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Where To Stay In Denver: 10 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

The Mile High City is a fun, exciting, and overall fantastic place to visit at any time of the year. I’ve been a resident of Denver for over ten years now, and I really love this city. It’s a big city with a small city feel, and I love exploring all of it.

Denver, Colorado is one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities and there’s so much to see and do. The city has a population of about 700,000, and the entire metropolitan area – not even including Boulder to the north – is closing in on three million residents. Despite its constantly increasing size, it really has a very welcoming feel.

When I moved here in 2013, I felt at home right away – and that’s a big part of why I’ve stayed. Plus, it’s easy to get around, people are friendly, the weather is great, and the overall vibe is top-notch.

We love visitors, so come see us! If you’re planning a visit to Colorado soon, you may wonder where to stay in Denver. This city is full of unique neighborhoods, each with its own character and personality. Depending on the type of environment you like best for city visits, you’ll find that there’s no shortage of great places to hang your hat.

Whether you choose to stay in downtown Denver or somewhere more on the outskirts, you’re sure to find a spot that is right for you. Read on to learn more about where to stay in Denver so you can start planning your trip.

TL;DR

Best Areas to Stay in Denver

  • Best area for first-timers/tourists – Central Business District
  • Best area for budget travelers – Westminster/Broomfield or Airport/Central Park
  • Best area for luxury travelers – Central Business District
  • Best area for safety – Cherry Creek
  • Best area for families – Highland/West Highland/Sloan’s Lake
  • Best area for adventures – Westminster/Broomfield
  • Best area for nightlife – LoDo or Five Points/RiNo
  • Best area for younger travelers – LoDo

Where to Stay in Denver, Colorado

1. Central Business District

Aerial view of Denver Central Business District
Noah Densmore / Shutterstock

Many first-time visitors to Denver are drawn to the downtown Denver area. Also known as the Central Business District, this Denver neighborhood is full of action and activity during the day but tends to quiet down a bit at night. That’s because, like most downtown areas, the Central Business District is home to skyscrapers full of offices, hotels, and stores, but fewer residential properties.

Of course, people do also live in downtown Denver. Most of the people who live in the high rises in this area work nearby and love the walkability of this neighborhood.

In downtown Denver, you’ll find modern buildings mixed in with historic ones, and lots of great places to eat and drink. The 16th Street Mall is a pedestrian strip full of these sorts of places, and you’ll enjoy trying some of the best restaurants the city has to offer in this area, just steps from your hotel’s door.

One especially great thing about staying in downtown Denver is the fact that it’s in the middle of it all. Denver is a city in which most people drive, but you’ll be able to get along all right without a rental car if you stay in the Central Business District. You can walk to the attractions in the heart of the city when you stay in this neighborhood, and you can easily get a taxi or ride share from here to anywhere else in Denver metro that you wish to go.

Business travelers and lovers of the arts will also love this part of town because they can reach the Colorado Convention Center, the Denver Performing Arts Complex, and Denver’s major museums on foot when staying downtown.

The Central Business District is a wonderful choice for a place to stay for people who enjoy easy access to everything in Denver. As a local, I don’t find myself in the Central Business District very often, but when I do, I find that I really appreciate the fact that The Mile High City has a vibrant downtown.

Things to Do In the Central Business District

  • Take some Instagram-able photos at The Denver Selfie Museum
  • Visit Denver’s oldest firehouse and tour the Denver Firefighters Museum inside
  • Have a picnic under the Dancers sculpture in the sculpture park by the Denver Performing Arts Complex
  • Get your photo taken with the Big Blue Bear outside the Denver Convention Center
  • Attend a live performance at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House or the Buell Theatre
  • Take a Downtown Denver Food Tour

Accommodations in the Central Business District

See Related: New Mexico vs Colorado: Which Is Better?

2. LoDo (Lower Downtown)

Aerial view of Denver Central Business District
Noah Densmore / Shutterstock

Lower Downtown Denver, also known as LoDo for short, is adjacent to the Central Business District and is another great choice for first-timers as well as people who want quick access to lots of activities, attractions, and businesses without having to rent a car.

This neighborhood is a bit more hip than the stately business vibe of the primary downtown area, and it is full of cool places to hang out and experience the city. Bars in LoDo are packed with professionals once work lets out, and the fun continues into the evenings as well. LoDo is a neighborhood in which I hang out often.

LoDo has several major landmarks that contribute immensely to its energy and vibrance. During baseball season, you’ll find baseball fans milling about this area before and after baseball games several times each week, thanks to the fact that the Colorado Rockies’ Coors Field baseball stadium is on the neighborhood’s northern edge.

Many of the bars and restaurants in LoDo cater to sports fans and to fans of the Colorado Rockies baseball team in particular, so you’ll find that spirits are high around here on the rare occasion when the Rockies win a game.

You’ll also find Union Station in LoDo. This historic train station was built in 1914 after the original 1881 station burned down in 1894.

It has had its ups and downs over the years, but thanks to a 2012 renovation, this Neoclassical-style building is a popular one with locals. Not only is it a mixed-use station that serves as both the main train and bus depot for the city, but it also is the site of several popular restaurants and bars. Plus, it’s beautiful to view – both inside and out.

The LoDo neighborhood is a worthwhile place to consider when choosing your Denver accommodations. You can take the train to LoDo from the airport to Union Station, and you can walk from there to your hotel or vacation rental with ease. This is one of the liveliest parts of Denver and you’ll get a good feel for the city overall when you stay here, all while enjoying close proximity to activities, restaurants, and everything else that Denver has to offer.

Things to Do in LoDo

  • Visit the National Ballpark Museum
  • See a baseball game at Coors Field
  • Marvel at the beauty of Denver’s Union Station
  • Walk along the South Platte River in Confluence Park
  • Browse for books in the massive Tattered Cover Bookstore
  • Take a Historic Walking Tour

Accommodations in LoDo

See Related: Denver CityPASS Review: Is CityPASS Worth The Price?

3. Capitol Hill

Historic 1800's homes on Capitol Hill Denver Colorado
Felix Mizioznikov / Adobe Stock

Capitol Hill is one of Denver’s very best neighborhoods, and it’s one of my personal favorites. This neighborhood is mostly residential – people love living in Capital Hill, and I’d love to move there from the suburbs myself – but that’s also what makes it one of the best places to stay for tourists.

Obviously named for the Colorado State Capitol Building that stands proudly at the neighborhood’s western end, you’ll find that most of Capitol Hill is made up of historic homes and apartment buildings mixed with some more modern residential high rises, so you can enjoy a bit of the past and the present at the same time.

The historic buildings in this neighborhood mostly date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, and most are well-maintained and quite beautiful to see. Some of the homes you’ll find in Capitol Hill are giant, turn-of-the-century mansions right in the middle of the city; others are now broken into apartment rentals or have been apartments since their construction way back when.

Capitol Hill is also very close to the Central Business District and LoDo described above; it’s the perfect place to stay if you wish to be close to all of the action and opportunities in those two neighborhoods while being a bit away from the hustle and bustle of it all. Most of Capitol Hill is nearly silent at night time – if you take a walk in the evening, you’ll be surprised when you realize that it’s possible for anywhere to be this quiet in the middle of a city.

The neighborhood itself may be quiet, but it’s adjacent to nightlife, too – if you want it. On the north side of Capitol Hill is East Colfax Avenue, which Denverites consider to be one of the most rough-around-the-edges parts of town.

It’s not unsafe – it’s just, well, kind of different. Colfax Avenue overall is actually the longest continuous commercial street in America at 50 miles in length; the section of it that passes above Capitol Hill is full of music venues, bars, and restaurants of all kinds, and it’s a very happening place most nights of every week.

Further, if you’re more interested in daytime activities and you’re interested in art and history, Denver’s museum district – the Golden Triangle Creative District – is just beyond the edge of this neighborhood, just west of the State Capitol building.

Capitol Hill is the perfect choice for anyone visiting Denver who wants to see what it’s like to live in Denver. You’ll feel like a local when you stay in Capitol Hill, and if you’re thinking of moving to Colorado, it will give you the chance to get a feel for the people and lifestyle in one of Denver’s most popular residential neighborhoods.

Things to Do in Capitol Hill

Accommodations in Capitol Hill

See Related: Most Haunted Hotels in Colorado to Visit

4. Five Points/RiNo

Houses in Five Points Denver
Jamilya Khalilulina / Shutterstock

Five Points is another neighborhood in central Denver that is a fun and interesting place to stay. Not too long ago, this neighborhood was on somewhat of a downward trajectory, but it’s really bounced back in recent years and today it’s one of the most up-and-coming spots in town.

North of LoDo and the Central Business District, Five Points and the adjacent River North Art District (RiNo) are really happening, and like the aforementioned neighborhoods, are close to many of the things you’ll probably want to do during your stay in Denver.

Five Points is one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, and due to the development there, it’s one of the fastest-growing parts of Denver today. In the late 1800s, it was home to many prominent Denver figures including business owners, leaders, politicians, and more.

In the early 1900s, many of those people moved out of the area as new residents moved in. It quickly became known as the city’s African American community due to the fact that many black railroad workers settled there during the Great Migration. Five Points continued to thrive for many years, but in the latter part of the 20th century, people began to move out and crime began to move in.

All that has changed, though, over the past several decades, and again it’s one of Denver’s most pleasant neighborhoods. Today, Five Points and RiNo are some of the more racially diverse parts of Denver, but at the same time, many worry that some of the area’s diversity is being lost to gentrification.

Still, the redevelopment of this area seems to be a good thing for local business owners of all races and backgrounds. You’ll find a vast number of small restaurants and boutiques in Five Points and RiNo, and almost all of them are locally owned. This area is full of hidden gems.

One of the most exciting and important features of Five Points of the River North Art District in particular is the art. When you walk or drive around this neighborhood, you will see dozens of large-scale murals and street art everywhere you go. These are painted by local and international artists, mostly during an annual mural festival held in RiNo each year that was formerly known as Crush Walls but which evolved into a new festival as of 2022 called Art RiNo.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Denver with diversity, character, color, and artistic flair, then you’ll love Five Points and RiNo. These neighborhoods are close to central Denver, but they also have a unique and different vibe and energy that you’ll feel the moment you arrive. I love spending time in RiNo looking at all of the incredible and ever-changing murals, and there are lots of great places to eat and get a meal and a drink with my friends.

Things to Do in Five Points/RiNo

  • Learn about African-American frontier history at the Black American West Museum
  • Walk around the River North Art District and enjoy the murals and street art – or take a Famous Graffiti & Mural Walking Tour
  • Enjoy the best of local cuisine at the Denver Central Market food hall
  • Have your photo taken in front of the “Denver – Love This City” mural
  • Check out current works on display at RedLine Contemporary Art Center
  • Take a RiNo Arts District Food and Beer Tour

Accommodations in Five Points/RiNo

See Related: Best Minneapolis Murals You Need to Visit

5. Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek Trail in Denver, Colorado alongside river
Danny Dragan / Shutterstock

Cherry Creek is a neighborhood that’s right in the geographic middle of the city of Denver, although it’s a bit southeast of the downtown area. This part of town is somewhat more high-end and upscale in parts than other neighborhoods described above, but that may be just what you seek.

Cherry Creek is both commercial and residential; you’ll find a mix of both older and newer residences on tree-lined streets, combined with lots of shopping, services, and dining opportunities, many with nationally recognized names and brands.

This neighborhood is where the people of Denver go to shop. Between the Cherry Creek Mall and Cherry Creek North, you’ll find anything you want to buy in Cherry Creek, especially if the things you want to buy are expensive household or clothing items. Because of the somewhat classy shopping environment in Cherry Creek, you’ll find that this part of town is quiet and safe, even if some of the people living in this area are borderline pretentious.

Still, Cherry Creek is a great place to stay in Denver if you like shopping and dining at restaurant chains whose names you recognize, and there are some locally-owned hidden gem establishments mixed in as well. Even though this area can get busy during the day, it’s quiet at night, and if you want to get out into nature while in the city, you’ll enjoy strolling along the Cherry Creek Trail that runs along its namesake creek.

Further, Cherry Creek is not far from downtown and the other neighborhoods described above, and it’s a pleasant spot to stay in Denver without being surrounded by noise and activity. Cherry Creek is a bit like being in the suburbs while still being in Denver proper.

I don’t personally spend much time in Cherry Creek, but I can see why people like it. If the description above appeals to you, then you might enjoy staying there during your visit, too.

Things to Do in Cherry Creek

  • Learn about early Denver history at Four Mile Historic Park
  • Shop the high-end shops at Cherry Creek Mall
  • Walk along the Cherry Creek Trail and enjoy nature in the city
  • Head north to the Congress Park area to explore Denver Botanic Gardens
  • Go see the Beyond Light Show at the International Church of Cannabis

Accommodations in Cherry Creek

See Related: Cheapest Shopping Destinations from Around the World

6. Highland/West Highland/Sloan’s Lake

Denver Highlands Panorama of Denver
Richard / Adobe Stock

Ask a Denver local about their favorite Denver neighborhoods, and chances are that they’ll either tell you their favorite is Capitol Hill or “Highlands.” I’m one of them. Capitol Hill and Highlands are my two favorite Denver neighborhoods! They both have so much charm and history, but they’re also quite different from one another. The Highland neighborhood is on the western side of the city, across I-25 and the South Platte River from downtown.

Although the true, technical name of the neighborhood is Highland or West Highland, “Highlands” is what locals call this part of town, which is a combination of the Highland, West Highland, Sloan’s Lake, and Sunnyside neighborhoods. To make things even more confusing, there’s a suburb of Denver called Highlands Ranch, but that’s on the south side of the city, outside the city limits, and is something entirely different altogether.

More like Lowlands Ranch *mic drop*.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, though, Highland is fantastic, and it’s a great place to stay in Denver. This neighborhood is almost entirely residential, but as mentioned in the description of Capitol Hill above, that’s what makes it a wonderful place to stay while visiting the area.

You’ll feel like a true local when you stay in this neighborhood, and you’ll see that it oozes with charm. Highland and its accompanying neighborhoods are full of adorable, historic cottages and bungalows, and the people who live here take great care of them. Each one is different, and many have spectacular yards and gardens to enjoy as you walk by them as well.

Take all of that and add in lovely parks, cute breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner spots, plus locally-owned businesses, and so on, and you’ll see why so many people want to live in this part of Denver. It’s walkable and quiet and absolutely charming in every way.

If you’re looking for a quiet, friendly, beautiful neighborhood in which to stay in Denver, then you’ll love staying in Highland, West Highland, Sloan’s Lake, or Sunnyside. Like Cherry Creek, it’s the suburbs in the city, but with even more beauty and character, and without trying to be flashy at all. Sure, you’re across the interstate from the downtown area, but you can get there easily by car or ride share, and you’ll be able to enjoy incredible views of the Denver skyline since you’re a bit separate – but not far at all – from the heart of the city.

Things to Do in Highland/West Highland/Sloan’s Lake

  • Walk around the neighborhood like a local and admire the historic homes
  • Enjoy dinner and a show at the Adams Mystery Playhouse dinner theater
  • Grab a cone at Little Man Ice Cream
  • Take a jog around Sloan’s Lake
  • Settle in for a few hours at a brunch spot or brewery

Accommodations in Highland/West Highland/Sloan’s Lake

See Related: Best Breweries in Denver to Visit Today

7. Denver Tech Center

Aerial view of Denver Tech Center
arinahabich / Adobe Stock

Several of the neighborhoods described above are described as mostly residential. Denver Tech Center is the opposite of that; it’s hardly residential at all.

This Denver neighborhood is on the far south side of the city and flows over into the Denver suburb of Greenwood Village as well. It was established in the 1970s to attract technology-focused companies to the area, to in turn create jobs and inspire area growth.

Denver Tech Center achieved all of those things and today, dozens of big tech companies have offices or headquarters in Denver because of it. This neighborhood is full of high-rise skyscrapers yet it is entirely separate and kind of far from Denver’s downtown.

It is nicely landscaped and there are sidewalks everywhere, but it’s also a little strange. Denver Tech Center feels like a ghost town a lot of the time, even during the week. There are lots of people in the area, but they’re all inside at their desks.

Still, Denver Tech Center is a good place to stay in Denver for several reasons. First of all, it’s quiet. At almost any time of the day or night or on any day of the week, you won’t have to worry much about noise or traffic.

Second, it’s super affordable. The hotels in this area cater to business travelers who come to Denver Tech Center for meetings, and aside from the occasional conference, most of the hotels in this neighborhood are only partially full and are trying to sell their rooms, which means lower prices for you.

There are some restaurants and parks to check out in the Denver Tech Center neighborhood, but you’ll probably spend most of your time venturing further into the city itself. Fortunately, if you don’t have a car, you can easily take the Denver RTD Light Rail from Denver Tech Center right to Union Station, although the ride, with stops, will take you a bit over an hour.

Things to Do in Denver Tech Center

  • Take a hike or go for a swim at Cherry Creek State Park
  • Play vintage video games at The 1Up Arcade Bar in Greenwood Village
  • Attend a concert at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater during the summer months

Accommodations in Denver Tech Center

See Related: Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs

8. Glendale

Aerial View of Glendale, Colorado in the Denver Metro
arinahabich / Adobe Stock

Glendale is weird. It’s an independent city that’s surrounded by Denver on all sides, but it’s not actually part of the city.

This enclave has a population of about 5,000 residents and is very densely populated; it declared itself independent of Denver in 1952. It has its own police department, but its fire and emergency medical services have been provided by Denver since 2005.

This city-within-the-city is very tightly-packed suburban, and there are quite a few hotels in Glendale despite it only being half a mile square in size. There are lots of retail stores and chain restaurants along Colorado Boulevard on its western side. Glendale is just southeast of Cherry Creek and is only about 15 minutes by car from downtown.

Staying in Glendale is not a bad plan if you’re trying to save money on accommodations. There are numerous chain hotels in Glendale, and their proximity to dining options means you can head back to the hotel after exploring, get a quick dinner nearby, and then settle in for the evening to relax. You’ll probably want a rental car if you’re staying in Glendale just so you can get to attractions easier, but the hotels in this area offer free parking onsite, so you won’t have to worry about any extra cost there.

Things to Do in Glendale

  • Shop at various chain big box stores
  • Visit Four Mile Historic Park to learn about Colorado’s history
  • Head west to the 165-acre Washington Park to stroll with locals
  • Visit Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Accommodations in Glendale

See Related: Best Places to Visit in Colorado in the Winter

9. Central Park/Airport

Airplane in Denver Airport
donyanedomam / Adobe Stock

When visiting Denver, some people choose to stay quite a bit east of downtown near the airport. Upon arrival, you might be surprised to learn how far Denver International Airport is from the city.

If you don’t have a rental car, staying out by the airport might be a big hassle, although you can take the Denver RTD light rail’s A-line downtown if you’d like. Still, people like to stay by the airport because there are many inexpensive hotels out there, and it allows for easy access to the airport when the time comes for departure.

There are lots of hotels that are very close to the airport on Tower Road, and almost all of them offer free shuttle service to and from Denver International Airport. These hotels are great for visitors to Denver, but also serve people passing through Denver’s airport who have long layovers or flight cancellations or delays.

Denver International is a very busy airport; in fact, it’s the third busiest airport in the world. Around 69.3 million passengers went through Denver International Airport last year.

And, it’s also the biggest airport in the nation by size. The property covers a staggering 33,531 acres. That’s more than double the size of the nation’s second-largest airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which is on 17,207 acres!

It’s no wonder that so many people choose to stay right by the airport, which is an attraction in its own right. Most people want to get to the airport early so they don’t have to worry about TSA delays. When I moved to Colorado in 2013, there was almost nothing out by the airport. Now, ten years later, there are houses and restaurants, although the dining options selection out that way is rather slim pickings.

So, if that feels a bit far from the action for you, though, then you might also consider the Central Park neighborhood. Central Park is about halfway between downtown and the airport, and it’s also full of affordable accommodation options. Plus, it’s not far from City Park (Denver’s largest green space) a park that contains the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, two of the area’s most popular attractions.

If you choose to stay by the airport or in Central Park, you can plan on spending a lot of time commuting to some of the attractions you wish to see. However, this travel time may be well worth it when you see the money you save by staying on the outskirts of Denver rather than right in the middle of it.

Things to Do in Central Park/Near the Airport

  • Catch a professional soccer match at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
  • Take a scenic loop drive and wave to the bison at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
  • Walk the trails at the Morrison Nature Center
  • Visit City Park and the Denver Zoo or Denver Museum of Nature and Science
  • Take a self-guided art tour of Denver International Airport

Accommodations in Central Park/Near the Airport

See Related: Best Airports for Layovers Around the World

10. Westminster/Broomfield

Aerial View of the Denver Suburb of Westminster
Jacob / Adobe Stock

Westminster and Broomfield are suburbs of Denver and are not a part of the actual city, but they’re great options for certain travelers. These two suburbs are on the northwestern side of town and are about halfway between Denver and Boulder. Further, of the places mentioned here on our list, they offer the best views and closest access to the mountains, which can be a major draw for some.

These suburbs are very, very suburban and are a prime example of suburban sprawl. At one point not long ago, Denver and Boulder were cities that were completely isolated from one other.

Enter Westminster and Broomfield. Although both of these towns were established in the last half-century, they have grown rapidly and have more or less connected these two cities.

You’ll find lots of subdivisions and strip malls in Westminster and Broomfield, but you’ll also find quite a few hotels that have been built to house the overflow of visitors to Denver and Boulder. Since they’re not in either city, many are quite affordable, as they are often trying to fill their rooms.

When you stay in Westminster and Broomfield, you’ll save money, and you’ll be less than a half hour from Denver, Boulder, AND the beginning of the Rocky Mountains. These factors make Westminster and Broomfield a worthy option for anyone who doesn’t mind being a bit outside of any or all of those three places in the interest of saving money. You’ll probably want a rental car when staying in these two towns.

Things to Do in Westminster/Broomfield

  • Stroll the grounds at the historic Westminster Castle
  • Learn about insects at the Butterfly Pavilion
  • Marvel at mountain views at Standley Lake Regional Park & Wildlife Refuge

Accommodations in Westminster/Broomfield

See Related: Best Restaurants in Boulder, Colorado

Top Rated Hotels in Denver, Colorado

These are some of Denver’s top-rated hotels, according to Denver.org and TripAdvisor.

Hotel NameLocationPrice RangeAmenities
The Ritz-CarltonDowntown Denver$$$$Spa, Fitness Center, Rooftop Pool, On-Site Restaurant
The Brown Palace Hotel and SpaDowntown Denver$$$$Spa, Fitness Center, On-Site Restaurant, Historic Building
The ART, a hotelGolden Triangle$$$Rooftop Terrace, On-Site Restaurant, Art Collection
The Crawford HotelUnion Station$$$On-Site Restaurant, 24-Hour Fitness Center, Complimentary Wi-Fi
Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry CreekCherry Creek$$$Rooftop Pool, On-Site Restaurant, Complimentary Breakfast
The Jacquard, Autograph CollectionCherry Creek$$$Rooftop Pool, On-Site Restaurant, Fitness Center
The Maven HotelLoDo$$On-Site Restaurant, Fitness Center, Complimentary Wi-Fi
Kimpton Hotel BornUnion Station$$On-Site Restaurant, Fitness Center, Complimentary Bikes
Hilton Garden Inn Denver DowntownDowntown Denver$24-Hour Fitness Center, Complimentary Wi-Fi, On-Site Convenience Store

FAQ

What are the best areas to stay in Denver?

The best place to stay in Denver really depends on you and your wants and needs! If you want to stay in the city itself, you might choose from the Central Business District, LoDo, Capitol Hill, or Highland neighborhoods. If you’d rather stay in the suburbs, then you’ll love Westminster/Broomfield.

People wishing to save money on accommodations will be best off staying in Central Park/By the Airport. All of these neighborhoods have a lot to offer, it just depends on what you seek.

Are there pet-friendly hotels in Denver?

Denver is one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country. When you arrive and look around, it will seem like almost everyone has a dog! Because of this fact, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a hotel that allows pets. Some even have additional pet amenities like dog runs outside or dog treats at the front desk, and you won’t have to go far in Denver to find a dog park. Woof!

What public transportation options are available near hotels in Denver?

Denver’s public transportation options have come a long way over the past few decades, but they still have a long way to go, too. There is a decent and affordable light rail system, including a line that runs all the way to the airport, but you’ll need to be staying near a station to get the most use out of it. The bus system is fine and reasonably extensive, but you may have to make several transfers to reach your final destination.

Most people who live and work in Denver own and drive cars, and Denver is a city in which a rental car will be a huge help to you. Parking is affordable or free all over the city, and you won’t have any trouble finding a parking spot in most areas. Alternatively, if you don’t wish to drive in a strange city, there are plenty of ride-share drivers waiting around to pick you up.

Downtown Denver is pretty walkable, so depending on what you wish to see and do, you may not need a car. But, if you’re planning to explore the entire city and maybe even head into the mountains for an adventure, having access to a vehicle will be a big help to you.

What are the top attractions near downtown Denver accommodations?

Downtown Denver is the heart of the city, but the most popular Denver attractions are spread out over a much larger area. Still, there is plenty to do downtown. In and around downtown Denver you can visit museums like History Colorado, the Denver Art Museum, and Contemporary Art Denver.

You can take in a show or performance at the Denver Performing Arts Complex or attend an event at the Colorado Convention Center. You can attend a Colorado Rockies baseball game. You can dine in countless well-rated and exciting restaurants downtown, too.

How far in advance should I book my stay in Denver?

Fortunately, you don’t have to plan too far ahead to visit Denver. No matter when you decide to visit the Mile High City, you won’t have much trouble securing accommodations. There are countless hotels in the Denver metropolitan area, and even if your first choice hotel is booked, you’ll easily find another one that’s comparable. Happy planning!

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