Beer, Building, and Beauty
Cutest and I received an invitation to attend a wedding held this past week at the historic downtown Muehlebach hotel, found at 12th and Baltimore. I was happy to attend, contrary to many other wedding invites, as I am a fan of older architecture with character.
Cutest enjoyed the wedding and its spirited vibe where she witnessed lavish flowers and spiffy clothing that hid most everyone’s tattoos, tasted sumptuous food, drank complimentary beverages, and twirled around the dance floor. The last item she is good at while I am not.
The 12 story Muehlebach hotel first opened its doors in 1915, thanks to Muehlebach senior and his profitable beer distillery. The location was spot on, towering over neighboring bars and restaurants. The Muehlebach was the home away from home for guests attending conventions and theatrical performances. The hotel’s registration book read like a list of 20th century rich and/or famous. Babe Ruth, Ernest Hemingway, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles and many, many more. And a host of United States presidents stayed a night or two also.
Today the Marriott hotel chain owns the lower original hotel floors, including what was the lobby. The once upper guest room floors have been vacant for decades, yet a new buyer has desires to reinvent them to luxury apartments.Thankfully the lower hotel level has retained its early 20th century charm. Dark woods cover walls near elevators and next to marble pillars. Stair railings and balusters also employ the near black wood tones.
Brass wall-mounted water fountains and antique mail chutes brighten rooms with their century of patina. Elegant gold patterns painted on walls and room dividers add a fairy tale whimsey to rooms. No billion dollar Las Vegas casino or Trump Tower hotel comes close to the subdued yet elegant look and feel of this part of the Muehlebach.
I would recommend not visiting the Muehlebach until after the new year as by that time surrounding streets that have been closed for the reconstruction of the Barney Allis Plaza and garage should be reopened.
After your self-guided tour of the Muehlebach, treat yourself to a libation at the adjoining VOO lounge, part of the hotel. There on most nights live jazz can be heard while patrons visit at nearby tables or at the lengthy bar.
And finally, don’t miss sipping gin in the Vault, if you can find it.
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