Looking for the best hotels in Denver, Colorado? 🏨 Let us help you find the perfect luxury hotel for your visit to the Mile High City
Denver impresses visitors with its energy, accessibility, and natural beauty against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Nicknamed the Mile High City because it sits exactly one mile above sea level, the Colorado capital packs in plenty for travelers to do. You can tour museums and attractions downtown, explore diverse neighborhoods bursting with breweries and eateries, head to concert venues like the legendary Red Rocks, or drive just a bit out of the city to hike and ski some of the state’s best trails and slopes.
With so much on offer, where to stay in Denver becomes an important decision. Luckily hotel in Denver dot districts across the city, whether you prioritize proximity to the airport, Union Station’s transit hub, the Colorado Convention Center, or hip enclaves slightly farther afield. These leading hotels and neighborhood guides help you identify the best places to base your Rocky Mountain adventure.
What is the Best Part of Denver to Stay In?
Downtown Denver offers the most convenience for first-time visitors who want to see top sites like the Denver Art Museum and Coors Field. Neighborhoods like the Central Business District put you steps from major venues while still offering easy transit connections to spots like Cherry Creek and the Denver Tech Center.
For nightlife and trendier bars, breweries, and dining, opt for Capitol Hill or the River North Art District (RiNo). Five Points also promises some of the city’s coolest hangouts. Just outside downtown, neighborhoods like Lower Highlands (LoHi) and South Broadway (SoBo) cater to millennials with clubs and creative eateries.
No matter where you stay, Denver’s light rail and bus options connect you affordably to major hotels, attractions and districts. Renting a car also makes getting around efficient, especially for those who want to take day trips into Denver’s spectacular natural surrounds.
What is the Hippest Part of Denver?
Ask locals and most will tell you that RiNo (River North Art District) takes top honors for the hippest part of Denver. Just north of downtown, RiNo entices with an eclectic blend of cocktail bars, creative eateries like Denver Central Market, street art splashed across once-industrial buildings, niche boutiques, and the city’s hottest clubs pumping out DJ beats.
Five Points also ranks among Denver’s trendiest enclaves. Known as the Harlem of the West, the historic neighborhood encompasses areas rapidly transforming through gentrification. Catch live music and hang out with hipsters frequenting local favorites on Welton Street or in the multi-cultural district near the landmark Rossonian Hotel.
Those who prefer outdoor pursuits alongside their craft beer head to South Broadway (SoBo). Just four miles from downtown, this former industrial area now teems with breweries, cocktail bars and upscale restaurants alongside boutiques, plus plenty of green space. Washington Park and Overland Golf Course offer miles of scenic trails and recreation right nearby.
Is Denver a Walkable City?
Denver’s compact footprint makes it very walkable. Areas hugging the 16th Street Mall provide the most pedestrian-friendly zone. Free shuttle buses run the length of this route, connecting Union Station to the Civic Center and the Capitol building about 1.5 miles away. The shopping and entertainment district tempts with everything from fast-fashion chains to high-end boutiques alongside dining spanning food trucks to upscale eateries.
Beyond downtown, travelers will want to take advantage of Denver’s efficient public transit options. The Regional Transit District operates three rail lines and more than 100 bus routes across the metro area. Purchase tickets at vending machines located at each station before boarding. Trains run frequently from downtown’s Union Station hub with routes reaching suburbs like Littleton and the airport.
Rideshare apps and taxis also help you cover greater distances connecting central neighborhoods or reaching attractions like Red Rocks Amphitheater around a 30-minute drive from downtown. Having your own rental car makes it easiest to crisscross between districts and access sites outside the urban center, like spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park.
What Area of Denver is Best to Stay?
Where you bed down in the Mile High City depends largely on whether you prioritize proximity to key sites and transit connections or immersion into Denver’s neighborhood vibe. For your first visit, lodging downtown near the 16th Street Mall often proves most convenient as you get your bearings. Top neighborhoods to consider include:
Lower Downtown (LoDo)
Denver Union Station sits at the heart of LoDo or Lower Downtown. Boutique hotel options like the Crawford Hotel above the station’s Great Hall or The Maven with lofts in the vibrant Dairy Block micro-district perfectly position you adjacent to top restaurants, nightlife, Coors Field and cultural attractions.
Central Business District (CBD)
Flashy skyscrapers stake out Denver’s central core, just steps from the Colorado Convention Center. Properties like the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center keep you close to the action. And the Brown Palace Hotel entices guests with old-world glamor and contemporary comfort.
Capitol Hill
The neighborhood flanks the gold-domed State Capitol Building just east of downtown. Arts institutions like the MCA Denver Museum of Contemporary Art join vibrant nightlife and dining options that are generally more affordable than downtown. The Art Hotel Denver impresses art aficionados.
Cherry Creek
Prefer sleek towers to historic buildings? The posh Halcyon Hotel anchors this luxury enclave next to the massive Cherry Creek Shopping Center, complete with a stunning rooftop pool and bar. Lodgings cater to upmarket travelers here versus central Denver’s more bohemian digs.
Slightly outside downtown in areas like RiNo (River North), Lower Highlands (LoHi), South Broadway (SoBo), and Washington Park, you’ll generally find more localized flavor. Nab apartments and townhome rentals through Vrbo or Airbnb for living like a local or check into boutique hotels like the hip Source Hotel anchoring the trendy RiNo art district.
Where Do Famous People Stay in Denver?
When stars hit the Mile High City, they often opt to check in at downtown landmark hotels that have hosted icons for over a century. The Brown Palace Hotel near the Capitol Building tempts visitors with old-world glamor. All U.S. presidents except Obama and Trump have overnighted on the property since its 1892 opening. Hollywood entertainment icons from the Beatles to Taylor Swift have also welcomed pampering in the Brown’s plush suites Denver.
Music legends favor LoDo’s elegant Oxford Hotel dating from 1891 when seeking downtown digs. Recent guests range from Justin Timberlake and Keith Urban to Paul McCartney and Foo Fighters when playing area venues like Ball Arena or Red Rocks. Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, and Oprah have all gotten their beauty rest within the Oxford’s storied brick walls as well over the years.
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Denver for the First Time?
Downtown hotels place first-timers within walking distance or a short free MallRide bus ride from top sites, making stays convenient. The 16th Street Mall strings together an array of marquee attractions. Stroll past landmarks like Union Station and the Daniel Libeskind-designed Denver Art Museum. Pop into the Colorado State Capitol Building to glimpse its 24-karat gold-leafed dome. Don’t miss photo ops with the 40-foot-tall Blue Bear staring into the massive Convention Center window.
LoDo (Lower Downtown) puts visitors steps from the MLB’s Colorado Rockies’ Coors Field and the better boutiques clustered around Larimer Square. Check into boutique properties like mezzanine-level The Crawford Hotel inside Denver’s gorgeous Union Station or ultra-hip The Maven within the new Dairy Block micro-district.
The Central Business District’s mass of high rises converge around the Colorado Convention Center. Flagship properties like the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center connect visitors to top venues hosting major conferences and events. Deluxe details like suites featuring river-stone bathrooms and balconies complement coveted skyline views there.
Do any Celebrities Live in Denver?
While many stars stay in the Mile High City’s most prestigious hotel suites Denver when passing through on tour or business, a few call the metro area home at least part-time. Iconic R&B singer Eartha Kitt lived in Denver as a teen then later owned a home in Aurora where she passed away on Christmas Day 2008.
TV and film actor Tim Allen purchased a 10,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion in Cherry Hills Village in 2019, one of Denver’s most exclusive suburbs known as the “Beverly Hills of Colorado.” Other A-list neighborhood residents have included late-night TV host Conan O’Brian and celebrity chef Bobby Flay.
What is the Brooklyn of Denver?
Ask city natives what Denver neighborhood equates to New York City’s trendy Brooklyn borough and most instantly point to RiNo, the hip River North Arts District. Just north of downtown, RiNo still retains its industrial vibe across the South Platte River from the city center. Take in street art sprawling across brick warehouses that now house breweries, music venues, creative restaurants
Denver offers visitors a wide array of excellent hotel options to choose from. When selecting the best hotel in Denver for your stay, prime location and amenities should be top priorities. Luxury hotels situated downtown put you steps from top attractions and dining while still providing indulgent accommodations. Properties near the Colorado Convention Center also allow easy access for business travelers.
Best Hotel in Denver with Mountain Views
If jaw-dropping Rocky Mountain vistas are on your Denver wishlist, look no further than the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. This central hotel wows guests with rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing sweeping city and mountain panoramas. Upgraded suites tempt with river-stone bathrooms and romantic fireplaces alongside those unparalleled views ideal for memorable vacations and special occasions.
Luxury Hotel Pick Near Downtown Attractions
For travelers seeking a luxury hotel nestled in the heart of downtown near top attractions, check into The Crawford Hotel. This elegant property occupies the upper floors of the gorgeous historic Denver Union Station. Art-deco styled rooms exude class and character while the hotel’s unrivaled location connects visitors to nearby sporting events at Coors Field, Denver Art Museum masterpieces, and abundant dining and nightlife.
For discerning travelers visiting Denver, The Jacquard Hotel resides in the posh Cherry Creek neighborhood as part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection. The hotel’s chic rooms pamper visitors with extra touches like Italian Frette linens while spacious suites feature lavish soaking tubs. Guests also enjoy a rooftop pool, relaxing spa, and signature restaurant overseen by a celebrity chef. It’s only a 10-minute drive from downtown attractions. Complimentary luxury vehicles shuttle hotel guests to dining and shopping in the surrounding bustling area or downtown theaters and museums.
Business Traveler Approved Hotel
Denver overflows with fantastic lodging options for business trips that won’t break the bank. The well-appointed Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station offers fantastic value just steps from downtown’s central transportation hub. It’s a quick free MallRide bus jaunt to the Colorado Convention Center. Or walk there in 10 minutes. Retire to comfy beds each evening. Then fuel up on cooked-to-order breakfasts each morning before knocking out your downtown Denver meeting agenda.
Spa Hotel Haven in Downtown Denver
For some rejuvenating pampering during your Denver travels, check into the Brown Palace Hotel near the State Capitol. This historic icon has welcomed visitors with old-world elegance since 1892. While perhaps best known for hosting U.S. Presidents, the Brown Palace also boasts a full-service spa that beckons. Indulge in gemstone massages, nourishing body treatments, and soothing soaks. The hotel’s richly-appointed rooms and suites ensure guests continue relaxation even after spa sessions end.
Sleek Boutique Hotel Finds
Two of Denver’s top boutique hotel finds include the Art Hotel Denver and the Maven Denver at Dairy Block. The Art Hotel brings the exterior façade of a 100-year-old former Tramway Building to life with interior decoration infused with modern art masterpieces. Its downtown location neighboring top museums makes it a favorite among art aficionados. The Maven wows at the city’s hottest new micro-district housing trendy shops and restaurants beside Denver Union Station. Visitors bunk down in loft-style digs with hip hosted happy hours beckoning from the ground floor.
Neighborhood Hotel Guide
Beyond downtown, excellent hotel options abound across Denver’s vibrant neighborhoods. In the exclusive Cherry Creek district, the Halcyon Hotel Denver tempts luxury travelers with its rooftop pool cabanas, award-winning on-site restaurants, and chic apartment-style accommodations.
The lobby of Renaissance Denver Central Park Hotel transports guests back to the grand interior of a century-old former bank complete with soaring original marble columns and massive murals gracing the walls above the retro Teller Bar. In Capitol Hill, The Art Hotel brings visitors an affordable central spot to stay with funky artistic flair.
Outlying neighborhoods also offer their own hotel highlights. In the hip River North Arts District, The Ramble Hotel provides a cool home base beside hot clubs and cult favorite eateries. Down south on bustling South Broadway, Moxy Denver Cherry Creek furnishes a lively but relaxed vibe with its well-designed public spaces and friendly front desk bar where socializing gets encouraged.
Historic Downtown Hotel
Union Station serves as Denver’s central transportation hub with prime access from downtown including free bus shuttles along the 16th Street Mall. For over 120 years, The Oxford Hotel has welcomed visitors to Denver with its iconic red-brick façade and prime location only a couple blocks from Union Station. Today the Art Deco-styled Cruise Room retains status as Denver’s first bar established following Prohibition’s end. And the property’s modern on-site steakhouse Urban Farmer wows diners with creative cuisine utilizing ingredients sourced from local purveyors as well as the restaurant’s own farm.
Lodging Options Near the Airport
Travelers with early departures or late arrivals can choose from many comfortable hotels near Denver International Airport. The Westin Denver International Airport makes flying in and out a breeze with its convenient train connecting the airport terminal right to the hotel lobby in just over two minutes. Guests bunk down in stylish rooms with views of the soaring atrium and Rocky Mountains beyond. The property even hosts seasonal events like movie nights and live music around the large public plaza.
Another smart option for airport vicinity stays is the Hilton Garden Inn Denver Airport offering free 24/7 shuttle service to Denver International Airport just three miles away. It also provides complimentary parking options that city hotels often lack, allowing travelers with rental cars more flexibility.
Two hotels situated near the Denver International Airport provide wonderful lodging options for travelers focused on convenient proximity to flights coming and going from the Mile High City. The Westin Hotel hugs DIA’s iconic peaked terminal building. A complimentary train whisks guests to the airport in just over 2 minutes. Meanwhile in just 8 minutes, the Hilton Garden Inn Denver Airport’s free shuttle drops visitors at DIA’s door. Both hotels offer soundproof rooms, tasty dining options and well-equipped fitness centers to enjoy during airport area stays.
Accommodation Assistance for Denver Visitors
Hopefully this neighborhood hotel guide gives Denver visitors a helpful head start on finding the best places to stay for any Rocky Mountain adventure. The city overflows with fantastic lodging options ranging from historic downtown icons to sleek new properties conveniently near the airport and everywhere in between. Shop hotels based on location, amenities, personal priorities and of course budget. Just be sure to book early since rooms at the most popular hotels fill up fast in this ever-growing tourism hotspot and business convention mecca. Here’s to happy hotel hunting for your upcoming travels in the Mile High City.
While visiting Denver, many travelers aim to experience a bit of the city’s unique local character and history during hotel stays. Iconic downtown lodging options like The Brown Palace or The Oxford transport guests back to Denver’s early days with abundantly ornate decorative details gracing expansive lobbies and period décor flourishing in suites named for past renowned visitors. Even newer boutique hotels like the Art or MOXY creatively weave the city’s arts and culture scene into accommodation through curated in-room installations and lively public lounges. Denver hotel history resides around almost every corner for visitors curious to discover it.