very good map of Metro Denver.
For points north or south outside Denver, travel west on Colfax to get to I-25. For example, Colorado Springs is 60-90 minutes south on I-25. North on Speer Blvd will also take you to a point further up I-25.
Travel north on I-25 to get to I-70. Travel west on I-70 to get to the foothills, e.g. Red Rocks Park, or to many popular mountain locations, such as Georgetown.
Light Rail
The Light Rail provides service to some outlying areas of Denver: Littleton to the south and the Denver Tech Center to the southeast. The southeast rail corridor, opened in November of 2006 to provide much-needed service to daily commuters, is a quick and efficient transportation alternative. You buy your validated ticket at the station where you board using the ticket vending machines. You may be asked for your ticket at any time during your trip. If you don’t have one, you may be issued a citation with a fine of $50.00.
Fares for Light Rail (http://www.rtd-denver.com/FaresAndPasses/Fare_card_Nov1906.pdf): $1.50 one way/$3.00 round trip ($.75/$1.50 for Seniors 65+ or Individuals with Disabilities)
Taxi
Denver is not as strong a taxi town as some other cities. Most people walk, bike, take RTD or drive. Taxis are available, or course, but they can be expensive. They will be easiest to find downtown. Yellow Cab and Metro Taxi are the biggest services. They will be useful for trips to locations around downtown not in easy walking distance of your hotel. If you are planning a late activity, keep the number of a service handy as you may need to call for a pickup (check with hotel staff for recommendations). If you are planning several distant excursions, renting a vehicle may be the best solution.
Getting to the Convention Center
Bus Service
There are a number of buses serving the area around the Convention Center. Go to the Trip Planner on the Denver Regional Transportation District - RTD website to see how to travel to or from it by bus. Also see Getting Around Denver above.
Light Rail
- (See http://www.rtd-denver.com and http://www.rtd-denver.com/LightRail/index.html for more information. This http://www.rtd-denver.com/LightRail/lrmap.htm is a routemap.)
- The D, F and H Lines travel into downtown and include stops at the Convention Center. If you take the C or the E-Line, get off at Union Station and catch the Free 16th Street Mall shuttle to California Street. The Convention Center is two blocks to the south.
- The last northbound D-Line train leaves 16th & California at 1:12 am.
- The last southbound D-Line train leaves 16th & Stout at 1:47 am.
- The last southbound C-Line train leaves Union Station at 1:40 am.
- Local fares are $1.50 each way. If you will be crossing Hampden Avenue on your trip, the fare increases to $2.75 each way. Light rail tickets can be used as transfers to bus routes and vice versa. During peak hours, light rail trains run into downtown approximately every five minutes. At other times, the trains run every 15 to 30 minutes.
Taxi
Most conference hotels are within walking distance of the CC. If you need a taxi, you may want to call and schedule one to make sure you have one available when you need it. The main taxi services are Yellow Cab and Metro Taxi, but you should also check with your hotel concierge.
Driving
For driving directions to the Colorado Convention Center, see directions for driving under Getting to Denver above.
