Denver

Where To Stay In Denver: 5 Best Areas & Places

Updated: March 26, 2024

Denver, Colorado has grown so much in the last few years and has developed into a very popular city for all types of people. That being said, there are so many things to do all year-round for visitors.

Denver is a large city that has many different areas and sectors that all have their attractions and perks. No matter what brings you to the capital of Colorado, there will be a neighborhood that can cater to your needs. In the winter, snow sports are king, and in the summer, there are tons of outdoor and indoor attractions.

All of this considered, where you choose to stay is a pretty important decision. Although you will likely go outside of the neighborhood to visit certain attractions, you will want to stay close to your top priorities. Here are five of the best areas to stay in while visiting Denver!

 

In this travel guide:

 

Capitol Hill Denver

Capitol Hill

One of the best-rated areas to stay in all of Denver is Capitol Hill. If this is your first time coming to the Mile-High City, Capitol Hill is the place to be. This is because there is so much to do and you will see the beautiful side of the city.

You will also be right in the center of Denver, so any attraction that is on your list is not that far away. The main appeal of Capitol Hill is the historic vibe that is throughout the neighborhood.

This is mostly because the Colorado State Capitol and the U.S. Mint are right here. Like with many capital cities, just exploring its history is a fantastic way to spend a day getting to know the area.

Although Capitol Hill is not known for its nightlife, there are some fantastic bars and restaurants located here. Once you grab a bite to eat and are ready to seize the day, you can step into some of the various museums and art galleries that call Capitol Hill home.

Best place to stay in Capitol Hill

The ART Hotel. Address: 1201 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203, USA.

 

Denver Union Station

Lower Downtown

Along with Capitol Hill, Lower Downtown is another spot that will keep you right in the middle of all the action. The Broke Backpacker rates LoDo as the coolest neighborhood in all of Denver, and they are not wrong.

There is a really good mix of bars, fine dining, museums, and art exhibits throughout the neighborhood. You will also see a well-balanced mixture of contemporary amenities and traditional architecture that makes this area truly unique.

There are so many things to do while staying here. For baseball fans, Coors Field is very close by, so if attending a Rockies game is a priority, there you go. Some other popular attractions include stopping by Union Station, relaxing at Commons Park, going to a nightclub, and so much more.

There is no shortage of things to do while staying in LoDo. Even if you don’t decide to stay here, you will probably find yourself in this neighborhood at some point.

Best place to stay in Lower Downtown

Kimpton Hotel Born. Address: 1600 Wewatta Street, Denver, CO 80202, United States of America.

 

Uptown Denver

Uptown

To get the old-time Denver feel, Uptown is a great spot to check out. This is because Uptown is one of the oldest areas in the entire city and has tons of beautiful buildings and architectural focal points. One of the best spots in Uptown is the Denver Zoo.

This is complemented by the Museum of Nature and Science. These are just a couple of the attractions that make Uptown a safe, family-friendly neighborhood.

One of the focal points is 17th Avenue. This is a street full of small shops, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife opportunities. This is a rather charming street that will make you feel welcome and comforted despite being a visitor.

There is also the City Park that is over 300 acres and provides a fantastic green space in city life. Get in touch with nature while being in one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

Best place to stay in Uptown

Hotel Warwick. Address: 1776 Grant St, Denver, CO 80203, USA.

 

Central Business District Denver

Central Business District

If going out on the town is why you find yourself in Denver, the Central Business District is for you. This area is just north of Capitol Hill, this is the place to be to party and have a good time.

There are bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and music venues that line the streets of this neighborhood. In the summer, it is not uncommon to see people flooding the streets and the tunes of live music flowing about.

One of the best perks of the Central Business District is that there is something for people of all budgets.

If going to a boujee nightclub and spending hundreds of dollars for an evening of fun is important to you, that can happen. On the flip side, there are several cheap, but still, fun bars that you provide a good time without the lofty bill.

During the day, you can do some shopping or visit the Downtown Aquarium. Although the nightlife is the focal point, there are still some normal attractions to visit.

Best place to stay in Central Business District

Brown Palace Hotel. Address: 321 17th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA.

 

Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek

Just a few minutes’ drive from LoDo and other Denver neighborhoods is Cherry Creek. This is one of the more upscale areas where accommodations will not be cheap. If you are willing to shell out some money to have a top-notch stay, look no further!

One of the perks that come with elegant hotels is fine dining opportunities. You can indulge in some of Colorado’s most exclusive, best-rated restaurants. If you are going all out, why not take advantage of incredible dining options?

Yet another way to spend some money is by going shopping. This is a popular pastime as the Cherry Creek Shopping Center is located here and has great shopping and food options.

Once you soak in all of these features, be sure to kick your feet up and relax at Pulaski Park or the Cherry Creek Reservoir. These are some natural areas that you can enjoy to break up the monotony of high-class living.

Best place to stay in Cherry Creek

Halcyon Hotel Cherry Creek. Address: 245 North Columbine Street, Denver, CO, 80206, United States of America.

 

Denver Hotels

Where travel critics stay in Denver

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Denver, Colorado? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Denver.

 

Budget

Hostel Fish.

“This swanked-out hostel is an oasis for budget travelers. Stylish, modern and squeaky clean, dorms have themes – Aspen, Graffiti, Vintage Biker – and sleep five to 10 people in bunks. Mattresses are thick and duvets plush.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 1217 20th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA.

 

Mid-range

The Ramble Hotel.

“The new Ramble Hotel in RiNo looks like a warehouse rehab with a handsome red brick exterior and double-height lobby. The new building houses Death & Co Denver cocktail lounge in the lobby, filled with tufted sofas and chandeliers.” — New York Times.

Address: 1280 25th Street, Denver, CO 80205, United States of America.

 

Luxury

Crawford Hotel.

“The sumptuous Crawford Hotel sits atop the top three floors of Denver’s recently re-imagined Union Station. Opened in 2014, following a major remodel of the building, The Crawford feels like a luxury hotel without any pretension.” — Fodor’s.

Address: 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202, USA.

 

Denver Skyline

FAQ: Denver hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Denver? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Denver hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Denver.

 

What is the best budget hotel in Denver?

If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Denver, then book Staybridge Suites. It’s an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It’s in a good location, it’s been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also make sure you read our shortlist of the best cheap hotels in Denver.

 

What is the best boutique hotel in Denver?

You like some luxury but don’t like the famous chain hotels. If you’re looking for the best boutique hotel in Denver, you should check out The Ramble Hotel. It’s a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts. Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Denver, it’s a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.

 

What is the best luxury hotel in Denver?

If money isn’t a problem and you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Denver, then go for Four Seasons Denver. The hotel offers excellent service, it’s in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Also make sure you read our shortlist of the best luxury hotels in Denver, it’s a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.

 

What is the best hostel in Denver?

If you’re looking for a great hostel in Denver, then you should check out Hostel Fish. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it’s in a good location. Also check out our list of the best hostels in Denver.

 

What is the best bed & breakfast in Denver?

Looking for a cozy place to stay in Denver that serves you handmade and fresh breakfast in the morning? Go and check out Castle Marne B&B. The B&B has been recommended by well-known travel experts and recent guests have given it top ratings.

 

Which Denver hotel has the best swimming pool?

If you’re looking for a Denver hotel with a great swimming pool then try Hotel Warwick, it has an excellent rooftop swimming pool which has received excellent customer reviews.

 

Which Denver hotels serve great breakfast?

Try Queen Anne Bed & Breakfast or the Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast if you’re looking for a delicious breakfast. Both places have excellent customer review ratings for their breakfast.

 

How much does it cost to stay in a Denver hotel?

For a 3-star hotel, you have to pay around $155 per night and for a 4-star hotel, you would be looking at $230 per night. If you’re after a luxury 5-star Denver hotel then you can expect to pay around $540 per night.

 

Denver street art

Best time to visit Denver

If you are a winter sports enthusiast, then the best time to visit Denver is between November and March.

During this time, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, and you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports in the nearby mountain resorts. Additionally, Denver also hosts its annual National Western Stock Show and Rodeo during January, which is a must-attend event for all cowboy enthusiasts.

However, if you prefer warmer weather and outdoor activities, then the best time to visit Denver is between April and October. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures in the nearby Rocky Mountains.

Moreover, Denver also hosts its annual Cherry Blossom Festival in June, which is a celebration of Japanese culture and tradition.

 

Denver Latimer Square

Best things to do in Denver

There are numerous things to do in Denver and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Denver:

 

Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver

Climb from the streets of the “Mile High City” to Rocky Mountain National Park, on a day trip that showcases the rugged beauty of Colorado’s mountains. Price: $139. More info.

 

Denver: Customized Guided Tour

With these customized tours, transform your way of traveling to make it as much about the people you meet, as it is the places you see. Price: $30. More info.

 

Foothills Explorer Tour From Denver

The Denver foothills are packed with some of Colorado’s best sights, from Red Rocks Amphitheater to Lookout Mountain and scenic Lariat Loop. Price: $69. More info.

 

More things to do in Denver

 

Deciding where to stay in Denver

Let’s recap what we just learned in this article. We’ve covered the best areas of Denver above. Now you can decide where to stay while visiting!

 

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Denver

 

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Denver is important. Whether you stay in Lower Downtown, Cherry Creek, Central Business District, Uptown or Capitol Hill, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great stay in Denver.

 

 Denver overview

🏨 Hotel prices: High
🛏 Budget hotel: $100
💑 Boutique hotel: $210
5-star hotel: $490
🌎 Best area for first visit: Capitol Hill
👪 Best area for families: Uptown
💎 Best luxury hotel: Four Seasons Denver
👫 Best boutique hotel: Ramble Hotel
💰 Best cheap hotel: Drury Inn & Suites
🎒 Best hostel: Hostel Fish

 

More Denver tips

Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Denver:

Hotels in Denver

Hostels in Denver

Boutique hotels in Denver

Luxury hotels in Denver

Cheap hotels in Denver