Denver, Colorado
Where to Stay in Denver
Denver's neighborhoods are genuinely different from each other. The right one depends on why you're here — so here's an honest breakdown of where to stay and who each neighborhood actually suits.
Best for: First-timers & sports fans
LoDo
Historic cobblestone streets, Union Station, rooftop bars, and Coors Field. The beating heart of downtown Denver.
“LoDo is the easiest place to stay in Denver if it's your first time. Union Station is one of the best train stations in the country — it's also a hotel, a food hall, and a hangout spot. You're walking distance from Coors Field, Ball Arena, and basically everything downtown. It costs more than staying elsewhere, but you won't need Uber as much.”Browse hotels in LoDo→
Best for: Food & art lovers
RiNo
Murals around every corner, world-class breweries, and some of the city's best restaurants. RiNo is where Denver's art scene lives.
“RiNo is where I'd stay if I were visiting Denver right now. The restaurant density is the best in the city, the breweries are world-class, and there's always something happening. It's a 10-minute walk from downtown and well-positioned for getting around. The only downside is it can get loud on weekends — pick a hotel on the quieter end of the neighborhood if that matters to you.”Browse hotels in RiNo→
Best for: Couples & weekend trips
Highlands
Stunning views of the skyline, the best brunch spots in Denver, and a neighborhood that somehow stays cool without trying.
“The best views of the Denver skyline are from Highlands. The restaurant scene on 32nd Ave and LoHi is excellent. It's slightly removed from downtown — you'll probably Uber to Coors Field — but if you're here for a good time rather than a specific event, Highlands is hard to beat for a weekend stay.”Browse hotels in Highlands→
Top-Rated Hotels in Highlands
Best for: Luxury travelers & shoppers
Cherry Creek
Denver's upscale shopping and dining district. Local boutiques, excellent restaurants, and a farmers market worth the trip.
“Cherry Creek has the nicest hotels in Denver. If you want a spa, a rooftop pool, or a room that doesn't face a parking garage, this is your neighborhood. The Cherry Creek Shopping Center is here, but so is some of Denver's best fine dining. It's a short Uber to downtown.”Browse hotels in Cherry Creek→
Best for: Convenience & walkability
Downtown
The 16th Street Mall, Larimer Square, Civic Center Park — downtown Denver is more walkable than most people give it credit for, and the food scene has gotten significantly better.
“Downtown gets a bad reputation from locals, but for visitors it makes a lot of sense. You're central to everything, and the 16th Street Mall connects you to LoDo quickly. Larimer Square alone is worth the visit. If you want to minimize logistics, stay downtown.”Browse hotels in Downtown→
Best for: Budget travelers & nightlife
Capitol Hill
Dive bars, live music venues, vintage shops, and incredible street art. Cap Hill has a personality unlike anywhere else in the city.
“Cap Hill has some of the most affordable hotels close to downtown Denver. You're a 20-minute walk from LoDo and surrounded by bars, live music venues, and late-night food. It's got an edge to it — but if you want to stay somewhere with actual character, Cap Hill delivers.”Browse hotels in Capitol Hill→
Best for: Foodies
Uptown
17th Avenue between downtown and City Park is one of the most underrated dining corridors in Denver. Uptown has been quietly great for years without making a big deal about it.
“Uptown doesn't get enough credit as a place to stay. 17th Avenue is one of the best restaurant strips in Denver, and you're close to both downtown and City Park. Hotels here tend to be mid-range and good value. If eating well is your main priority, this is a smart base.”Browse hotels in Uptown→
Best for: Families & outdoor enthusiasts
Washington Park
Built around one of Denver's most beautiful parks. Wash Park is the go-to for morning runs, coffee hangs, and underrated brunch spots.
“Wash Park is a great choice if you're traveling with kids or you want to actually slow down. The park is beautiful, the neighborhood is safe and walkable, and the coffee shops are legitimately good. You'll Uber downtown but that's fine — this is the kind of neighborhood that makes Denver feel like a real city.”Browse hotels in Washington Park→
Best for: Culture & museum lovers
Golden Triangle
Home to the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, and the History Colorado Center. The Golden Triangle is where culture actually lives in this city.
“The Golden Triangle is walking distance to the Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum, and the History Colorado Center. If museums and culture are high on your list, staying here means you're walking to all of it. Quiet neighborhood, well-located.”Browse hotels in Golden Triangle→
Best for: Early flights & late arrivals
DEN Airport Area
DEN is one of the biggest airports in the world — confusing if you don't know it, genuinely great if you do. Plus the Gaylord Rockies is worth a visit even if you're not flying anywhere.
“If you have a 6am flight or a midnight arrival, staying near DEN makes more sense than spending $80 on an Uber to downtown. There are solid options at every price point out here, and the Gaylord Rockies is worth knowing about if you want something more than just a sleep-and-fly.”Browse hotels in DEN Airport Area→
Top-Rated Hotels in DEN Airport Area
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Denver?
It depends on what you're after. LoDo is the easiest choice for first-timers — central, walkable, close to everything. RiNo is the best choice if food and nightlife are priorities. Cherry Creek is where to go if you want luxury. Highlands is great for couples on a weekend trip.
Is downtown Denver safe for tourists?
Yes, with the usual awareness you'd apply anywhere. The 16th Street Mall has had some issues in recent years, but the core of downtown — LoDo, Larimer Square, Union Station — is active, well-trafficked, and fine. Stick to the main streets at night and you'll be comfortable.
How far is Cherry Creek from downtown Denver?
About 2 miles — a 10-minute Uber or a 30-minute walk along the Cherry Creek Trail. It feels further than it is. Most Cherry Creek visitors Uber downtown rather than walk, but the trail is a genuinely nice option if the weather is good.
Where should I stay in Denver for the best food?
RiNo or Uptown. RiNo has the highest concentration of great restaurants in the city. Uptown's 17th Avenue corridor is underrated and has been quietly excellent for years. Both neighborhoods give you walkable access to multiple great meals without needing a car.
Is it worth staying near Denver International Airport?
Only if you have an early flight or a very late arrival. DEN is about 30-45 minutes from downtown, so staying near the airport adds significant travel time to everything else you want to do. The exception: the Gaylord Rockies Resort, which is a destination on its own.