Where to stay in Denver on holiday: your neighbourhood guide

Deciding where to stay in Denver, CO, starts with thinking about the kind of trip you have in mind. The city’s compact centre, lively districts and easy rail links make it simple to balance outdoor walks with museum visits and evenings out. Whether you’re planning to explore Union Station or snack your way through Dairy Block, use this guide to find neighbourhoods that match your plans and put you close to many of Denver’s attractions. 

Lower Downtown is a classic base for first-time visitors. Union Station houses the airport rail, Coors Field baseball stadium and historic warehouses packed with restaurants and bars. Along the river, you’ll find Confluence Park – an urban park that offers a mix of picnic areas, trails and water-based activities like kayaking. 

LoDo is a good choice if you’d prefer a car-free stay. A free shuttle bus is available for trips along 16th Street, with Dairy Block, a micro-neighbourhood, being in close proximity too. 

If you choose to visit Dairy Block, start with a tasting crawl through Denver Milk Market, sampling the hall’s many food and drink spots and timing your visit with weekly events like trivia night. Then wander the Alley, a pedestrian lane lined with murals and installations from the Dairy Block art collection and dip into the surrounding indie boutiques. For a standout finale, book the Michelin-starred counter at BRUTØ and settle in for a wood-fired tasting menu.

Hotels in Downtown

• The Crawford Hotel: stay inside Denver Union Station with the Great Hall and airport rail on your doorstep. Heritage details meet modern comfort in this one-of-a-kind station-side stay.
• The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block: sleep above Dairy Block so you can head downstairs for convenient dining and to explore the Alley’s art and maker boutiques. 
• The Oxford Hotel: choose Denver’s 1891 grande dame with the iconic Art Deco Cruise Room bar onsite. The Oxford Club and Spa offer fitness facilities and relaxing treatments.

Lower Highlands blends hillside views with some of Denver’s most talked-about restaurants. Pedestrian bridges link the neighbourhood to the riverfront and Confluence Park, providing easy access to Lower Downtown attractions. 

LoHi suits travellers who enjoy leisurely morning coffee followed by basketball or ice hockey games at Ball Arena. After a touch of thrill? Why not spend the day on the rides at Elitch Gardens, Denver’s amusement and water park? There are many scenic strolls to be had here too, for example, the Highland and Millennium bridges make photo-ready sunset routes. Consider finishing your day with dinner at Linger, where rooftop street-food energy meets skyline backdrops. Order the ‘Mongolian BBQ duck bao with koji-pickled cucumber and scallion’ for a flavour-packed finish.

Hotels in LoHi

• Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Speer Boulevard: when staying at this hotel, you can count on bright rooms, complimentary breakfasts and bridge access into the heart of LoDo.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Denver Downtown: this practical base near Jefferson Park has a pool and easy transportation links to Ball Arena. 
• Residence Inn Denver Downtown: settle into this hotel’s suite-style rooms just a few blocks from street dining options.

River North Art District (often shortened to RiNo) is a creative district known for its colourful murals, markets and breweries. The neighbourhood offers food halls, quick bike routes and an energetic atmosphere that feels artistic and modern. 

A self-guided street-art tour is a great way to explore the area. It starts from Denver Central Market, winding through alleys of bold murals, 3D pieces and studio-lined blocks. If you love all things food, why not  join one of the many food tours that pair tastings with visits to award-winning kitchens? Round out the day with a show at Mission Ballroom, a live music venue that hosts a range of top-tier artists.

Hotels in RiNo

• The Ramble Hotel: stay in one of the 50 design-led rooms with three restaurants and an acclaimed cocktail scene on site. 
• Catbird Hotel: settle into this hotel that boasts apartment-style rooms (some with rooftop terraces), complimentary bicycle usage and fun common areas for extended stays.
• The Source Hotel: this hotel is connected to The Source Market Hall, making it easy for you to enjoy dining and local crafts. It also features a rooftop pool with views of the skyline. 

If you’re looking for a base with a rich historical background, Capitol Hill is one of the best places to stay in Denver. It pairs leafy streets and late-Victorian homes with cultural landmarks such as the Colorado State Capitol, History Colorado Center and the Denver Art Museum. Civic Center Park is the neighbourhood’s historic green space that offers gardens, skyline views and proximity to several museums. 

For fans of ghost tours, Capitol Hill is said to harbour a few haunted mansions. At the Molly Brown House Museum, the former home of Titanic survivor Margaret ‘Molly’ Brown, guides and local write-ups mention whiffs of cigar smoke and a playful ‘ghost cat’ brushing ankles. The Croke-Patterson-Campbell Mansion, now the Patterson Inn, began as a castle for Senator Thomas B. Croke. Nowadays, this hotel receives reports of spirits, this time taking the form of a ghost caretaker in the carriage house.

Hotels in Capitol Hill

• Patterson Inn: this characterful adults-only accommodation is set in a landmark 19th-century building with elegant rooms and a calm garden.
• 11th Avenue Hostel: book a private room or choose from shared options at this hostel near the art museum.
• Warwick Denver: consider this high-rise stay with a seasonal rooftop pool and easy access to East Colfax Avenue with its many cafes.

Cherry Creek is the perfect place to stay if you’d like to be further away from Denver’s city centre. It’s just a 10-minute drive to the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver Zoo, with plenty of dining and shopping options in the area. Consider hiring a car if you know your itinerary will include day trips around the area.

Must-sees at the Botanic Gardens include stepping through the warm rainforest of the 1966 Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory, a Mid-Century concrete-and-glass landmark with towering palms, orchids and a multi-level canopy walk. The Ella Mullen Weckbaugh Tea House is another highlight. Built in Japan and reassembled in Denver, it still hosts traditional tea ceremonies, which you can attend if you book ahead. Don’t miss the Monet Pool and Aquatic Collection, home to an internationally recognised waterlily ensemble.

Hotels in Cherry Creek

• Halcyon, a Hotel in Cherry Creek: stay at this hotel for access to a helpful neighbourhood exploring kit and a heated rooftop pool deck with stunning skyline views.
• MOXY Denver Cherry Creek: pick this property for a space that blends co-working nooks, games and a late-night bar. Check in at the bar to get a welcome drink.
• Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek: Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge by chef Richard Sandoval anchors this hotel with contemporary Latin flavours. 

Choosing where to stay in Denver comes down to matching your plans to the right base. Make sure you pick a neighbourhood that keeps your must-dos within a short walk or quick ride, then choose accommodation that suits your budget and style. With logistics set, you can focus on the good stuff – standout food, easy green escapes and relaxed days out.