A visit to Colorado is complete without exploring and spending at least a few days in its vibrant capital city of Denver. Home to a slew of excellent breweries and restaurants, an excellent art scene, and historic buildings, the city is one of the coolest American cities. What’s more, Denver is leading the boutique hotel movement, too, with more travelers seeking out unique hotels instead of the generic, cookie-cutter ones. An excellent boutique hotel in Denver Colorado, including downtown hotels, is not just a place to stay but an experience. What’s more, they’re neither cheap nor expensive but rather pique travelers’ interests with their design offerings and amenities. After all, it’s the age of the ‘Gram and travelers share where they stayed on vacation! Plus, Denver has some truly iconic and creative boutique hotels, so much so that you might have a difficult time choosing one!
So, what makes Denver one of the Best Places To Visit In Colorado? For one, it’s a great base to explore the delights of the Colorado mountains, such as the Breckenridge, one of the Best US Winter Vacation spots. What’s more, it’s home to the Red Rocks Amphitheater, which is considered one of the World’s Most Amazing Cinemas. If that wasn’t enough, there are many more Top Things To Do In Denver, such as seeing Coors Field, Denver Zoo, the Botanic Gardens, and more. So, staying at boutique hotels is a great way to enjoy even your stay in the Mile High City. To that end, here are the 11 best boutique hotels in Denver, Colorado, including downtown ones.
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The Source Hotel
11
You’ll like everything about the Source Hotel, the best boutique hotel in Denver Colorado. The hotel lies in the heart of the trendy RiNo (River North Arts District) and is one of the city’s coolest hotels. What’s more, it’s also one of the Best Family Hotels in Denver. The Source Hotel lies in an iconic 1880s ironworks building and features a design store, bottle shop, cheese shop, coffee roaster, bakery, taqueria, and even a brewery on-site! The spirit of this unique hotel is evident right during check-in when you’re served samples of New Belgium beer. What’s more, you can even watch the beer being brewed right in the brewery in the lobby!
Furthermore, the hotel radiates a hip industrial-chic aesthetic with its design, especially the luxurious rooms that boast a mix of Scandinavian and Japanese designs. Think Baltic birch furnishings, polished concrete floors, and floor-to-ceiling doors with mindblowing Rocky Mountains views. Despite being a boutique hotel, this one has a cool rooftop deck with a plunge pool and a hot tub perfect for cooling off and unwinding. You’ll also find the in-house restaurant here that serves delicious wood-fired pizzas, New Belgium brews, and craft cocktails. Plus, if you feel like staying in, laze in your bathrobe and have the drinks and food ordered right up to your room!
The Jacquard Hotel
10
The Jacquard is yet another gem of a boutique hotel in the Mile High City and lies in the Cherry Creek shopping district. Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend or a family vacation, this luxurious hotel is a great pick. One of its standout features is the rooftop terrace with a massive 75-feet-long swimming pool. After a refreshing swim, lounge on the sunbeds and order drinks from the rooftop bar. All this combined with 180-views of the Rocky Mountains. Travelers will love the relaxing rooms here too, which feature plush beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, and marble baths with bespoke body and bath products. If you want to splurge, the suites have a slew of pampering extras such as discrete dining and living rooms. Plus, they even dish out personal Peloton bikes on request if you want to go exploring.
The neighborhood might be peppered with excellent restaurants, but the hotel’s in-house ones are some of the best. For one, the hotel has an excellent and vast wine cellar with more than 750 bottles! What’s more, you’ll find delectable and innovative American dishes such as Korean-style short ribs and cheddar and avocado “Impossible Burgers.” A fitness center and a snack bar complete the place.
The Oxford Hotel
9
The Oxford Hotel is yet another gorgeous boutique hotel in Denver Colorado. This iconic hotel’s origins go back to as far as 1891, which makes it Denver’s oldest hotel. Set in a lovely redbrick structure, the hotel even sits on the National Register of Historic Places, making this a historic stay in the city. For instance, rooms and suites are the perfect blends of new and old. So, original artwork, ornate writing desks, and antique beds perfectly complement modern amenities such as Bose Wave radios and HD TVs. You’ll even find gorgeous claw-foot bathtubs in the bathrooms. Thanks to its prime downtown location, it also happens to be one of the best boutique hotels in downtown Denver.
Despite the surrounding LoDo being full of swanky cocktail lounges and bars, the hotel is home to Denver’s original cocktail lounge, the Cruise Room. Opened a day after 1933’s Prohibition being repealed, this wine bottle-shaped, red-hued lounge is one of the most storied places to enjoy a drink in the city. In fact, it was downright an illegal speakeasy during the Prohibition era! Moreover, the restaurant serves lip-smacking meals, including a delicious breakfast.
Moxy Denver Cherry Creek
8
Moxy Denver Cherry Creek is not only a lovely boutique outpost, but it’s also one of the Most Romantic Hotels in Denver. Located smack dab in the heart of the shopping mecca that is Cherry Creek, the Moxy puts you instantly in vacation mode. That’s because you’re offered a complimentary drink at the hotel’s ultra-cool bar right as you step inside. This hotel is all about communal space activities, such as playing games in the living room gathering around the fire pit outdoors. What’s more, there are even fun workspaces with ping-pong tables perfect for digital nomads for work and play. Going further, the boho-chic alfresco beer garden serves both grilled bites and craft brews, complete in throw blankets and pillows environment. Wind up the day at the chic bar with a nightcap.
So, where’s the romance factor? In the rooms, of course! Rooms have unique artwork, comfy seating areas, and modern furnishings. Plus, the hotel has special romance packages such as Pride & Joy and Netflix and Chill. The former provides a bottle of champagne or a complimentary late checkout as well as breakfast for two. The latter, on the other hand, offers breakfast for two and two complimentary cocktails as well. Oh, and also, the package includes sex toys!
Le Meridien Denver Downtown
7
Le Meridien Denver Downtown is one of the best boutique hotels in downtown Denver. This hotel was designed for art lovers, and it’s even part of the Unlock Art program. So, what you need to do is whip out your room key at any of the participating local establishments, such as the Clyfford Still Museum. That’ll get you access to all sorts of awesome freebies! The rest of the hotel is very impressive, too, especially the fact that it’s home to Denver’s highest open-air bar, 54Thirty! This 20th-floor establishment is a local favorite and doles out amazing sundowners, which you can enjoy with incredible downtown Denver views. Finally, the on-site restaurant serves all meals and is a great spot for digging into American comfort food.
What’s more, you can even play billiards at this social hotel, grab complimentary bikes to explore the area or relax in your rooms. Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that boast mountain or city views, the digs here are sleek to boot. Funky midcentury-modern furniture and plush beds add comfort, as does the lavish marble bath with Malin+Goetz bath products. Illy espresso machines and the huge 55-inch flatscreen TVs are a nice touch for a staycation.
The Art Hotel
6
If you’re an art enthusiast, then The Art Hotel is hands down the best boutique hotel in Denver. This architectural jewel lies in the heart of the Arts District, close to sights such as Clyfford Still Museum and Denver Art Museum. What’s more, the hotel itself is chock-full of countless pieces of art, so much so that you’ll feel like you’re staying at a museum! The minute you step in, you’re awed by the massive 22,000-piece light installation as well as all the artwork. In fact, every Saturday, the hotel offers free tours for enthusiasts who want to learn about the art collection.
As expected, every room is filled with artwork, as well as vibrant retro decor. The decor is complemented by mod-cons such as mini-fridges and coffeemakers. Even the bathrooms are luxurious with rain showers and Italian marble trimmings. Some rooms even have decadent bathtubs for a bubble bath and bubbly with your beloved. The rest of the hotel is equally impressive, especially the rooftop terrace with its ‘wining’ and dining. The sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains and downtown Denver only make it all the better. However, you’ll particularly love the themed drink menu with cocktails named after famous artists. Our recommendation? Try the mezcal favorite of Frida Kahlo.
The Maven at Dairy Block
5
The Maven at Dairy Block is not just an excellent boutique hotel in Denver Colorado, but it’s also amongst the Best Hotels in Downtown Denver. This hip boutique hotel lies in a cool micro-district of LoDo and is surrounded by trendy bars, eateries, boutiques, and upscale co-working spaces. Since this hotel is all about the artistic culture of the neighborhood, you’ll find more than 700 pieces of artwork all over! You’ll find them even in the spacious loft-style rooms, which feature smart TVs and floor-to-ceiling windows with gorgeous downtown Denver views. The pour-over coffee station is a particular favorite with guests, as are the luxury bath products. Go for the large rooms or suites, and you’ll even have access to deep-soaking tubs and huge balconies.
The hotel has some excellent options for dining and drinking. For instance, sip on beer or craft cocktails at the Poka Loka Social Club and diner on creative Southwestern-style dishes at Kachina Cantina. You even have access to gourmet coffee in the form of Huckleberry. When you do want to get out and explore, the Maven even has a free shuttle to take you to some of Denver’s best sights. It’s no wonder this is one of the best boutique hotels in downtown Denver.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver
4
Business travelers who’re tired of cookie-cutter business hotels should stay at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver. Not only does it lie in the heart of downtown, but the hotel has all amenities for mixing business with pleasure. For instance, the rooms here are anything but generic. Travelers can expect thoughtful extras and modern decors such as iPod docking stations, free and fast Wi-Fi, an oversized workstation, and even a gourmet honor minibar. At the same time, the rooms are stylish to boot with original artwork, leather headboards, and funky floral wallpaper. Potted plants and vanity-like mirrors, and light fixtures in the bathroom make you feel like a star, as do the luxurious bath products and plush bathrobes. Even the white-tiled shower areas ooze sexiness.
After a long day of work, turn your attention to play. Start by unwinding at the evening reception with chair massages, Italian bites, and complimentary wine. However, we’d highly recommend booking an in-room massage at the spa, which is divine. Fitness freaks can hit the 24-hour fitness center in the meantime. When the hunger pangs strike, head down to the award-winning restaurant and bar that serves authentic Northern Italian fare. When you don’t feel like stepping out, take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Also, this hotel is one of the Top Pet-Friendly Hotels In Denver, so bring Fido along!
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection
3
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa is one boutique hotel in Denver Colorado that’s like no other hotel you’d have stayed at before – and in the best of ways. With its somewhat offbeat yet thoughtful amenities, this indulgent hotel stands out as one of the city’s best places to stay. For one, the hotel itself is an unrivaled feast of period features; think wrought-iron panels and stained-glass skylight in the lobby. As you walk into the eight-story atrium, the delicately detailed balconies catch your eye. The rest of the hotel is similar, especially the restaurant that serves afternoon tea and Dom Pérignon Champagne Sunday Brunches. There’s even a cigar lounge, a salon, a florist, and a decadent spa that offers the most divine spa treatments and massages.
The indulgence continues in the bedrooms, which have both grand details and swanky mod-cons. The many kinds of suites the hotel offers are perfect for indulgence, especially the Beatles-themed one where the band is said to have stayed way back in 1964. Even the white tile and marble bathrooms are lavish and indulgent, with the ones in the suites even featuring deep soaking tubs.
The Crawford Hotel
2
Sitting right within Union Station, The Crawford Hotel is a unique boutique hotel in Denver Colorado. The early-1900s structure retains the historical and original architecture of the train station and is a local favorite amongst luxury boutique hotels in downtown Denver today. Since the building’s unique architecture has been retained, every room in the hotel is completely different. However, the truly lavish rooms boast antique and vintage features such as in-room bars, original artwork, and clawfoot tubs. Rustic loft rooms blend luxurious trimmings and original architecture, while the themed Pullman rooms are an ode to train travel of the 1900s. Plush beds, fluffy bathrobes, and scintillating chandeliers all add a touch of whimsy to your stay.
Enjoy a drink in the chic Cooper Lounge with views of the hustle and bustle of the Union Station’s Grand Central Hall. Post a drink, shop for artisanal goods, snack on shared plates, or dig into fresh seafood, all at the hotel itself. There’s even a Milkbox Ice Creamery outlet that offers a daily scoop of ice cream complimentary to all guests!
The Ramble Hotel
1
Denver Colorado’s absolute best boutique hotel is The Ramble Hotel, which lies in the ultra-hip RiNo neighborhood. The hotel’s objective was to create a space akin to 17th-century French salons, and everything about the hotel conveys just that. For one, it has a small music and theater venue that hosts a multitude of events to celebrate the neighborhood’s artistic spirit. What’s more, the hotel has two of RiNo’s coolest bars and restaurants, the chic Death & Co. Bar serving cocktails and Super Mega Bien serving pan-Latin fare. Shimmering chandeliers, a low-lit environment, and pine-green walls lend a sexy feel to the place, making it perfect for date night. Begin your day with a superb continental breakfast and relax on the sun terrace when you make time.
Even rooms here are unique; you can choose from regular rooms, suites, or even bunk rooms! Moreover, all rooms have beautiful Persian rugs, hickory flooring, and sophisticated decor. You’ll also find plush windows and luxe bathrooms and even balconies in some rooms.
Where to Stay in Denver?
Denver’s excellent boutique hotels are clustered around Downtown, including CBD (Central Business District) and LoDo (Lower Downtown). If you’re in the city for business or are visiting it for the first time, these neighborhoods are the perfect base. That’s because most of Denver’s main attractions lie within walking distance, including 16th Street Mall, Union Station, and Larimer Square. On the other hand, shopaholics will love Cherry Creek. It lies around 15 minutes east of downtown and is 16 blocks full of the most upscale shops and boutiques you’ll find in the city. Plus, it’s home to a bunch of cool boutique hotels.
Finally, we have RiNo, or River North Art District, a revamped industrial neighborhood that lies 10 minutes north of downtown. It’s by far the coolest place to stay in the city! It’s home to some of Denver’s best microbreweries, funky art galleries, and cutting-edge restaurants.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Denver:
- Small-Group Food Tour in Denver: Denver is best discovered a bite at a time, which you can do on this delicious three-hour walking food tour in LoDo. Stop at five award-winning local Denver restaurants for sampling some of the best items on their menu as you listen to your food guide regale you with stories of Denver.
- Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs: Biker Jim’s is sure to come up in the conversation whenever you mention Denver or switch on any food channel travel show. This bike-and-garage-themed rocking hangout is all about dogs with all kinds of fillings. Visiting here is a rite of passage in Denver, and this place is a chowhound’s delight.
Recommended Activities in Denver:
- Denver Rocky Mountain Half-Day Explorer Trip: Located right next to the Rocky Mountains, Denver is the perfect base from where you can discover the Rocky Mountains on this full-day tour. Check out the famous Red Rocks, view dinosaur tracks, and some of the most gorgeous views around.
- Boulder Hike & Brews: Combine adventure and beer on this fun-filled four-hour tour! Begin your tour with a light hike of Boulder’s iconic Flatirons. At the end of the hike lies an amazing local taproom that features some of Colorado’s award-winning and best craft beers. Oh, did we mention that the first beer is complimentary? Yes!
