Denver is one of America’s most up and coming cities. A great sports town, an improving restaurant scene, and arguably the brewery capital of the USA, Denver is absolutely one of America’s best kept secrets.
But Denver is a large city, and some of the neighborhoods don’t offer much to visitors – which is exactly why we wrote this epic guide for where to stay in Denver!
Written by our travel-pros, this bargain guide breaks down Denver’s best neighborhoods into easy to digest categories, so you can quickly find the neighborhood that suits your style (and budget!).
With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to book a hotel with confidence and ease 🙂
Knowing where to stay in Denver is super important – so let’s jump right into it!
Table of Contents
At A Glance: Where To Stay In DENVER
PS Have you checked out our other awesome guides to American cities?
Plus, it’s well worth checking out our top 55 things do do in the USA!
WHERE TO STAY IN DENVER | |||
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BEST Air BnBBEST Air BnBTahvory & Billy’s BnB |
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BEST Budget HotelBEST Budget Hotel 11th Avenue Hotel & Hostel |
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BEST Mid-RangeBEST Mid-RangeMOXY Denver |
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BEST Luxury HotelBEST Luxury HotelKimpton Hotel Monaco Denver |
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Tahvory & Billy’s BnB is the best Air BnB in Denver
Don’t be confined to one small apartment while you are vacationing in Denver, upgrade yourself to this spacious home! You will be feeling as if you are staying in a friend’s house rather than just another impersonal BnB. With its thoughtful touches and location right by the zoo and lake, you couldn’t ask for a better location!
11th Avenue Hotel & Hostel is the best budget hotel in Denver
By offering both private hotel rooms and communal hostel-style dorms, 11th Avenue Hotel & Hostel is the best budget hotel in Denver.
There is a relaxed and sociable atmosphere at 11th Avenue. Many guests gather in the hotel’s bar of an evening to chat about their day and plan tomorrow’s adventures.
MOXY Denver is the best mid-range hotel in Denver
The best mid-range hotel in Denver is MOXY, for sure. Being located in Cherry Creek offers you the best of both worlds; you can visit the tourist hotspots with ease while having a more local experience. MOXY is an ultra-modern hotel with a sleek, minimalist design throughout.
Like good weather? These are the best times to visit Denver!
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver is the best luxury hotel in Denver
Despite its luxury nature, Kimpton Hotel Monaco is really rather affordable and as such, is the best luxury hotel in Denver. Guests can relax and unwind in the beautiful spa, or work up a sweat in the well-equipped fitness centre. The rooms are ornate with a modern twist.
This is the definitive guide for where to stay in Denver
Denver is one of the most exciting up and coming cities in the United States of America in terms of tourism.
Despite being home to over half a million people, there is still a small town feel to Denver. This may well be as a result of the community-driven neighbourhoods that come together to make the city what it is today.
From the busy, business orientated Downtown, to the artsy, creative Santa Fe Drive there is something to suit every single travel style. A home to one and to all, Denver makes for a great weekend getaway. If you can stay longer then do, you certainly won’t regret it.
Denver is commonly referred to as the ‘Mile High City’ and it is a commonsensical name. The nickname is derived from the fact that Denver is exactly one mile above sea level (5280 ft to be precise).
This too is a city of dizzy heights. There are a number of impressive skyscrapers that tower above the city streets that make Denver an urban photographer’s dream.
Hotel Jules Insider Tip
Although not a city awash with bucket-list landmarks and flashy attractions, Denver has a lot to offer. From hipster cafes to indie boutiques, from innovative art spaces to exciting sports arenas, there is something to keep you occupied every hour of the day, should you choose to search for it.
Denver has a rich and diverse selection of neighbourhoods to stay in so you are bound to find a place where you feel right at home.
Now let’s take a look, in greater detail, at the best neighbourhoods to stay in Denver. Each is a little different to the last so be sure to check out which is right for you!
Downtown Denver is our pick for where to stay in Denver for your first time
Downton Denver is the beating heart of the city. It all happens here. Downtown Denver is the best place to stay in Denver if you are a first time visitor who wants to experience everything this incredible city has to offer. By staying in central Downtown you have easy access to other must-visit neighbourhoods like LoDo, Capitol Hill and, Jefferson Park; what’s not to love.
Downtown Denver is home to a fantastic array of bars, cafes, and more upmarket eateries. In all fairness, you could spend your whole trip to Downtown Denver hopping from cafe to bar, from bar to all American diner and still only scratch the surface.
Denver is a well-connected city. The city is interconnected by the light rail system and an extensive bus network, known together simply as RTD Bus & Rail. As big-city public transport services go Denver is on to a winner. The services are seemingly always on time and it is rather affordable.
Borahm’s BnB is the best Air BnB in Downtown Denver
At this BnB you will not only be staying in one of the most stylish stays in the city, but you will also be given panoramic views of the Denver Skyline! Putting you right smack in the heart of downtown Denver, this apartment will have you staying just a few steps away from Coors Field and Union Station!
Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown is the best budget hotel in Downtown Denver
The best budget hotel in Downtown Denver is Holiday Inn Express for sure. The hotel offers modern and stylish rooms all have air-conditioning and an ensuite bathroom. There is free WiFi throughout the property and a free to use fitness centre. They offer an express 24-hour check-in.
Need to move your legs? Take a walking tour in Denver!
Courtyard Denver Downtown Denver is the best mid-range hotel in Downton Denver
Courtyard by Marriot is an ideally located, large hotel in the centre of Downtown Denver. All rooms come with a microwave and tea and coffee making facilities. Every room offers a private ensuite bathroom, plenty of space and many offer a city view. They have their own on-site restaurant.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver is the best luxury hotel in Downtown Denver
This is a luxurious 4-star hotel that offers guests complimentary access to the excellent fitness centre. There is a wonderful spa within the hotel too, that has an extensive treatment menu. Kimpton Hotel offers both double rooms and spacious suites. All have ensuite bathrooms and free WiFi.
Need a little more convincing? These day trips from Denver will help you make up your mind!
Capitol Hill is our pick for where to stay in Denver on a budget
Capitol Hill is another fantastically central neighbourhood in Denver that is ideal for travellers on a budget. Not only does stay here save you money on public transport and taxis but there is a great selection of affordable food outlets and small entry fee museums.
Capitol Hill is a great place to stay on a budget as there is so much to simply observe and photograph. As one of the most historic neighbourhoods in Denver, Capitol Hill features street after street of homes dating back to the late 19th Century. When the tree-lined avenues are in full bloom this neighbourhood is incredibly picturesque.
You can take yourself on a self-guided walking tour of Capitol Hill, should you wish. If you start by grabbing a coffee at one of the many cafes on 6th Avenue and then head over to Washington Street. From here start walking north along Clarkson street snapping photos and chatting to locals as you go.
Planning a trip? See our list of the BEST flea markets in Denver!
David’s BnB is the best Air BnB in Capitol Hill
From the very second you walk through the door you will know you are home! This BnB will hook you up with everything you need to feel like a local. Complete with a sunny living room, cozy bedroom, and a full kitchen, you will almost be looking forward to coming back to your apartment to relax after a long day of exploring Denver!
Easily the best budget hotel in Capitol Hill, 11th Avenue Hotel & Hostel offers an accommodation option to suit every budget. This fun and friendly hotel-come-hostel is bright and welcoming. Although the rooms are basic in terms of decor they certainly do not lack on comfort or cleanliness.
Let’s make this simple. These are the best hotels in Downtown Denver!
Patterson Inn is the best mid-range hotel in Capitol Hill
Patterson Inn is set in a grand old building of true Capitol Hill style. There is wireless internet available throughout the property and there are plenty of common areas to meet other travellers. The staff are exceptionally helpful and will help with any travel arrangments or tours that they can.
Colorado isn’t just about the cities! There are tons of other places to visit too!
The Art A Hotel is the best luxury hotel in Capitol Hill
Although Capitol Hill is a great budget area to stay in Denver there are some luxury options too. The Art A Hotel is ultra-modern and stylish. Rather affordable considering the luxury they afford to guests, The Art offers spacious rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms and many offer a city view.
LoDo is our pick for where to stay in Denver for nightlife
If you are a night owl in search of a place to stay in Denver, look no further than LoDo. In all honesty, however, LoDo is a 24-hour neighbourhood with something to see, do or explore every hour of every day.
LoDo is where the city slickers come to play. Once the clock hits 5 pm this place comes alive. The bars, bistros, and later on the clubs, fill to the rafters with office workers, students and visitors alike. All keen to share a drink or two and let the good times roll. One of the most iconic venues in LoDo is Beta Nightclub. Lovers of dubstep, dance and techno music will feel right at home.
Before you hit the dancefloors, you can have quite the cultural experience in LoDo. As a modern and forwarding thinking neighbourhood there is a multicultural side to the area that should be explored. On Lawrence Street, you will find the Denver Buddhist Temple open to those of all, or no faith, to visit.
Sports fans should endeavour to catch a baseball game at Coors Feild while in LoDo. Remember, in Denver, you’re cheering for the Rockies!
Ballpark BnB is the best Air BnB in LoDo
Located just a few steps away from Coors Field and the hipster art district of LoDo, this BnB will give you a one of a kind stay in the heart of Denver’s art center! The concrete industrial-chic style is in tune with the rest of the neighborhood, both boutique and artsy, this apartment is sure to be one of your best memories of your holiday!
Hotel Indigo is the best budget hotel in LoDo
Despite its budget-friendly price tag Hotel Indigo has an upmarket feel and modern decor. With sleek and stylish room, Hotel Indigo is a great choice for budget travellers in LoDo. The hotel is within a short walk from Union Station and LoDo’s hottest bars and clubs. The staff are simply wonderful.
Not trying to go 100mph? The top museums in Denver are great places to slow down and appreciate the city!
Oxford Hotel is the best mid-range hotel in LoDo
Oxford Hotel is a 4-star hotel in central LoDo. This is a great mid-range option for travellers who want to stay in LoDo. The rooms are grand with a modern twist. The beds are exceptionally comfortable with plenty of pillows. Oxford Hotel has its own bar and restaurant on site.
The Crawford Hotel LoDo Denver is the best luxury hotel in LoDo
Receiving rave reviews time after time, The Crawford is a wonderful luxury hotel in the heart of LoDo. They offer all the amenities you could wish for and more, including a laundry service and valet parking. This is a boutique style hotel with only 67-rooms. A personal service is afforded to all guests.
Cherry Creek is our pick for where to stay in Denver for your first time
Cherry Creek is by far the coolest neighbourhoods in Denver. For travellers seeking to experience Denver at its most authentic, and to make new friends on the road, Cherry Creek is the place to be.
This is a refined area of Denver home to many an upscale shopping mall and fancy bistro. What makes Cherry Creek so fantastic is that is is only a 30-minute journey on the light rail to Capitol Hill and Denver’s must-visit landmarks.
Once you have ticked off the must-visit landmarks in Denver like the Colorado State Capitol building and Cheeseman Park you can hit the shops of Cherry Creek.
With an amazing selection of high-street stores at The Cherry Creek Shopping Center, you are bound to walk away with a bargain or two. If you have a perchance for the finer things in life perhaps a stroll along East 1st Ave.
Foodies should make a beeline for East 2nd Ave and get exploring the dozens of innovative eateries that line this popular street. There are a number of brilliant brewpubs in the Cherry Creek area too.
Maria & Scott’s BnB is the best Air BnB in Cherry Creek
If you are looking to explore Denver on foot, this BnB will have you staying in one of the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods in the whole city! When you aren’t dining at one of the nearby restaurants, this home will have you never wanting to check out with its trendy decor and one of a kind style!
Holiday Inn Denver – Cherry Creek is the best budget hotel in Cherry Creek
Holiday Inn is the best budget hotel in Cherry Creek, offering affordable rooms throughout the year. The rooms, although uniform, are comfortable and feature an ensuite bathroom. The hotel offers a free shuttle service, just ask the attentive staff at the front reception for details. There is an indoor swimming pool too.
MOXY Denver is the best mid-range hotel in Cherry Creek
MOXY Denver is a great mid-range hotel with a heap of luxury touches. The rooms are airy, bright and feature all the modern amenities you could wish for. Many rooms offer impressive views over the Mile High City. There is an ultra-modern hotel bar that serves great cocktails.
Halcyon is the best luxury hotel in Cherry Creek
Halcyon is a piece of paradise in the heart of Cherry Creek. Their indoor swimming pool is reason enough to book yourself a room. The staff are incredibly helpful and very knowledgeable about what to do in Denver. The rooms are spacious and bright, and the suites offer next-level comfort.
Jefferson Park is our pick for where to stay in Denver for families
If you are travelling to Denver as a family there is the perfect neighbourhood just lying in wait for you. It’s Jefferson Park.
Jefferson Park is a neighbourhood crammed to the rafters with family fun. This safe and happy neighbourhood is just a short hop on the RTD Bus & Train to Downtown Denver. Staying in Jefferson Park means that Denver is your oyster. The Downtown Aquarium is a great place to teach youngsters about the wonders of the oceans. There are over 500 species on display; it is truly mesmerising.
It is not just families who will have the time of their lives in Jefferson Park, but NFL fans too. Jefferson Park is home to the Mile Home Stadium. The home of the NFL Denver Broncos. Although tickets get snapped up pretty quickly, if you look in the right places, or make friends with the right locals, you may just be able to nab yourself a coveted ticket.
Barb’s BnB is the best Air BnB in Jefferson Park
Putting you right smack in between LoHi and Jefferson Park, this BnB will have you living the quiet life in the Denver suburbs while still being close enough to enjoy all the action of the downtown! Complete with a relaxing lounge, spacious bedroom, and a kitchen, you will be feeling right at home!
Super 8 by Wyndham Denver Midtown is the best budget hotel in Jefferson Park
Super 8 is a great budget option for travellers looking to stay in Jefferson Park. The rooms are fairly standard and unfussy. They are comfortable and clean, all offer ensuite bathrooms and free WiFi. There are a number of premium amenities that guests are free to enjoy, like the outdoor pool and fitness centre.
Fairfield Inn and Suites is the best mid-range hotel in Jefferson Park
An ideal hotel for travellers wanting to stay in the heart of Jefferson Park, Fairfield Inn has a great selection of rooms. They offer family rooms, sleeping up to four people per night. All rooms come with a mini-fridge, microwave and work desk. Every room has WiFi access and air-conditioning.
Little Raven Street Apartment by Stay Alfred is the best luxury hotel in Jefferson Park
Little Raven Apartment is a great option for families who want to feel at home in Denver. The apartment comes with a fully equipped kitchen and living room area. The apartment can sleep up to four people across two bedrooms. Guests have free and unlimited use to the shared swimming pool.
Denver is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. From majestic mountains and lush forests to vibrant nightlife and lively arts scene, there’s something for everyone in Colorado’s capital.
To recap, Downtown Denver is the beating heart of the city. One of the city’s busiest districts, Downtown Denver is where you’ll find all the action and is our top recommendation for where to stay.
Our recommendation for the best hotel is MOXY Denver in Cherry Creek because you can easily visit all the city’s top tourist attractions while still enjoying a more authentic Denver experience. Its comfortable environment, chic décor and great location make it the perfect mid-range hotel in Denver.
Now that you know where to stay, check out our top 15 incredible things to do in Denver, to help you find a range of things to do – no matter who you are traveling with!
Enjoy big-city excitement with a small town feel throughout your stay in Denver.
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Gin lover. Coffee addict. Nicola has traveled the world for 7 years and is a staff writer for Hotel Jules. Born in London, Nicola first got the taste of travel studying abroad in Barcelona. Since then she's been hooked - traveling the world non-stop. Passionate about green travel and vegan lifestyle, Nicola spends more of her free time staring at maps wondering where she will head to next!