Best Denver Hotels

The historic Brown Palace is a Denver icon. This AAA Four Diamond hotel was Denver's crown jewel when it opened back in 1892, and "The Brown" is beloved to this day, constantly topping the lists of best places to stay in Denver. With its huge stained-glass atrium lobby, the hotel is a monument to the Gilded Age and the enormous fortunes that flowed from the mines and stockyards of Colorado. Today it provides all the luxuries you’d expect from a four star hotel, from thick comforters on the bed to plush terry robes in the room and there’s a large modern spa with numerous treatment options. Residents go to The Brown for its Traditional Afternoon Tea or dinner in one of the six restaurants. The Palace Arms is the fine dining venue, with an extensive wine cellar and entreés that include Bison Rossini, served with truffled foie gras. Don’t feel like dropping $350 to $1,500 per night for a room? You can still experience The Brown by taking the hotel tour, offered Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3PM. Reservations are required (one day in advance is usually enough time to secure a spot on the tour) and there’s a small charge ($10) but it’s worth it to hear the colorful stories, including a few ghost stories. And don’t let the rack rates scare you; The Brown has been known to discount its rooms by almost 50 percent in the off season.

This boutique hotel is aptly named: not only is it located across from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, it’s also entwined with the local theater scene. Costumes and photographs from past productions of the Denver Center Theatre Company are on display throughout, and the hotel’s intimate design and attention to detail make it a charming setting for a romantic getaway. If you're looking for a quiet getaway this is one of the best places to stay in Denver. Hotel Teatro is dog-friendly; they provide milk bones and water bowls for four-footed guests. There are two outstanding restaurants in the Teatro, both operated by noted local chef Kevin Taylor. Prima serves lighter Italian fare while Restaurant Kevin Taylor focuses on French fusion cuisine. Both Taylor’s restaurant and the hotel are AAA Four Diamond rated.

If Corporate Beige is too boring for you, take a look at the Hotel Monaco. This Kimpton Hotel property is located in an historic building just off the 16th Street Mall and the style is anything but boring with bright, contrasting colors and a whimsically painted ceiling in its otherwise classical lobby. The Monaco is also pet-friendly: The Pampered Pet Package includes a welcome basket for Fido, four hours of dog-sitting and in-room pet bowls and beds. You can even leave your pooch with its new friends at Hotel Monaco while you explore Denver. Don't have a pet? No worries. Hotel Monaco can provide an in-room goldfish to keep you company! Just ask for one at the front desk. The property has several fun twists for humans, too, such as the animal print robes in every guest room. Hotel Monaco is one of the top Denver hotels, as fun and exciting as the city itself. The John Lennon, Miles Davis and Grace Slick suites all have memorabilia, including handwritten lyrics, from these musicians. The on-premises restaurant, Panzano’s, is renowned for its Northern Italian cuisine and its wine list.  

This high-rise budget hotel is smack in the middle of Denver's entertainment hub. It's adjacent to Invesco Field at Mile High and just a half-mile from Elitch Gardens and the Pepsi Center. The Skybox Grill & Sports Bar on the 14th floor, is a favorite stop for residents before Broncos games, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hotel VQ has an outdoor heated pool, which is great if you have kids, and a fitness center if you need to keep up with your abs and glutes while you’re here. We love the fact that there is free parking and, best of all, if you don’t want to schlep your car all over the city there is a free shuttle that will drop you off at downtown attractions, restaurants and shopping.