Best hotels in Denver

The best hotels in Denver take advantage of the city’s historic architecture or Rocky Mountain views, but the truly special hotels manage to combine the two. Then there are the hotels that bring something a little more unique to the table. From art galleries and marketplaces to waterparks, these provide convenient access to attractions for families looking to vacation in resort-style hotels.

If you prefer, Downtown locations offer plush spots with a history of celebrity stays, and luxury hotels that have had multi-million dollar makeovers. The best of all these have made it onto our list of the very best hotels in Denver. Read on to pick out your perfect place to stay.

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

403 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202

After an $80m transformation, the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel on 16th Street Mall may have been reinvented, but it’s still one of the best hotels in Denver. With over 1,238 rooms, it’s also the largest. Two towers loom over 16th St Mall – a mile-long shopping and entertainment district, just minutes away from Denver Art Museum and Molly Brown House Museum.

Relaxing in the Sheraton’s heated rooftop pool is the ideal way to enjoy city views. And, if you need to mix business with pleasure, the lobby’s flexible workspaces are ideal for casual meetings over coffee. Rooms are modern, sleek and bright with great views from rooms on the higher floors. Sheraton’s pet-friendly – a huge plus for anyone bringing a canine companion.

The Art Hotel

1201 N Broadway, Denver, CO 80203

The modernist architecture of Denver’s Art Hotel houses not just rooms, but an art museum too. Their impressive collection includes pieces curated especially for the hotel (such as Leo Vilarreal’s LED light installation) and others sourced from artists across the globe – including some right here in Colorado.

Situated in the heart of Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District, art and culture experiences are just a short walk away. When the sun sets, a meal at FIRE at the ART on the alfresco rooftop dining spot is hard to beat. Choose the restaurant inside to skip the views and enjoy more of the hotel’s art collection. Mountain view rooms deliver spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, while the marble bathrooms, splashes of color and high-end amenities round out the offering by this unique hotel.

The Oxford Hotel

1600 17th St Denver CO 80202

From the canary in the lobby to the ever-changing carpet in the lifts, expect a few surprises from Denver’s oldest hotel. Dignified and elegant, the Oxford Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1891. Sympathetically renovated, throwbacks to the bygone era of Colorado’s mining past can be found on every floor.

Situated in Lower Downtown, it’s easy to swap the 19th-century vintage vibes of the Oxford for more modern pursuits. Urban Putt’s neon-lit mini golf course or the roar of the crowd at Coors Field are just a couple of blocks away.

For dinner, the casual tables at the Urban Farmer serve locally-sourced, succulent steaks in Oxford’s Steakhouse, where everyone is welcome to enjoy the hotel’s hospitality.

Hotel Teatro

1100 14th Street Denver, Colorado 80202

Another hotel in a historic landmark, Hotel Teatro occupies a Denver landmark in Lower Downtown. 110 guest rooms fill the eight-story tower of the former Tramway Building. A significant period of transformation, decoration and design has turned the hotel into a rustic-yet-contemporary luxury hotel that’s earned the Teatro a number of awards.

Neat touches, from the custom oak wardrobes in guest rooms to retail discounts in nearby stores add a certain something to your stay. A daily amenity fee adds a host of welcome extras – including the use of custom vintage cruiser bicycles, complimentary drinks and fitness center access.

Teatro staff will go the extra mile for you, but also for your pets, including arranging pawdicures and massages for your pooch during their stay.

Staybridge Suites Denver

8101 Northfield Blvd Denver, CO 80238

Looking for a hotel that puts you a little closer to nature and a little further from the downtown hustle and bustle? Book a stay in the Central Park Staybridge Suites. Situated 20 minutes north-east of downtown Denver, the suites are close to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge but still have plenty of attractions and amenities nearby. So, no matter what the preference, there’s something for everyone to do.

Ideal for families, the rooms at the Staybridge Suites come with fully equipped kitchens, free breakfast and the use of the hotel’s heated, indoor pool. Free parking – plus the onsite fitness center and laundry room are great additions for longer stays in the city.

The Source Hotel

3330 + 3350 Brighton Boulevard, Denver, CO 80216

Part marketplace, hotel, gallery and retail space – the resources at The Source Hotel make it one of the best hotels in Denver in terms of amenities. If you stay in one of the 100 rooms here, you’ve got 45,000 square feet of the market hall below you. In the retail space, artisan florists and bakers sit next to designer boutiques, pizzerias and record stores to deliver an eclectic shopping experience.

When you’ve shopped for pastries, the rooftop plunge pool is a tempting spot to relax in. Rooms are equally calming, thanks to a Scandinavian and Japanese aesthetic that’s both cozy yet minimalist. Light wood accents, custom wallpapers, plush robes and mountain views, along with huge showers and a bookshelf of curated titles right next to your bed, make it hard to want to explore beyond your room. 

The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Spa

6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora, CO 80019

A big hotel, with big stats, the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Spa has a lot to offer. 1,500 rooms sprawl across a huge complex situated around 10 minutes from Denver Airport. Convenient and close to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, this Denver hotel is ideal for families looking for a wilderness break – with all the cosmopolitan amenities of Denver close-by.

In the resort, the Arapahoe Springs Water Park includes indoor and outdoor pools, water slides and a lazy river for children (and adults) looking to relax in the sun. Hire a cabana to sunbathe with views of the Rockies or hop in the Relâche Spa for a massage. Five restaurants, kids’ activities, a games room, onsite stores and bike hire make this an ideal base for conveniently exploring wider Denver.

Brown Palace Hotel and Spa

321 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202

Expect to be spoiled if you book a stay in the grand opulence of the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa. It’s arguably Denver’s best hotel, if its rich and varied guestbook is a measure. Previous guests include the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Taylor Swift, almost every American President and a host of vintage Hollywood stars. From fortune seekers to Guinness World Record setters, the wood-paneled walls of the Brown welcome all.

Located close to Denver’s cultural hub, the 16th Street Mall is also reassuringly close by. Although the breathtaking eight-story atrium is awash with Italian Renaissance decor, the majority of Brown’s rooms are designed with contemporary, plush comfort in mind.

The differences between the Brown and other Denver hotels is stark. Even the water will make you aware that true opulence is to be found here – the complimentary artesian water in every room comes from the hotel’s very own well.

Some of the best hotels in Denver offer mountain views. If you’re looking to see the Rocky Mountains at their best, be sure to ask for a mountain view room on a higher floor.

Get to know more about Denver

Ready to go book a stay in Denver? Read our expert guides to discover more about Colorado’s metropolitan capital.

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• Best things to do in Denver
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