Where to Stay in Denver, Colorado: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a city break in Denver and not sure where to stay? You’ve come to the right place!

Before we visited, we weren’t quite sure which neighborhood would be the best base for exploring the city. After spending time brewery hopping in RiNo, watching kayakers in the middle of downtown, and catching a baseball game at Coors Field, it quickly became clear that where you stay can completely shape your trip.

The city is quite spread out, with lots of different neighborhoods, so to save you time, we’ve rounded up the four best areas to stay, along with the hotels we’d actually stay in ourselves. Let’s dive right in!

Where to Stay in Denver Map

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Denver 

Denver is a spread-out but easy-to-navigate city, and the best area to stay really depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. We’d recommend LoDo and Union Station for first-time visitors, especially if you’re arriving from Denver International Airport or planning to explore without a car. Downtown, on the other hand, is a better fit for business trips, conferences, theaters, and larger hotels, while RiNo is the place to stay if you’re after breweries, food halls, nightlife, and a more creative neighborhood vibe.

Denver isn’t a city where you can walk everywhere from one base. Instead, it’s made up of walkable neighborhoods, with light rail, buses, rideshares, scooters, and taxis making it easy to get between them. Traffic and parking in central Denver can be a hassle, so you don’t really need a car for a city break, especially if you’re staying in LoDo or Downtown, but it does come in handy if you’re planning day trips to Red Rocks, Boulder, Golden, or the mountains. 

Here are the best areas to stay in Denver and a top-rated hotel in each:

• LoDo / Union Station – Best for first-time visitors – LoDo and Union Station are the heart and soul of downtown Denver, packed with historic buildings, great restaurants, nightlife, and plenty of things to see, all within easy walking distance. Our top choice for this area is Hotel Indigo, offering modern rooms and friendly service, steps from Blake Street and Coors Field.

• Downtown / CBD – Best for sightseeing & events – This area is all about museums, theaters, shopping on 16th Street Mall, and upscale dining, making it a great fit if you’re after a more cultural side of Denver. Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver is one of our favorite stays here, with a rooftop terrace with cozy fire pits, modern rooms, and a great location right next to the 16th Street Mall. 

• RiNo (River North Art District) – Best for food & nightlife – If you love discovering hip neighborhoods filled with great food halls, breweries, bars, and colorful street art, RiNo is just the place. Catbird Hotel is one we’d definitely recommend here, thanks to its unique interiors and cool rooftop area with grass and comfy chairs, just around the corner from Mission Ballroom.

• Capitol Hill / Golden Triangle – Best for culture & local feel – This neighborhood feels worlds away from the buzz of LoDo and RiNo, with museums, Victorian homes, and a much more local atmosphere. Our absolute favorite stay here is The Acoma House with its artist-designed apartments and a quick walk to Denver’s top museums. 

Where to Stay in Denver

LoDo / Union Station  

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros 

• Most attractions are within walking distance 
• Great choice of restaurants, bars, and breweries
• Lots of hotels, from budget-friendly stays to luxury options  
• Close to Coors Field, Union Station, and other top sights 

Cons 

• Hotels fill up quickly during baseball season and big events 
• It gets busy, especially on weekends and game days   
• Parking can be expensive

LoDo (Lower Downtown) was a gritty trading post during the 1859 Pikes Peak Gold Rush, with red-light districts, saloons, brothels, and underground bootlegging tunnels during Prohibition. These days, it’s Denver’s easiest base for first-time visitors, with historic brick buildings, restaurants, bars, Coors Field, Larimer Square, and Union Station all within easy walking distance. 

It’s also one of the best areas for a car-free stay thanks to the airport train and quick access to the rest of downtown. And if you’ve had enough walking, the free MallRide shuttle runs right through the district along 16th Street, making it easy to hop from one end to the other.

As for what to do, our days here went smoothly despite the constant flow of tourists rushing from one place to another. 

Mornings can easily start with a coffee at Union Station, followed by a stroll over to Larimer Square. If you’re not heading back to the hotel for lunch, stop by one of the breweries for pub food and a beer just like the locals do, then walk it all off at Confluence Park while watching kayakers take on the rapids on the South Platte River. Evenings here are all about bar hopping or catching a baseball game (guilty of both!).

The only real trade-off is that LoDo gets busy, especially on weekends and during major events, when everything tends to cost a little more. 

The Rally Hotel – $$$ 

One of our top luxury picks in this area is The Rally Hotel. It’s definitely a bit of a splurge, but the location and little extras make it easy to see why it’s so popular. Expect complimentary s’mores kits, an ice cream social hour, a retro-chic diner, and a fun baseball theme throughout the hotel. The rooftop pool area is another highlight, with views over Denver’s skyline, the Rocky Mountains, and Coors Field.

We recommend this stay to anyone planning to explore downtown Denver or catch a Rockies game at Coors Field. You’re right next to McGregor Square, with restaurants, bars, shops, and the food hall just a stone’s throw away, while Union Station is only a 7-minute walk away if you want to explore a bit farther.

Prices usually start at around $280 per night and can reach $440+, depending on your room type and travel dates.

If The Rally Hotel is fully booked, Limelight Hotel Denver is another one we’d recommend, with a wood-fired restaurant, wellness programs, a contemporary art collection, and a mountain-inspired design. It’s also just a short walk from Ball Arena and Union Station, so getting around the city (or to the airport) is quick and easy. 

Thompson Denver is another solid pick, with stylish interiors and a French brasserie led by a Michelin-starred chef. It’s also within easy walking distance of Larimer Square and the Denver Performing Arts Complex. 

Hotel Indigo – $$ 

Hotel Indigo is our favorite stay in this area, offering modern accommodation at a much more affordable rate than its neighboring hotels. And if you like to turn a new city upside down, the location is hard to beat, right next to Union Station. It’s also just steps from Coors Field if you’re visiting for a game, and Blake Street is within easy walking distance, which means you’re never far from bars, live music venues, or the restaurants on Larimer Square.

One thing we really appreciated was how welcoming everyone was. As soon as we arrived, we got complimentary drink vouchers for the bar and freshly baked treats, which really set the tone for our entire stay. There’s also a grab-and-go snack bar open around the clock when those weird middle-of-the-night cravings hit.

With prices starting at around $120 USD per night, we think it’s a great value for a downtown stay.

Another stay we’d definitely recommend is Sentral Union Station, a 4-star property with spacious apartments that feel more like home than a hotel. It’s built right above a huge Whole Foods Market and only a short walk from Union Station, so everything you need is on your doorstep. 

Hilton Garden Inn – $ 

If you’re looking to save a bit, Hilton Garden Inn is just the place! There’s a lot to like about this hotel, from the large heated indoor pool and rooftop terrace to the restaurant housed inside a restored 19th-century fire station. The design is modern industrial with historic touches throughout, which gives it lots of character. 

It’s pet-friendly, there’s a 24/7 snack market in the lobby, and a fitness center too. What more could you need? From here, Union Station is only a 5-minute walk away, and Coors Field is just as close if you fancy catching a baseball game. Prices range from around $115 to $450+ USD per night, depending on your room type and the time of year.

Good Hotels Downtown Denver is another solid option, just steps from Union Station and Larimer Square. This adults-only aparthotel is a great fit for couples and travelers who prefer a quieter stay while still being within easy reach of downtown’s main attractions. 

Downtown / CBD  

BEST FOR SIGHTSEEING & EVENTS

Pros 

• Easy to get around on foot or by light rail  
• Home to the Colorado Convention Center
• Close to museums and theatres

Cons 

• Doesn’t have that historic character as LoDo   
• Fewer nightlife options 

If high-rise hotels and cultural evenings are more your style, Downtown/CBD is exactly where you’ll want to stay. We think it’s the most practical hotel hub in Denver, especially if you’re attending events, shows, or conferences, or simply want a central base with lots of big-name hotels and all the top-notch amenities you can get. 

This part of Denver is especially convenient for the 16th Street corridor, the Colorado Convention Center, theaters, and museums, although it does feel a little more business-like than neighborhood-y in places. That said, it really quiets down at night, but luckily, you’re only a short walk from LoDo and Union Station if partying after hours is more your thing. 

Some of Denver’s top attractions are right here, including the 1910 Daniels & Fisher Clock Tower, surrounded by cute cafés where you’ll see office workers grabbing their first coffee of the day. From there, walk or hop on the free shuttle along the 16th Street Mall, a 1.7-mile (2.7 km) pedestrian street lined with trees, outdoor plazas, restaurants, bars, and shopping spots like Denver Pavilions.

Nearby, you’ll also find the U.S. Mint, where billions of coins are made every year. Come evening, everyone heads to 14th Street for upscale dining, followed by a Broadway musical, opera, concert, or ballet at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. So if you’re visiting Denver for the museums, shows, and sightseeing rather than the nightlife, this is where we’d stay. 

Grand Hyatt Denver – $$$

Our top choice in the downtown area is the Grand Hyatt Denver, and for good reason! For starters, there’s a jogging track and a tennis court on the rooftop (now, you don’t see that very often!). There’s also a large indoor pool and a 24/7 gym if you fancy squeezing in some cardio between sightseeing tours. When hunger strikes, Courier Market Kitchen and Bar is the place to be for comfort food in a historic newsroom-themed setting (again, not somewhere you get to dine every day!).

From here, the Denver Performing Arts Complex is just a 10-minute walk away, perfect if you want to catch a Broadway show or concert, while the Denver Convention Center is also nearby. That said, this place is hard to beat for business travelers, theatergoers, and anyone who prefers an upscale stay away from the rowdy Coors Field crowds. Prices start at around $150 USD per night.

For something similar in price and style, the Embassy Suites by Hilton is worth a look! It sits right next to the Colorado Convention Center and comes with spacious suites, each with its own living room, which is perfect if you’re staying for more than a few days. 

Located just a short walk from the Colorado Convention Center, the Four Seasons Hotel Denver is a 5-star stay and a good one to have on your list if you feel like splurging a bit. There’s a rooftop pool terrace with cozy fire pits, an American steakhouse, and elegant suites, so you’ll have lots of reasons to spend some time at the hotel, too. 

Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver – $$

If you like the upscale hotel experience but don’t want to spend your entire budget on a room, Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver might be just the right fit. This modern 4-star hotel has a lot to offer! There’s an open-air terrace on the 15th floor with cozy fire pits, which is not a bad place to end the day if you ask us. Food won’t be a problem either, as the restaurant serves tasty farm-to-table comfort food that’s very popular with locals, too.

Location-wise, it’s just steps from 16th Street, where you can hop on the free bus to get around downtown. There’s also an ice-skating rink nearby if you feel like doing something a little different. Prices start at around $120 USD per night, which we think is pretty good given the location and everything you get with your stay. 

Hampton Inn & Suites is another solid option, with spacious suites (some even come with Peloton bikes!), a large indoor pool, and free breakfast. The Colorado Convention Center is right across the street, so if you’re attending an event, you can just walk over. 

If you’re after something a little more family-friendly, Hyatt Place Denver Downtown is a great option. It’s a short walk from the Denver Art Museum and the Colorado Convention Center, with spacious rooms, an indoor pool, free breakfast, and a stylish lobby bar for when you feel like socializing. 

Sonesta Denver Downtown – $

Downtown Denver can be quite pricey, but Sonesta Denver Downtown proves you don’t have to blow your entire travel budget to stay right in the center of the action. One of the highlights is the rooftop pool with views over Denver’s skyscraper skyline, which feels pretty surreal if you’re coming from a smaller town.

There’s also a cozy lounge bar with a fireplace and big-screen TVs, plus bright, comfortable rooms that feel super relaxing after a long day out. From here, you’re just steps from the Colorado Convention Center, the vibrant LoDo neighborhood, and sports venues like Coors Field and Ball Arena, so you can walk to most places without worrying about getting around.

With prices starting at around $100 USD per night, we think it’s a real bargain if you’re after a modern stay in downtown Denver.

If Sonesta Denver Downtown is all sold out for your dates, Tru By Hilton is another great option with fun extras like a lounge with board games, workspaces, and hanging swinging chairs. You’re also right next to the Denver Performing Arts Complex and 16th Street Mall. 

For something more spacious, Homewood Suites is a solid choice, with large suites equipped with kitchens and everything you need for a longer stay. Located near the United States Mint and Ball Arena, it’s a great fit for families or anyone who wants a little extra space while staying close to downtown. 

RiNo (River North Art District) 

BEST FOR FOOD & NIGHTLIFE

Pros 

• Street art is everywhere you look 
• Great nightlife without the big downtown crowds  
• Home to some of Denver’s best breweries, food halls, and coffee spots 

Cons 

• It can get noisy at night, especially on weekends  
• You may need a car for some attractions  

RiNo was once the industrial heart of Denver, but today it’s the city’s creative, nightlife-focused neighborhood, known for its murals, breweries, cocktail bars, food halls, galleries, artsy hotels, and converted industrial spaces. Safe to say, if you’re after delicious food, parties, and youthful energy, this is definitely your kind of neighborhood.

The first thing you’ll notice is the murals, which change every year. During the Denver WALLS Festival, artists paint over the old ones, giving the neighborhood a completely different look each time. Half the fun here is wandering around, discovering Japanese bakeries, hidden alleys, and street art around every corner, which we absolutely loved doing!

If you’re not sure where to start, Osaka Marketplace is a great first stop. From there, you can put together your own brewery crawl or join a guided tour if you’d rather let someone else do the planning. When the sun sets, the streets come alive with the sounds of live jazz and indie rock, while bars and breweries fill up with people out having a good time.

Overall, we think RiNo is a great choice for travelers who care more about good food and atmosphere than just sightseeing, though it’s a little less central and polished than LoDo or Downtown (don’t expect many upscale stays here!). 

Catbird Hotel – $$ 

Catbird Hotel may have an odd name, but there’s nothing odd about it (just a few quirky details you’ll probably love and end up taking a hundred photos of!). We absolutely love the chilled rooftop area, with grass and cozy chairs that give your morning coffee a little extra something. It also has some of the coolest decor we’ve seen in Denver.

Its location, just one block from venues like ReelWorks Denver and Mission Ballroom, is one of the main reasons people choose to stay here. The outdoor fireplace and on-site restaurant are nice bonuses, too. Free bikes are another great perk if you like exploring on two wheels, and the concierge service makes everything that little bit easier.

With prices starting at around $150 USD per night, we think it’s a great value for this part of Denver.

The Source Hotel is another one we’d recommend, especially for the rooftop plunge pool, hot tub, and cozy restaurant with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and downtown Denver. It’s also just a 10-minute walk from Mission Ballroom and only a 5-minute drive from downtown, which makes getting around really convenient. 

Kasa Rino Denver offers a lovely rooftop pool and spacious apartments that are ideal for families and longer stays. The South Platte River Trail, Coors Field, and McGregor Square are all within easy walking distance, so you won’t need the car every time you want to head out. 

Vīb Hotel – $ 

Vīb Hotel is one of our top great-value stays in this area. Our favorite thing about this place has to be the rooftop restaurant serving gourmet street tacos (heaven if you’re a taco lover!). Of course, no stay is complete without good coffee, and the specialty artisan café in the lobby has you covered. You can also grab breakfast here or something to go, like avocado toast or a breakfast burrito.

If you want to fit in a workout, there’s a 24/7 gym with Peloton bikes. Rooms range from cozy standard rooms to more spacious studios with sofa beds, so there’s something for everyone. You’re also just a 15-minute walk from Mission Ballroom and steps from a light rail station, making it easy to get to Union Station or the airport.

Prices usually range from around $100 to $250+ USD per night, depending on your travel dates and room type.

Cambria Hotel is another one worth mentioning for its hip design, sunny terrace, family rooms, and delicious American food at the on-site restaurant. It’s also just a 5-minute drive from Mission Ballroom and Coors Field, making it a great choice whether you’re in town for a concert or hoping to catch a baseball game. 

Capitol Hill / Golden Triangle

BEST FOR CULTURE & LOCAL FEEL

Pros 

• Quieter, more local, and less touristy than the other neighborhoods
• Tons of cafes and restaurants 
• Home to the Colorado State Capitol and Civic Center Park 

Cons 

• Accommodation choices are more limited (not many budget stays) 
• You may need a car to get to some attractions 

Capitol Hill and the Golden Triangle are, without a doubt, the best areas to stay for culture and history, packed with museums, local galleries, Victorian mansions, and national landmarks. This part of Denver has a much more local feel, with easy access to the Denver Art Museum, Civic Center Park, the State Capitol, and lots of charming historic streets. A perfect day here starts in the quiet of Capitol Hill before heading into the vibrant Golden Triangle, while evenings usually end with a show at the Fillmore Auditorium or Ogden Theatre on Colfax Avenue.

Strolling past the Victorian homes is a highlight in itself, with a stop at the Colorado State Capitol and the Molly Brown House Museum. And if you were anything like us, you’d probably spend lots of time exploring the Denver Art Museum. Civic Center Park is where everyone heads for festivals, or you can grab something from one of the local food trucks and turn it into a picnic.

The only downside (at least in our opinion) is that there are fewer hotels than in Downtown or LoDo. Instead, you’ll find more historic homes and boutique stays, but not as many budget-friendly options as in the other central neighborhoods. So if museums, character, and a more local feel are high on your list, this is just the place.

Patterson Inn – $$$

Patterson Inn is a great choice if you like your stays with a bit more history, character, and maybe even a few ghost stories if that’s your thing. Located about a 10-minute walk from the Colorado State Capitol, this lovely inn is also a National Historic Landmark, housed inside a 19th-century castle-like mansion where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time from the moment you walk through the door.

The details are what will really blow you away, from the leather sofas in the speakeasy-style bar to the massive antique bed frames. There are just nine suites, each with its own unique theme, including one inspired by Harry Potter. Keep in mind that this is an adults-only property, so it’s ideal for a romantic getaway or anyone after a quiet, sophisticated stay. 

Prices usually range from around $250 to $310 USD per night. 

If Patterson Inn is fully booked (and there’s a good chance it will be if you don’t book in advance), The Art Hotel Denver is well worth a look, with a modern art gallery, free shuttle service, family rooms, and an open-air restaurant and lounge. It’s also right next to the Denver Art Museum, which makes sightseeing a tad easier. 

The Acoma House – $$ 

The Acoma House is something else! This 3-star aparthotel is just a 5-minute walk from the Denver Art Museum and a great choice for artsy travelers. It used to be a historic boarding house, and today it also serves as an event space (if you’re lucky, you might even catch a wedding in the courtyard!).

The purple-painted brick facade makes it easy to spot from afar, but the inside is even better. Each of the 24 apartments has been designed by a different artist, and they all come with kitchenettes, making them ideal for longer stays, families, or groups of friends. There’s no restaurant or bar, but you’ll find lots of local cafés and dining spots just across the street.

Check-in and check-out are also completely contactless (no reception or anything like that), which makes the whole place feel more like a vacation rental than a hotel. Prices start at around $160 USD per night. 

Element by Marriott is a solid backup with a lovely rooftop terrace, free breakfast, a lively bar, and in-room kitchenettes, perfect if you’d like to save a bit by cooking while you’re away. It’s also just a short walk from the Denver Art Museum and the Colorado Convention Center, making it a great fit for travelers who want to explore downtown on foot. 

Related Read: Still planning your trip? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Denver for our favorite tours, activities, and must-see sights!

Top Activities in Denver

Now that you’ve found the perfect place to stay, it’s time to start planning your Denver adventures! The city has plenty to explore, but some of our favorite experiences also took us into Colorado’s mountains and wide-open landscapes. We found that mixing city tours with a couple of outdoor adventures was the best way to experience both sides of Denver.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Denver:

• Taste your way through downtown – Choosing between Denver’s restaurants is tough, so this small-group food tour lets you sample five in one afternoon. We tried everything from Michelin-recommended pizza and Argentinian empanadas to green chili and Native American tacos, with plenty of Denver history mixed in along the way.

• See Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak – Leave the driving to someone else on this full-day tour into the Colorado Springs area. Between the incredible rock formations at Garden of the Gods, lunch in Manitou Springs, wildlife sightings, and the journey to the summit of Pikes Peak, this was easily one of our favorite days outside the city.

• Go hiking in the Rockies – Exploring Colorado’s trails is much easier with a local leading the way! On this small-group guided hike, our guide chose a route based on the weather and everyone’s comfort level, so we could focus on the mountain views, wildflowers, and fresh air instead of worrying about logistics.

• Discover Denver on foot – Get your bearings while learning the stories behind downtown Denver on this guided walking tour. We explored landmarks like the Colorado State Capitol, Larimer Square, LoDo, and Union Station while hearing fascinating stories about the mining towns, saloons, and characters that shaped the city.

• Fly through the Rockies on a zipline – Add some adrenaline to your Denver trip on this small-group zipline tour! We flew across 10 different lines surrounded by rugged Colorado scenery, with everything from speedy runs to steep drops. The guides kept things fun and relaxed, making this an awesome outdoor adventure even for first-time zipliners.

Related Read: Want help putting it all together? Check out our Denver itinerary for more tours, outdoor adventures, and can’t-miss experiences around the Mile High City.

Thanks for reading!

After days spent brewery hopping in RiNo, exploring Denver’s museums, cheering on the Rockies at Coors Field, or escaping into the mountains, having the right neighborhood to come home to makes all the difference. Whether you want the walkability of LoDo, the energy of RiNo, or the more local feel of Capitol Hill, Denver has a great base for every kind of trip. We hope this guide makes choosing where to stay easier, so you can focus on enjoying the Mile High City!

If you’re still planning your trip, check out our other USA blogs here for more hotel guides, favorite tours, and travel tips from destinations across the country. Here are a few we think you’ll love:

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How to Spend THREE Days in Bend, Oregon: The Best 3-Day Itinerary

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