Where to Stay in Denver, Colorado: The Best Hotels & Areas

Denver, Colorado, is a thriving metropolis with a collection of interesting areas & neighborhoods, hiding incredible accommodations for every type of traveler. From cozy bed & breakfasts to luxury hotels, the flurry of options might leave you wondering where to stay in Denver, CO.

The best hotels in Denver cover every end of the spectrum, from trendy boutique hotels to quiet bed & breakfasts to luxurious 5-star lodgings. Get close to the buzz by laying down your head in the Central Business District or Lower Downtown (LoDo), or tuck into an artsy or edgy neighborhood like the River North Art District (RiNo) or Capitol Hill; plenty awaits!

Not sure where to begin your search? Find the perfect accommodations with this complete guide to the best places to stay in Denver, CO!

Best places to stay in Denver, CO

Whether you’re looking to stay in the center of downtown close to the action or prefer an art district with bohemian flair, choosing the right area in Denver will ensure an ideal vacation.

Denver’s Central Business District is close to everything in the heart of downtown, surrounded by sky-rise buildings and plenty of industry. It’s best for business travelers, but anyone can enjoy the central location. Lower Downtown (LoDo) is the best place for first-time visitors to Denver, as it’s close to many of the top-rated tourist attractions in Denver.

Denver

The River North Art District (RiNo) is an ideal spot for artsy types in search of culture and nightlife. Capitol Hill leans towards the edgier side, and it’s more affordable, with lots of great entertainment and options for going out.

Looking for a little more peace? North Capitol Hill, better known as Uptown, is a quieter area of Denver that still offers a great central location. For luxury travelers who seek fine dining, glamorous hotels, and plenty of shopping, the Cherry Creek neighborhood awaits.

The best areas to stay in Denver, CO, are:

Central Business District

✓ Best area to stay in Denver for business travelers

Staying in the Central Business District will place you right in the middle of sparkling skyscrapers and towering office buildings. If you’re traveling to Colorado’s capital for business or only have one day in Denver, booking lodgings here is the most convenient option. The neighborhood offers a central location in Downtown Denver and easy access to the rest of the city’s amenities and activities.

16th Street Mall

By choosing the Central Business District, you’ll be close to the 16th Street Mall, home to a barrage of boutique shops and excellent restaurants. If culture’s your jam, catch a performance at the Denver Performing Arts, home to ten different dance, art, theater, and music venues.

The concrete jungle of the Central Business District might lack some of the characteristics and charm of other Denver neighborhoods. Still, excellent accommodations are plentiful in this area. Most hotels here cater to corporate travelers searching for all the amenities, with prices starting mostly in the mid-range.

Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver

Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver

Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver has an ideal central location and is surrounded by flexible dining options and great bars to enjoy a happy-hour cocktail. The hotel is big, modern, and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of amenities. Relax on the rooftop terrace, enjoy a cocktail at the lobby bar, or enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant.

The Slate Denver

The Slate Denver, Tapestry Collection By Hilton

The Slate Denver Tapestry Collection sacrifices none of the quality and amenities the Hilton name is known for. The hotel offers a great location, sleek rooms steps from the Colorado Convention Center, and features a restaurant, bar, and fitness room. The Slate is an awesome jumping-off point to explore the rest of the city.

Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel

Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel

Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel is located in a beautiful building. Each room is equipped with a spacious work desk, making it convenient and comfortable for business travelers or remote workers. Grab a bite at the onsite restaurant and bar, or enjoy the superb walkable location.

The Ritz-Carlton, Denver

The Ritz-Carlton, Denver

Luxurious accommodations in the heart of downtown are precisely what you’ll get with a stay at The Ritz Carlton, Denver. The hotel offers sweeping views of the mountains or the city, an onsite steakhouse, a fitness center, and a spa. It’s only a 10-minute walk to Coors Field if you hope to catch a game, and the Pepsi Center is only 1.4 miles away.

Four Seasons Hotel Denver

Four Seasons Hotel Denver

Those visiting Denver during the warmer months will love staying at Four Seasons Hotel Denver thanks to its gorgeous rooftop pool. You’ll be impressed by the hotel’s sleek modern decor, tasty dining options, and luxurious amenities like personal care products and a state-of-the-art spa. You’ll only be a five-minute walk from the Colorado Convention Center and steps from the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

Lower Downtown (LoDo)

✓ Top neighborhood to stay in Denver for first-time visitors and sightseeing

Lower Downtown Denver, or LoDo as locals affectionally call it, is one of the top places to stay in Denver. If you’re a first-time visitor, the neighborhood makes a particularly fantastic jumping-off point to explore the rest of the city.

Larimer Square

Choosing accommodation in LoDo ensures you’ll be close to all of the top Denver attractions like Union Station, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Larimer Square, the historic birthplace of the city. In Lower Downtown Denver, you can indulge in delicious foods, visit fun bars, or catch a baseball game at Coors Field.

LoDo accommodations include boutique hotels set in historic buildings, long-stay apartment-style lodgings, and modern hotels with a hint of elegance; it offers a little something for every type of traveler.

Sentral Union Station

Sentral Union Station

Sentral Union Station is a fantastic accommodation choice for an extended stay in Denver. It’s only steps away from Union Station and under a mile from the Pepsi Center. The property features spacious apartment-style rooms equipped with full kitchens, seating areas, and washing machines. Common areas include a spa, a pool, and a communal barbecue.

Kimpton Hotel Born

Kimpton Hotel Born, an IHG Hotel

Kimpton Hotel Born offers gorgeous boutique-style lodging with mid-century modernist-style decor. You’ll love taking in the mountain views from the magnificent terrace. Located just a few thousand feet from the Pepsi Center, it’s in a super walkable downtown location. While at the hotel, you can enjoy amenities like a fitness center and an on-site restaurant.

Thompson Denver

Thompson Denver

Elegantly modern, Thompson Denver is close to everything LoDo has to offer. The hotel’s interior has a chic industrial aesthetic with lots of leather, wood, and interesting lines. Enjoy a drink at the bar before hitting all of the nearby attractions. It’s under a mile from both the Colorado Convention Center and the Pepsi Center and only steps from Larimer Square. You can walk to Union Station in just 600 meters, too.

The Oxford Hotel Downtown Denver

The Oxford Hotel Downtown Denver

The Oxford Hotel in Downtown Denver is only 650 feet from Union Station, making it perfect for all sorts of exploration. 24-hour room service is a fantastic perk for party people who are looking for a place to relax after a long night on the town. The Oxford features an onsite bar and fitness center, but it’s also within walking distance of plenty of great restaurants and options for nightlife.

The Crawford Hotel at Union Station

The Crawford Hotel at Union Station

If you’re a history lover, you’ll adore the opportunity to stay in an old train station at Crawford Hotel at Union Station. Located in a renovated Beaux-Arts-style building with Instagram-friendly decor within the hotel – you’ll be close to all of the downtown fun you could ever want.

River North Art District (RiNo)

✓ Best neighborhood in Denver for arts & culture

River North Art District, or RiNo, is as historically rich as it is lively. The thriving neighborhood, once one of Denver’s oldest industrial hubs, is a hotspot for nightlife, arts, and culture. The River North Art District has undergone heavy development in recent years to become one of the most popular places to go out in Denver.

River North Art District

RiNo’s clubs, venues, breweries, and cocktail bars offer plenty of opportunities to get out and socialize. Unique culinary options will inspire even the most particular foodies. One highlight is the Denver Central Market, combining restaurants, delis, cafes, and art galleries all under one roof.

The River North Art District is a favorite for bohemian and artistic travelers who want to be close to the downtown attractions but stay in an edgier artsy area. The lodging options here range from funky vintage inns to industrial chic high-rise hotels.

The Catbird Hotel in RINO

The Catbird Hotel in RINO

Experience the coziness your heart desires while staying at The Catbird Hotel in RiNo. The hotel caters to longer-term guests with sleek modern rooms offering all the comforts of a home away from home. The Catbird also has a theater on site that frequently hosts music and other live performances. The hotel’s ever-changing and lively environment pairs perfectly with the funky RiNo neighborhood.

The Source Hotel

The Source Hotel

Industrial chic designs sparkle in The Source Hotel, set in one of the few high-rise buildings in the River North Art District. The rooms offer guests every comfort and a hip aesthetic with lots of birchwoods, towering ceilings, mountain views, and Japanese-style bathtubs for a spa-like experience in the comfort of your room.

The Ramble Hotel

The Ramble Hotel

Vintage-inspired decor and understated luxury make The Ramble Hotel an incredible option in the River North Art District. Craft cocktail connoisseurs will love visiting the famous bar Death & Company, located in the hotel lobby. Enjoy some of the world’s best drinks and the bar’s vibe with an exciting and changing cast of characters who visit each night, hoping to sample a delicious new cocktail.

Uptown (North Capitol Hill)

✓ Top place to stay in Denver for families

Denver’s Uptown area, also known as North Capitol Hill, is largely residential. Still, you’ll find plenty to do here, with great lodging options close to popular Denver tourist attractions like the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

The Uptown neighborhood is an excellent option for travelers looking to stay somewhere that gives them plenty of bang for their buck and is a little quieter. During the day, stroll through City Park to get a whisp of fresh air. In the evening, 17th Avenue offers nice restaurants and bars to indulge in Denver’s nightlife.

With great character, lower prices on hotels, and an ideal central location, Uptown is a fantastic choice for all types of travelers, particularly families.

Hampton Inn Suites Denver

Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Downtown

If you’re in search of comfortable mid-range lodging in the heart of Denver’s Uptown neighborhood, the Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Downtown location makes a fine choice. The rooms are basic, but the location is central. Many of the rooms feature views of the Rocky Mountains.

Grand Hyatt Denver

Grand Hyatt Denver

Grand Hyatt Denver is located steps from the popular 16th Street Mall, so if shopping is on your Denver to-do list, it makes a fabulous jumping-off point. Business travelers will love the comfortable rooms with designated work areas and extra seating.

An onsite bar & restaurant Courier Market Kitchen and Bar serves classic American food in a unique setting resembling a vintage newsroom. A second bar serves small bites and cocktails, and a full Starbucks is on site. If you’re hoping to keep your workout schedule on track, you can enjoy the hotel’s outdoor jogging track and tennis courts or swim some laps in the indoor pool.

The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa

The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection

The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa is one of Denver’s original luxury hotels and is seeped in classic elegance. Luxurious surroundings greet you as you enter the high-story atrium lobby. The architecture and decor are in the Italian Renaissance style, and the exterior is iconic with its beautiful Colorado red granite construction.

The clientele at The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa consists mostly of sophisticated world travelers and business-focused visitors. For a particularly glamorous experience, indulge in the afternoon tea ritual, happening daily from noon to 4 pm in the stoning atrium.

Capitol Hill

✓ Top neighborhood for nightlife and live music

Capitol Hill is a great neighborhood if you’re looking for an edgy scene or a lively nightlife experience during your Denver vacation. Capitol Hill has been extensively renovated into one of Denver’s coolest neighborhoods in recent years.

Take a drive down Colfax Avenue, where you will find plenty of unique tattoo parlors, music venues, and craft breweries. You’ll be close to all of the major Denver landmarks, like the Colorado State Capitol and Civic Center Park, without the hefty downtown prices.

Colorado State Capitol

Walk to the Denver Art Museum or spend the day strolling around the Denver Botanic Gardens before heading to a local brewery for lively nightlife.

RELATED: When to Visit Denver

In Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, you’ll find plenty of unique accommodations, from hip hostels to artsy boutique hotels. Prices tend to be lower than in areas closer to the city center.

Ember Hostel

Ember Hostel

Hostels like Ember Hostel aren’t just a great choice for budget travelers: They also offer unparalleled opportunities to meet interesting and like-minded people during your trip. This one is an especially fun option for solo travelers visiting Denver for the first time. It’s close to everything and features cool community spaces where you can enjoy relaxing and enjoying some great conversation.

Element Denver Downtown East

Element Denver Downtown East

Element Denver Downtown East offers comfortable rooms and unique amenities like free bike rentals for all guests, offering the perfect way to scoot between Denver neighborhoods and explore the city during your stay. Never skip a workout during your stay with a visit to the state-of-the-art fitness center. End the evening by sipping on a cocktail at the cozy bar and lounge.

The Art Hotel

The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Art Hotel Denver features modern rooms with inspiring artistic decor and every possible comfort. You can choose between standard hotel rooms and large suites with extra seating areas and workspaces. The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible views of Denver.

Patterson Inn

Patterson Inn

Patterson Inn offers luxurious rooms set in a 19th-century Victorian-style mansion in the heart of Denver. You can walk to top attractions like the Colorado State Capitol and the Denver Art Museum. Each room is individually decorated with antique-inspired decor. There’s a daily social hour for guests with complimentary beverages and snacks.

If you’re interested in the supernatural, you’ll especially love staying at the Patterson Inn, presumed to be one of the most haunted hotels in Denver. Spooky!

Cherry Creek

✓ Top district to stay in Denver for luxury travelers

In the mood for luxury accommodations and world-class shopping? Cherry Creek is the perfect neighborhood if you’re looking for upscale lodgings and a little bit of glamour during your trip.

Cherry Creek is home to some of Denver’s finest hotels that really deliver the entire five-star experience. Incredible shopping and a variety of gourmet restaurants attract sophisticated globe trotters and business travelers alike.

Denver Zoo

In Cherry Creek, you’ll be close to attractions like the Denver Zoo and City Park while being well removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Enjoy a hike along the Cherry Creek Park Trail, which runs along the creek, or walk to the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, head further afoot to Cherry Creek State Park, one of the top-rated day trips from Denver.

Although accommodation options are limited here, the hotels are top-notch. Most start at a mid-range price point and upwards into the luxury end of the market.

Residence Inn Denver Cherry Creek

Residence Inn Denver Cherry Creek

The Residence Inn Denver Cherry Creek is a great option if you’re looking for basic rooms in a quieter area. You’ll still be within a 20-minute drive to all of Denver’s best attractions without the chaos of downtown lodging. Each room features a full kitchen, seating area, and workspace. Amenities include a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, and a large fitness center.

MOXY Denver Cherry Creek

MOXY Denver Cherry Creek

MOXY is a growing hotel chain from Marriott known for trendy decor and millennial clientele. Their Denver Cherry Creek location is no exception. In true MOXY fashion, the hotel reception is located at the bar; you’ll enjoy a complimentary cocktail as soon as you check-in.

Relax in the multiple communal spaces and enjoy snapping some photos at the many Instagram-worthy decor moments like neon signs and funky furniture. MOXY makes an ideal choice for hip travelers who don’t want to break the bank.

Clayton Members Club & Hotel

Clayton Members Club & Hotel

Exclusive and elegant, Clayton Members Club & Hotel is a wonderful choice for luxury travelers. Close to Cherry Hill’s excellent shopping and dining options, the hotel/club combo has a constantly rotating calendar of events like yoga and fitness classes, business workshops, liquor tastings, fashion shows, Tarot readings, and more for you to experience during your stay.

The Jacquard

The Jacquard, Autograph Collection

Free bike rentals, a rooftop pool, and upscale rooms are just a few of the reasons that The Jacquard Autograph Collection is one of the best accommodation options in the Cherry Creek neighborhood. The hotel’s aesthetic reflects the fashion and shopping culture of Cherry Creek. Mini bars are stocked with champagne and locally produced snacks. Make sure to check out the cool rooftop patio and bar during your stay.

Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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