Where to Stay in Denver When Visiting: 7 Best Areas

Planning a trip to the Mile High City and wondering where to stay in Denver when visiting? Some of the best areas include Downtown, River North Art District, and Capitol Hill.

With so many unique neighborhoods to explore, it can be tricky choosing just one. That’s why we’ve created this guide of the best areas, no matter how long your stay is and what kind of experience you’re looking for. 

We’ll share where to stay when visiting Denver with family, your partner, or friends. We’ll also include things to do, including historical landmarks, our favorite restaurants, and local gems.

Lower Highland (LoHi)

LoHi is a quiet, upscale neighborhood just northwest of Downtown Denver. It’s ideal for visitors looking for a walkable area with easy access to downtown attractions. Think tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and a laid-back vibe.

Espadín LoHi is one of the best accommodations in LoHi. It’s a stylish eco-conscious building with luxury vacation rentals and rooftop views of the city skyline.

Best places to go in LoHi:

• Little Man Ice Cream - A local favorite with retro charm and some of the best handmade ice cream in the city
• Linger - A rooftop restaurant in a former mortuary serving globally-inspired small plates
• El Five - A trendy spot with tapas and delicious cocktails with stunning views of the city and mountains

Downtown

Downtown Denver is one of the best places to stay in Denver for a weekend because there’s so much to see and do. It’s perfect for couples, solo travelers, and anyone looking to experience many fun activities without having to venture far. Lower Downtown (LoDo) is also known for its nightlife and historic charm.

The Crawford Hotel is easily one of our favorite accommodations in Denver. It’s a luxurious boutique hotel inside Denver Union Station with easy access to shops, restaurants, and public transportation.

Best places to go in Downtown Denver:

• Dairy Block - A lively complex filled with artisan shops, bars, and eateries tucked along a vibrant alleyway
• Coors Field - The iconic ball park where the Colorado Rockies play
• Union Station - A beautiful, historic train station where you can also dine, drink, shop, and attend regular events
• Larimer Square - Denver’s oldest block with historic buildings, trendy boutiques, popular restaurants, and fun venues like Comedy Works with performances almost daily

River North Art District (RiNo)

RiNo is one of Denver’s most trendy and walkable areas. It’s located in the Five Points neighborhood and is a great place to stay in Denver without a car because of its central location, artistic vibe, and abundance of places to explore on foot.

The Source Hotel is a fun place to stay in RiNo. It’s a modern, industrial-style hotel attached to a market hall filled with food vendors and shops.

Best places to go in RiNo:

• Denver Central Market - A popular food hall with everything from gourmet coffee to wood-fired pizza
• Cart-Driver - A cozy and hip spot known for its delicious oysters, wood-fired pizza, and cocktails
• Ratio Beerworks - A fun craft brewery with great patio space and a rotating lineup of local beers in the perfect location for brewery hopping
• Oakwell Beer Spa - The flagship location and award-winning, beer-inspired day spa and the perfect place to relax between activities

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is a charming neighborhood ideal for history and art lovers. It’s one of the best places to stay in Denver if you're looking for a quieter atmosphere while still being close to museums and cultural landmarks.

Capitol Hill Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn is a quaint, historic inn with a romantic ambiance and close to popular attractions.

Best places to go in Capitol Hill:

• Civic Center Park - A central green space surrounded by historic buildings and great for relaxing or people-watching
• Colorado State Capitol - An iconic gold-domed building offering tours and beautiful views from the observation deck
• History Colorado Center - Interactive exhibits highlighting Colorado’s fascinating past
• Denver Art Museum - A must-visit for art lovers with unique architecture and rotating exhibits

Cheesman Park

Cheesman Park is a quiet residential area centered around its namesake park. With wide-open green spaces, walking trails, and proximity to the Denver Botanic Gardens, it's one of the best places to stay in Denver with your family.

While there aren’t many hotels in Cheesman Park, there are several Airbnb options that make a perfect home base when visiting Denver.

Best places to go in Cheesman Park:

• Voodoo Doughnut - A funky shop serving up colorful, creative donuts
• Cheesman Park - A huge urban park ideal for picnics, walking, and biking
• Denver Botanic Gardens - One of the best outdoor spaces in Denver with beautiful gardens and fun events year-round

Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek is an upscale neighborhood known for shopping, fine dining, and a sophisticated atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers who want a luxurious experience with walkable conveniences.

Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek, offers stylish rooms, a rooftop pool, and complimentary rentals like scooters and bikes to explore the city.

Best places to go in Cherry Creek:

• Cherry Creek Shopping Center - A high-end mall with popular brands and local boutiques
• Cherry Creek Trail - A scenic path great for biking, walking, or jogging
• Postino 9CO - A relaxed wine café with a delicious food menu and a fun, modern vibe

Highlands Ranch

Highlands Ranch is a quieter, suburban area located slightly south of Denver, about 30 minutes from Downtown. It's a great location for travelers looking to escape the city's bustle while still being nearby. Highlands Ranch has coffee shops, parks, and local breweries for a fun but laid-back experience.

There are several chain hotels and Airbnbs are available throughout Highlands Ranch.

Best places to go in Highlands Ranch:

• Oakwell Beer Spa - The newest location where you can unwind in a luxurious, tranquil space with private spa rooms, self-serve taproom, outdoor patio
• Arts on Fire - A paint-your-own-pottery studio that’s fun for families, couples, and solo people
• 3 Freaks Brewery - A local favorite serving locally-brewed craft beer in a laid-back space

Where to Stay in Denver When Visiting: FAQs

Make the most of your time in Denver with answers to common questions below.

What area of Denver is best to stay in?

River North Art District (RiNo) is the best area to stay in Denver because it offers a bit of everything. It’s a trendy area with fun shops, great restaurants, and unique breweries. From exploring to relaxing, there’s something for everyone. It’s also close to Downtown Denver if you want to change things up and enjoy history, sports, or a lively nightlife.

Is it worth staying in downtown Denver?

It’s worth staying in Downtown Denver if you want to be in the middle of the action. The area is ideal for short visits or weekend trips if you want to experience as much as possible. You can walk to restaurants, nightlife, and popular attractions. You’ll have easy access to public transportation to explore more of the city.

Is Downtown Denver walkable?

Downtown Denver is one of the most walkable parts of the city. You can easily get around on foot, whether you’re shopping, dining, or sightseeing. Most major attractions are a 10 to 15-minute walk to each other.

What is the best neighborhood to walk in Denver?

RiNo, Downtown, and LoHi are the best neighborhoods for walking, each offering many places to explore. RiNo stands out for its street art and galleries, while Downtown features historical sites and nightlife.

Where to stay in Denver without a car?

If you don't have a car, RiNo and Downtown are the best areas to stay. Each location is easily accessible on foot, offering many options for dining, drinking, shopping, and sightseeing. They're also close to each other and well-connected by Denver's public transportation system, including light rail and bus lines. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available for getting around.

Where to stay in Denver for a girls trip?

If you’re planning a girls trip to Denver, RiNo or Downtown are perfect. RiNo is ideal if your group enjoys boutique shopping, craft cocktails, and murals for photo ops. Downtown is a great spot if you want nightlife, rooftop bars, and easy access to local events. You can also easily get to Oakwell Beer Spa for a relaxing spa experience from both RiNo and Downtown.

Where to Stay in Denver When Visiting: Conclusion

Whether you’re visiting Denver with friends, family, your partner, or solo, there’s a perfect vibe for any getaway. From the artsy RiNo to upscale Cherry Creek and everything in between, choosing the right area makes all the difference.

Ready to start planning your trip to Denver? Book a spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa — where beer meets relaxation.

Featured image photo credit: Ken Lane / CC BY-NC 2.0