Where to Stay in Denver: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels

Learn all about the best places to stay in Denver, Colorado along with the most fabulous Denver hotels in each neighborhood!

As you plan your trip, you’re going to need to learn the layout of the city to help you determine where to stay in Denver, Colorado. It’s a beautiful city with many great neighborhoods and hotels, so it can be challenging to know which one to pick.

Having spent about nine months living in Denver and many more visits to Denver for friends and work, it’s safe to say I know the lay of the land. I’ve also had the good fortune of staying in some of the best hotels in Denver, and I have to say – they are amazing!

Now let’s take a look at best places to stay in Denver so you can kick off your trip to Colorado on the right foot!

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Table of Contents

Best Places to Stay in Denver

With the time I’ve spent in Denver, I’ve had the unique opportunity to really get to know the city both as a local and as a tourist. It’s safe to say its one of the best cities in the United States due to its thriving downtown and amazing location to the Rocky Mountains.

Unfortunately, this also makes finding the perfect place to stay in Denver difficult. It’s a city full of many wonderful neighborhoods each offering a unique experience. And to make matters even more challenging, there’s no shortage of amazing hotels in Denver, Colorado.

It’s booming economy and recent growth has attracted many of the top hotel brands to open ultra-modern and artistic hotels in the downtown Denver area. It’s also inspired a whole slew of creative boutique hotels in Denver to open up. The biggest downside of staying in Denver is simply that its popularity has really driven up hotel prices – so plan that into your trip budget.

At a high level, we’ve narrowed in on some of the best areas to stay in Denver – mostly centered around where to stay in downtown Denver for visitors. Part of what makes these areas awesome for visitors is that they are conveniently located to many of the amazing things to do in Denver as well as offering the top hotels in Denver.

So let’s get going. Here are the best areas to stay in Denver:

The Lower Highlands (LoHi)
Lower Downtown (LoDo)
Capital Hill (Cap Hill)
Central Business District (CBD)
River North (RiNo)
Honorary Mention: Cherry Creek

Now let’s take a deeper look at each of the best neighborhoods to stay in Denver to help you determine which one is right for you.

Denver, Colorado Skyline — Downtown Denver

The Best Hotels in Lower Downtown Denver (LoDo)

The Lower Downtown area, or LoDo District is a 23-block historic district in the center of Denver renown for its walkability, restaurants, and nightlife. This of course makes it one of the best places to stay in Denver, CO – and one of my personal favorites!

As one of the oldest parts of the city, you’ll find prime examples of its history and what revitalization can do for a city, offering both residential and commercial communities. It’s also home to Union Station making travel around the city simple and making LoDo the place to stay in Denver without a car. To make your life even easier, Union Station offers a train directly from the airport to downtown Denver.

Make the most of your central location by hitting up some of the amazing sights and restaurants in LoDo. In Union Station, you’ll find a number of delicious food and drink options. Head upstairs to try out the somewhat hidden Terminal Bar!

You also won’t want to miss Tavernetta, Sunday Vinyl, or Mercantile Dining & Provisions for dinner. Meanwhile, the Dairy Block is perfect for lunch featuring a wide variety of restaurants and food varieties. Also make sure to plan in a stop at Larimer Square. Considered the heart of Denver, Larimer Square offers additional restaurants, bars, and shopping under beautiful string lights.

Here are four of the top hotels in lower downtown Denver to keep you centrally located.

Limelight Hotel Denver

Conveniently located adjacent to Union Station, the Limelight Hotel is one of the best hotels in downtown Denver. Here you’ll find a mix of luxurious modern and rustic decor, comfortable beds, and some rooms feature views of the mountains. Don’t miss the opportunity to eat at Tavernetta located right next door!

Check rates now for the Limelight Hotel.

The Rally Hotel at McGregor Square

Find full luxury at the Rally Hotel at McGregor Square. This beautiful Denver hotel offers sleek, new hotel rooms with daily happy hours, a heated rooftop pool, and a perfect location in LoDo. Take in views of the city or relax in your plush room.

Check rates now for the Rally Hotel.

Oxford Hotel

If you’re looking for a historic Denver hotel loaded with lots of charm, head to the Oxford Hotel. This 4 star hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable stay, including central location, full gym and spa, complimentary Colorado-made Bourbon tastings offered nightly, and live music.

Check rates now for the Oxford Hotel.

The Crawford Hotel at Union Station

For a more unique experience, stay at the hotel in Denver Union Station, the Crawford Hotel. Not only will you be as central as possible for fast access to all of the Denver area, but you’ll also have amazing restaurants and bars surrounding you. Rooms even come with a number of discounts and free amenities from the shops and restaurants around Union Station. And don’t worry, it’s still extremely quiet and peaceful at night for a great night’s sleep!

Check rates now for the Crawford Hotel.

Crawford Hotel in Denver, Colorado — The Crawford Hotel

The Best Hotels in Lower Highlands Denver (LoHi)

LoHi, or the Lower Highlands of Denver, has been recognized as one of the “Best Hipster Neighborhoods” in the United States by Forbes. Here you’ll find rooftop bars, hip coffee shops, street fairs and festivals, like the LoHi Music Festival, plenty of street art and music, and of course lots of breweries. This makes it one of the best places to stay in Denver, Colorado.

One of the things that makes this family-friendly Denver neighborhood so attractive is also that it is extremely walkable. In fact, it’s best explored on foot. If you’re renting a car, once you’re parked, you’ll be able to explore the parks and restaurants without moving it. Or, better yet, opt not to rent a car if you’re staying in LoHi Denver.

Stop by Linger, a stylish bar and restaurant situated in a former mortuary. It boasts creative cocktails, delicious food, and a beautiful rooftop area with a view. From there you’ll also want to stop at Little Man Ice Cream located right next door. Other favorites in LoHi include Avanti Food and Beverage – Denver’s very first food hall, Dimestore Delibar, Uncle for ramen, and Root Down, which serves up a killer brunch!

Let’s take a look at the best hotels in LoHi Denver.

Life House

Get more bang for your buck at the Life House in Denver. This beautiful hotel offers family rooms with seating areas as well as quadruple rooms with bunk beds for your girls trip and bachelor party needs. Check out its onsite restaurant and bar!

Check rates now for the Life House.

Kasa Comma Hotel

Conveniently located in LoHi, the Kasa Comma Hotel offers apartment-like hotel rooms featuring full kitchens, seating areas, and bedrooms. While you won’t find maid service, you will have laundry service readily available in your room!

Check rates now for the Kasa Comma Hotel.

Hampton Inn & Suites Denver – Speer Boulevard

Find a more traditional stay in LoHi at the Hampton Inn & Suites. This standard hotel offers a standard breakfast buffet, mini fridge, microwave, indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center – bringing you all the comforts you need at a Denver hotel.

Check rates now for the Hampton Inn.

Kimpton Born Hotel in Denver, CO — Limelight Hotel

The Best Hotels in Capitol Hill

Another popular area of Denver to stay in is Capitol Hill or “Cap Hill” to the locals. This area is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver and a bit more residential offering a boho vibe. It’s centrally located and makes a great home base for visitors as you’ll be close to central downtown and public transit. In fact, the free 16th Street Mall Ride stops at the Civic Center Station near the State Capital and will take you all the way to Union Station… for free!

Staying in Cap Hill, you’ll also be close to a number of key attractions, like the Colorado State Capitol building and the Civic Center Park right across the street which is teeming with flowers in the spring and summer. You’ll also find Millionaire’s Row just east of the State Capitol. This row of ornate mansions used to house the elite in Denver.

If museums are your thing, in Cap Hill you’ll be close to the “Golden Triangle” that includes a number of museums. Stop by the Historic Colorado Center or the Denver Art Museum, or “DAM” to the locals. A little further up you’ll find the historic Molly Brown House Museum, which is located in one of the beautiful Victorian homes in the area.

While you’re exploring Capitol Hill, pick up coffee at Pablo’s Coffee and grab a sub or sandwich for lunch from SubCulture. Then relax with dinner at one of the amazing Capitol Hill restaurants, like Mizuna or Potager. If the supernatural is your thing, Capitol Hill is also the most haunted neighborhood in Denver – plan an after dinner ghost tour!

With so much to do in the area, you’ll want to check out these best hotels in Capitol Hill Denver.

Patterson Inn

Stay just a ten minute walk from the Colorado State Capitol, Governor’s Mansion, and Governor’s Park at the Patterson Inn. This spectacular Capitol Hill hotel in Denver is French inspired set in a redstone chateau with historic details dating back to the late 1800s. Take advantage of the social hour from 4 – 6pm for complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres.

Check rates now at the Patterson Inn.

The Art Hotel

Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, the Art Hotel is a feast for the eyes and just steps from some of the world-class museums of Denver. Make the most of your time at the Art Hotel by stopping in their Fire restaurant for a meal or cocktail. As a bonus, you can take advantage of it being one of the many pet-friendly hotels in Denver by bringing along your furry friend!

Check rates now at the Art Hotel.

Element Denver Downtown

Conveniently located in downtown, the Element Hotel is a short walk to the 16th Street Mall where you can also catch the free mall bus. Each room features a seating area while some also include a dishwasher, microwave, and fridge.

Check rates now at the Element Denver Downtown Hotel.

The Best Hotels in the Central Business District of Denver

The Central Business District, or “CBD” for short, is more of an up and coming area. It’s historically been mostly focused on businesses and chain eateries, but it is starting to spread its wings.

The main reason I would recommend staying in the Central Business District of Denver is if its the part of town where you need to be. For example, if you are visiting Denver for work or a conference, it’s quite likely you’ll find yourself in the Central Business District.

CBD is where you’ll find the Colorado Convention Center. It’s famous for its giant 40 foot tall Blue Bear – the unofficial mascot of Denver formally named “I See What You Mean” by artist Lawrence Argent that stands peering in the window. Whether you’re staying in the Central Business District or not, you’ll want to swing by to check him out!

This area is also home to a number of the more theatrical venues like the Denver Center of Performing Arts and Paramount Theater. You’ll also find the fabulous Denver Firefighters Museum here. As you explore and start to get hungry, you’re in luck! Try a steak at Guard and Grace, stop by the Liang’s Thai Food street cart located at California St. & 16th St. Mall, or grab a drink at the Prohibition-era inspired cocktail lounge Union Lodge No. 1.

Let’s take a look at the best Central Business District hotels in Denver, CO.

Le Meridien Hotel

The chic Le Meridien Hotel is located right across from the Denver Convention Center and offers a stylish stay centrally located. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to check out the 54thirty Rooftop bar which offers stunning views of downtown Denver with cozy firepits available or grab a delicious breakfast downstairs at Corinne.

Check rates now for Le Meridien Hotel.

The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa

Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the historic Brown Palace Hotel and Spa offers a luxurious stay and is one of the most iconic hotels in Denver. As soon as you enter, you’ll be wowed by the lobby’s soaring eight story high stained-glass skylight. Visit the onsite fitness center, spa, or salon. Enjoy breakfast or lunch with Ellyngton’s and a Dom Perignon Champagne brunch buffet.

Before you arrive, you’ll also want to make reservations to attend the afternoon tea at the hotel. Some would consider it a rite of passage for Denver visitors!

Check rates now for the Brown Palace Hotel.

Grand Hyatt Denver

A classic Denver hotel, the Grand Hyatt is a four star hotel perfectly located in downtown. It features a Starbucks, Fireside Bar, and Courier Market Kitchen and Bar, which serves up classic dishes in a historic newsroom-themed setting. Get the full experience by jogging on the outdoor track and playing tennis on the outdoor court at the rooftop Skycourt.

Check rates now for the Grand Hyatt Denver.

The Best Hotels in River North, Denver

River North, or “RiNo” as it’s known locally, is the arts district of Denver. This makes it an excellent place to stay in Denver as you’ll be surrounded by murals, art galleries, and concert venues. The area is mostly made up of revamped industrial buildings and now features some of the trendiest places in Denver.

Stop in Denver Central Market, an airy marketplace featuring 11 vendors specializing in everything from pizza to artisan cheeses and handcrafted chocolates. Or check out the Source Market Hall, located in the ground floor of the Source Hotel. Based in an old iron factory, this marketplace offers 45,000 sq. feet of highly curated shops. You’ll find a bakery, brewery, retail goods, a florist, barber, and more!

Additionally, RiNo is the best known area for nightlife in Denver. If that’s important to you, this is where you should stay so that you are within walking distance of the many trendy bars, popular nightclubs, craft breweries, and delicious restaurants in the area.

Grab a beer at Improper City. Stop in the Honey Elixir Bar for a fancy cocktail. Pop into the Infinite Monkey Theorem for wine on tap. Enjoy tapas and a more upscale atmosphere at Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery & Restaurant. Wherever you end up in RiNo, you’re sure to have a good time eating and drinking your way through Denver!

To make going out at night the most convenient, consider staying in one of the best hotels in RiNo.

The Ramble Hotel

This beautiful four star boutique hotel in Denver sits right in the heart of the city. From the Ramble Hotel, you can walk everywhere and come home to the upscale decor, stylish social spaces, and handcrafted cocktails. You can also enjoy the fitness center and the terrace.

Check rates now for the Ramble Hotel.

The Catbird Hotel

This brand new hotel is one of the best places to stay in Denver. The Catbird is conveniently located in the arts district of the city and surrounded by over ten micro-breweries. Additionally, it offers a artsy vibe, a rooftop bar, and hot tubs to make your stay memorable.

Check rates now at the Catbird Hotel.

The Source Hotel

The Source Hotel is a unique hotel in Denver in that it offers some boutique shopping and several restaurants onsite in the attached Source Market Hall. It also has a stunning sun terrace with an outdoor swimming pool and rooftop hot tub. To make the most of this beautiful hotel, book or request a mountain view room!

Check rates now at the Source Hotel.

Kimpton Born Hotel in Denver Colorado — Limelight Hotel

The Best Hotels in Cherry Creek

Another option of where to stay in Denver, CO is Cherry Creek. This area is a bit further from downtown Denver requiring you to have your own transportation, but it offers a thriving shopping and art gallery scene. From high-end fashion boutiques to department stores, you’ll find anything you’re looking to buy in this area!

If you’re headed that way check out the upscale Cherry Creek Shopping Center, which is more of a traditional mall, and Cherry Creek North, which is a 16 city-block area of shops, restaurants, spas, and more! While you’re exploring, you can stop at the chain restaurants, casual cafes, and chic cocktail lounges in the area to recharge.

While I personally don’t recommend staying here as there are far more culturally rich areas in downtown Denver, there are a lot of amazing hotels in Cherry Creek and other reasons to stay here. For one, it is the best place to stay in Denver with a family or kids. Additionally, if you are coming to Denver with shopping top of mind, or looking to get away from the busy downtown life, Cherry Creek could be for you!

Here are the best Cherry Creek hotels:

Search All Hotels in Denver

Where to Stay in Denver on a Budget

Looking for a cheap hotel in downtown Denver? You’re going to have a hard time finding one in this metropolitan city. Due to the popularity of Denver, Colorado, hotels tend to be more expensive than similar cities in the United States. Fortunately, there are a lot of alternatives to hotels that offer you relatively cheap accommodation in Denver.

The best budget-friendly places to stay in Denver are going to be hostels, particularly if you are traveling alone. There are a few spread throughout the city, but two of them really stand out above the rest.

If a hostel is not your style, your next best option is to put money towards renting a car and stay a bit outside of the city in one of the suburbs. This of course comes with the additional expense of a rental car, but there aren’t any true cheap hotels in Denver’s downtown.

Ember Hostel

Stay in Denver on a budget at the beautiful Ember Hostel located in Capitol Hill. This central hostel offers dormitory rooms with privacy curtains on the beds as well as private rooms. You’ll also find well maintained common areas, including an outdoor patio, fire, and hot tub.

Check rates now for Ember Hostel.

Hostel Fish

Another budget-friendly hostel in Denver is Hostel Fish. This hostel is located in Lower Downtown Denver and is just a 5 minutes walk from Coors Field. Choose from private or dormitory rooms with privacy curtains and visit the small on-site bar to mix and mingle with other travelers.

Check rates now for Hostel Fish.

Where to Avoid Staying in Denver

If you’re wondering where should I not stay in Denver for vacation, you’re not alone. There are always areas of town and tips and tricks to getting around any city, but unfortunately you often don’t learn about them until after you get there. That’s no doubt why you’re reading about the best areas to stay in Denver, Colorado!

Here are some tips to make sure you are primely situated within the city.

Far from the Action

Like in any city, I highly recommend selecting where to stay in Denver based on location. While you may spend a bit more on a hotel, you’ll be right in the center of the action and spend less time and money on finding transport to and from the city. You’ll be able to walk right out your front door to some of the best things to do in Denver and the best restaurants.

Additionally, parking in Denver can be challenging, by staying in the city, you won’t have to rent a car, or can get better input on where to park your car in Denver.

Denver International Airport Hotels

During your trip to Denver, don’t plan to stay near the Denver International Airport (DIA). The only exception is if you do so for one night after a really late flight or before a really early flight. DIA is about 30 minutes from downtown Denver and you will spend a ton of time and money on transportation. Not to mention there aren’t great options for restaurants or things to see and do by the airport.

However, if you are looking for a place to stay before or after your flight, check out the Westin Denver International Airport hotel. This hotel is attached to the Denver airport and makes it easy to get to and from the terminals without needing to take additional transportation. Alternatively, there are quite a few hotels near the Denver airport with hotel shuttles.

High Crime Areas

When visiting a new city, you don’t know where the high crime areas are. While Denver is mostly safe, particularly during the day, there are a few areas where you should use extra precautions.

Try to avoid staying in the northern part of Denver between City Park and Five Points. This area is known for being higher crime and makes it less desirable as you won’t want to walk from your Denver hotel. That being said, just follow a few key safety tips, and you should not encounter any problems. When in doubt, duck into a building and call an Uber or Lyft!

FAQs on Where to Stay in Denver

Determining where to stay in Denver and then wading through the best hotels in Denver can be exhausting, but you’re well on your way!

How to decide where to stay in Denver?

Selecting the right neighborhood for your visit to Denver is dependent on what you’re planning to do while in town. Are you most interested in the surrounding mountains or the city life? Do you want to visit neighboring towns or cities? Are you planning to rent a car or get around by public transit? Is being close to nightlife important to you? Define your trip goals and motivation and then make a plan!

What is the best area to stay in Denver for vacation?

Determining what neighborhood to stay in Denver is really dependent on why you’re visiting Denver and your interests. I typically opt to stay in Lower Downtown Denver right near Union Station due to the ease of access of getting around, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the best downtown Denver hotels listed above.

Where should I not stay in Denver for vacation?

This was covered in depth above, but in short there are very few areas you should avoid staying in Denver. Don’t plan to stay at the Denver International Airport (DIA) for your entire stay in Denver. Don’t book a Denver hotel far from downtown Denver, unless you’re renting a car. Don’t choose an area of town that is better known for crime, like Five Points.

Are there any 5 star hotels in Denver?

If you’re looking to splurge during your trip to Denver, you’re in luck. There are two 5 star hotels in downtown Denver – the Four Seasons Hotel Denver and the Ritz-Carlton Denver. Both offer top-notch luxury and service.

Is Denver expensive to visit?

Visiting Denver doesn’t have to be expensive, although accommodations can be. With many free or lost cost things to do in Denver, you’ll find ample opportunity to enjoy the city without breaking the bank.

Even though the cost of staying in Denver can be higher than average due to the popularity of the city, you can make your visit more affordable by staying at a Denver hostel or staying in the suburbs at a more budget-friendly hotel in Denver.

What’s the best place to stay in Denver for one night?

If you only have one night in Denver, you’ll want to select a hotel in downtown Denver – likely LoDo. This makes it easy to get to and from the airport via the train, as well as easy to walk around, train, or bus to any nearby attractions you’re interested in.

Even if you have more time and are looking for where to stay in Denver for a weekend, I still recommend one of the hotels in downtown Denver. If you’re looking for nightlife, try out RiNo.

How do I decide where to stay in Denver with a family and kids?

For a family, hotels in downtown Denver may be a bit too pricey and come with the hustle and bustle of city life, which could be a negative. Depending what you’re looking for, the suite style hotels in LoHi may meet your needs, or you may want to opt to rent a car and stay in the Cherry Creek area as it is a bit safer and cheaper.

Is Denver a walkable city?

If you stay in downtown Denver, you’ll find the city to be decently walkable. You’ll be able to take the train from the airport into the city, and then can set off on foot, or by train or Uber/Lyft from there. Additionally, you can take the RTD’s free 16th Street MallRide through most of downtown. That’s right – it’s free! And it runs regularly every 3 – 15 minutes!

Is Denver safe?

While staying in downtown Denver is typically safe, you should stay alert. As Denver has continued to boom in recent years, the crime rates have continued to rise. In fact, it is now ranking high above the national average for crimes.

That being said, I have spent months wandering around downtown and the suburbs, often alone, and have never encountered problems. If you’re concerned, just take some standard safety precautions and you’ll be golden!

Learn how to stay safe with: Traveling Safely Made Simple: 35 Critical Safety Tips for Travelers

Are there bad neighborhoods in Denver?

Every city has their less desirable parts of town, and Denver is no different. Five Points is the number one most dangerous part of Denver. Wherever you are staying, just use common sense, and if you feel unsafe, duck inside a nearby restaurant or bar and call an Uber or Lyft to get where you’re going safely!

How do you determine where to stay in Denver for hiking?

If your main purpose for visiting Denver is to go hiking, look at staying closer to the mountains or finding a hotel in Boulder. Boulder is just ~30 minutes northwest of Denver and sits in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. This makes it the perfect base for hiking in Denver. If you’re looking to get further out, check out Rocky Mountain National Park and stay in Estes Park.

Read more about where to hike around Denver with Top Hiking Trails in Denver: Where to Hike in the Rocky Mountain Foothills

Explore More of Denver, Colorado

Now that you know the best places to stay in Denver, Colorado it’s time to figure out what you’ll do while you’re there! There’s plenty of amazing opportunities to explore this wonderful city. Even after dozens of trips and living in Denver for 8 months I can’t get enough of it!

Here are some additional posts to help you plan your trip to Denver:

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