Nestled at the base of the incredible Rocky Mountains, Denver is one of the cities that date back to the Old West Era. In fact, the city is home to some stunning Victorian architecture from the 19th century, as well as museums, galleries, restaurants, and more. Of all the neighborhoods in the city, Downtown Denver is the shiniest best place to stay in the city. There are so many amazing hotels in Downtown Denver with excellent rooms, superb amenities like indoor pools, and excellent overall service. They’re high on style and design, too, with Instagram-worthy artwork, panoramic rooftop bars, and spacious rooms that serve as sanctuaries after a long day. Downtown Denver’s hotels capture the essence of this city that’s one of the fastest-growing in America.
So, what makes staying in Denver so great? For one, it’s one of the Best Places To Visit In Colorado. What’s more, the town of Breckenridge, which is one of the Best US Winter Vacation spots, lies just over an hour away. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also where the Red Rocks Amphitheater, one of the World’s Most Amazing Cinemas, lies. So, pack your bags and head to the Mile High City. To that end, here are the 11 best hotels in Downtown Denver with excellent rooms and amenities such as indoor pools.
Where to Stay in Downtown Denver?
Downtown Denver is the absolute best area to stay in Denver for those who’re visiting the city for the first time or want to explore its sights and attractions. What’s more, it’s also one of the coolest places to stay if you want to stay in the thick of the action or explore the city on foot. Downtown Denver is bordered by Speer Boulevard and Speer Boulevard Park in the west and 20th Street and North Broadway in the east. South Platte River lies north, while the Golden Triangle and Capitol Hill lie south. Furthermore, Downtown Denver is divided into two main areas: Central Business District (CBD) and LoDo (Lower Downtown).
LoDo is the northern part of downtown and is full of Victorian-style architecture on every corner. It’s also home to some of the best bars, restaurants, and pubs in the city. What’s more, the Platte River flows right by Lodo, so you have access to a whole lot of water fun as well. So, you can rest assured that you’ll never be bored when you stay here! CBD, on the other hand, lies south of LoDo and is perfect for all kinds for all types of travelers. It’s home to some of the most wonderful sights, such as museums, art galleries, etc. If that wasn’t enough, it has some of the best shopping and dining in town as well.
Kimpton Hotel Born
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Staying in Denver doesn’t get more convenient than Kimpton Hotel Born, one of the best hotels in Downtown Denver. The 200-room hotel lies right in the bustling Union Station neighborhood and is just a mere steps away from the airport’s A-line train. The lobby with its rich leather furniture, wood, and plaid like a modern, upscale cabin. Rooms and suites are spacious, blending traditional Colorado touch with a modern vibe. Think forest elements juxtaposed with concrete columns, pine, and blonde walnut ceilings and walls, and steel and wooden sliding closet doors. The bathrooms are equally chic, decked out in white with pops of wood. Finally, plush beds, luxury Frette linens, and plaid pillows ensure a good night’s sleep.
The brand is famously pet-friendly, which makes Kimpton one of the Top Pet-Friendly Hotels In Denver too. The two on-site restaurants serve rustic wood-fired dishes and scrumptious Italian fare. If you want to get around town in style, a hotel Tesla will be more than happy to drive you around. Adventurous ones can grab the complimentary bikes and go off exploring on their own. Finally, you also get free admission to the excellent Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, which’s a stone’s throw from the hotel.
The Oxford Hotel
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Glamour comes to the hotel rooms in downtown Denver in the form of The Oxford Hotel, one of the best jaunts in LoDo. Since the late 19th century, this hotel has been sweeping guests off their feet. Even now, certain charming details remain, such as the only wood-burning fireplace in downtown Denver. Or the fact that a bow-tie-donning bellman directs you everywhere. Plus, the intricate iron handrails and original tiling literally show off the building’s history. Choose from 80 excellent rooms, which are done up in soothing hues of grays, whites, and rich emerald greens. Antique remnants include claw-foot bathtubs and vintage headboards, with more contemporary showpieces that lend an Art Deco vibe.
When you’re ready to head up, you’ll be stepping into another piece of history; the hotel has the first elevators ever built west of the Mississippi! But, the real standout is Denver’s original cocktail lounge, the Cruise Room. It was opened one day after Prohibition was repealed in 1933! Shaped like a wine bottle, this red-hued lounge features ten panels that depict the “cheers” from ten different countries! The restaurant serves excellent meals, including a hearty breakfast, while the other Bourbon Bar is a great quiet place for a drink.
The Crawford Hotel
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It might not have indoor pools, but the Crawford Hotel sure is one of the best boutique hotels in Downtown Denver. Tucked right in the historic Union Station in LoDo, the hotel might just be in possession of the city’s best lobby. Since all rooms retain the original architecture of the train station, no two of them are the same. For instance, Pullman guest rooms recreate the old-world sense of a train car with vintage train ads and custom Art Deco furnishings. Furthermore, the fourth-floor Loft rooms have sloped ceilings, wooden beams, dormer windows, and exposed brick. For more space, go for the classic guest rooms with 16-feet-high ceilings and a slew of mod-cons. Finally, all rooms come with high-speed Wi-Fi and swanky mod-cons such as in-room Nespresso makers and an iPad with online room service, music streaming, and hotel info.
The hotel boasts a slew of dining options, including an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant and a bar offering 30 Colorado craft brews on tap. However, it’s the Cooper Lounge oozing oodles of glamour that’s the place to be. The A-line train to the airport stops right outside, making this a great city living option even if you have an early flight. But, the best perk is the Milkbox Ice Creamery that offers a free daily scoop of ice cream!
The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
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This swanky Ritz Carlton outpost boasts one of the most understated yet luxurious hotel rooms in downtown Denver. It has some of the largest hotel rooms in the city – think more than 500 square feet! Thus, each room feels more like a mini-suite. What’s more, even the standard guest rooms have complete marble baths! Decked out in a cream and rich navy color palette, the place is like a soothing oasis that feels far away from all the bustle. Moreover, even Frette terry robes, down comforters, and featherbeds come standard, as do rainforest showerheads in the bathroom. They literally make even regular showers feel like spa treatments.
The rest of the hotel is similarly impressive; think gorgeous glass chandelier in the lobby, ornate flower centerpieces, and dark woods. Dig into hearty breakfasts and amazing dinners at the flagship restaurant, which is also the prime place for Denver’s who’s-who. The spa is also one of the most sublime experiences in the city, especially the “Ex’beer’ience” that uses local craft brews. If you upgrade to the Club Level, you might even be treated to private tastings along with meeting the brewers.
The Maven Hotel at the Dairy Block
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Right in the heart of LoDo’s theater district lies The Maven Hotel at the Dairy Block. The hotel is part of a groundbreaking multi-use “micro-district” in LoDo and is one of the chicest boutique hotels in Downtown Denver. Choose from 172 rooms, which are based on edgy New York lofts, with the millennial vibe evident in the form of woven swinging chairs. Floor-to-ceiling windows boast splendid views, and they even have steel-accented furniture and vibrant abstract art. However, the bathrooms are some of the trendiest you’ll ever see. Clad in all black and white with huge mirrors, the bathrooms are dramatic to boot. Are you here with your family? Book the fun-filled Journeyman bunk bedroom, which has a king bed at the bottom and a twin bed located perpendicularly right above. Did we mention the rooms have balconies too? Yes!
An excellent location, fun social spaces, and access to one of the hippest markets in Denver are what make this hotel so popular. What’s more, it houses, among many other things, an exceptional local art collection. Savor Southwestern fare at the on-site restaurant and grab a sundowner at the splashy Art Deco cocktail bar. Moreover, the community spaces are the main draw here, where you’ll see everyone from digital nomads to business travelers having meetings.
Westin Denver Downtown
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Westin Denver Downtown has one of the best and most spacious hotel rooms in downtown Denver. Rooms here start at 420 sq. feet, which is very spacious by hotel room standards. The muted color scheme is easy on the eyes, as are the panoramic views of the mountains from the huge windows. Aside from free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service, some rooms are Westin Workout rooms and come with exercise equipment, while others have private balconies. Bathrooms boast wooden vanities, soft tones, lighted mirrors, marble tops, and bespoke Westin White Tea Bath & Body products. Suite bathrooms are especially lavish with an all-marble setup and massive mirrors.
Of all the amenities here, the rooftop pool is perhaps the best of them all. The heated pool is perfect for a dip throughout the year and that too with incredible views. Thanks to the pool bar, you can even enjoy a lounge on the sundeck while sipping on cocktails. It’s no wonder it’s one of the Best Hotel Pools In Denver. What’s more, you can book sublime in-room spa services via the concierge. Finally, the hotel boasts an excellent gym, two restaurants, and a coffee kiosk for catering to all your food and drink whims.
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
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For those travelers who want to experience the Top Things To Do In Denver, staying in the city doesn’t get any better than at Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. One of the best-located hotels in Downtown Denver, Sheraton is Denver’s largest hotel with more than 1,200 rooms! Rooms are immaculate and especially bright, with light streaming in from the huge windows. In fact, the corner rooms have not one, but two walls of windows! While bathrooms are standard yet spotless, it’s the Club Level rooms you should go for in case you want to stay in a slightly splurge-worthy wanner. They give you access to a private lounge where cocktails, happy hour snacks, and breakfast are served.
The rest of the hotel is similarly impressive, especially the long list of amenities. At the top of the list sits the heated outdoor pool, which is surrounded by cabanas and loungers where you can enjoy drinks. A huge gym aside, the hotel has four restaurants, including a cafe and a soup-only place. When the weather is nice, the patio bar is a great place to sip on drinks and people-watch.
Grand Hyatt Denver Downtown
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The Grand Hyatt Denver Downtown is one of the best hotel rooms in downtown Denver. Colorado’s great outdoors makes an appearance in the lobby of this hotel; think branches, giant rocks, and stone fireplaces. The bar, which lies right in the lobby, is a great place for a drink. What’s more, this is one of the best hotels in Downtown Denver with indoor pools. The indoor heated pool is perfect for a refreshing dip, after which you can lounge on the sun chairs before heading to your room. Aside from a rooftop gym, the hotel has a fully kosher kitchen and serves all meals. What’s more, you’ll also find a bar and cafe as well as 24-hour service.
Rooms and suites are equally impressive. They’re done up in white with pops of color in pillows and leather chairs. If you want to splurge, the Grand Club rooms provide access to the private dining room with complimentary beverages and food. Nevertheless, bathrooms in all rooms have spa-worthy bath products, bathtubs or huge walk-in showers, and lighted mirrors like vanity ones. Plus, suite bathrooms have deep-soaking bathtubs huge enough for two people.
Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
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Located right in the heart of CBD, Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center is one of the best hotels in Downtown Denver with indoor pools. The small but heated lap pool is perfect for morning and evening laps and is usually full of socializing adults rather than kids. After a swim, don’t miss heading to the rooftop hot tub or the spa for their signature aromatherapy foot bath. A shiny dining room restaurant on the main floor serves all meals, including special buffet menus for holidays. If that wasn’t enough, there’s even a 24-hour cafe that serves grab-and-go food items and Starbucks coffee.
With 1,100 rooms, the hotel is one of the largest in Downtown Denver. All of them come with free Wi-Fi and other standard mod-cons, while the suites even have wet bars. If you splurge in a Regency Club room, you’ll even gain access to a private lounge where drinks and food are served all day. The bathrooms, albeit standard, are very spacious with complimentary KenetMD bath products and large mirrors.
Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center
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The Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center is one of the best hotels in Downtown Denver. This modern marvel sits in a structure that was once the Colorado National Bank. In fact, the hotel offers a self-guided smartphone tour where you can learn more about the building’s art, history, and preserved mural. The lobby oozes “Western warmth” with western scape murals from 1925, deep jewel hues, and even an open bank vault on one side. There are a host of amenities here, including a 24-hour gym, a restaurant, and a cozy cafe. The best place is the Teller Bar with high marble ceilings, Greco-Roman columns, and high-backed bar stools.
What’s more, this one also has some of the best hotel rooms in downtown Denver. With just 229 rooms, including a concierge level and nine suites, the hotel borders on boutique. The restored columns of the bank in the rooms provide support for the huge windows stretching from the floor to the ceiling. Mini-fridges and Wi-Fi aside, the suites also come with marble tables and spacious sofa seating. But, bathrooms everywhere have granite walk-in showers, white marble vanities, and TokyoMilk bath and body products.
The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa
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The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa is one of the grandest hotels in Downtown Denver. Since it opened its doors in 1892, the 241-room hotel has had almost every U.S. president stay here. What’s more, the hotel is as famed for its Dom Pérignon Champagne Sunday Brunches as it’s for afternoon tea service. If that wasn’t enough, it even has a florist, a salon, and Denver’s poshest cigar lounge.
Staying at this 125-year-old icon is equally alluring. The rooms have swanky mod-cons as well as grand details, which pop against the neutral-hued background. If you want to splurge, the hotel offers multiple kinds of suites, of which the Beatles-themed one is pretty great. In fact, the Fab Four actually stayed here way back in 1964! Finally, the bathrooms are a picture of serenity with white tile and marble, and suites even featuring deep soaking tubs. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the Most Romantic Hotels in Denver.
A breathtaking nine-storeyed atrium greets you as you enter the hotel, which is where afternoon tea is hosted. Features such as a stained-glass ceiling, ornate grills and railings, velvet leather seating, and shimmering chandeliers add character to the place. Head to the luxurious spa for a pampering session, after which you can enjoy meals at any of the three restaurants. Before retiring to bed, do indulge in a nightcap at the Ship Tavern Bar. A modern gym and a cafe wind up the facilities here.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Denver:
- Denver 3-Hour Brewery Walking Tour: This professionally guided tour takes you through some of North Denver’s most popular neighborhoods, where lie three amazing local microbreweries. Enjoy sampling some of the city’s best and most different craft beers as you hear stories about Denver’s craft beer scene. What’s more, you get to learn how these unique handcrafted lagers and ales are made.
- El Taco de Mexico: This 30-year-old taqueria with an open kitchen is a favorite in Denver and serves delicacies such as tortas, burritos, and tacos. They’re very tight-lipped about their recipes, and for good measure – for their food is lip-smacking. Don’t miss ordering the green chile, which is the gold standard of this Southwestern staple, and the chile-relleno burrito.
Recommended Activities in Denver:
- Denver Rocky Mountain National Park Tour: The Rocky Mountains are one of the finest places to see in the United States. Feast your eyes on the breathtaking peaks and panoramic and unspoiled views on this one-day tour from Denver.
- Bicycle Tour of Downtown Denver: On this 2.5-hour amazing bicycle tour of Downtown Denver, a knowledgeable local tour guide takes you to some of the most gorgeous and important sights in Downtown Denver. These include outdoor venues, art installations, sports stadiums, architectural marvels, and historic structures.
