Denver sits on the western edge of the High Plains, just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, with its downtown district about 12 miles from the foothills. Its official elevation is exactly one mile above sea level, and the South Platte River and Cherry Creek meet at Confluence Park near downtown, the site of the city's first settlements.
For a visitor, the practical geography is fairly simple: most of what you will want to see clusters downtown and in the adjacent districts, while the airport lies well to the east and the Denver Tech Center sits to the south. This guide covers the areas the source material identifies as places to base yourself, then sets out what each price level generally offers, where to stay on a first visit, and a few common questions.
Best areas to stay in Denver
1. Downtown Denver
Downtown is the most convenient base for a first visit. It puts you within walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center, the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the Denver Art Museum and the civic center, and it is where the greatest concentration of accommodation at every price level is found, from hostels to historic and full-service hotels.
It suits first-time visitors, business travellers and anyone who would rather walk or ride short distances than drive. The trade-off is that this is the busiest, most built-up part of the city, and mountain views depend on which side of a building you face.
2. LoDo (Lower Downtown)
LoDo is the lively historic district next to downtown, close to Union Station, the Ball Arena and Confluence Park. It is known for its restaurant and bar scene and for historic hotel buildings, and it is a good fit for travellers who want nightlife and dining on the doorstep while still being able to walk into the centre.
It works well for couples and for visitors who prefer an evening out within walking distance of their room. Expect more noise and activity than the quieter edges of downtown.
3. Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek, along South Colorado Boulevard, is a separate cluster of mid-range accommodation away from the centre. It suits travellers who want a calmer, more residential base, and those with a car or a reason to be in that part of the city.
The practical point is distance: you are not within walking distance of the downtown sights, so plan on driving or using transit for the main attractions.
4. Denver Tech Center
The Denver Tech Center, south of the city, is a business-oriented area with mid-range hotels. It suits travellers whose trip is centred on the Tech Center or who want easy road access rather than proximity to downtown.
As with Cherry Creek, the trade-off is that the downtown sights are a drive away, so this is a base for a specific purpose rather than for general sightseeing.
5. Near the airport
The area between the airport and downtown, including Stapleton, has mid-range accommodation. It suits travellers with an early flight or a short layover, and those who do not mind being outside the centre.
You will need to drive or take a shuttle for the downtown sights; some hotels in this band run airport shuttles.
6. Westminster (north of the city)
Westminster, north of Denver, offers further mid-range options. It suits travellers with a car who prefer to stay outside the city and drive in, rather than paying to be central.
The practical point is the same as the other outlying areas: nothing here is walkable to the main sights, so a vehicle or transit plan is essential.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Hostels, including dorm beds and a small number of private rooms, concentrated in and around downtown and the Broadway area.
- Mid-range: Chain and independent hotels, some with suites and included breakfast, in downtown, Cherry Creek, the Denver Tech Center, the airport corridor and Westminster.
- Splurge: Historic and full-service downtown hotels, including all-suite properties, with city and mountain views, on-site dining and fitness facilities.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown is the best base for a first visit. It keeps you within walking distance of the convention center, the pedestrian mall, the museums and the performing arts complex, and it has the widest choice of accommodation across all price levels. If you want the same convenience with more of an evening scene, LoDo next door is the natural alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I want to walk to the main sights?
Downtown, and LoDo alongside it. The 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, the Colorado Convention Center, the civic center and the main museums are all in or next to this area.
Which areas are best if I am on a budget?
Look at the hostels in and around downtown, which offer dorm beds and a few private rooms. Mid-range chain hotels in the outlying areas can also cost less than central equivalents, at the price of a longer trip into the centre.
Should I stay near the airport or in the city?
Stay near the airport only if your trip is built around a flight or a short stay; the area between the airport and downtown is convenient for that purpose but not for sightseeing. For the city itself, downtown or LoDo will save you time.
Do I need a car depending on where I stay?
In downtown and LoDo you can manage on foot and by short rides. In Cherry Creek, the Denver Tech Center, the airport corridor and Westminster, a car or transit is effectively necessary to reach the downtown sights.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.