Where to Stay in Denver → 8 BEST Areas (+ TOP Hotels)

Denver is the capital of the US state of Colorado, 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 and culture, so I’m sure you’re already thinking about where to stay in Denver.

My goal is to make your life easier and your trip more pleasant, so I compared all Denver neighborhoods and picked out the 8 best ones. I chose these eight neighborhoods for walkability to Denver’s attractions, transport access, safety, and hotel quality and review scores across budgets.

To make things even simpler, I went through almost all hotel options in Denver and handpicked the best ones for each of the recommended areas and sorted them by price.

Wherever you decide to stay, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance – Denver is a popular destination, and hotels sell out super quickly! 

Let’s discover what Mile High City has to offer! 

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Want to make a reservation now? Here’s a list of the premier hotels in LoDo, Denver: 

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Check out this map of the 8 Denver neighborhoods featured in this post:

Area	Price	Top Hotel Pick	Why Stay Here	Best For
LoDo	$$–$$$	The Rally Hotel	Walkable, central, near Union Station and Larimer Square; best overall base	First-timers
Cherry Creek	$$–$$$	The Jacquard, Autograph Collection	Upscale dining, Rocky Mountain views, Cherry Creek Trail on the doorstep	Luxury travellers
Capitol Hill	$–$$	Patterson Inn	Bohemian vibe, affordable hostels like 11th Avenue Hostel, near Denver Botanic Gardens	Budget travellers
LoHi	$$–$$$	Life House	Laid-back streets, Little Man Ice Cream, walk to Downtown Aquarium and Elitch Gardens	Families
RiNo	$$–$$$	The Ramble Hotel	Street art, craft bars, live music at Larimer Lounge and The Mission Ballroom	Nightlife seekers

Not sure which fits your trip? Here’s a quick lookup by traveller type:

Traveller type	Stay in
First-timer	LoDo
Business	Downtown / CBD
Nightlife	RiNo
Luxury	Cherry Creek
Budget	Capitol Hill
Cool activities	Uptown Denver
Families	LoHi
Foodies	South Broadway (SoBo)
No car	LoDo or the CBD
Hiking	Cherry Creek

When is the best time to visit Denver?

• Spring (April–May): mild weather, fewer crowds, lower hotel rates.
• Summer (June–August): peak season, outdoor events, higher prices — book early.
• Fall (September–October): cool temperatures, fewer crowds, foliage.
• Add one line on winter/ski-season: snow can fall October–April/May and the Rockies are an easy day trip for skiers.

1. LoDo (Lower Downtown) – best area for first-time visitors

• Pros: walkable to top attractions, excellent transit hub at Union Station, highest hotel density.
• Cons: pricier hotels; can feel touristy around Larimer Square.

Downtown Denver is divided into smaller areas, but the best ones I recommend to travelers are LoDo (short for Lower Downtown) and Central Business District – more on this in the next section. LoDo is the heart and soul of the city and the best area for people visiting this city for the first time.

Lower Downtown, also known as LoDo or Union Station, is a great area with a lively atmosphere and beautiful Victorian-style architecture—a staple of Colorado state. 

The LoDo neighborhood is centered around Union Station (map), the main railway station in the city. After you explore Denver, you can hop on a train and discover other amazing places in the state. 

Near Union Station, you’ll find the Dairy Block (map), a large urban complex hosting many stylish bars and restaurants, luxury boutiques, and even a hotel. This is a great place to stop for a cup of coffee before you embark on a new journey. 

One of the main points of interest in this part of Denver is the historic Larimer Square (map), situated on the very spot where the city was founded. While in the area, I suggest you visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, which hosts a variety of cool exhibitions. If you’d like to spend some time outdoors, there’s no better place than Confluence Park (map). This lovely urban park is situated right by the river, and it’s a great place to sit back and relax. And if you’re a sports fan, you’ll be happy to hear that Coors Field (map), the base of the Colorado Rockies baseball team, is located at the very edge of the neighborhood.

Union Station is served by the A, B, C, E, F, G, H, R and W light rail lines plus the free 16th Street FreeRide, making LoDo the easiest car-free base.

Other accommodation options in LoDo

Things to do in Lower Downtown

• Go bar-hopping at the Dairy Block
• Stop by McGregor Square (map)
• Pay a visit to the historic Larimer Square
• Try some local beers on this local craft beer tour
• Spend some time at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
• Catch a baseball game at Coors Field
• Enjoy a meal with a view of the Denver skyline at Viewhouse Ballpark

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2. Downtown Denver (CBD) – top area in Denver for business travelers

• Pros: central for the Colorado Convention Center, walkable to 16th Street, strong transit links.
• Cons: business-district feel that quiets down after hours; limited true-budget options.

The Central Business District (CBD) is part of the downtown area, bordering LoDo in the Northwest. CBD is a bustling district that is great for all types of travelers, but mostly businesspeople, since the Colorado Convention Center is right in the center of the neighborhood.

Even if you’re not attending an event at the Colorado Convention Center, you should still stop by the building to admire the architecture and see some of the art displayed there – look out for the Blue Bear statue! However, there are plenty of other ways you can spend your time in CBD! 

If you’re wondering where to start, I recommend checking the schedule for the Denver Performing Arts Complex. It hosts a variety of shows and events, so you’ll certainly find something to your liking. 

Your next stop should be the 16th Street (map), Denver’s iconic pedestrian and transit corridor, which fully reopened in fall 2025 after a major multi-year renovation and is home to over 40 cafes, shops, and restaurants. If you want some extra fun, the Museum of Illusions is a great place to spend an afternoon – you won’t regret it! 

Once you’ve visited all the main points of interest in the CBD, head South to the Golden Triangle, which is also part of downtown. While in the area, you should not overlook the Denver Art Museum, which showcases various exhibitions covering everything from ancient civilizations to modern art. There are also a couple of smaller museums in the area, so if that’s your thing, you should also check out the Clyfford Still Museum.

The downtown loop stations (16th & Stout, 18th & California) sit on the D, H and L light rail lines, with the free 16th Street FreeRide running right through the district.

Golden Triangle Creative District (arts sub-area of Downtown)

Just south of the CBD, the Golden Triangle is Denver’s main arts corridor, with galleries and museums clustered within easy walking distance of each other.

• Spend a few hours at the Denver Art Museum
• See the single-artist collection at the Clyfford Still Museum
• Take a gallery walk along the Santa Fe Drive arts district

The Art Hotel Denver (1201 Broadway) is the best place to stay right in this sub-area.

Other accommodation options in the CBD

Things to do in the Central Business District

• Stop by to admire the architecture of the Colorado Convention Center
• Attend an event at the Denver Performing Arts Complex
• Take a few hours to explore the 16th Street
• Get tickets for one of the cool shows at the Bellco Theatre
• Pay a visit to the Denver Art Museum

3. RiNo – top neighborhood for nightlife

• Pros: best street art and craft-bar scene, lively music venues, walkable creative district.
• Cons: noisier at night; fewer classic sights beyond the bars and galleries.

Locally known as RiNo (River North Art District), this neighborhood is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) Northeast of LoDo. With its vibrant atmosphere and variety of bars, brew pubs, and dining venues, RiNo is one of the top Denver neighborhoods for nightlife. 

As industry moved out of the city’s core in the late 1980s and 90s, this corridor was left with empty warehouses and infrastructure. At this time, different artists began to populate the area because of the low prices. As a result, the neighborhood became a fertile ground for artists and creatives.

Today, these old industrial buildings have been revamped and decorated with stunning street art and now house everything from nightclubs and dive bars to art galleries and food courts.

The best way to explore the River North Art District is to put on your walking shoes and roam the streets. As you walk around, you’ll be able to see the many colorful murals, stop somewhere for a quick drink or a delicious meal, and experience the true spirit of Denver’s coolest neighborhood. 

The one place you absolutely have to check out is The Denver Central Market (map), with a market hall offering a diverse range of shops and food stalls. You’ll find another amazing food hall at Zeppelin Station (map), where you can try dishes from many different cuisines from around the world. 

However, if you’re looking for places to spend a night out, the Larimer Lounge has amazing music shows, while the ReelWorks Denver and The Mission Ballroom host concerts and other cool events. Finally, if you want to find a spot to have a drink in a relaxed atmosphere, my top recommendation is Blue Moon Brewing Company (map). This incredible brewery with eclectic decor serves delicious American food and craft beers.

The 38th & Blake station on the A Line links RiNo directly to Union Station and the airport, and the L Line serves nearby Five Points along Welton Street.

Other accommodation options in RiNo

Things to do in RiNo

• Walk around the neighborhood and admire the street art
• Explore The Denver Central Market
• Attend a live music show at the Larimer Lounge 
• See a concert at the ReelWorks Denver or The Mission Ballroom
• Spend a relaxing evening at Blue Moon Brewing Company
• Embark on a RiNo food tour
• Have a delicious meal at the Zeppelin Station food court
• Pay a visit to the Forney Museum of Transportation

4. Cherry Creek – top area for a luxury experience

• Pros: upscale dining and shopping, Rocky Mountain views, Cherry Creek Trail on the doorstep.
• Cons: most expensive area; a short drive from downtown rather than walkable to it.

Cherry Creek is located Southwest of the downtown area (about a 10-min car ride away). This is an upscale residential neighborhood and it’s one of the most popular spots for luxury travelers interested in world-class dining and high-end accommodation!

However, even though the neighborhood is more oriented toward high-end visitors, it can accommodate all types of travelers – you can stay here even if you’re traveling on a tight budget.

This area is the best place for mountain views in central Denver – on a clear day, you can see the full range of the Rocky Mountains. However, even though you can see the mountains from the city, I highly recommend planning a day trip to the Rockies – it’s about a 1.5-hour drive from the city center, and the trip is definitely worth the effort.

TIP: if you’re looking for more cool places to visit near Denver, I recommend checking out the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. It’s situated just 10 miles /16 km Northeast of the city center and is home to more than 330 species of wild animals. 

Cherry Creek is also a great place for hiking, seeing as it is the starting point of the Cherry Creek Trail (see trail map), a relatively easy hiking trail that’s quite popular among runners, cyclists, and bird watchers, so expect to encounter a lot of people on your hike.

Once you’ve had your fair share of nature, it’s time to indulge in the luxury offered in the area, and there’s no better place for it than the Cherry Creek Shopping Center (map). This mall features a variety of designer stores and cool eateries, so you can easily spend your entire day here. 

In case you still have some time left over, I’ll direct you Southwest of the neighborhood towards Washington Park (map), another residential area centered around a sprawling park with a lake, tennis courts, a playground, and the ideal place to relax and unwind after a long day. 

From here, you can continue moving South until you reach the campus of the University of Denver (map) – even if you’re not a prospective student, the campus is a great place to visit for its tree-lined walkways and serene atmosphere.

Cherry Creek has no direct light rail; RTD bus routes 1, 3, 46 and the 83 limited serve the area, or it’s a 10-minute drive or rideshare from downtown.

Other accommodation options in Cherry Creek

Things to do in Cherry Creek

• Hike along the Cherry Creek trail
• Plan a day trip to the Rocky Mountains
• Have dinner at the amazing Cherry Creek Grill
• Have a shopping spree at Cherry Creek Shopping Center
• Visit the Cherry Creek State Park (map)
• Go on a relaxing walk at Pulaski Park (map)

5. Capitol Hill – best part of Denver to stay on a budget

• Pros: most affordable area, bohemian character, close to the Botanic Gardens and Cheesman Park.
• Cons: largely residential with fewer hotels; some streets quieter after dark.

Capitol Hill is one of the best areas to stay in if you want to explore Denver on a tight budget due to the large number of affordable accommodations. Situated 2 miles (3 km) Southeast of LoDo, the Capitol Hill area is largely residential, lined with mansions and stately homes, as well as quirky shops that give the area its bohemian vibe. 

The Capitol Hill neighborhood got its name from the well-known Colorado State Capitol building (map), one of the area’s main landmarks. It is situated within Civic Center Park, which is part of the larger Golden Triangle Creative District. 

Some other important landmarks in Capitol Hill are the Molly Brown House Museum (dedicated to the survivor of the RMS Titanic), and the History Colorado Center, an interactive museum that shows exhibits dedicated to the state’s history.

During your stay in Capitol Hill, you should venture out and explore outside the borders of the neighborhood. Head East to Cheesman Park and visit the stunning Denver Botanic Gardens, home to thousands of plants from all over the world. 

There’s no rail station, but the 15/15L buses run along East Colfax and the 0/0L along Broadway, and it’s an easy walk (about 2 mi) from downtown.

Other accommodation options in Capitol Hill

Things to do in Capitol Hill

• Visit the gold-domed Colorado State Capitol 
• Pay a visit to the Molly Brown House Museum and the History Colorado Center
• Spend a few hours exploring the Denver Botanic Gardens
• Have a delicious, plant-based meal at City O’ City (map)

6. Uptown Denver – amazing spot for cool activities

• Pros: local feel, great concert venues, walkable to City Park’s zoo and museum.
• Cons: fewer attractions within the neighborhood itself; smaller hotel selection.

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 of historic buildings and brick rowhouses, trendy restaurants, upscale condos, and buildings.

Thanks to all these landscapes, this neighborhood offers a relaxed but vibrant atmosphere for all travelers looking to discover the local vibe of Mile High City.

The focal points of interest in the neighborhood are the Fillmore Auditorium, an intimate concert hall, and the Ogden Theatre, a historic concert venue dating back to 1919. I highly recommend you check what’s on at both of these venues and get your hands on some tickets – it will make your Denver experience truly unforgettable. 

Your next stop should be the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (map), an impressive 19th-century Catholic cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows. And since North Capitol Hill is a smaller neighborhood, you won’t find that many attractions within the area. 

Luckily, Uptown is within walking distance (30-40 min walk) City Park (map), a large green space that’s home to Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature and Science – both worth a visit. So, I suggest you spend a whole day in City Park, exploring the zoo and the museum, and then watching the sunset over the Rocky Mountains from one of the park’s benches.

If you want to see more of the wider Denver area, head to Central Park (Northeast of Uptown), a quieter neighborhood situated on the site of a former airport. If you’re traveling as a family, be sure to take the kids to the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, a huge indoor trampoline park—no kid will say no to that!

Uptown has no rail station; the 15/15L East Colfax buses serve it and it’s within walking distance of the CBD. 

Other accommodation options in Uptown Denver

Things to do in Uptown Denver

• Attend a concert at the Fillmore Auditorium or at the Ogden Theatre
• Pay a visit to the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
• Have a classic American meal at the retro-style diner Steuben’s Uptown (map)
• Explore Denver’s largest green space, City Park
• Take a few hours to explore the Denver Zoo
• Visit the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

7. LoHi (Lower Highland) – where to stay in Denver with family

• Pros: laid-back streets, family-friendly restaurants, easy reach to the Downtown Aquarium and Elitch Gardens.
• Cons: just outside the center (short trip to downtown); limited public transit.

Lower Highland, commonly referred to as LoHi, is a laid-back neighborhood situated 1.4 miles / 2 km Northwest of Union Station. The area abounds with restaurants, cafes, and interesting shops, so you’ll always find something to do here – especially if you’re traveling with kids. 

As soon as you arrive and settle into the neighborhood, I suggest you go for a treat. The Little Man Ice Cream (map) serves delicious homemade ice cream in many, many unique flavors – choosing just one will be difficult! 

However, if you’re looking for a spot where you can have a full meal, then seek out the Avanti Food & Beverage court. Here, you can choose from a variety of different options, but I also recommend grabbing a drink at the amazing rooftop bar at this complex. 

Looking for more family-friendly activities? If so, I suggest you venture outside the neighborhood – head South to the Downtown Aquarium, which houses more than 500 animal species and boasts a great restaurant. Then, continue the adventure at the Elitch Gardens amusement park, and try out different arcade games and thrill rides. Moving on South, you’ll come across the Children’s Museum of Denver and the Empower Field at Mile High (map), the stadium that’s home to the city’s NFL team, the Denver Broncos. If you plan accordingly, you can even see the Broncos playing on home court!

LoHi has no rail station, but it’s a short walk (about 1.4 mi) to Union Station and its full rail network, plus local bus routes.

Other accommodation options in Highland

Things to do in Highland

• Try the homemade ice cream at Little Man Ice Cream
• Take the kids to the Downtown Aquarium and Elitch Gardens
• Have a delicious lunch at Avanti Food & Beverage
• Explore the City of Cuernavaca Park (map)
• Spend your day at the Children’s Museum of Denver
• Catch a game at the Empower Field at Mile High Stadium

8. South Broadway (SoBo) – where to stay for foodies

• Pros: standout food and bar scene, hip and local, good value.
• Cons: few hotels (mostly apartment rentals), no luxury options, and 3 mi south of LoDo.

One of the best neighborhoods to stay in while visiting Denver is South Broadway, known as SoBo. It’s located 3 miles / 5 km South of LoDo, and it’s a very hip place, full of cool eateries and bars, all lined across the length of South Broadway Avenue. 

One of the best-known places on South Broadway is Punch Bowl Social (map), a dining and entertainment venue where you can find activities such as bowling, Dartsee, ping pong, vintage and modern arcade games, karaoke, silent disco, and more.

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. I really like the look of Atomic Cowboy, a dining venue that houses both Denver Biscuit Co. and Fat Sully’s NY Pizza – both are worth a try, but maybe not on the same day. 

If you want to do some sightseeing and you don’t mind venturing a couple of blocks away from SoBo, then you should pay a visit to the International Church of Cannabis (map), which is actually a social center situated in a former Lutheran church. The interior is very cool, and there are hourly light shows.

The I-25 & Broadway station (D, E and H lines) anchors the north end of Broadway, and the 0/0L bus runs the length of the strip. 

Note that in this area, there are not many hotel options – especially not luxury ones – and most of the accommodations in SoBo are apartment rentals, but if you think this is the perfect area for your stay, here are the best options:

Other accommodation options in SoBo

Things to do in SoBo

• Spend a fun evening at the Punch Bowl Social
• Grab some drinks at Adrift (map)
• Have a hearty meal at the Atomic Cowboy
• Don’t miss the Colorado brews at TRVE Brewing Company (map)
• Pay a visit to the International Church of Cannabis
• Visit Corvus Coffee Roasters (map) to enjoy a drink in their friendly industrial-chic shop

👑 Luxury price:	US$270
💵 Mid-range:	US$160
🛏️ Budget:	US$110
📍 Best neighborhood:	LoDo
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	The Rally Hotel
💵 Best mid-range hotel:	Hilton Garden Inn
👛 Best budget hotel:	Kasa Union Station

Denver neighborhood safety overview

Denver is generally safe for visitors, but like any big city it helps to know the areas. LoDo, the 16th Street corridor, Cherry Creek, and Uptown are the safest and liveliest spots, day and night. RiNo is lively and generally safe too, with plenty of foot traffic around its bars and galleries. Stay a little more alert around Civic Center Park late at night, and I’d skip City Park and Five Points for your hotel base (they sit further out and see higher rates of street crime), though City Park is perfectly fine to visit by day for the zoo and the museum.

How to get from Denver International Airport to the city

Denver International Airport (DEN) sits 23 miles (37 km) from downtown, about a 40-minute drive. The easiest and cheapest way in is the University of Colorado A Line train, which runs straight to Union Station in LoDo in around 37 minutes and costs about $10.50 each way (as of 2026). If you’d rather skip the train with luggage, a private airport transfer or taxi will get you downtown door-to-door in roughly 40 minutes.

BONUS: 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):

• The Westin Denver International Airport ($$$) – situated at Denver airport, the Westin provides a luxury experience; there are 3 restaurants, room service, an indoor swimming pool, and concierge services. 

• Element Denver International Airport ($$) – this is a great mid-range option, just 0.6 miles / 1 km away from the airport, offering a free airport shuttle to all its guests, as well as an indoor pool, barbecue facilities, and free private parking. 
• Nile Haven ($) – if you’re looking for budget accommodation near the airport, this property is located 7 miles / 11 km from the airport and offers free parking and comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with access to shared bathrooms. 

BONUS 2: Best hotels in Denver for couples

With a backdrop of the sublime Rocky Mountains or the glimmering Denver skyline, surrounded by historic buildings and some of the best restaurants in the state, the city has endless opportunities for romancing your significant other.

So, if you’re planning a couples’ getaway to Denver, here are the most romantic hotels in the city:

• The Crawford Hotel ($$$) – a short walk from the iconic Union Station, The Crawford Hotel is recognizable for its historic design and features comfortable rooms, and a bar. It’s also a Michelin Key hotel (2025), a romantic splurge set right inside historic Union Station and steps from LoDo’s best dinner spots.
• Hotel Clio ($$$) – situated in the Cherry Creek neighborhood, this upscale hotel boasts a 24-hour fitness center, an award-winning restaurant with a creative menu, and a patio with a fire pit. Tucked into upscale Cherry Creek, it’s an easy stroll to designer shopping and the neighborhood’s top restaurants before a nightcap by the fire pit.
• The Art Hotel ($$$) – an upscale boutique hotel on Broadway Street near the Denver Art Museum. During your stay at the Art Hotel Denver, you can enjoy the on-site bar, or head to the restaurant. Its spot beside the Denver Art Museum in the Golden Triangle makes for a romantic art-and-cocktails evening without ever needing a car.

FAQs about where to stay in Denver

Conclusion

Yay, you have reached the end of my complete guide on where to stay in Denver! Hopefully, you’ve already decided on an area and started making hotel reservations. 

Even if you haven’t decided yet, no need to fret! To make things even easier for you, these are my top 2 hotels in LoDo, Denver:

• The Rally Hotel – an upscale boutique hotel with a pool and 2 amazing restaurants
• Hilton Garden Inn – a very comfortable hotel with a snack bar and a great gym

Don’t forget to book your hotel in Denver in advance because many people visit this city and all the top hotels are constantly selling out! 

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,

Hristina