Denver to the Rockies: Where to Stay for Every Kind of Trip

City, Mountains, or Both

Denver occupies a unique position in American travel. It’s a legitimate city destination with its own food scene, arts district, and nightlife – but it’s also the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, national parks, and ski resorts. Where you stay depends on which Denver you’re here for.

We looked at 28 properties across the Denver metro and mountain corridor. Here’s the neighborhood breakdown.

LoDo and Union Station

Best for: First-time visitors, train travelers, nightlife and dining

Lower Downtown (LoDo) is Denver’s historic core, anchored by the beautifully restored Union Station. The neighborhood mixes 19th-century brick warehouses with modern restaurants, cocktail bars, and Coors Field (home of the Rockies). Union Station itself has become a social hub with shops, restaurants, and a stunning Great Hall.

Walkability is a real strength in LoDo. Most Denver properties are within walking distance of restaurants, and LoDo is the epicenter of that – you can spend an entire long weekend here without needing a car.

Hotels here range from boutique properties in converted warehouses to modern towers. The free 16th Street Mall shuttle connects you to the rest of downtown.

The trade-off: Weekend nights get loud, especially around Coors Field on game days. Parking is expensive.

RiNo (River North Art District)

Best for: Creatives, craft beer enthusiasts, foodies

RiNo is Denver’s most exciting neighborhood right now. Former industrial warehouses have been converted into breweries, art galleries, restaurants, and creative workspaces. The street art alone is worth a walking tour. Denver’s best new restaurants consistently open here.

Hotels in RiNo tend to be design-forward and locally inspired. The neighborhood is walkable from LoDo and has its own distinct energy.

The trade-off: Still gentrifying, which means some blocks feel polished while others are still industrial. Fewer hotel options than downtown.

Capitol Hill and Uptown

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, local culture, LGBTQ+ travelers

Capitol Hill is Denver’s most diverse neighborhood – a mix of historic mansions, apartment buildings, restaurants, and bars. It’s home to the Denver Art Museum, the Molly Brown House, and a vibrant local community. Uptown, adjacent to the north, adds a restaurant row along 17th Avenue.

If you’d rather not rent a car, Capitol Hill benefits from light rail access – a good chunk of Denver properties are near public transit, and this neighborhood is well-connected.

The trade-off: Fewer dedicated hotel options. Most stays are smaller properties or rentals. Street parking can be tricky.

Cherry Creek

Best for: Shopping enthusiasts, luxury seekers, business travelers

Denver’s upscale shopping district, Cherry Creek, offers a more polished experience. High-end boutiques, art galleries, and some of the city’s best restaurants. The hotels here cater to a luxury-minded traveler.

The trade-off: It’s south of downtown and not walkable to LoDo or RiNo. You’ll need a car or rideshare for most nightlife.

Mountain Gateway Towns

Best for: Skiers, hikers, nature lovers, road trippers

If your primary goal is the mountains, consider staying closer to them. Several charming mountain towns are within 60-90 minutes of Denver:

• Golden: Just 20 minutes west, at the foothills. Home to Coors Brewery and excellent hiking.
• Idaho Springs: A historic mining town on I-70 with hot springs and mountain access.
• Estes Park: The gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. A destination in itself with mountain lodge-style stays.

The trade-off: Limited dining and nightlife compared to Denver. These are mountain towns, not cities.

How to Choose

For a city-focused trip with dining and nightlife, LoDo or RiNo are the clear choices. For a balanced trip that mixes city and mountains, stay in LoDo and day-trip to the Rockies. If the mountains are the main event, consider Estes Park or Golden as your base.

One thing worth noting for mountain day trips: over half of Denver properties offer parking, which matters a lot if you’re renting a car for mountain excursions. And if staying active is your thing, most have a gym.

Take our travel style quiz to see which Denver properties match the kind of trip you’re planning.