I love to travel, but having a 9-to-5 job can put a damper on the jet-setting. Luckily, Colorado has plenty of choices for day-trips and weekend jaunts. And although it's hard to beat a weekend in the mountains, for a change of pace I've started booking hotels in downtown Denver and exploring the city. 

One of my favorite escapes is Hotel Monaco [2], which recently completed a multi-year redesign project. The new space is warm, casual, and sophisticated. Plus, the hotel is conveniently located near the 16th Street Mall, and is home to the award-winning Northern Italian restaurant Panzano [3]. Most importantly for me, Hotel Monaco is pet friendly. My four-legged friends get royal treatment: gourmet treats and their own plush beds. Don't have a dog? Request a goldfish to keep you company during your stay. 

Head to Hotel Monaco this weekend for an urban getaway with a twist. Project Runway All Stars [4] winner Mondo Guerra [5] will host the hotel's nightly wine hour on Friday, November 2 from 4:30–6 p.m., during which he'll mingle with fans, talk fashion, and snap a few photos. If you're interested in staying the night, the hotel is offering a package [6]that includes a deluxe guestroom, valet parking, and a souvenir bag filled with some of Guerra's favorite Colorado-made goodies. Bonus: It's all for a good cause. The Denver Colorado Aids Project [7] will receive $10 for every room occupied that night. 

—Image courtesy of Hotel Monaco

Follow digital assistant editor Davina van Buren on Twitter at @davinavanburen [8].