Where to Stay in Denver Without a Car

Union Station / Lower Downtown (LoDo)

👉 Best Area For Tourists | ✨ Best Union Station/LoDo Hotels: The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block • The Crawford Hotel • The Oxford Hotel • The Rally Hotel at McGregor Square

Union Station and the LoDo (lower downtown) neighborhoods are the best places to stay if this is your first time visiting. You’ll be near many of the city’s key attractions, along with top restaurants and bars. Several are found in the trendy Dairy Block micro-district, which is also home to our top recommended stay: The Maven Hotel.

This area also encompasses Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. Before rooting for the home baseball team, grab a bite and a beer at McGregor Square. This development also features the conveniently-located Rally Hotel.

When it comes to location, though, the Crawford Hotel can’t be beat. It’s a splurge, but it’s quite an elegant experience staying at Union Station. Its light rail system can get you all over the Denver metro region. The Crawford also offers private, complementary auto transport within a 2-mile radius. 

Pros of Staying in Union Station/LoDo:

• The best way to see Denver for the first time
• Walking distance to restaurants, nightlife, and sports stadiums 
• Accessible, affordable public transportation

Cons of Staying in Union Station/Lodo:

• Hotels can be pricey
• Can be more noisy than other neighborhoods

RiNo

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best RiNo Hotels: Catbird Hotel • The Ramble Hotel • The Source Hotel

The River North Art District (RiNo) is just north of Union Station and LoDo. It has a funky, artsy feel and plenty of nightlife. Historic warehouses and factories are now decorated with colorful murals and street art. They house breweries, restaurants, galleries, concert venues, and more.

Many of the same features lie within The Source Hotel. It’s attached to a retail complex housing some of the best local eateries. Visit Safta for Israeli fare, Reunion Bakery for Venezuelan sticky buns, and the Woods for modern American cuisine (plus some of the best rooftop views around). 

The Ramble Hotel also has stellar dining opportunities with Death & Co. cocktail bar in its lobby and dim sum carts roving around SuperMegaBien next door. Rich hues and a classy, cool vibe make Ramble one of my favorite hotels in Denver. Staying for a while? The Catbird Hotel is an extended-stay condo hotel. Check out its playroom where you can borrow everything from an Instant Pot to a fly fishing rod.

Pros of Staying in the RiNo:

• Lots of great restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and music venues
• Funky, artsy vibe
• More of a local feel, fewer tourists 

Cons of Staying in the RiNo:

• Farther from popular Denver attractions 
• Not as well suited for families, more of a young professional vibe 

Capitol Hill

👉 Best Area For Budget Travelers | ✨ Best Capitol Hill Hotels: Patterson Inn • The Art Hotel Denver • Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Downtown • Ember Hostel

The Capitol Hill neighborhood is, unsurprisingly, near the State Capitol building. Touring this site is one of the best free things to do in Denver. 

In addition, Cap Hill is near several of the city’s top museums. These include the Molly Brown House Museum and the History Colorado Center. There’s also the Denver Art Museum, which is adjacent to the upscale Art Hotel Denver. 

Those on a budget will also find great places to stay in Cap Hill, including the Hampton Inn & Suites. Though less centrally-located, Ember Hostel is another great pick, especially for solo travelers.

Pros of Staying in Capitol Hill:

• Accommodations can be cheaper than other areas
• Walking distance to several Denver attractions
• Easy access to public transportation
• Lots of nightclubs, restaurants, and bars

Cons of Staying in Capitol Hill:

• Can be more noisy than other areas  
• This neighborhood sees a higher rate of crime 

Central Business District

👉 Best Area For Business Travelers | ✨ Best Central Business District Hotels: Renaissance City Center Hotel • The Slate Denver • Le Méridien Denver Downtown • The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa

Aptly named, the Central Business District is the center of commerce in Denver. It’s home to the Colorado Convention Center, where many trade shows take place. Skyscrapers house offices to major companies and 16th Street is often bustling with suits, ties, and high heels (it’s about the only place in the state you’ll see this professional attire). 

With a business center, banquet facilities, and work desks in its rooms, Renaissance Denver is an excellent choice if you’re traveling for work. It’s also walking distance from the convention center and easy to get around via public transportation. 

Looking for after-hours entertainment? Head to 16th Street for dining and get tickets to an event at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

Pros of Staying in the Central Business District:

• Close to the Colorado Convention Center
• Near top Denver attractions
• Public transportation is easy to access 

Cons of Staying in the Central Business District:

• Can be noisier than other neighborhoods 
• More crowds than other areas 

Lower Highlands

👉 Best Area For Trendy Dining | ✨ Best LoHi Hotels: Gravity Haus Denver • Fairfield Inn & Suites • Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Speer Boulevard

The Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighborhood is just north of downtown but sees fewer tourists. Rather, this is where locals hangout on a Friday night. The area has a modern, trendy vibe and a fantastic dining scene. 

Head to Mezcaleria Alma, a Michelin star restaurant with Mexico City-inspired small plates. Set in an old mortuary, Linger is the place to go for rooftop views and global street food. Avanti also pleases all palates, as this market houses a range of food concepts. Go to Little Man Ice Cream for dessert (the line to this giant metallic milk bucket is entirely worth it). 

Hampton Inn & Suites is reasonably priced and close to all the action. However, if you don’t mind walking a couple of extra blocks, I recommend Gravity Haus Denver for a boutique stay and a more local feel. 

Pros of Staying in LoHi:

• Amazing restaurants and bars
• More of a local ambiance 

Cons of Staying in LoHi:

• Not as centrally located as other neighborhoods
• Further from key Denver attractions

Cherry Creek

👉 Best Area For Shopping & Luxury | ✨ Best Cherry Creek Hotels: Halcyon Hotel • Hyatt Place Denver Cherry Creek • The Jacquard, Autograph Collection • Clayton Hotel & Members Club

I wouldn’t recommend Cherry Creek to first-time visitors. It’s far enough from downtown that you’ll need a rideshare to get to museums and attractions. Public transportation isn’t particularly convenient, as the light rail does not commute to this ritzy neighborhood. 

But return travelers wanting a luxury vibe will love Cherry Creek. Visit for stellar restaurants, upscale shopping, and spare-no-expense pampering. 

The Clayton Hotel & Members Club is a solid choice for both personal and business travel, having a co-working lounge, on-site dining, and a sparkling rooftop pool. The Halcyon Hotel has many of the same fantastic amenities, along with complimentary bikes and shuttle service within a 3-mile radius.

Pros of Staying in Cherry Creek:

• Quiet, safe area
• Restaurants and bars within walking distance
• Lots of boutiques, plus one of Denver’s largest shopping malls
• Spas and luxury services within walking distance, possibly at your hotel 

Cons of Staying in Cherry Creek:

• Farther from downtown Denver
• More expensive than other areas 

Tips for Staying in Denver Without a Car

Only Stay Near Denver International Airport to Catch a Flight

Denver International Airport is a half hour drive (without traffic) from downtown, and even farther from the mountains. You may want to book a night at The Westin attached to the airport if you have a very early flight or land late at night. Otherwise, look for hotels downtown to make the most of your stay.

Research Your Routes

You may have to do a little more planning without a car. For example, if you want to visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre (one of the best attractions in Denver), you’ll probably want to book a rideshare or private shuttle tour. Public transportation isn’t really an option, unfortunately.

But if your itinerary involves downtown museums and sports stadiums, the light rail and/or buses will likely be more convenient and affordable. For more advice, be sure to check out my complete guide on getting around Denver.

Check Out Budget Transport Options

Some transportation in Denver comes without cost! For example, the 16th Street shuttle provides free rides between Union Station and Civic Center Park. Seniors 65 and older, people with disabilities, and several others can get a discounted fare on RTD buses and light rail trains.

Get Attraction Discounts with a CityPASS

A Denver CityPASS is a great option for anyone planning to visit a few main attractions. You can get discounted admission to several Denver museums including the History Colorado Center and the Children’s Museum of Denver, as well as the Denver Botanic Gardens and more.

Keep the Altitude in Mind

Getting around by walking or riding a bike? Make sure you take the Mile High City’s altitude into account! It helps to spend a day acclimating when you first arrive. You’ll also want to drink plenty of water (and pace yourself on the beer). See our Denver travel tips for more info.

Access the Mountains Without a Car

You can get to several Colorado mountain towns without a car. Take the ski train to Winter Park or the Epic Mountain Express shuttle to Vail or Breckenridge. You can also reach Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park via shuttle or private tour. 

​​FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Denver for first-timers?

Union Station and Lower Downtown (LoDo) are the best areas to stay for first-timers. You’ll be within walking distance of lots of great restaurants, sports stadiums, and other attractions. Public transportation is plentiful in this area. 

What are safe areas to stay in Denver?

Cherry Creek is a very safe area to stay in Denver. Congress Park, about 3 miles west of downtown, is a safe neighborhood, as is the Highlands neighborhood. 

Can I get around Denver without a car?

You can get around Denver without a car. Downtown has a light rail and bus system. There’s also a free shuttle that runs from Union Station to the Civic Center Park along 16th Street. There are many bike and walking paths throughout the area, as well as rideshare services. 

What is the best part of Denver to stay in?

The best part of Denver to stay in is the Union Station/LoDo area. RiNo and Capitol Hill are also great neighborhoods. These areas will put you close to great restaurants, bars, shops, and Denver attractions. 

Is Denver walkable?

Denver is walkable, especially within the Union Station/LoDo area. From there, you can walk to Coors Field, many great bars and restaurants, and unique attractions. Museums and other landmarks are also easy to access via trains, buses, and the free 16th Street shuttle.

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Thanks for reading my guide! Check out our Colorado packing list next so you arrive to the city prepared — or download it as a PDF for even more convenience.