Lodging
Lodging
Denver’s lodging options cater to a diverse range of preferences and budgets. From luxurious hotels and resorts to charming bed and breakfasts, the city offers accommodations that provide comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. Choosing the right lodging can enhance your travel experience, offering amenities and services that meet your specific needs.
History of Tourism in Denver
Tourism in Denver has evolved significantly since the city’s founding in the mid-19th century. Originally a mining town, Denver quickly became a central hub for settlers and travelers heading west. Over the decades, it has transformed into a modern metropolis, drawing tourists with its unique blend of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and stunning mountain views. Today, Denver is a year-round destination, with peak tourist seasons in the summer and winter.
How to Get There
Denver is easily accessible by air, road, and rail. Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, offering direct flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. For those traveling by car, Denver is well-connected by major highways, including I-25, I-70, and I-76. Amtrak’s California Zephyr also serves the city, providing a scenic rail journey from Chicago to San Francisco.
Best Seasons to Visit
Denver’s best seasons to visit are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild, and the city’s parks and gardens are in full bloom or showcasing beautiful fall foliage. Summer (June to August) is ideal for outdoor activities and festivals, but it can be hot and crowded. Winter (December to February) attracts skiers and snowboarders heading to the nearby Rocky Mountains, but it’s also a great time to enjoy Denver’s cozy indoor attractions.
Hotels
Denver boasts a variety of hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious five-star establishments. Common amenities include free Wi-Fi, fitness centers, business facilities, and on-site dining.
- The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa – 321 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
- Amenities: Spa, fine dining, afternoon tea, and historic charm.
- The Crawford Hotel – 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
- Amenities: Located in Union Station, modern rooms, and multiple dining options.
- Hotel Teatro – 1100 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
- Amenities: Luxury boutique hotel, on-site restaurant, and pet-friendly.
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver – 1717 Champa St, Denver, CO 80202
- Amenities: Spa services, complimentary wine hour, and pet-friendly.
- Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center – 650 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
- Amenities: Rooftop pool, fitness center, and business facilities.
- The Maven Hotel – 1850 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202
- Amenities: Art-centric design, on-site dining, and pet-friendly.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown – 1420 Stout St, Denver, CO 80202
- Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, evening receptions, and indoor pool.
- Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel – 918 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
- Amenities: Historic building, on-site dining, and fitness center.
- The Art, a Hotel – 1201 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
- Amenities: Art installations, rooftop bar, and modern design.
- Le Méridien Denver Downtown – 1475 California St, Denver, CO 80202
- Amenities: Rooftop bar, fitness center, and pet-friendly.
Resorts
For those seeking a more resort-like experience, Denver offers several options with extensive amenities such as spas, golf courses, and fine dining.
- Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center – 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora, CO 80019
- Amenities: Indoor and outdoor pools, spa, multiple dining options.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Denver – 1881 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202
- Amenities: Luxury spa, fine dining, and club level.
- Four Seasons Hotel Denver – 1111 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, spa, fine dining, and city views.
- St Julien Hotel & Spa – 900 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302
- Amenities: Luxurious spa, on-site dining, and mountain views.
- JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek – 150 Clayton Ln, Denver, CO 80206
- Amenities: Upscale accommodations, spa, and fine dining.
- Denver Marriott Tech Center – 4900 S Syracuse St, Denver, CO 80237
- Amenities: Indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, and business facilities.
- Omni Interlocken Hotel – 500 Interlocken Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80021
- Amenities: Golf course, spa, and multiple dining options.
- The Oxford Hotel – 1600 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
- Amenities: Historic charm, spa, and on-site dining.
- Hilton Denver Inverness – 200 Inverness Dr W, Englewood, CO 80112
- Amenities: Golf course, spa, and fine dining.
- The Broadmoor – 1 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
- Amenities: Historic resort, multiple dining options, golf courses, and spa.
Bed and Breakfasts
For a more intimate and personalized experience, Denver’s bed and breakfasts offer a charming alternative to hotels.
- Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn – 1207 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80203
- Amenities: Gourmet breakfast, historic charm, and personalized service.
- The Adagio Bed and Breakfast – 1430 Race St, Denver, CO 80206
- Amenities: Victorian charm, gourmet breakfast, and garden.
- Queen Anne Bed & Breakfast – 2147-51 Tremont Pl, Denver, CO 80205
- Amenities: Eco-friendly, organic breakfast, and unique rooms.
- The Holiday Chalet – 1820 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218
- Amenities: Historic charm, pet-friendly, and breakfast included.
- Patterson Inn – 420 E 11th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
- Amenities: Boutique charm, complimentary wine hour, and gourmet breakfast.
- Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens – 2555 W 37th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
- Amenities: Historic mansion, on-site events, and breakfast included.
- The Dove Inn – 711 14th St, Golden, CO 80401
- Amenities: Modern amenities, historic charm, and gourmet breakfast.
- Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast – 1572 Race St, Denver, CO 80206
- Amenities: Historic Victorian, gourmet breakfast, and afternoon tea.
- Highland Haven Creekside Inn – 4395 Independence Trail, Evergreen, CO 80439
- Amenities: Creekside setting, gourmet breakfast, and romantic rooms.
- The Bradley Boulder Inn – 2040 16th St, Boulder, CO 80302
- Amenities: Boutique charm, gourmet breakfast, and evening wine hour.
Price and Suitability
- Budget: $100 – $200 per night (e.g., Embassy Suites, The Holiday Chalet)
- Mid-Range: $200 – $400 per night (e.g., The Maven Hotel, Highland Haven Creekside Inn)
- Luxury: $400+ per night (e.g., The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Denver)
Families might prefer hotels with pools and family-friendly amenities, while solo travelers and couples may enjoy the personalized charm of bed and breakfasts. Luxury seekers will find resorts and high-end hotels appealing for their extensive amenities and services.
Short Term Rentals
Short-term rentals have gained immense popularity in Denver, offering a more home-like experience for travelers. These rentals range from cozy apartments to entire houses, providing more space and flexibility than traditional hotels.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- More space and privacy
- Kitchen facilities for self-catering
- Opportunity to live like a local
- Often more cost-effective for longer stays
Disadvantages:
- Lack of consistent standards
- No front desk or on-site assistance
- Potential for misleading listings
Booking Tips
- Use reputable platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com.
- Read reviews carefully and check host ratings.
- Verify the location and amenities listed.
- Communicate with the host before booking to clarify any concerns.
Ten highly rated Short-Term Rentals
LoDo Loft – Spacious loft in Lower Downtown with modern amenities.
Charming Capitol Hill Apartment – Cozy apartment with vintage decor and close to attractions.
Luxury High-Rise Condo – Upscale condo with city views and rooftop pool.
Modern Townhouse – Stylish townhouse with a private patio in the Highlands neighborhood.
Historic Five Points House – Renovated historic home with a backyard and BBQ area.
Downtown Penthouse – Luxury penthouse with panoramic views and high-end amenities.
Wash Park Bungalow – Quaint bungalow near Washington Park with a garden.
Cherry Creek Retreat – Elegant house with a garden in the upscale Cherry Creek area.
RiNo Studio – Artistic studio in the trendy River North Art District.
Golden Triangle Loft – Modern loft with an open floor plan and close to museums.
RV and Camping
RVing and camping are popular options for travelers who want to experience Denver’s natural beauty up close. These accommodations offer a unique way to explore the area’s outdoor attractions, from the foothills to the Rockies.
RV Parks
RV parks are equipped with amenities like electrical hookups, waste disposal, water access, and bathhouses. They are ideal for travelers with RVs or camper vans.
- Cherry Creek State Park – 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014
- Amenities: Full hookups, bathhouses, laundry facilities, and nature trails.
- Dakota Ridge RV Park – 17800 W Colfax Ave, Golden, CO 80401
- Amenities: Full hookups, pool, hot tub, and fitness center.
- Flying Saucer RV Park – 2500 W Hampden Ave, Englewood, CO 80110
- Amenities: Full hookups, bathhouses, and laundry facilities.
- Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur – 650 Sky View Ln, Larkspur, CO 80118
- Amenities: Full hookups, pool, mini-golf, and themed activities.
- Prospect RV Park – 11600 W 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
- Amenities: Full hookups, bathhouses, and laundry facilities.
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park – 92 Crawford Gulch Rd, Golden, CO 80403
- Amenities: Electric hookups, bathhouses, and hiking trails.
- Denver Meadows RV Park – 2075 N Potomac St, Aurora, CO 80011
- Amenities: Full hookups, bathhouses, and laundry facilities.
- St. Vrain State Park – 3785 Weld County Road 24, Firestone, CO 80504
- Amenities: Full hookups, bathhouses, and fishing ponds.
- Chatfield State Park – 11500 N Roxborough Park Rd, Littleton, CO 80125
- Amenities: Full hookups, bathhouses, and marina.
- Clear Creek RV Park – 1400 10th St, Golden, CO 80401
- Amenities: Full hookups, bathhouses, and proximity to downtown Golden.
Campgrounds
Campgrounds offer a more rustic experience, suitable for tents and smaller RVs. They often feature basic amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and fire pits.
- Cherry Creek State Park – 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014
- Amenities: Tent sites, bathhouses, and nature trails.
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park – 92 Crawford Gulch Rd, Golden, CO 80403
- Amenities: Tent sites, bathhouses, and hiking trails.
- Bear Creek Lake Park – 15600 W Morrison Rd, Lakewood, CO 80228
- Amenities: Tent sites, bathhouses, and fishing.
- Chatfield State Park – 11500 N Roxborough Park Rd, Littleton, CO 80125
- Amenities: Tent sites, bathhouses, and marina.
- St. Vrain State Park – 3785 Weld County Road 24, Firestone, CO 80504
- Amenities: Tent sites, bathhouses, and fishing ponds.
- Reverend’s Ridge Campground – 92 Crawford Gulch Rd, Golden, CO 80403
- Amenities: Tent sites, bathhouses, and hiking trails.
- Indian Paintbrush Campground – 107 Elk Creek Rd, Pine, CO 80470
- Amenities: Tent sites, bathhouses, and fishing.
- Clear Creek Campground – 1400 10th St, Golden, CO 80401
- Amenities: Tent sites, bathhouses, and proximity to downtown Golden.
- Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake – 2120 Marys Lake Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517
- Amenities: Tent sites, bathhouses, and fishing.
- Pinewood Reservoir Campground – 1399 Co Rd 18E, Loveland, CO 80537
- Amenities: Tent sites, bathhouses, and fishing.
Planning and Preparation
- Booking Campsites: Reserve in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Camping and RV Essentials: Pack tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear, water containers, and appropriate clothing. Don’t forget necessary permits.
- Permits: Some campgrounds require permits, so check ahead of time.
General Information
Pet Policies
Many accommodations in Denver are pet-friendly, but it’s important to confirm with the specific lodging option. Hotels like The Maven and Kimpton Hotel Monaco welcome pets, while many campgrounds and RV parks also allow pets, often with some restrictions.
Sustainability
Denver is committed to sustainability, with many hotels and lodgings implementing eco-friendly practices. Look for accommodations that use energy-efficient lighting, recycle waste, and support local products.
Seasonal Considerations
Denver’s accommodation availability and pricing can vary significantly with the seasons. Summer and winter are peak tourist times, so book early for the best deals. Off-peak seasons like spring and fall may offer lower rates and fewer crowds.
Final Thoughts
Denver’s diverse lodging options ensure that every traveler can find a comfortable and suitable place to stay. Whether you prefer the luxury of a downtown hotel, the charm of a bed and breakfast, the convenience of a short-term rental, or the adventure of camping, Denver has something to offer. Plan ahead, consider your needs and preferences, and enjoy your stay in the Mile High City!
