March 23, 2026
Travel Tips With Our General Manager, Jennifer
Travel Tips With Our General Manager, Jennifer
This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the women of The Maven who make the magic happen behind the scenes. From crafting the perfect cocktail to ensuring every corner of the hotel feels welcoming and inspired, our team brings passion and personality to everything they do.
We sat down with our General Manager, Jennifer Cottgias, to highlight one of the women helping shape the spirit of The Maven every day.
MEET JENNIFER COTTGIAS
Jennifer joined The Maven eighteen months ago and Sage nearly ten years ago, bringing a blend of creativity, leadership, and a keen eye for detail to each property. Since arriving in Denver, she’s been a driving force behind maintaining The Maven as not only a unique destination for travelers, but also a vibrant hub for community and connection.
Jennifer leads with a collaborative spirit, constantly encouraging her team to bring their own personality and creativity into every guest experience. Her approach keeps The Maven feeling fresh and exciting while staying true to what makes it memorable in the first place.
In hospitality, travel is practically part of the job description, and Jennifer has picked up plenty of wisdom along the way. We asked her to share a few of her favorite travel hacks so that the next time you step through our doors, you arrive ready to experience Denver — and The Maven — to the fullest.
JENNIFER'S MUST-HAVE TRAVEL ITEMS
The contents of her suitcase may look different every trip, but Jennifer has a few items she never leaves home without, no matter the destination.
- A reliable travel tumbler
"Hydration is key when traveling," Jennifer says. She recommends the Owala FreeSip Tumbler or the Stanley Aerolight Transit Bottle to stay refreshed throughout long travel days -- especially in Colorado where dehydration can sneak up on you quickly.
*Forgot your water bottle? At The Maven, each room is stocked with a reusable bottle so you can stay hydrated on the go. If you do purchase one of our water bottles, we'll donate $1 of that purchase to Hotel For Trees, which then goes towards planting one tree.
- Travel-size makeup remover wipes
"Travel-size Neutrogena makeup remover wipes are perfect for refreshing between airport and same-day dinner plans." When a travel day includes hopping from plane to Uber to dinner reservation, a quick refresh can make all the difference.
- A lightweight, everyday pack
"As a mom of two with endless needs, the Cotopaxi Batac 16L Del Día pack helps me carry all the snacks in a lightweight bag." Even if you're not traveling with kids, Jennifer notes that snacks are always a must.
- A portable sound machine
Travel sound machines help create a calm, neutral environment anywhere. "It allows me to unwind and sleep better wherever I am," she says -- and a good night's sleep can make all the difference when you're exploring a new place.
TRAVEL TIPS
Sometimes the smallest changes can completely transform your travel experience. Take a peek at a few of Jennifer’s favorite tips for making travel days smoother and more enjoyable.
- Book the early flight
While it may require an early alarm, she swears by morning departures. Early flights are often smoother with fewer delays, and travelers and staff are still fresh-faced and well-rested.
- Lean on hotel experts
One of the best resources in any city? The hotel team. “Ask the front desk, valet attendants, or bell staff for recommendations,” Jennifer says. “They know the hidden gems.”
- Find local insight online
When traveling internationally, Jennifer suggests searching Instagram for local parents or travelers who share family-friendly activities and events. Their posts often reveal experiences you won’t find in typical travel guides.
- Don’t over plan
It’s tempting to schedule every moment of a trip, but Jennifer recommends choosing just three priority experiences per day. “Focus on being present,” she says. “More memories, fewer photo ops.”
JENNIFER'S FAVORITE DENVER SPOT
There are plenty of special spots in Denver, but one of Jennifer’s favorites is the Denver Botanic Gardens.
“There’s something so special about seeing what grows from the soil and thrives in Denver’s climate,” she says. “The sunlight through the foliage is one of my favorite views. Watching my children explore the flowers, trees, and open space — that’s what dreams are made of.”
*If you can’t get to the Botanic Gardens, head to Hutson Florals in the Free Market to pick up a bouquet to brighten up your room.
WHAT HOSPITALITY MEANS TO JENNIFER
For Jennifer Cottgias, working in hospitality goes far beyond managing a hotel — it’s about creating meaningful experiences.
“Working in hospitality means creating moments that people carry with them long after they leave our doors,” she says. “But this industry is also about the people beside me — especially the remarkable women who lead boldly, lift others up, and inspire those around them. When women support women, we don’t just grow careers — we enrich lives.”
This March, we’re proud to celebrate Jennifer and the many women across The Maven who help shape the welcoming, creative, and community-driven spirit our guests experience every day.
The magic behind The Maven starts with the people who bring it to life: take the first step in experiencing our community for yourself and book your stay.