Where to Stay in Littleton (Top Places & Areas)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Littleton

There are a handful of vacation rentals in historic downtown Littleton. But most hotels are actually around the edges of town or in nearby suburbs. Lakewood, Morrison, and Golden are towns to the northwest, while Highlands Ranch is directly east. 

Denver is also near Littleton and easy to access via car or light rail. From its hotels, you’ll get both the hustle and bustle of the big city, plus the old-fashioned charm of this little town.

Ken Caryl

👉 Best Area For Work & Play | ✨ Best Ken Caryl Hotels: Homewood Suites by Hilton • Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites • Hampton Inn & Suites • La Quinta Inn & Suites

The Ken Caryl area is just west of downtown Littleton and nestled against the foothills of the Rockies. It’s close to State Highway C-470, so places like Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites are convenient for road trippers passing through — as well as families and business travelers.  

Ken Caryl is near Lockheed Martin, Siemens, and a few other major companies. This area also offers lots of things to do, including hiking trails and two parks with big lakes for boating, swimming, and fishing.

Pros of Staying in Ken Caryl:

• Near parks & trails
• Several extended-stay options for business travelers
• Near restaurants & grocery stores

Con of Staying in Ken Caryl:

• Suburban area with not much nightlife

Denver West / Golden

👉 Best Area For Foothills Access | ✨ Best Denver West/Golden Hotels: The Eddy Taproom & Hotel • Denver Marriott West • The Golden Hotel

Golden is a great little town for a weekend away. Recreation on Clear Creek, local shops, and restaurants are within walking distance of several lodging options, including The Golden Hotel on Washington Avenue.

Golden is home to the world-famous Coors brewery and visitors can tour the facility. The School of Mines is also in Golden, so it’s a good spot to stay in Littleton if you’re visiting a college student there. Get planning with our full guide to where to stay in Golden.

Pros of Staying in Denver West/Golden:

• Cute small town
• Lots of shops & restaurants
• Near outdoor activities like hiking and tubing

Con of Staying in Denver West/Golden:

• Can get crowded in summer or during holidays

Morrison / Lakewood

👉 Best Area For Red Rocks Access | ✨ Best Morrison/Lakewood Hotels: Origin Red Rocks • Holiday Inn Denver Lakewood • Best Western Denver Southwest

Lakewood is a Denver suburb near Littleton and southwest of Denver. It’s a nice community for people who are commuting to Denver.

Lakewood is just north of Morrison and Red Rocks, and either Morrison or Lakewood are great choices if you’re headed to a concert. Bear Creek Lake Park has three different lakes for various activities including swimming, paddling, waterskiing, and fishing. The park also has trails, ranger talks, and archery. 

For more, check out Abigail’s full guide to staying in Lakewood.

Pros of Staying in Morrison/Lakewood:

• Quaint downtown street in Morrison
• Close to grocery stores and restaurants 
• Near trails and outdoor spaces

Con of Staying in Morrison/Lakewood:

• Not much nightlife unless you’re at a concert at Red Rocks

Denver

👉 Best Area For Downtown Exploring | ✨ Best Denver Hotels: The Maven at Dairy Block • The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa • Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station

Downtown Denver is about a twenty minute drive from Littleton. It makes a great home base if you’re planning on visiting other places in the metro area as well. You can easily take a day trip to Littleton and return downtown later that day. 

Check out our guides to where to stay in Denver, the best Denver hotels, and the top Denver neighborhoods for more planning information.

Pros of Staying in Denver:

• Lots of museums, shops, and restaurants
• Walkable areas where you can experience city life
• Can take the light rail from Union Station to downtown Littleton

Con of Staying in Denver:

• Hotels can be pricey

Highlands Ranch

👉 Best Area For A Suburban Stay  | ✨ Best Highlands Ranch Hotels: Residence Inn • Hilton Garden Inn • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott

Highlands Ranch is about fifteen minutes from Littleton. It’s a planned community that is a popular spot for metro area commuters. Enjoy plenty of hiking trails and outdoor spaces, as well as areas for food, entertainment, and lodging. Hilton Garden Inn is one option I especially recommend.

Pros of Staying in Highlands Ranch:

• Less crowded than downtown Denver
• Beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and the Front Range

Con of Staying in Highlands Ranch:

• You’ll need a rental car to get around

Tips for Staying in Littleton

Know Your Transportation Options

There is a light rail with two stops in Littleton, so you can get to downtown Denver without needing a car. It’s also possible to get to Denver International Airport via a train transfer at Union Station.

However, you’ll likely want a rental car to visit most attractions around Littleton, such as hikes in the foothills and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. A vehicle is also convenient if you stay on the outskirts of this suburb. 

🚗 Pro Tip: Discover Cars searches the main rental car companies to find you the best price!

Dine in Downtown Littleton

Littleton’s Main Street at night is something special. There are twinkle lights in the trees and people spilling onto patios and rooftop spaces. While you’re in the area, be sure to have dinner downtown if you can. 

Take Advantage of Free Days

Various attractions throughout the Front Range – including in Littleton – offer free days each year. Head to the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) website, enter the days you’ll be visiting the Denver metro area, and you’ll get a list of any museums, gardens, and other facilities offering free admission during your stay. 

Know Your Hotel Amenities

Many of the Littleton hotels on this list offer perks like indoor pools, a hot tub, or a free breakfast. You may actually save by booking a more expensive room that includes breakfast, especially if you’re traveling with your family (breakfast for hungry kids can add up!).

You can also save on other expenses by booking at a hotel like the Hampton Inn & Suites or an aparthotel that has a kitchen area where you can store and prepare your own food.

Plan for Varying Weather

We joke in Colorado that if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes! Summer thunderstorms roll in in the afternoons, so plan outdoor activities in the morning. In winter, snowstorms don’t usually last more than part of a day. On the flip side, you may leave your hotel on a sunny morning, only to find yourself shivering half an hour later. 

Plan to include layers on your Colorado packing list. It’s helpful to bring a backpack or bag while you’re out to store sweatshirts, hats, and other layers. Also, plan to be a little flexible — you may have to push a hike you had planned if there’s lightning or wait a while to drive somewhere if the snow is coming down hard.

See our guide to the best months to visit Colorado for more info.

FAQs

Is Littleton safe? 

Littleton is a safe place to stay. The average crime rate in Littleton is lower than both the Colorado average and the U.S. average. Theft is the most common crime, but it is still a below-average occurrence.

It is a good idea to practice common safety habits while traveling anywhere, even in safe areas like Ken Caryl. Avoid dark, unlit areas if you are alone at night. Try to stay in areas with plenty of other people, and keep cash and other valuables secured. Also, be sure to lock vehicle and hotel room doors.

What is Littleton known for?

Littleton is known for its historic main street, and for a thriving arts community. Although it has a small-town feel, its performing arts center hosts award-winning musicals and other theatrical events. Several galleries display the work of local artists, and Littleton has its own fine arts guild. 

Additionally, the Ken Caryl region and nearby town of Morrison are known for their outdoor attractions. Popular sites include Chatfield State Park, Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, and Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater.

Is Littleton nice?

Littleton is nice. The downtown area features quaint shops in historic buildings. Ken Caryl has many green spaces, parks, hiking trails, and ponds for fishing or paddling. Littleton schools rank consistently high on nation-wide lists, and neighborhoods feature tree-lined streets with lots of space for biking and walking.

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If you’re looking for a quiet town as a break from bustling downtown Denver, Littleton is the perfect getaway! From the town’s charming Main Street to the serene hiking trails in the foothills, there is plenty of space to explore.