We’ve always loved visiting the ‘Mile High City’ of Denver, Colorado. This wonderful destination in the gorgeous Rocky Mountains is all about delicious restaurants, countless concert venues, historic structures, and ski slopes and hikes galore. Clearly, there’s something for everyone in the capital city of Colorado. This time, we decided to make our stay a bit different by booking an Airbnb. The best Airbnbs in Denver, Colorado, range from chic inner-city stays to romantic mountain retreats that we didn’t want to leave.
In fact, Denver is one place where we found historic carriage houses as easily as quirky and romantic cabins and rustic mountain homes. In fact, two of our favorite Denver Airbnbs are featured below. The one on the left is a silver baron’s historic basement hideaway from 1891. Meanwhile, the wonderful stay on the right is a sprawling ranch that lies just 10 minutes from downtown Denver. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, it made for the perfect getaway with our large group of friends. Clearly, they both made for unique staying experiences that we’ll remember for a lifetime.
Of course, there’s as much to see and do in Denver as there is around the city. For instance, one of the most popular and visited sights on the outskirts of Denver is the Red Rocks Amphitheater. It’s one of the world’s most amazing cinemas, which we were able to experience in all its glory on this Red Rocks and Foothills Half-Day Guided Tour. And after all that exploring, we were able to relax and unwind in an equally amazing Bnb. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best Airbnbs in the Mile High City.
Floral Private Carriage House
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Best for couples. Modern-meets-whimsy at this gorgeous one-bedroom Floral Private Carriage House, which has the most magical-chic feel we’ve ever seen in an Airbnb. Tucked in historic South Pearl Street, the highlight of this place is the patio that feels straight out of a contemporary Disney fairytale. Florae is present almost everywhere, whether it’s the bedding in the room or the thoughtfully designed bathroom.
In terms of comfort, we couldn’t have asked for a better space. The full kitchen had all the necessities we needed to make romantic meals on the fly. We’d enjoy it at the equally lovely dining nook, which is also surrounded by plants. The bedroom, along with the bathroom, is plush, comfortable, and cozy, and the presence of the washer-dryer meant that this slice of paradise had literally everything we needed for a comfortable vacation.
That said, the highlight of the space is the patio which, by the way, is 420-friendly! It’s not surprising, given how 420-friendly as a whole Denver is, as well as the profusion of 420-friendly hotels in Denver, Colorado. Besides enjoying our favorite drinks (and edibles), the place is also great for lounging under the string lights after a long day of exploring the town. Whether it’s the floral decorations, the bare wood accents, or the soft pastel hues, we felt both energized and relaxed in this Bnb.
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Luxurious LoHi House with a Rooftop Hot Tub
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We were a group of eight friends who wanted to splurge on a luxurious stay in Denver, and it was love at first sight with this Luxurious LoHi House. This three-bedroom house is hands down the best Airbnb in Denver, Colorado, with a hot tub and was even named one of the state’s top Airbnbs by Condé Nast Traveler! It’s not difficult to see why – the space even came with a theater room, a private courtyard, an in-home theater, and downtown skyline views.
The rest of this three-storeyed house is equally impressive, as floating stairs lead us through the various levels. The cow print couches in front of the huge TV were perfect for pigging out with popcorn to watch a movie, while the bedrooms with the king and queen beds were the epitome of luxury. On colder evenings, we’d gather around the fire pit on the outdoor patio and enjoy drinks and an alfresco meal under the Colorado sky. Of course, the highlight of staying here was the decadent eight-person hot tub on the rooftop. The huge space even had comfy sofa seating beside the hot tub, which was ideal for unwinding with a cold one after a long and languorous soak.
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Red Rocks Ranch
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Best for luxury enthusiasts. Luxury isn’t far away in Denver – sometimes, it’s just 20 minutes at the foothills of the great Rocky Mountains. Indulgence is a very small word for the 8,000 sq ft huge, 5-bedroom Red Rocks Ranch, which is true mountain luxury just half an hour from downtown Denver. To be fair, it was difficult to tear our eyes away from the place because, frankly, it’s enormous – something straight out of a Hollywood movie. What’s more, the secluded mountain retreat is perched on 23 acres of forested land and beautifully blends rustic and modern elements. So much so that it was featured as one of the ultimate countryside homes in HGTV’s 2020 Ultimate Home Challenge. Sigh.
At the same time, this Airbnb is the zenith of contemporary luxury and sleeps up to 12 guests in its comfy king and queen beds in the 5 bedrooms. We loved the comfort offered by the uber-fancy modern touches, such as the hot tub, steam shower, and sauna. Who needs a spa after all this, right? The home also had a fully-equipped chef’s kitchen to prepare lavish meals, a dining space for 12, a gym, flatscreen TVs all over, and separate ensuite bathrooms for all bedrooms. Moreover, the floor-to-ceiling windows captured the views of the city’s skyline and mountains perfectly, while the fast Wi-Fi allowed us to show off the views on our Insta feeds. A fire pit with outdoor seating, washing utilities, and security cameras wrap up the features here.
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Historic 1891 Basement Hideaway
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Most historic. Looking for an interesting Airbnb in the heart of Denver was difficult – as we were spoilt for choices! That said, we were enraptured by the Historic 1891 Basement Hideaway. This studio apartment was built by a silver baron for his second wife in the late 19th century and retains its original elements even today, such as the original brick-red walls. What we loved was the themed décor, which was a reflection of the baron’s international travels and had a distinct Wild West-meets-Old England flavor to it. Think more ethical versions of art, oriental carpets, animal prints, etc., that the baron acquired!
As we entered what looked like a tiny castle, the eclectic living room immediately caught our attention. The bedroom featured a plush queen bed, complete with a pillow menu, while the full bathroom is an ode to green Italian marble tile and was relaxing to boot. We loved the bathtub especially and the long baths that we enjoyed after days of walking around. Our days began in the full kitchen with coffee and breakfast, which we’d enjoy on the private porch and soak in the morning sunshine. If you’re looking for unique stays in Denver, this might just be the coolest spot you’ll find. It pays homage to the dedicated time traveler!
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The Hellena
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Imagine staying in what used to be a church once upon a time! That’s what the Hellena in Denver is. The 2016-converted church from the 1930s offers modern luxury living in the very heart of the city. With unique architecture, giant windows, and sky-high ceilings, this is one inimitable space that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. That’s why it’s hands down one of the best Airbnbs in Denver, Colorado.
Our jaws dropped at how vast the space was when we stepped inside. There are no less than five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, of which two are master suites. The brand-new kitchen boasted what is probably the longest waterfall island in the world – almost 13 ft long! It was a pleasure cooking meals in this space, especially with the spanking-new space and swanky appliances. The light-filled choir loft with the gas fireplace was the perfect place to unwind for the entire group. If you’re looking for a space within the Hellena, then that’s also possible, as it has a one-of-a-kind tiny house, complete with a private bedroom and bathroom that’s cordoned off from the rest of the house – or church.
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Bird House Log Cabin
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Best for nature lovers. Nature lovers like us will find themselves in their element at the Bird House Log Cabin. This remodeled three-bedroom log cabin from the 1970s sits in a peaceful forest setting barely 30 minutes from Denver, and that too with all modern updates. So, it seamlessly blended the best of both worlds and made for one wonderful vacation home.
Sleeping six people, this bird-watching cabin might not have great phone or internet signals, but that’s just about its not-so-good features. The good? There’s plenty. The outdoor hot tub was perfect for nighttime star gazing, while the board games were how we passed the time when it got too cold outdoors. Thanks to the fully-stocked kitchen and gas fireplace, we were even able to whip up lavish meals when we didn’t want to eat out. If that wasn’t enough, we enjoyed the snacks in absolute comfort on the outdoor wooden deck with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the city.
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Master Suite in a Plant-Filled Townhouse
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Best for budget travelers. If you’re looking for a comfortable room rather than the entire house, then this lovely Master Suite in a Plant-Filled Townhouse is just the place for you. We loved the comfortable Master Suite, which boasted a private ensuite bathroom and even access to a private roof! The plush bed ensured a good night’s sleep, and the fact that we could simply climb to the roof right from our room was the best thing we could ask for. Plus, our bathroom even had a bathtub, which was the icing on the cake.
Outside the Master Suite, the house was all the more welcoming, thanks to the friendly host and the equally friendly cat, which was all about cuddles. The living and dining areas were perfect for unwinding and digging into meals, and we even had access to the kitchen, complete with included tea and coffee. Since we’d rented our own car, the fact that street parking was readily available was a blessing. Rounding up the features was a lovely little balcony just off the living area with alfresco seating to enjoy views of Denver.
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Denver Highlands Victorian Home
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If you’re looking for a historic home in a historic Denver neighborhood, then this Denver Highlands Victorian Home is where you should stay. Built way back in 1890, this adorable three-bedroom home has been tastefully renovated while still maintaining its original charm. It’s tucked in the historic and super-hip Lowell neighborhood, which is home to cute restaurants, cafes, and shops, which we loved exploring. We were impressed right from the moment we entered the spacious and comfortable home. Mid-century modern decor greeted us, with interesting details like a bunch of guitars on the wall and a gorgeous chandelier over the dining area. That’s why it’s one of the best Airbnbs in Denver, Colorado.
The chefs in our group loved the modern, fully stocked kitchen that came with hardwood floors, granite countertops, and the loveliest kitchen island ever. While all three bedrooms were cozy, spacious, and comfortable, what we really loved was the large, fenced, verdant backyard. We’d sprawl out on the luxurious outdoor furniture and even use the wood smoker pellet grill on the deck to enjoy alfresco dinners when the weather was nice.
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Shoppable Art Retreat
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We chose this stunning two-bedroom Shoppable Art Retreat as it combined two of our most favorite things in the world – art and shopping! Every piece of handmade furniture, trinket, and art in this home is for sale – no, we’re not kidding. Every cabinet and wall we examined has sculptures, paintings, and even soap created by local artists and artisans. Heck, even the bathroom had kits and soaps available for purchase! So, we could take a piece of our very rental back home with us while supporting the local arts community too.
That said, the house was very comfortable for us two couples, especially the living room with its cushy sofa and huge TV where we’d watch movies when we weren’t exploring Denver. The full kitchen was where we’d cook lavish meals and enjoy them at the beautiful dining table. We loved using the big soaking bathtub in the full bathroom. Two bedrooms, one of which was a lovely loft accessible by ladder, were the epitome of comfort. The crowning jewel was the patio with comfy furniture, which completes the place.
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Casa Perla
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Imagine staying in an Airbnb with an actual fountain in the backyard – that’s Casa Perla for you. Tucked in the wonderfully tranquil suburb of Englewood, the unique one-bedroom hideaway is as memorable as it’s comfortable. Quirky decor such as hanging planters, vibrant throw pillows, and lots of sleek, bare wood accents made this tiny yet adorable home warm and welcoming. The cozy bedroom with the plush queen bed ensured that we slept like logs, especially after walking around Denver so much.
We’d kick back with a glass of wine in the eclectic living area, which even had an HDTV where we’d watch our favorite shows on Amazon Prime and Netflix. Most importantly, we loved cooking meals and making our morning coffee in the black-and-white kitchenette, which we’d then enjoy in the huge back garden. It even had a huge fountain and swing chairs, where we’d relax when the weather was nice.
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Jefferson Park Townhouse
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This vibrant two-bedroom Jefferson Park Townhouse is hands down one of the best Airbnbs in Denver, Colorado. As hardcore sci-fi fans, we loved the fun, bright, and futuristic décor, which had little nods to science fiction and pop culture sprinkled throughout the space. Think a Darth Vader throw pillow, a “2001: A Space Odyssey” poster, and even a Bally pinball machine in the downstairs bedroom!
Both comfy bedrooms with queen beds aside, the rest of the townhouse was equally amazing. couch and an air mattress available if you need more sleeping room. During our days off from exploring Denver, we’d enjoy cooking meals in the open kitchen, complete with a stylish starburst-shaped ceiling lamp. We’d take our meals along with glasses of wine to the private fenced-in deck. The outdoor couch was perfect to snuggle under the warm string lights. The highlight, though, was the hot tub in the corner of the patio, where we’d literally bubble all our stresses away. Now that’s what we call a futuristically good time.
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Our Verdict!
Are you having trouble zeroing in on one single place from this amazing list? We’re here to help you decide. Here’s a shorter, more specialized list according to the best features.
- Best for luxury enthusiasts: Red Rocks Ranch
- Best for budget travelers: Master Suite In A Plant-Filled Townhouse
- Best for nature lovers: Bird House Log Cabin
- Best for couples: Floral Private Carriage House
- Most historic: Historic 1891 Basement Hideaway
Where to Stay in Denver, Colorado?
Denver has a multitude of diverse, walkable neighborhoods for specific activities, interests, and sightseeing, whether it’s hitting cocktail bars, browsing museums and galleries, or learning about Old West rail history. We begin with Historic Lower Downtown, a.k.a. LoDo, which is a great home base for exploring Denver’s best sights. It’s also home to the city’s CBD (Central Business District), which is home to some of the best ballet and opera venues in the town.
If you’re looking for late-night revelry, then the hip and trendy River North Art District (RiNo) is where you need to be. It buzzes with some of the city’s most inventive restaurants, craft distilleries, breweries, cocktail and cocktail bars. Then there’s the Golden Triangle neighborhood just south of CBD, which is perfect for culture vultures. It’s home to the city’s museums and art galleries, public art, and the lush Civic Center Park with its gorgeous flowerbeds. Are you a fan of jazz and the African-American subculture? Just northeast of Downtown sits Five Points, which was once known as the “Harlem of the West.”
What is the best neighborhood to stay in an Airbnb in Denver?
LoDo, or Lower Downtown, is an excellent area to rent an Airbnb and stay. It’s not only centrally located, but also it’s home to some lovely Victorian-style architecture.
How many days in Denver is enough?
While one could easily spend weeks or even months in the city, practically around three days are perfect to get a taste of all that Denver has to offer.
Are there any cool Airbnbs close to Denver but away from the city?
Yes, Denver is close to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. So, within just a half-hour drive, you’ll find some amazing mountain cabins and homes with spectacular forest scenery around.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by Airbnb.