Romina Banu 
Denver is the capital of Colorado in the United States, and it’s located 1.6 km (exactly a mile!) above sea level, which is why it’s well-known as the Mile High City! What makes this city a perfect destination is its history, culture, art, festivals, and more.
Choosing where to stay in Denver might be a great challenge, especially for people who are visiting Denver for the first time. That’s why I have collected the 7 top neighborhoods in this post and my hand-picked hotel and apartment rentals recommendations!
The top area to stay in Denver for first-time visitors in Downtown Denver. This is where all the important attractions are located and the coolest place to book your accommodation if you want to explore the city on foot and be in the middle of the action at all times.
But as you can imagine, Denver has many attractions and is a tourist destination all year long, so I still want to remind you that a place like the Mile High City will sell out fast, so if you find the best hotel for you, book in advance to secure your vacations!
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Downtown Denver – top area for first timers
- 2. Capitol Hill – where to stay in Denver on a budget
- 3. Cherry Creek – top area for a luxury experience
- 4. Highland – best area to stay in Denver for families
- 5. River North (RiNo) – top neighborhood for nightlife
- 6. Uptown Denver – amazing spot for cool activities
- 7. South Broadway (SoBo) – top area in Denver for foodies
- BONUS 1: Marijuana-friendly hotels in Denver
- BONUS 2: Best hotels near Denver International Airport
- BONUS 3: Best hotels for couples in Denver
- FAQs about hotels in Denver
- Conclusion
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here is a Denver neighborhood map so you can easily visualize the areas I am going to talk about in this post:
- Downtown (Lodo+CBD): for the first time
- Capitol Hill: for budget
- Cherry Creek: for luxury
- Highland: for families
- River north (RINO) : for nightlife
- Uptown denver : for cool activities
- south broadway: for foodies
Now that you understand how this city is organized a bit better let’s find out everything you need to know in detail about the 7 best neighborhoods in Denver:
1. Downtown Denver – top area for first timers
Downtown Denver is the heart and soul of the city and the best area for people visiting this city for the first time, especially if you want to enjoy everything that this wonderful city has to offer!
The downtown Denver area is divided into smaller areas, but the best ones I recommend to travelers are LoDo (which means Lower Downtown and is also known as Union Station) and Central Business District. Below you can find my chosen hotel recommendations for each of these two areas:
1.1. LoDo (Lower Downtown) – top area for tourists
Lower Downtown, also known as LoDo or Union Station, is a great downtown area to stay if you want to be in central Denver and if you want to be surrounded by beautiful Victorian-style architecture on every corner! It is a staple style in the state, If you want to check more options check our post on where to stay in Colorado.
There are also countless awesome restaurants, bars, and pubs around, so you can rest assured that you can never get bored around here.
While you’re in the area, make sure to take a walk on the 16th Street Mall and explore the numerous food places and shops there.
And don’t forget to check out Larimer Square, the heart of the area, as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, the Pepsi Center, and the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Plus, if you’re a sports fan, you should know that LoDo is also where Coors Field is, the base of the Colorado Rockies baseball team.
As you can see, many people travel here to enjoy either enjoy a good shopping day or an exciting baseball match, so let me remind you to book in advance to secure the best place in central Denver for your vacation!
If you feel like LoDo/Union Station, here are the best hotels you can choose from:
This is one of the best luxury hotels to stay in LoDo if you want to have lots of awesome facilities and amenities, such as an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, a terrace, and more. It. is also located a mile away from the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
Other accommodation options in LoDo
Excellent choice in Lower Downtown, super close to Union Station and 16th Street Mall
If you are on a tight budget but still want to be located near Union Station and Lower Downtown.
In a central location in Lower Downtown, a studio apartment with a luxurious king bed and views of Coors Field.
Things to do in Lower Downtown
- Explore Larimer Square
- Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
- Go on a haunted pub walking tour
- Dive into Denver’s cocktail scene with this incredible tour
- Eat your way through Denver’s food tour
1.2. Central Business District – top area in Denver for business travelers
The Central Business District (CBD) is within walking distance from LoDo in Downtown Denver and is a great place for all types of travelers, but mostly businessmen since the Colorado Convention Center is right by it.
Staying here means you’ll be surrounded by shops, restaurants, cafes, museums, and everything in between at all times.
If you want to try some exciting activities, you can go to the Platte River (CBD is right along the river) and try some paddle boarding, for example!
Don’t forget to check out the Downtown Aquarium and Denver Art Museum while you’re here, as well as the Denver Beer Trail.
Convinced? Here are the best hotels in CBD that I picked for you:
Make sure to book a room here if you want a full splurge during your vacation here! This cool property has an incredible terrace where you can definitely enjoy the city view, and it is close to multiple noted attractions!
Other accommodation options in CBD
This cool accommodation has a great location near downtown Denver if you want to explore the beautiful streets and all the important attractions!
This is truly one of the cheapest hotels out there! Near downtown Denver, it awaits a cool and friendly atmosphere and clean rooms, of course!
Enjoy the comforts of home in Central Downtown Denver. This Airbnb is located half a block off of the 16th Street Mall
Things to do in Central Business District
- Checkout Denver’s Big Blue Bear Statue
- Go into the Downtown Aquarium
- Explore the Denver Beer Trail
- Check out Colorado Convention Center
- Visit Denver Performing Arts Complex
2. Capitol Hill – where to stay in Denver on a budget
Capitol Hill is one of the best areas to stay in Denver if you’re on a tight budget or if you’re a backpacker that wants to explore Denver, as you’ll find very good budget accommodations here, as well as hostels!
The Capitol Hill neighborhood got its name from the well-known Colorado State Capitol building, one of the landmarks of this area, and it’s also the place where the Golden Triangle Creative District is.
Some other important landmarks in Capitol Hill are the Molly Brown House Museum (dedicated to the survivor of the RMS Titanic), the United States Mint, Denver Botanic Gardens, Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, and Civic Center Park.
That being said, scroll down to find my hand-picked hotels to stay near the Colorado State Capitol area:
Here’s a great option if you’re looking for a beautiful 4-star hotel that has it all – free Wi-Fi, delicious breakfast, an on-site bar, and more!
Other accommodation options in Capitol Hill
Besides offering an outdoor swimming pool, this hotel is s adjacent to the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall!
This is one of the best hostels in the city, but also in North America!
If you’re looking for a cozy, local atmosphere during your trip, make sure to book this room in Capitol Hill!
Things to do in Capitol Hill
- Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens
- Spend an evening in Civic Center Park
- Have a stroll in Golden Triangle Creative District
- Explore Denver Firefighters Museum
- Go to the gold-domed Colorado State Capitol
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Cherry Creek – top area for a luxury experience
Cherry Creek is located close to Downtown Denver (10 minutes by car), and it’s one of the most popular recommendations for luxury travelers interested in world-class dining and high-end accommodation – but not only!
This area is simply gorgeous and offers something for all types of travelers, including backpackers and budget travelers! It is also known as the starting point of the Cherry Creek Trail.
Cherry Creek is also great if you’re interested in doing some shopping while you’re in Denver – just head over to Cherry Creek Shopping Center; you’ll find everything you need there! While you’re in this area, don’t forget to check out Milwaukee Street, as well as Cherry Creek Reservoir, and Pulaski Park.
If you feel like you belong in this area which also has a central location, below you can find my hand-picked hotel recommendations for all budgets:
The Jacquard, Autograph Collection
One of the lists of the best luxury hotels is The Jacquard. This is one of the top places to book if you want to enjoy a rooftop bar and an indoor pool, stunning rooms, free Wi-Fi, a delicious daily breakfast, and more!
Other accommodation options in Cherry Creek
Offering an onsite restaurant, fitness center, bar, and even a nightclub, Moxy is the best place to enjoy your vacation!
Features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a bar
In a central location this spacious apartment with an amazing fireplace!
Things to do in Cherry Creek
- Bike through Cherry Creek trail
- Explore Pulaski Park
- Have a shopping spree at Cherry Creek Shopping Center
- Visit the Cherry Creek State Park
4. Highland – best area to stay in Denver for families
Highland is my recommendation for all families out there looking for an exciting trip while in Denver! This area is scattered with great restaurants, modern cafes, and interesting shops, so there will be something to do here at all times.
Some of the highlights of this neighborhood include the Highland Bridge, Avanti Food and Beverage complex, LoHi Music Festival (which happens every year in July), visiting the Denver Zoo, and more!
In fact, the Highland neighborhood is divided into Lower Highland (LoHi) and Highland Square, and below, you’ll find great accommodation recommendations in both of these areas:
This incredibly stylish hotel will be the perfect option for you if you want a luxury stay near shops and restaurants.
Other accommodation options in Highland
If you’re on the search for a cozy and charming bed and breakfast, this one’s for you!
If you are looking for comfortable rooms conveniently located near Denver’s main attractions, this is the place for you!
Originally a working art studio turned into a beautiful Airbnb with tons of artwork as designs and spacious rooms.
Things to do in Highland
- Go to Downtown Denver Skatepark
- Visit Denver Zoo
- Explore the City of Cuernavaca Park
- Spend your day at the Children’s Museum of Denver
- If you are a fan of wine and books, go to BookBar
5. River North (RiNo) – top neighborhood for nightlife
Locally known as the RiNo (River North Art District) neighborhood, this new addition to the top Denver neighborhoods has been adopted and is known for its street art and amazing nightlife options to dine and have a drink with friends.
As industry moved out of the city’s core in the late 80s and 90s, this corridor was left with empty warehouses and infrastructure.
It was at this time that different artists began to populate the area because of the low prices, and the area started to become a fertile ground for arts, artists, and creatives.
Today, RiNo includes a remarkable concentration of creative businesses and things to do, making it the coolest neighborhood in Denver! You can book a beer and street art tour and even enjoy a variety of cuisine options on a food tour or enjoy a stroll in the different art galleries in the area.
If you think the River North Art District neighborhood is the best place for your stay in Denver, here I tell you where you should stay to enjoy everything the street art of the district has to offer:
With an amazing terrace for enjoying a city view, the Ramble will be the perfect option to enjoy RiNo lavishly.
Other accommodation options in RiNo
With a fitness center, a bar, and free bikes, this option will be the best for you in the RiNo area!
Explore Denver’s art district and stay in this Portuguese-style mixed with the industrial design!
This cozy studio will make you feel at home in the best neighborhood in Denver
Things to do in RiNo
- Explore RiNo in style in an eTuk
- Stop in at local favorite Plinth Gallery
- Experience contemporary dance performances at Wonderbound
- Visit Zeppellin Station, where you will find from designer goods to cocktail bars
- Go to the Black American West Museum
6. Uptown Denver – amazing spot for cool activities
Uptown Denver or North Capitol Hill, located a few steps east of the Central Business District, is characterized by its combination of old and new, a mishmash between longtime Denver standbys, brick rowhouses, picturesque places, as well as trendy restaurants, upscale condos, and buildings.
Thanks to all these landscapes, this neighborhood offers a relaxed but vibrant option for all travelers looking to discover the hype of the Mile High City.
Some of the landmarks you should not miss while staying in Uptown Denver are the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and City Park is just walking distance from this neighborhood.
If you feel that you will be vibing with this neighborhood, here are my top options for where to stay in Denver, but let me remind you since this is a pretty touristic area, the hotels sell out super fast, so do not hesitate and book in advance!
This luxury hotel offers a spa and 3 different on-site restaurant options for you and your partner: Ellyngton’s and a Dom Perignon Champagne brunch buffet available on site. The Ship Tavern offers burgers, steaks, seafood, and beer, and at Palace Arms, you will enjoy fine dining for dinner.
Other accommodation options in Uptown Denver
Cozy spot on a historic tree-lined street steps from popular Cheesman Park.
This outstanding updated carriage house is the perfect Mile High home base.
Super close to amazing restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as concert venues, parks such as City Park, and gourmet grocers
Things to do in Uptown Denver
- Explore Denver’s largest green space, City Park
- Catch the sunset over the Rocky Mountains in City Park
- Visit the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
- Go to the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
7. South Broadway (SoBo) – top area in Denver for foodies
One of the best neighborhoods to stay in a while visiting Denver is South Broadway, known as SoBo. This incredible area has grown from a major artery into downtown to an eclectic and funky mix of fun taverns, clothing stores, unique eateries, bookstores, and hip, live music venues with rainbow crosswalks and dedicated bike lanes.
One of the best-known places on South Broadway is Punch Bowl Social, a dining and entertainment venue where you can find activities such as bowling, darts, billiards, marbles, table tennis, shuffleboard, vintage arcade games, and karaoke to spend a joyful evening.
You can also check out the other smaller places on South Broadway, I’m sure you will find something perfect for whatever you are craving at the time, from restaurants to grab a bite or chain stores and boutiques to shop a little.
If you prefer to keep that RiNo feeling, here, you also will be able to find art galleries and immersive art experiences such as Spectra Art Space.
Note that in this area there are not many hotel options and most of the accommodations in SoBo are apartments, but if you think this is the perfect area for you, here are the best options for your stay:
Historic Victorian Urban House
This is a beautifully remodeled 1893 Queen Anne Victorian home that combines old-world charm with the modern conveniences you will need. It boasts gorgeous crown molding, ten-foot ceilings, a gas fireplace, an Italian oak stairway, skylights, and a beautiful terrace.
Other accommodation options in SoBo
This beautifully updated bungalow is the perfect place to call home during your next trip to Denver.
This is a full private apartment on one of the best blocks on South Broadway.
This fully renovated, incredibly bright, open carriage house is just by South Broadway.
Things to do in SoBo
- Have some drinks at Adrift
- Don’t miss the Colorado brews at TRVE Brewing Co.
- Check out Gallagher Books to find your rare, out-of-print, and unusual book requests.
- Visit Corvus Coffee Roasters to enjoy a drink in their friendly industrial-chic shop.
- Check out the International Church of Cannabis
| 👑 Luxury price: | $300 |
| 💵 Mid Range: | $170 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $120 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | Medium |
| 📍 Best neighborhood: | LoDo/CBD |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Le Méridien |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Grand Hyatt |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hostel Fish |
BONUS 1: Marijuana-friendly hotels in Denver
Colorado was one of the first states in the USA to legalize the recreational consumption of weed. As of 2014, people can buy and smoke marijuana in Denver as well, and there are even some hotels that allow it and offer some facilities for this.
If you’re interested in some relaxation time (no worries, many people go there just for this!), here are my recommended cannabis-friendly hotels in Denver where you can book a room:
- TownePlace Suites – One of my top recommendations for all those of you looking for marijuana-friendly hotels in Denver! One of the perks of staying here is that when you check in, you’re given a complimentary rental Silver Surfer Vaporizer gift bag with cannabis lifestyle magazines, local dispensary coupons, and Lyft/Uber coupons for first-time riders.
- Lumber Baron Inn and Gardens – Here’s another good one on my list of weed-friendly hotels in Denver! This one has a super cool spa bath where you can relax and unwind!
- Sonesta Denver – This is one great 420-friendly hotel where you can chill on their sitting areas while enjoying the spectacular city and mountain views of the bedrooms!
BONUS 2: Best hotels near Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the main airport of the city and the place where you’ll be landing if you’re arriving in the city by plane.
The airport is located 23 miles / 37 km from Downtown, which is quite some distance (40 minutes by car), so booking a hotel room that’s close to the airport might save you some precious time and sleep if you have a very early/late flight.
If you decide to do so, here are the 3 best Denver airport hotels (one for each type of budget):
- (Luxury) The Westin Denver International Airport – Here’s my recommendation for travelers that want to be super close to the Denver international airport and still have a luxury experience! It awaits with 4-star service, and it’s right at the airport, so it doesn’t get better than this!
- (Middle-priced) Element Denver International Airport – This is a great mid-range place located 9 km from the airport. A cool perk is that they have a free shuttle service that you can use – such a great plus!
- (Budget) Airport EZ Access – This property is very affordable and conveniently located near Denver International airport, perfect for travelers with early morning flights and overnight layovers.
BONUS 3: Best hotels for couples in Denver
Denver has landscapes that will definitely be perfect if you are looking for a romantic getaway with your partner!
With a backdrop of the sublime Rocky Mountains and filled with shining glittering skyscrapers, you will enjoy the great outdoors either sipping a glass of champagne in the city center or maybe RiNo or relish a stroll hand-in-hand in Denver’s beautiful Botanic Gardens or Denver Zoo, visit the City’s African American Community or the Molly Brown House Museum for a piece of history.
Apart from the incredible romantic activities in Denver, this city is known as the nation’s largest brewery scene, so you will surely have various options to cheer and celebrate on this romantic vacation with your loved one.
Now I will help you decide where to stay because the hotel needs to be as charming as all the experiences and activities during your vacation. Check these options out:
- Wolley’s Classic Suites – Indulge in a relaxing and romantic getaway at Woolley’s Classic Suites on the scenic outskirts of Denver, Colorado. Located near the airport, in this hotel, you will enjoy beautiful mountain views and an exquisite dining experience at Wolley’s Grill & Lounge Restaurant. The hotel also offers packages in a luxury suite with chilled sparkling wine and delicious chocolate truffles to share.
- The Crawford Hotel – Right above the iconic Union Station, The Crawford Hotel is the best place to meet, shop, eat, drink, and sleep. This beautiful hotel features historic details such as 65-foot ceilings, soaring windows, and stunning chandeliers. To top everything off, a world-class dining experience will be available for you just downstairs in Union Station, of your room, from a European-style market to the freshest seafood in town.
- Hotel Clio – This is one of the best luxury hotels located in Denver’s chic district of Cherry Creek North, Hotel Clio is for travelers seeking a refined, inspirational, and romantic stay. In this hotel, you can find the renowned Denver on-site restaurant Toro and enjoy its amenities, such as a fitness center or an on-site bar, to have some drinks to enjoy with your partner.
FAQs about hotels in Denver
📍 What is the best area to stay in Denver?
If you are visiting Denver for the first time, I recommend LoDo, Kimpton Hotel is a great option to stay at. But if you want to enjoy the nightlife, Highland is your place, you can stay at Lumber Baron Inn and Garden.
⚠️ Is it safe to walk in Denver?
Denver is a safe place to visit, you just have to be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lighted and well-populated areas.
🚃 How do I get around in Denver?
Everything in Denver is within walking distance, but you can also rent a car, and there are various transportation options to get you around the city via rail, bus, bike, and more.
⛄ When does the snow start in Denver?
It can come as early as October and last until April or May.
🚶♂️ Where to stay in Denver without a car?
The best neighborhood to stay without a car is LoDo, there are plenty of things to do, and public transportation is there as well.
Conclusion
Yay, you have reached the end of my complete guide on the best Denver neighborhoods to stay in! I hope you found this post useful, and I hope you have already found your dream place in my list of the best Denver hotels above.
In this post, I have told you everything you need to know about the 5 best areas where to stay in Denver, together with my hand-picked hotel recommendations for each of them.
I have also given you some great airport hotels, marijuana-friendly, couples hotels, and apartment rentals recommendations, so you can have everything you might need in one place! Let me remind you that these amazing hotels may book out fast, so I advise you to
To make things even easier for you, these are my top 2 hotels to stay in Denver:
- The Kimpton Hotel – this is the perfect option if you want to enjoy the whole Denver experience. The hotel even has an incredible terrace with mountain views!
- Moxy Denver – because in this hotel, you have everything you need! Even a nightclub!
Looks like the best hotels, right? So do not forget to secure a spot in them and book in advance because many people visit this city and love a good place where to stay in Denver!
Are you heading to Denver soon? Do you have any other questions or concerns? Let me know in the comments below, and I’ll gladly help!
Happy travels,
Romina
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Very helpful advice, thank you