Where is the best area to stay in Denver?
Denver is a thriving city nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, boasting a vibrant nightlife and a passion for the great outdoors. During the day, people flock to outdoor excursions, and the nightlife is unparalleled. Whether world-class concerts at the Red Rocks amphitheater or a stroll through the serene Denver Botanic Garden, this bustling metropolis holds something for everyone. It is well known for its yearly festivals, like the summer spectacular “A Taste of Colorado” or the beer drinkers “Great American Beer Festival,” which draws in brewers and beer enthusiasts alike from all over the world.
You can find festivals, farmers’ markets, and feasts throughout Denver, but to be part of the action, downtown Denver is the best area to stay during your tour of Colorado. For sports fans, the stadiums are located within walking distance throughout downtown—Coors Field, Empower Field, and Ball Arena are all within a few miles of each other to truly make for a weekend of athletic fun. Downtown also hosts a Meow Wolf building, a funky and interactive art exhibit that’s fun for all ages. The city has buses and the Denver Light Rail to get you around Denver and surrounding neighborhoods.
On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Denver, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Denver, you may also be interested in where to stay in Las Vegas, where to stay in Salt Lake City and where to stay in Sedona.
Downtown, the best area to stay in Denver
First time travelers, Families, Union Station
Downtown Denver is a hip and trendy area with excellent food, endless music, and various activities. Stroll through Denver Union Station, a beautiful renovation of the 1914 original building. The station is a fantastic transportation hub with trains, buses, and a free shuttle bus. In the station and nearby, you’ll find many small cafes, bars, and a weekend farmers’ market, full of fresh Colorado produce.
There are also plenty of family fun activities—from the hands-on Children’s Museum of Denver to Elitch Gardens, an amusement park full of rides and slides. Nature enthusiasts enjoy Denver for its love of the outdoors. There are biking tours, city parks, and a cozy riverwalk nestled along the South Platte River, which runs alongside the city.
For those who want to take advantage of the nightlife scene, check out the historic Larimer Square, the founding place of Denver!
Other neighborhoods to stay in Denver
Cherry Creek
Shopping, Cherry Creek Mall
Cherry Creek is a popular neighborhood to stay in Denver. The area is known for its range of high end luxury hotels, and vast range of shops and outlets.
If you fancy yourself a bit of a shopaholic, with a taste for the finer things in life, Cherry Creek is the perfect place for you to stay. The Cherry Creek North Shopping District has 16 blocks of charming shops, restaurants, spas and more. It’s the ultimate place to treat yourself. Cherry Creek North has shops selling all kinds of goods, from clothing, to art, to homeware, so you’re bound to fall in love with this shopping district. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, where you’ll find well known designer brands like Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Nordstrom, and there’s even an Apple store.
Staying in this high end neighborhood means you can shop until you almost drop, without having to worry about having to far to go to get back to your hotel.
LoDo (Lower Downtown)
Union Station, Larimer Square, Coors Field, Ball Arena
LoDo is Denver’s oldest neighborhood, and it’s where you’ll find some of the city’s top attractions, shops, and in particular, restaurants. Those staying in the general Downtown area often find themselves giving in to the appeal of LoDo’s restaurants and dining there instead. So it’s a good place to stay if you want to the ultimate Denver dining experience.
There are a few tourist attractions in the area, for example the Millennium Bridge which resembles the mast of a ship, and connects the 16th Street Mall and the Riverfront Park. There’s also the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, which showcases some modern masterpieces in an area that has a largely historic feel. The Union Station is also a top spot to visit, especially if you’re interested in Denver’s history.
But whilst there are some attractions in the area, it isn’t quite as touristy as other Downtown areas, in fact it’s where most locals go for an evening out. If you decide to stay in LoDo, you might enjoy the more authentic and vibrant atmosphere that comes with this popular neighborhood.
Hotels in Denver Lower Dowtown
Highlands
Young Crowds, Chic Restaurants, Nightlife
The Highlands are a perfect blend of quaint neighborhood homes with chic, upscale restaurants and bars. The Highland Bridge connects the Highlands to downtown Denver and runs along the South Platte River. Relax at Confluence Park and enjoy the views of downtown or try your hand at kayaking down the stream.
The parks along the water offer shady spots and magnificent sights of the sprawling city. The Highlands are known for their unique food and beverage spots. Indulge in local and global small plates or have a rooftop drink at Linger, an old mortuary-turned-eatery. Explore the teepee hut and flowering swing in Forest Room 5.
Sample the wide range of innovative beers in the Highlands, such as the Graham Cracker Porter from Denver Beer Co. No matter the street, the content of gastronomy available in the Highlands will keep you busy exploring for more.
River North Art District
Young Crowds, Artists, Nightlife
The River North Art District, affectionately known to locals as the “RiNo” district, is a wonderful area of Denver featuring modern art galleries and funky music venues. Lining the streets are eclectic, colorful murals and plenty of repurposed warehouses.
These airy warehouses—like The Source or the Denver Central Market—are filled with delectable dishes, cideries, breweries, and market stalls for avid shoppers. The neighborhood also holds “First Friday” events, with complimentary entrances to art openings and live music available on the first Friday of every month. Many people flock to Denver for the plethora of craft beer, and RiNo holds some of the biggest brewing names in the craft industry, from Odell Brewing to Stem Ciders.
Music enthusiasts can enjoy all genres, like smooth Jazz at Nocturne or a punk rock show at the Larimer Lounge. River North is near downtown Denver and only a few minutes’ walk to Coors Field and Union Station.
Hotels in River North Art District
Capitol Hill
History Buffs, Families, Civic Center Park
Capitol Hill, or Cap Hill, is a fabulous neighborhood in Denver for people who enjoy museums and history. The district is well-known for the Molly Brown House Museum, a house showcasing the American socialite and philanthropist Molly Brown, who survived the sinking of the Titanic. The well-preserved house and the knowledgeable tour guides give a glimpse into life from the past.
Be sure also to check out the History Colorado Center, a sprawling museum rich with state history and family-friendly interactive exhibits. Nearby to the History Colorado Center is the Denver Art Museum, hailed as a top arts center.
The art ranges from Western to mid-century to modern and holds artworks from world-renowned artists such as Van Gogh and Monet. Of course, don’t miss Civic Center Park—on these extensive grounds, you’ll find fountains, statues, and the Colorado State Capitol, where you can head over and participate in one of their free city walking tours.
Golden
Families, Outdoorsy, Red Rocks
Golden has a great blend of both history and nature. Golden is located west of downtown Denver and near the Red Rocks Amphitheater. The warm red sandstone showcases stunning city views and makes this one of the most unique concert venues worldwide.
Red Rocks also hosts “Film on the Rocks,” where families and friends can gather to watch a movie or participate in an early morning exercise class with “Yoga on the Rocks.” Just next to Red Rocks is Dinosaur Ridge, where you can see dinosaur tracks and fossils. No trip would be complete to Golden without visiting the Colorado Railroad Museum. This immense history museum is both indoor and outdoor and holds over 100 vintage trains.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Golden for the Clear Creek Trail, an easy paved trail nestled snug along the river, with many options to stop and rest in the shade or water.
Denver Airport Area
Airport
A hotel near the airport is the best place to stay for visitors with onward travel arrangements. With Downtown Denver 24 miles away to the north east, tourists traveling to places like Vail have plenty of choice when looking for quality accommodation. Those heading into Denver can actually do that fairly easily by taking the RTD A-Line commuter train to Downtown Denver, a journey of around half an hour.
Before leaving the Airport, you may catch sight of the John Swigert Memorial Statue, a recent addition to Terminal B and commemorating a Denver-born astronaut. There are over 40 restaurants to choose from within a mile of the Airport so you will not be restricted to your hotel’s restaurant if you prefer a change of scene.
If you arrive at night you will not see the beautiful surrounding but at first light, there are the Rockies in all their splendor.
Where to stay near Denver for hiking and skiing
Colorado Springs
Hiking
70 miles south of Denver, Colorado Springs is a top hiking destination in Colorado. With so many parks and trails to choose from you’ll be spoiled for choice!
Many trails here are considered “easy”, and are therefore perfect for beginners, or for those who don’t want to push themselves too hard and just enjoy the spectacular scenery. Garden Of The Gods Park is particularly popular and is free to the public. There are 15 miles worth of trails in the park but for those who want to enjoy other activities, the park also has horseback riding and birdwatching.
The wildlife here is spectacular, and for fantastic birdwatching or potential sightings of prairie dogs, red foxes, and coyotes, visit Cheyenne Mountain State Park, which is a 15-minute drive from central Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs has amazing accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs, ranging from campgrounds to B&Bs, and hotels.
Boulder
Hiking
Boulder is a quintessential college town about 30 minutes northwest of Denver. It is accessible by car, and many buses run from Denver to Boulder. Boulder is an ideal spot for outdoor adventurists and those who like a busy city on a smaller scale.
Boulder offers several outdoor activities, whether it’s hiking through Chautauqua and the Flatiron mountains, biking through the downtown area, or even floating lazily through Boulder Creek. The residents are passionate about nature and supporting local suppliers, so after wandering one of the many trailheads, make sure to decompress with excellent food and top-notch beer. The city holds many markets to purchase local produce, hand-made jewelry, and more.
Boulder’s prized possession is its downtown area, Pearl Street, a quaint road lined with shops, restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to people-watch. No matter your sport of choice, you’ll surely find something to enjoy in Boulder.
Estes Park (Rocky Mountain National Park)
Hiking
Estes Park is further northwest of Denver, nearly 1.5 hours by car. For those with a taste for eerie history, be sure to check out the historic Stanley Hotel. It’s said to be the inspiration for the movie The Shining, and you can even take ghost tours to explore the haunted backstory of the grounds.
Estes Park is the base for the start of the Rocky Mountain National Park, so it’s a prime option for folks passionate about hiking trails and wildlife. Rocky Mountain National Park is over 415 square miles of protected space, teeming with elk, bears, deer, and an extensive network of hiking trails.
Both hiking and driving trails are available. Be prepared for majestic mountain views, winding roads, and stunning summits. After exploring the park, you can find both breweries and wineries within the town to quench any thirst you may build from your explorations.
Glenwood Springs
Hiking
Glenwood Springs is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to unwind in the luxurious waters of the natural hot springs. Located nearly 2.5 hours west of Denver, Glenwood Springs offers a stunning opportunity to get immersed in the true beauty of Colorado.
Beyond the numerous hot springs in the area, Glenwood Springs also offers canyons, hiking, and an adventure park with a complex cave system. One of the most notable hikes is a moderate to difficult trail called Hanging Lake, a nearly two-hour trek to a beautiful, pristine lake of crystal blue water. Note that you need reservations or permits for this hike. During the summer, hiking and rafting along the Colorado River are some of the more popular activities.
The downtown area is a bustling center full of excellent food and local shops to rest and relax after a busy day.
Winter Park
Skiing
Winter Park is one of Colorado’s favorite ski destinations! The area is a whopping 3,000 acres that in the winter becomes a playground for those who love to ski, snowboard, and more! It is 66 miles from Denver and takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach by car, but on the weekends there is a regular “ski train” service called the Winter Park Express that leaves from Union Station in Denver city center.
Winter Park has plenty of places to stay, plus a “downtown” area that has shopping and dining destinations. It is a fantastic place to bring the family with winter activities to suit everyone including sleighing, snow tubing, and even dog-sledding! For more romantic vacations there are gourmet dining and spa packages available.
Winter Park is also a summer destination good for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and music festivals!
Vail
Skiing
For individuals that love lengthy slopes and mountain towns, Vail is the perfect holiday getaway. Vail is a 1.5-hour drive directly west of Denver. With over 5,000 acres of terrain, it is one of the world’s largest and most popular destinations for skiing and snowboarding.
Walking distance from downtown is the Betty Ford Alpine Garden, a well-maintained free botanical garden allowing viewers a glimpse into the local nature. Vail is famous for its winter wonderland scene, but the summers offer an equally impressive range of activities. Mountain trails are scattered throughout the area, ranging in difficulty for more experienced hikers. The Vail Stables offer horseback riding through the wooded forests and a “Goat Happy Hour” to end the day. In town, there are restaurants and resorts that range from modest to luxurious.
Vail is equipped with breweries, endless shops, and even an ice-skating rink.
Breckenridge
Skiing
Breckenridge is an excellent spot for travelers who love all types of outdoor activities and local history. A 1.5-hour drive slightly southwest of Denver, the old mining town is now a trendy area that draws in tourists from all over. During the winter months, the ski slopes are numerous and magnificent.
Those who want to take in the scenery can get a lift in the free gondola up the mountain or check out the sleigh rides available by Breckenridge Stables. During summer, the slopes turn into stunning trekking routes, and the gondola continues to run to help provide access to more hiking trails.
There is also rafting and ziplining for the more extreme adventurers. The town is full of rich history, and families often enjoy a visit to the Sawmill Museum or the Country Boy Mine, where you can explore the old mines and take a tour through some of the tunnels.
Our recommended hotels in Denver
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in DenverNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
