Denver was named the third most hip city in the USA, and I personally think that its incredible array of hipster-friendly hotels has much to do with this title! From quirky boutiques to shiny and modern, here are my favorite spots in the city…
1. Thompson Hotel
The sleek gem in the heart of LoDo really wowed me! I loved that the urban chalet vibe, designed by Parts+Labor, blended mid-century modern lines with local materials like wood and stone. The lobby’s fireplaces and exposed wood beams also created a super cozy mountain cabin vibe.
My guest room was allergy-free and luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows and superb mountain views. It also came air conditioning, a large comfy bed, and a flat-screen TV.
I also really liked the modern onsite fitness center, handy valet parking, pet-friendly rooms, its French inspired Michelin-starred restaurant, Chez Maggy which was overseen by chef Ludo Lefebvre and the laid back, sixth-floor lounge bar where I drank cocktails while gazing at the stunning mountain views!
I discovered it was located in LoDo (Lower Downtown) Denver, so I was just steps from Union Station, Coors Field, and the funky Dairy Block too.
My personal highlights…
- Dining on the divine Pancakes Suzette and Chilaquiles (fried corn tortilla pieces) at the French-style Michelin-starred chef led Chez Maggy each morning!
2. The Curtis Hotel
I thought this was such a funky little spot! I loved how it combined retro pop-culture nostalgia with a modern boutique style and I saw themed floors inspired by movies, music, and cartoons, bold and colorful mid-century decor, playful artwork, and quirky design elements. I found the vibe to be fun and immersive and the staff were friendly and attentive!
My funky and eclectically styled room came with an equally unique bathroom complete with a rain shower as well as a work area, a large TV, and free WiFi but my favorite highlight was being able to see the Rockies from my window! I saw that the rooms on the highest floors had the best mountain views!
Staying here I found myself based in downtown Denver, just steps from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 16th Street Mall, and Larimer Squar and within walking distance of shopping and gourmet dining options too!
My other favorite highlights included the funky The Corner Office Restaurant + Martini Bar which offered a creative, global menu, a modern fitness center, an onsite Starbucks, a cute little gift shop, and an eclectic art collection!
My favorite highlights…
- I loved the superb and very eclectic mix of art on display – the surreal bunny-eared sumo wrestlers, the vintage arcade games, the 42-foot high sculpture titled “All Together Now” and immersive murals by Colorado artist Forrest J. Morrison were stand-outs for me!
3. The Rally Hotel
Staying here was a very special experience! I loved being close to the Colorado Padres’ baseball stadium and I was also captivated by the decor – it actually mirrored the natural color palette of the Rockies, there were lots of blush, blue, purple, brown, and grey! The vibe was laid-back but trendy, and the staff couldn’t do enough for me!
My room had a spacious layout and picturesque views of the mountains, Coors Field, and downtown Denver. I saw that some rooms had private balconies and others were very family friendly. I was a big fan of the retro headboard, tartan wallpaper, freestanding bathtub and tasteful framed art on the walls.
I thought the location was really fun, it was nestled in McGregor Square, next to Coors Field in the LoDo district, so it catered to sports fans, food lovers, and city explorers. I found I was in easy access to Union Station, Larimer Square, and Denver’s top attractions.
I also really enjoyed the trendy rooftop swimming pool and terrace area which had gorgeous city and mountain views, the fitness studio which had both yoga and aerobic exercise classes, their onsite dining options which ranged from the local neighborhood-style eatery to the Rally Bar’s pub grub (which had a sporty vibe) and their Grandstand Bar which served up creative handmade cocktails!
My personal highlights…
- I thought the free books in my room, which were mostly about the outdoors, nature and survival, added a personal touch of luxury!
4. The Ramble Hotel
This is now one of my favorite places! This 4-star spot really won me over with its creative industrial-chic design inspired by the 17th-century French Salons of Madame Rambouillet, a trendy but low-key vibe, and welcoming staff.
Inside, I found a moody blue palette, crystal chandeliers, rich velvet draperies, unique artwork, hickory floors, and antique Persian rugs. My room had retro-style furniture and distinctive factory-pane windows with garden views.
I was also impressed by their culinary offerings and would highly recommend trying a “Death at the Diso” cocktail at their on-site bar, Death & Co., as well as checking out the quirky eatery, which offered fun Latin dim sum cuisine overseen by run by James Beard-nominated chef Dana Rodriguez, and their fabulous “Garden” restaurant, which served up tasty American-style food.
I thought its location in the heart of RiNo was also a bonus as it was located near the Colorado Convention Center, Great Divide Brewing, Coors Field, The Source, and LoDo.
My personal highlights…
- Dining on incredible Latin American Dim Sum at the quirky Super Mega Bien – I opted for the Alcachofas a la Plancha which was grilled artichokes with a spicy poblano-pepita pesto.
5. Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
I thought this was a very special resort! I loved this it was a modern, fun, and relaxing escape from the ordinary – it was a grand, mountain-lodge-inspired retreat with soaring timber beams, rustic stone fireplaces, and elegant Western-style decor, all set within a massive resort.
My room was spacious and came with rustic-chic decor with wilderness-inspired artwork, and my favorite highlight was the superb mountain views! The onsite amenities included a luxury spa, a modern salon, a well-equipped gym and even tennis courts, and a family-friendly indoor and outdoor waterpark!
I also found the Old Hickory Steakhouse, which served up locally sourced food and fine wines; Monte Jade, which offered an Asian fusion menu; and The Arapahoe Springs Bar & Grill, which had a great location by the outdoor pool. It offered alcoholic drinks, cocktails, and a menu of classic American dishes.
I particularly loved Pinyon’s bar in the Grand Lodge which served up creative drinks and The Rockies Marketplace where I picked up healthy meals, fruit, and snacks on the go.
My favorite highlight…
- Visiting their super-cute Cocoa Bean coffee house for a Pumpkin Spice Oat-milk Latte and their divine salted- caramel muffins each morning!
6. The Maven at Dairy Block
I thought this design hotel city’s creative spirit was a stand-out spot! I loved the trendy interiors and vibe and the fact that it was adorned with over 700 pieces of whimsical artwork created by local Colorado artists.
My loft-style room had floor-to-ceiling windows, MCM-style furniture, and free Wi-Fi, a balconies with superb city views, a pour-over coffee maker and a handy workspace!
I liked that it was just a 6-minute walk from Union train station and I found it to be a convenient base from which I could explore attractions such as the 16th Street Mall, Larimer Square, and Coors Field.
I also loved that the three on-site eateries served up a diverse range of options, from Navajo Tacos in a Southwestern cantina to margaritas and beer with chips in an fuky Airstream (which was my personal favorite)!
My personal highlights…
- Being located in the middle of the hip Dairy Block micro-district – I was especially fond of the quirky Ghost Donkey Bar where I was addicted to their unique and smoky mushroom margaritas made with huitlacoche-infused Montelobos Mezcal Espadín!
7. Moxy Hotel
I loved how this place had a playful, millennial-friendly energy! I found interiors with sleek, industrial-chic decor, featuring modern, minimalist rooms with smart space-saving designs, and vibrant communal lounges with bold artwork and neon signs. It had social, tech-savvy atmosphere which I thought was perfect for trendy urban travelers!
My guest room had a smart, space-saving design with a plush platform bed, sleek industrial-style decor, an open storage system, mountain views, quirky artwork, a walk-in rainfall shower, a Smart TV, high-tech amenities and fun, playful design features.
I discovered it was located in the trendy Cherry Creek neighborhood, just minutes from downtown Denver and I was near high-end shopping, art galleries, and some of the city’s best dining and nightlife.
I also enjoyed its stylish lobby bar that doubled as check-in, the rooftop deck which had incredible mountain views, the fun communal game areas, and its regular live music events!
- To book, check prices or availability for Moxy Hotel
My favorite highlights…
- I loved all the fun and sociable games they had – I ended up playing a giant Connect Four game as well as table tennis, foosball, and even a retro Snakes and Ladders board game!
8. Source Hotel
I found this was a Scandi-chic gem! I discovered it was a contemporary boutique hotel with an artisan market hall and a creative hub and I especially liked that it featured a cool partnership with New Belgium Brewing for an in-house brewery and a rooftop restaurant.
I loved that the hotel’s roots in the former ironworks factory were evident in its design, reflecting the district’s manufacturing history. It was a mix of Scandinavian and Japanese design aesthetics with a modern, industrial vibe. I found light-filled spaces, Muuto furniture, and sleek polished concrete floors.
My guest room featured custom-designed furnishings such as a Baltic-birch desk, a bookshelf with a curated book collection, exposed concrete and light wood finishes, a large plush bed, and a Japanese soaking tub which I really loved. There was also fast and free Wi-Fi, USB outlets, a 50” flat-screen TV, and a well-stocked mini-bar.
I found myself being based in the trendy Denver’s River North Art District (RiNo) which was filled with street art, galleries, and food scene – it was actually one of the most creative and culturally rich neighborhoods in the city.
I also made full use out of the fabulous rooftop swimming and bar which had awesome views of the Rocky Mountains, the in-house brewery by New Belgium Brewing and a funky market hall which featured a mix of local food vendors and artisan shops.
My personal highlights…
- Being given a complimentary wood-aged sour beer called “La Folie” from the tap from the reception staff – I thought this was a nice and very welcoming touch!
9. The Catbird Hotel in RINO
I thought this place was a cozy and stylish haven! I found an innovative design which blurred the lines between hotel and home, and featuring a unique blend of residential-style amenities, a historic 1890-built Klee House incorporated into its structure, and an interesting mix of local culinary and artistic experiences! I really liked its cool, eclectic vibe and how it skilfully mixed a playful, art-driven design with functional, home-like comforts.
My loft-style guest room featured modern, multifunctional furniture with a fully equipped kitchenette, smart technology integrations, and an eclectic, stylish decor that mirrored the artistic vibe of its awesome RiNo district location. My favourite part though was the inclusion of a projector and screen which added a cool cinematic touch!
The hotel was located in the hip RiNo Art District with had loads of street art, craft breweries, and eclectic eateries and I was also handily close to Union Station, the Colorado Convention Center, and the Pepsi Center.
Every morning, I dined on a freshly cooked breakfast and sipped on complimentary coffee throughout the day and I also hung out the Red Barber which was a trendy rooftop bar complete with awesome city views and artisan-curated cocktails. I also discovered a DIY garage which was used for creative projects, and a “gear garage” that could me loan me everything from bikes to cameras!
My highlights…
- Hanging out at the rooftop – I loved the trendy fire pit, large communal hot tub, he amphitheater, and the fun life-sized games which included giant Jenga!
10. Clayton Members Club & Hotel
This place had a very private club feel to it! I really liked its striking contemporary design and how it obviously drew inspiration from the Soho House model, blending private club elements with accessible, public spaces.
I found a modern blend of artsy and luxurious elements, featuring bespoke architectural details, contemporary art installations, and chic, cozy spaces. I thought the vibe was very unique too – it was both artsy and sophisticated with an interesting mix of exclusive membership perks with an inclusive and friendly atmosphere.
My guest room was stylish and came with a smart TV, a rain shower, blackout draperies, luxurious Frette linens, GROWN ALCHEMIST bath products, and local Denver art adorning the walls.
I found it was located in the upscale Cherry Creek neighborhood so I was in walking distance of boutique shopping, fine dining, art galleries and farmers’ markets.
I also made full use of the members-only wine list, the valet services, exclusive club spaces, and the superb Insta-worthy rooftop restaurant and pool. There were also no less than four onsite restaurants including ones that served American and Greek cuisine and I found that all diets were catered for including vegan, gluten and dairy-free.
My highlights…
- Sipping on a refreshing rooftop Cucumber Caipirinha cocktail while gazing at the city skyline on their Rooftop Bar.
11. Life House
I thought this boutique was a real gem! Once inside, I discovered it had the charm of a Victorian-era home with a chic modern touch, rich textiles, dark wood accents, vintage furnishings, and contemporary design touches that created a cozy yet refined retreat. I really enjoyed its warm, bohemian mixed with vintage-chic vibe – it was much more elegant than a lot of hotels I’d stayed at before!
My guest room also had a vintage-chic design with a retro classic headboard, black and white throw pillows (which resembled a cow!), framed floral pictures, Revival New York linens, Marshall speakers, and an Apple TV in the room. I saw that the family-rooms here had handy bunk beds.
I found it was located in the trendy LoHi neighborhood so I was surrounded by restaurants, craft breweries, boutique shopping, and scenic walking trails along the Platte River!
I particularly liked the ground-floor Wildflowers restaurant and bar with served up a unique seasonal menu featuring foraged and locally sourced ingredients and a fine selection of hand-crafted cocktails!
- To book, check prices or availability for Life House
My favorite highlights…
- The complementary Le Labo bath products in my guest which where made with high-quality plant-based ingredients and essential oils – I loved rose scent and the fact they were vegan and cruelty-free!
12. Crawford Hotel
I thought place was wow-inducing! I found it was housed in the historic Union Station and overlooked the vibrant Great Hall it had an upscale, trendy vibe with exceptional service to match! It had a unique mix of historic and contemporary decor, with restored 19th-century architectural details, elegant vintage furnishings, and modern touches that reflected the grandeur of Denver Union Station.
I was a big fan of my stylish guest room which had Art Deco features and even nods to the golden age of trains! It also featured a high ceiling, elegant vintage-inspired furnishings, luxurious bedding, a rainfall shower, a loaner iPad, free wifi, a 46-inch flat-screen TV and a unique in-room cocktail program!
I thought that the location was superb – it was nestled in the Denver Union Station in the heart of LoDo so I was very near excellent restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and easy transportation via Amtrak and the A-Line to Denver International Airport.
I also really enjoyed the diverse dining options which included a superb buffet and cooked breakfast, the Cooper Lounge, a chic mezzanine retreat, the hip Terminal Bar where I sampled their tasty cocktails, a European-style marketplace, a New York style deli, complimentary access to the Oxford Club Spa & Fitness Center, and the convenient Pigtrain coffee shop!
My personal highlights…
- I loved all the artisanal touches especially my guest room cute cocktail kit from Union Station’s Cooper Lounge and the coffee which was the Colorado’s Strava Craft Coffee brand.
13. Warwick Hotel
This was a large and funky design hotel! It stood out to me as it was actually the site of Colorado’s first Playboy Club and it had a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury. It also featured Denver’s only year-round rooftop heated pool. I found warm neutral tones, plush furnishings, and stylish mid-century-inspired accents that created a sophisticated yet inviting vibe!
My spacious guest room had plush bedding, floor-to-ceiling windows, a private balcony, air con, a flat-screen TV, workspace, a marble-accented bathroom and a lush private balcony. I appreciated the funky 1970s-style art that reflected the building’s former Playboy Club days, the only one in Colorado!
The location in the vibrant Uptown neighborhood meant I had very easy access to downtown attractions, the 16th Street Mall, Coors Field, and all the best dining and entertainment spots in town!
I absolutely adored heated rooftop pool, which had fantastic city views as well asthe fun seasonal pool bar, which served snacks, pizza, and speciality cocktails. More of my personal highlights included the loaner bikes and The Gattara Restaurant & Bar where I dined on Colorado-infused Italian cuisine using locally sourced ingredients on their outdoor patio.
My personal highlights…
- I loved the stunning views from my guest room – the views stretched out from city all the way to the surrounding snow-capped Rocky Mountains!
14. Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
This upscale spot quickly became one of my favorite places! I found out that this award-winning luxury hotel has been a landmark since 1892 and once hosted King George V, The Beatles, and numerous American presidents. The triangular sandstone building’s Italian Renaissance atrium stole my heart and I thought the stained glass ceiling and graceful Florentine arches were really striking! The other decor consisted of intricate woodwork, rich upholstery, vintage chandeliers.
I found that the overall vibe was of an old-world elegance with a timeless, refined atmosphere – they had successfully mixed historic grandeur with modern luxury and created a very sophisticated retreat!
I loved my quirkily stylish bedroom, which featured dark wood, an opulent red and gold color palette, luxurious pillow-top bedding and elegant vintage-inspired furnishings. It also featured a 42-inch TV, free Wi-Fi, and bathrooms with Carrera marble countertops and silver fixtures.
I really liked its prime downtown location near the 16th Street Mall as I found I could easily walk to the Colorado Convention Center, and popular cultural attractions.
My other favorite stand-out features included the vintage English-style tavern with live music, the refined cigar bar, the atmospheric cafe which hosted lavish champagne brunches, the fabulous afternoon tea service, the no less than six distinctive dining venues which included the fine-dining at the Palace Arms and the very opulent spa which drew water from its own artesian well!
My personal highlights..
- Finding out from staff that the honey I was gorging on at breakfast was harvested from the hotel’s very own rooftop beehive!
