Although suburban sprawl pushes the metro area’s boundaries ever further, Central Denver has grown into an impressively efficient use of limited space, exemplified by the proximity of hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs to the city’s most engaging dining, cultural attractions, and nightlife. Denver’s most desirable lodging options are quintessential to the urban Colorado experience, overlaying big city ambiance on top of classic mountain town hospitality. Here are some of the best accommodation options for visitors looking to fully interact with everything the Mile High City has to offer.
Hotels
Photo: ART hotel
The ART — Built as an architectural anchor to Capitol Hill’s arts and museum district, the ART towers over the Denver Art Museum and the Clyfford Still Museum. It is one of the most unique hotels in the city, housing modern art galleries and individual works of art on each floor. From here you can walk to the South Broadway nightlife and commercial district and a number of restaurants and museums. When you’re ready to relax, you can soak in the views of the Rocky Mountains and downtown Denver from your elevated room.
Warwick Hotel — The Warwick Hotel is right in the heart of Uptown, one of Denver’s trendiest neighborhoods, and within walking distance from downtown. It’s also a quick cab or Uber ride from the restaurants and pubs of Colfax Avenue and LoDo, landing you right in the heart of the action. The hotel is the perfect escape from the bustling area with a rooftop pool and quiet rooms.
Photo: The Crawford Hotel/Facebook
The Crawford Hotel — You won’t need to carry your bags far to stay at The Crawford Hotel. The hotel is upstairs at Union Station, the bustling transportation hub in the center of the city, and serviced directly by the A-Line train from Denver International Airport. In the station – which also serves as the hotel’s lobby – you can sip a cocktail or local craft beer over shuffleboard. Also on site, enjoy one of Denver’s best seafood menus at Stoic & Genuine, the new-American flare at Mercantile Dining and Provision, and several markets and cafes.
Luxury Hotels
Photo: Brown Palace
The Brown Palace — The Brown Palace is what comes to mind when US presidents, movie stars, and others of famous persuasions think of Denver. Every president since Teddy Roosevelt has stayed here. The place has been a staple of downtown’s upscale lodging and dining since 1892. The hotel’s Champagne Brunch is an experience in itself, complete with a buffet that puts Vegas hotels to shame, and its Ship Tavern is perhaps the finest place in Colorado to enjoy happy hour. There isn’t a more presidential experience to be had anywhere in the city.
Photo: Hotel Teatro
Hotel Teatro — Hotel Teatro is located just off the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and welcomes the stars of the stage and their fans with unparalleled cultural luxury. It claims to be Denver’s original boutique hotel and back this up through one-of-a-kind curated experiences, anchored by fine dining (and excellent cocktails) at The Nickel, specialty coffee at The Study, and direct access to shopping and dining at Larimer Square just around the corner. The light rail is right outside and will get you anywhere in the area, though there’s no better place to be than right here on downtown’s west end.
Photo: Hotel Monaco
Hotel Monaco — Hotel Monaco occupies a 1917 Railway Exchange building one block removed from the 16th St. Mall in the thick of downtown, an easy walk or cab ride to the breweries of LoDo, fine dining on Larimer Square, and cozy pubs on Colfax Ave. Onsite is Panzano, a Northern Italian restaurant which stands among Denver’s most celebrated destination dining experiences. The eye-popping rooms are color coordinated to the extent of a Wes Anderson film – think drapes matching light fixtures and wall art reflecting the plant atop the corner table – with views overlooking the city center below.
Hostels
Photo: Hostel Fish
Hostel Fish — This is Denver’s “premium” hipster hostel, built by backpackers and home to a laid-back, anything-goes vibe. Hostel Fish has an onsite bar but keeps the rooms – both dorms and private – separate for quiet’s sake. It might be pricey as far as hostels go, but you’re right in the heart of the LoDo neighborhood and have dozens of breweries within a short walk. Bright works of art line the walls, and the place has an undeniably well-put-together vibe. If you prefer a night in, open mic happens on Saturday nights, and with a building full of travelers, you’re bound to find someone willing to loan you a guitar.
Photo: 11th Avenue Hostel/Facebook
11th Ave Hostel — For a slight upgrade, head to the 11th Ave Hotel and Hostel. Here you’ll find shared lodging and private rooms fashioned in a more modern manner. The staff also hosts events and makes it easy for you to get out and see the sights of Denver, many of which are within eyesight. The beds are decent and bathrooms are shared but kept clean, but the real kicker is the location. The hostel is located just off Broadway south of downtown, within walking distance of nightlife, all kinds of dining, public transit, and just up the block from the Denver Art Museum.