Denver is a fantastic city break in the United States. As the Colorado capital, it has tons of things to do and see. You could be watching a baseball game at Coors Fields, visiting Molly Brown House Museum, or heading off for a day of hiking in the Rocky Mountains. Denver sits amongst hundreds of attractions.
With so much diversity in entertainment options, it is easy to see how different areas of Denver can be polar opposites. In fact, neighborhoods are so different that choosing where to stay in Denver is just as important as planning an itinerary.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best areas in Denver. Have a read, see which areas take your fancy, and then scan our accommodation recommendations for your ideal hotel or VRBO match.
Best places to stay in Denver if you are in a rush
In a rush? No problem. These are our recommendations for the best overall best places to stay in Denver.
Best areas to Stay in Denver
Okay, before we dive into a detailed introduction of each of the Denver neighborhoods, let’s take a brief look at your options.
- Capitol Hill – The best area to stay for first-timer visitors to Denver on a Budget
- Lower Downtown Denver Best Place to Stay in Denver for first-time visitors.
- Cherry Creek is where to stay in Denver if you want luxury.
- Central Business District is a convenient and extremely urban neighborhood. It is great for nightlife and business travelers.
- North Capitol Hill / Uptown – Great neighborhood for families. The neighborhood is within walking distance of the city center and City Park. Still, the prices should be slightly lower than in the Central Business District or Capitol Hill.
- Baker / South Broadway is the ‘Soho’ of Denver. Best place for foodies and a local vibe and budget travelers.
- Five Points is the best neighborhood in Denver to stay for nightlife and it is the coolest neighborhood in Denver.
Now that you have an idea of each of the neighborhoods in Denver that we are going to cover, let’s take a closer look. These are the seven best places to stay in Denver.
1. Capitol Hill
The Capitol Hill neighborhood is centered around the Colorado State Capitol building and is one of the best palces to stay in Denver for first timers. Capitol Hill is the best neighborhood if you want to be conveniently located in central Central Denver among historic buildings rather than skyscrapers.
Best Hotels in Capitol Hill Neighborhood
Luxury: The Art Hotel Denver
The Art Hotel is one of the best Denver hotels. The Art Hotel has spacious rooms with funky designs and splashes of color. The facilities and services are also impressive, and guests receive access to a free shuttle service, free wifi, and a fitness center. Check rates and availability on Booking / Read reviews and compare booking websites on TripAdvisor
Overall, it is a fun, luxury hotel with helpful amenities and comfortable furnishings. There is even a cocktail hour at the on-site bar.
Mid-range: Element Denver Downtown East
Element is where to stay in Denver for mid-range luxury without compromises. Guests can enjoy the fitness center, bar, and business center free of charge. Some rooms feature a kitchen (complete with a dishwasher). Otherwise, guests can attend the a la carte breakfast each morning or use the complimentary barbecue facilities.
Element’s location is unrivaled, and you are within walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center and the United States Mint at Denver. Check rates and availability on Booking.com / Read reviews and compare on TripAdvisor
Budget: Ember Hostel
Denver really comes into its own for providing central accommodation for budget travelers. Ember Hostel is a prime example of brilliant accommodation with good value for money.
Ember Hostel has a hot tub and sun terrace – which already sets it above the rest in its price range. The hostel also has a garden for sunbathing and a table tennis table to enjoy with new friends.
If you need anything, the front desk is open 24 hours a day, and there is free wifi across the property. Booking.com / TripAdvisor
VRBO: Luxury loft with city views
This VRBO property is gorgeous. The penthouse loft is open plan, with sweeping private views over the Denver skyline. The three-bedroom condo sleeps up to twelve guests and is the perfect spot for a luxury holiday with friends.
Not enough space for you? Rent the rooftop space as an add-on to your standard accommodation package. The rooftop features a firepit, sunken seating area, and an outdoor kitchen. VRBO
Things to do in Capitol Hill
There are many things to do in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Visitors will be within walking distance of Civic Center Park, where the domes of the Capitol Hill building can be found. On the building’s steps, you can even see the mile-high city mark, which shows where the city is exactly a mile above sea level.
Capitol Hill is the spot for old-world charm and classic architecture and stately mansions. Its streets are full of art galleries, museums, old mansions, and historic buildings.
Capitol Hill also has the Denver Art Museum, Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, and the Molly Brown House Museum. The neighborhood is a great place to stay in Denver if you love wandering well-established museums and attractions.
2. Lower Downtown Denver
Lower Downtown Denver is the city’s most popular place to stay, especially for first-time visitors. It is in Lower Downtown that you’ll find the majority of Denver’s top attractions. So, if you want to do a lot of sightseeing, check out the hotels below.
Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Denver
The Four Seasons Hotel Denver is a stunning property and part of the respected five-star chain. Four Seasons have thought of everything, and the property has luxurious details generously spread across the whole hotel.
The rooftop pool and spa center are a dreamy combination. The Four Seasons also offers a fitness center, shuttle service, and concierge services. The property is brilliantly located to explore Denver. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the Colorado Convention Center and Denver Art Museum.
You don’t need to go far for fine dining either, as the on-site restaurant serves American steakhouse cuisine. Guests get priority reservations at EDGE restaurant, but you should still book ahead to avoid disappointment. You are in one of the best Denver neighborhoods. Why not enjoy yourself? Check rates and availability on Booking.com. Read reviews and compare booking websites on TripAdvisor
Mid-range: Rally Hotel
The Rally Hotel is an impressive mid-range hotel option in Union Station. The Rally Hotel ticks off a long list of facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, gym, and an on-site restaurant.
The hotel is situated in the middle of McGregor Square, with excellent access to Coors Field, Larimer Square, and other downtown attractions. Apart from the great location though, the rooms far exceed mid-range expectations.
Some room options feature balconies with views over the Rocky Mountains or the Denver cityscape. All options feature spacious rooms with large windows and a coffee machine. This property is a comfortable, high-quality place to base yourself when staying in Denver. Check rates and availability on Booking.com. Read Reviews and compare websites on TripAdvisor
Budget: Hostel Fish
Hostel Fish is a self-declared ‘upscale hostel’. Forget roughing it in grubby dormitory rooms; Hostel Fish is trendy and recently renovated. This property proves that budget travel can be comfortable as well.
Bunkbeds are made of rustic wood panels, with privacy curtains and reading lights. And, if you like your bedtime privacy, you can book one of the private room options. There are a number of communal spaces, including a games room with a table tennis table. Guests also receive full access to a kitchen and a daily cocktail hour – perfect for making new friends.
Don’t feel like cooking? Head to the on-site restaurant and bar. Hostel Fish is a great place to stay in Denver. Booking.com / TripAdvisor
VRBO: Three-bedroom condo
This condo is cozily situated on the 19th floor of a downtown apartment block. The VRBO property is where to stay in Denver if you want views, and it has 180-degree views of the city and the Rocky Mountains.
Apart from stunning views, the condo includes access to the building’s indoor pool, spa, and terrace. Fitness lovers will also love the fully equipped gym, which is open 24 hours a day.
Location-wise, the condo is perfect. You are a short walk from the Colorado Convention Center, seconds away from Union Station, and nearby to major attractions. See more on VRBO
Things to do in Lower Downtown Denver
Lower Downtown is the city’s darling downtown area. It is downtown that you’ll find Larimer Square, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, Coors Field, and Denver Skatepark. Coors Field is where the Colorado Rockies baseball team plays and is a sporting hub in Denver. Downtown is cool and vibrant – full of activity and entertainment.
Also referred to as Union Station, Lower Downtown Denver is the life and soul of the city. This neighborhood is where you’ll find the majority of attractions and that cool, lived-in feel that areas like the CBD lack. If you want to be in the middle of the action, downtown is where to be.
The neighborhood is also home to some of the best creative attractions and is part of the golden triangle creative district. You’ll find the Denver Performing Arts Complex and Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
Downtown is often called Union Station. This name comes from the railway station in the center of the suburb. Over the centuries, Union Station has transformed from just a functional station to a symbol of culture. Today, the station is full of shopping and dining options, and Union Station is the heart of Downtown Denver.
3. North Capitol Hill aka Uptown
Uptown Denver is where to stay in Denver to be within walking distance from the city center, just without actually staying in the city center. It is popular with young professionals and has a sociable, trendy atmosphere.
Luxury: The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa is an incredible luxury hotel and place to stay in Denver. You can enjoy the spa and top-of-the-range fitness center when you aren’t sightseeing. Brown Palace is an elegant property with fantastic facilities and a great location – what’s not to love?
The hotel features not just one but three on-site restaurants. But with the option to order meals via room service, you’ll be tempted to stay in bed at least once. The beds at Brown Palace are made up of plush white linens, and each room option has an extra-large bed.
Pick a room with city views, and you’ll quickly understand why The Brown Palace Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Denver. Check rates and availability on Booking.com and read more reviews and compare booking sites on TripAdvisor.
Mid-range: Warwick Denver
Warwick Denver is one of the best hotels in Uptown Denver and is extremely well-known. The hotel’s winning traits are its outdoor pool, which has a stunning Denver skyline backdrop, alongside its rooftop bar and lounge area.
This property is an excellent four-star accommodation choice. Guests receive a continental breakfast daily and room service. The hotel restaurant and bar remain open for most hours as well, that’s if you don’t want to explore the great restaurants around Uptown Denver.
Like most of our properties, the Warwick is distant from the Denver airport and doesn’t offer a complimentary pick-up service. The property is 18 miles from Denver International Airport, so you’ll need to enquire about shuttles or a taxi. However, overall, Warwick Denver is easily one of the best mid-range properties in the city. Check rates on Booking.com / Compare reviews and booking engines on TripAdvisor
Budget: Hampton Inn & Suites Denver
The Hampton Inn & Suites may not seem super budget-friendly, but in Uptown Denver, this is the cheapest property you’ll find.
The free breakfast is a great way to save some money. However, you can also enjoy luxuries like an indoor pool, fitness center, business center, and hot tub. The Hampton Inn & Suites is one of the nicest places to stay in Denver – especially considering how budget-friendly it is compared to other hotels in Uptown Denver.
The Colorado State Capitol building is just a ten-minute walk from the hotel. You can easily still join all the Denver action. Check rates and availability on Booking.com / compare reviews and booking sites on TripAdvisor.
VRBO: Modern apartment with balcony
This VRBO apartment is the top unit of a small apartment block. You won’t find much better in Uptown Denver if you want somewhere comfortable with good views. The apartment is surprisingly priced much lower than surrounding properties, so grab the deal while you can.
The best part of this property is the balcony, which features stunning skyline views and comfortable outdoor furniture. Inside is tastefully decorated, and there are thoughtful details like underfloor heating, making it perfect for an autumnal or winter getaway. See more on VRBO
About Uptown / North Capitol Hill
The neighborhood is split from the rest of Capitol Hill by Civic Center Park and East Colfax Avenue. Uptown is slightly more residential than attraction-filled Capitol Hill, and the marginally lower prices reflect this difference making it great for families.
Don’t get it wrong, though; Uptown Denver is still one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the ‘mile-high city’. You’ll find lots of corporate workers and business travelers in this area, especially if they are staying in Denver long term and want somewhere to settle.
The area is also close to City Park – Denver’s largest green space and home to Denver Zoo. Uptown Denver is the perfect mix of both worlds.
4. Central Business District
The Central Business District is the other extreme. Staying in Denver’s CBD is signing yourself up for a concrete jungle experience – full of glassy skyscrapers and illuminated office buildings. The CBD is like marmite; you love it or hate it. For those who want the corporate experience of Denver though, look no further.
Where to stay in Denver’s Central Business District
Luxury: Le Meridien Denver
Want a luxury hotel in the CBD? Le Meridien Denver is a gorgeous contender.
Guests receive access to a business center, gym, and shared lounge. There is even an ATM machine in the lobby – saving you a trip to the nearest hole in the wall. Le Meridien Denver also has three restaurants on-site, so you won’t be stuck for choices if you want to dine in for a night.
The 54 Thirty Rooftop Bar is our winning hotel feature. You can enjoy dining and drinking al fresco with views of Denver but are protected by an overhead cover. Rain or shine, Le Meridien Denver’s rooftop stays fully functional – which we love. Check rates and availability on Booking.com / Compare reviews and bookings on TripAdvisor
Mid-range: Residence Inn by Marriot Denver City Center
Residence Inn is located in the middle of the CBD. Does it have a great location? Absolutely. Staying at this property means you are within walking distance of most things and places. Shoppers should love Residence Inn, as 16th Street Mall is just a five-minute walk away.
The hotel only offers studios and suites, meaning each option receives kitchen access and gives you a place to call home. You also get to enjoy the 24-hour gym, use the on-site laundry facilities, and business center. The 8th-floor patio is an excellent place for guests to appreciate the cityscape and their CBD location. Honestly, this hotel is the gift that keeps giving. See more on Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Budget: Hilton Garden Inn Denver Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn is a relaxed, budget-friendly-as-possible accommodation choice in the CBD. Sure, you won’t be finding hostels in the Central Business District, but it doesn’t mean you need to break the bank. Hilton Garden is reasonably priced and is good value for money.
The hotel features a spacious gym, numerous business rooms, and an on-site bar and restaurant. Each room features a microwave and refrigerators, so you can save money by purchasing cheap food and storing leftovers. Check rates and availability on Booking.com / Compare on TripAdvisor
VRBO: 34th-floor condo
This condo is stunning. Picture an outdoor swimming pool on a skyscraper rooftop, views of the Rocky Mountains from every window, and a private balcony. This VRBO property is as luxurious as they get.
You get access to a gym, hot tub, and movie theater. Even the heating and blinds are impressive and can be controlled via your iPad or phone for ultimate comfort and ease. This condo best suits those wanting a five-star experience in private accommodation.
While primarily tailored to long stays, the landlord does accept special stay lengths on request, so it is well worth checking. See more on VRBO
About Denver’s Central Business District
The CBD will have the Mile High Christmas Tree if you visit in winter. The CBD is also conveniently located between Capitol Hill and Lower Downtown Denver. So you are within walking distance to the best attractions in both neighboring areas.
The CBD has a few attractions of its own too, including Denver Firefighters Museum and the Denver Selfie Museum. It is a fun neighborhood to stay in Denver with a real city atmosphere.
The CBD is the best neighborhood to appreciate the Denver skyline, and you’ll be staying surrounded by skyscrapers and modern architecture. You’ll have a central location and easy access to most attractions. The Central Business District is best for city lovers and business travelers.
5. Five Points
If you want a cool neighborhood, head to Five Points. Five Points is where to stay in Denver if you want a neighborhood less touristy than the Downtown area but with just as much oomph.
Recommended Hotels in Five Points
Luxury: The Ramble Hotel
The Ramble Hotel is a sleek, luxury accommodation option in Five Points. The property has a trendy, dark color scheme with lots of leather furniture and painted feature walls. The Ramble Hotel is an excellent choice if you want a modern but luxurious place to stay in Denver.
The Ramble Hotel has a fitness center and a communal terrace. Each room comes with coffee-making facilities, a television, and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms feature balconies if you want to splash out. We recommend the aptly named Juliette Suite if you want balcony views. Check rates and availability on Booking.com / Compare more on TripAdvisor
Mid-range: The Curtis Park Club
The Curtis Park Club is a boutique hotel with a bed and breakfast personality. The property is split into bespoke rooms, lavishly decorated with cowboy and outlaw-themed decor. Every furnishing is high-quality, from the leather sofas to the cowhide rugs.
You can book one room or the entire property – it is your choice. This flexibility is partly why we like The Curtis Park Club so much. It effortlessly treads a fine line between a hotel, bed and breakfast, and VRBO property. One thing’s for sure though, it is easily the best mid-range accommodation option in Five Points. Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Budget: Hostel Fish
Unfortunately, the cheapest option in Five Points is The Curtis Park Club. If you want budget-friendly Denver accommodation near Five Points, you’ll have to choose Hostel Fish.
We’ve already covered Hostel Fish as the best budget hotel in Lower Downtown Denver. The hostel is trendy and upscale, with curtained bunk beds in dormitory rooms. The interior design is recently renovated, and there are plenty of social spaces, including a games room with a table tennis table.
Hostel Fish is just a fifteen-minute walk from Five Points, so don’t worry – you won’t be missing out much. You can be in the heart of Five Points in just four minutes in an Uber. It is well-worth staying just outside the neighborhood if you are budget-conscious. Booking.com / TripAdvisor
VRBO: A luxury townhouse suite
Why not stay in a townhouse? This property will give you a real taste of what it is like to live in the Five Points neighborhood and has a homely, practical feel.
The suite takes up an entire self-contained bottom floor of a four-story townhouse. You’ll have your own private entrance, outdoor space, and the security of having local knowledge and support upstairs if you need it.
The suite has everything – from a kitchenette to a dressing room. It is newly renovated and has a chic design. It features unique aspects like a wood-paneled feature wall behind the bed, illuminated with hidden backlighting. VRBO
Things to do in Five Points
Five Points is multicultural and packed with entertainment. You can enjoy the nightlife along Welton Street, a laidback restaurant and cafe culture, and many exciting attractions. The Black American West Museum is the best attraction and details the story of African-Americans in Denver.
Five Points is also within walking distance of Coors Field and the River North Art District, so you won’t miss out on the main things to do either.
Five Points is an important suburb for the city’s African American community and is home to many cultural attractions. The nightlife is also second to none, and if you like indie and hip hop, look no further.
6. South Broadway
South Broadway (or ‘SoBo’) is four miles south of the city center. You’ll be a twenty-minute bus or thirty-minute tram ride from all of Denver’s action. However, we think it is a worthy trade, and most of Denver agrees with us. Like Uptown, South Broadway has become a place for young professionals to settle and escape the slightly higher prices in the city center. South Broadway is full of vintage shopping, the best restaurants, and fun activities.
Recommended Accommodation in Denver’s South Broadway
Luxury: Updated Denver Hideout
Luxury isn’t exactly what you look for in South Broadway. However, this entire holiday home is luxurious in the sense of space and furnishings. You’ll have your own space and can unwind after a long day by sinking into your sofa for a film night. The home has everything you need, including a dishwasher, wifi, and cable TV.
To find luxury in SoBo, we suggest looking at rental options like this and apartments on VRBO. You won’t get the hotel experience, but you’ll find plenty of upscale properties. VRBO
Mid-range: Towne Place Suites by Marriott Denver Downtown
Towne Place Suites is a relaxing accommodation option with all the basics you need. You can wake up slowly, work out at the gym, and then enjoy your complimentary breakfast. Alternatively, pick a suite so you can bounce out of bed to make your own breakfast and head straight out to explore Denver.
Towne Place Suites are practical but pleasant. Guests also receive access to laundry and dry cleaning services, plus a business center if they wish. For a base in SoBo, look no further. Towne Place Suites ticks a lot of boxes for a reasonable price. Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Budget: Off-Broadway B&B
Off-Broadway B&B has a traditional, homely design that could entice even the firmest hotel-only lovers. For a budget-friendly accommodation choice, Off-Broadway B&B is ideal and also provides a more authentic base to enjoy Denver.
Each room has a microwave, wardrobe, and free wifi access. You shouldn’t need that microwave much though, as with each booking you get a complimentary American breakfast every morning.
Off-Broadway is a beautiful property – full of character and charm. Visitors can also look forward to friendly hosts with lots of insight into the area. Booking.com / TripAdvisor
VRBO: Carriage House
You may not find typical Colorado cabins in central Denver, but this property comes close. The green and red painted carriage house is made entirely from wood and is a cozy place to stay just outside of SoBo.
This property has all the amenities you require, plus a few extras. You can eat out or cook up a storm in your fully equipped kitchen. The hosts even leave you some spices and cooking basics to save you running to the shop.
The highlight of the property is the little private balcony. You can sit outside amongst the trees and surrounded by gardens – a perfect way to start the day before heading into busy Denver. VRBO
About South Broadway Denver
SoBo is easily one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city. Once an industrial hub, the area has been gentrified and filled with trendy bars, shops, and eateries. You could be thrift shopping at secondhand clothing stores one minute and sipping a craft beer on a brewery tour the next.
SoBo has plenty of nearby green space, including Washington Park and Overland Golf Course. SoBo is popular for good reasons, so why not join the local crowds?
7. Cherry Creek
For luxury travelers, Cherry Creek is where to stay in Denver. You’ll find the best hotels here – perfect for organizing a five-star experience. Cherry Creek has a great location too, and is next door to Capitol Hill and just south of City Park and Denver Zoo.
Luxury: Halcyon Hotel
Halcyon Hotel has a five-star atmosphere that you just can’t find in the center of a city. Halcyon is serene and peaceful – just like the neighborhood around it.
The hotel’s best attribute is its rooftop pool. Guests can take a dip, relax on loungers, or lay shaded in a cabana. Halcyon’s pool has views of the Rockies in the distance, and the greenery of Cherry Creek creates a lush, natural landscape to admire.
Halcyon also has a gym and spa on site. However, the most interesting benefit of this hotel is its complementary wellness pass. With the pass, guests at Halcyon can access fitness and wellness venues across all different Denver neighborhoods for free. You can even enter the Denver Botanic Gardens free of charge with your room booking. TripAdvisor
Mid-range: MOXY Denver Cherry Creek
MOXY hotels are known for being indulgent, fun, yet timelessly trendy, and this is precisely what MOXY Denver is like. Expect a sleek, upscale interior with plenty of natural materials and a dark color scheme.
Guests receive access to a fitness center, communal lounge, and an on-site restaurant and bar. For those in Denver for work, there is also a business center where you can hire meeting rooms.
It couldn’t be a MOXY hotel with all work and no play, though. The property also features a bar and beer garden; at the weekend, you can expect a club vibe. Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Budget: Courtyard by Marriott Denver
Remember when we said Cherry Creek was where to find luxury accommodation in Denver? There aren’t many budget-friendly options because the neighborhood has either residential properties or five or four-star hotels.
Luckily, the Courtyard by Marriott Denver is the perfect budget choice. It is less than a ten-minute drive away from the center of Cherry Creek. The hotel is situated just south of the neighborhood in Cory-Merrill. However, it is well worth saving money and staying on the outskirts. Plus, it is just a twenty-minute hop on the bus if you don’t drive or want to pay for a taxi.
The hotel itself has excellent facilities, including an indoor pool, gym, business center, and hot tub. The Courtyard by Marriott is where no sacrifices are necessary. Booking.com / TripAdvisor
VRBO: Modern townhouse
If you love outdoor space, this VRBO property is perfect. The three-bedroom townhouse features two patios plus an entire rooftop terrace. From the rooftop terrace, you can enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains.
You won’t be short on homely comforts either – the townhouse is decked out with ultra-comfortable yet chic furnishings. A plush sofa for movie nights? Check. An exercise bike for morning cardio? Check. You even have access to a private garden, just in case, all your patio and terrace space wasn’t enough room outside. VRBO
Things to Do in Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek is known for its upscale accommodation and luxury hotels and has plenty of shopping opportunities. You will be sacrificing centrality. However, for a luxurious stay in Denver, you may find it worthwhile.
It may be primarily residential, but Cherry Creek also has a few attractions of its own. Fans of the iconic television series can visit the “Friends experience”, while the Denver Botanic Gardens is just a short walk away.
Cherry Creek Park is the best place for nature in the neighborhood. Cherry Creek Trail runs along the riverbank and is a relaxing way to spend a morning or squeeze a quick jog in.
Final Thoughts on Denver
The ‘mile-high city’ has a lot of character. We love how much your experience visiting Denver can differ depending on where you stay. Do you want the swanky, upscale vibe of Cherry Creek? Or do you want the historic, classy atmosphere of the Capitol Hill area?
Choosing where to stay in Denver is an exciting task. Each neighborhood has a strong personality – all you have to do is find a personality to fit yours.