It's a gender and generational challenge. But one thing is clear. It's not just rock music and movie stars pampering themselves at downtown Denver's Renaissance Spa, located beneath the Hotel Monaco at 17th and Champa streets. But Denver's spa scene isn't just limited to upscale spas that specialize in the star treatment. The Izba Spa's Denver and Parker locations specialize in traditional Russian moisturized heat massage therapy.
Price is the biggest difference.
Renaissance Spa co-owner Steve Libhart admits the average amount spent at his spa is higher than his competition. Libhart said the spa's revenues are up 62 percent compared with 1999. Not a large profit but not bad for a year and a half. After securing loans from the Mayor's Office of Economic Development and private investors, Libhart and business partner Paul Rizzo opened Renaissance Spa in November 1998, one month after the Hotel Monaco debuted as one of Denver's upscale boutique hotels. Libhart said he estimates that 40 percent of their business comes from hotel guests.