Best Hotels in Denver for Car Free Travelers
I’ve never rented a car and I am a member of a non-profit car share. If you’re like me and aren’t excited about driving in a city that is new to you, are comfortable using public transit and other modes of transportation: you’re probably wondering how to be car-free while visiting Denver. One of the most important decisions that you need to make is deciding where to stay which is hard to do if you’ve never visited the place you’re visiting. I’m sharing the best hotels in Denver for car free travelers and what to consider while you’re staying in town.
* In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please read my disclosure here.*
Cowtown Denver
Hilton Garden Inn Union Station
I love it when hotels include a meal or happy hour during my stay. If you stay at The Hilton Garden Inn, you’re in luck because it provides a continental breakfast for its guests. What I also love about this facility is that you can take a train directly from the airport and depart at the last stop which is Denver’s Union Station, located 2 blocks from the hotel. If you’re looking for a hotel that’s close to a grocery store, is in the heart of downtown Denver close to transit and has a fantastic restaurant anchored to it-the Hilton Garden Inn Union Station is a great hotel to stay at.
What I Love
- 2 blocks from Whole Foods
- Right by the Union Station light rail and bus terminal. You can catch the Bustang to the ski resort of your choice
- Head over to watch a Denver Nuggets/Colorado Avalanche, Denver Broncos or Colorado Rockies game and return to the hotel by train, foot or rickshaw
- You can catch the bus to Boulder, train to Olde Town Arvada
- Catch the light rail and walk 2 minutes over to Meow Wolf
- Pet friendly
What I Dislike
- No hot tub-As a local in the city, I can use a resource called “Resort Pass” where I can use the facilities for the day. I really wanted to soak in the hot tub, do some work and chill out for a day. Sadly, there’s no hot tub and I think the swimming pool isn’t as hot as I would like it to be.
Overall, it’s a great place to stay and really good base for your Denver vacation.
The Source Hotel
I love this hotel. I actually hosted an event at it in 2019 where my guests flew in from the United States and Canada. The team was wonderful and my guests had an incredible time at this venue. What’s really cool about The Source is that it has a brewery built into it and you can enjoy a sample (or, a couple of samples) of freshly brewed beer while checking in. It is a multi-concept space that also has a bakery, sushi spot, bbq place and is accessible by light rail.
What I Love
- Access to transit-You can take the light rail from the airport and exit at the 38th and Blake exit (1 stop before Union Station) You can then walk over the bridge and walk about 4 blocks to The Source.
- Neighborhood-RINO is a cool area to be based while you’re in town. With close proximity to many breweries, a park, a Natural Grocers and adjacent to the Five Points District.
- Next to Zeppelin Station-A local food hall with phenomenal food
- Rooftop restaurant and view-The Woods, it has basically a 360 view of the mountains.
- The rooftop saline hot tub/pool (it’s smaller than I would like)
What I Dislike
- The rooms have an industrial design that might need a few air plants in them to “warm” them up.
The Source has a special place in my heart. And, it also has a phenomenal restaurant called “Safta” if you are a fan of Mediterranean food-this is a must visit while you’re in town.
Mural found in RINO
The Maven
This is one of my favorite hotels in Denver for a number of reasons. The location is 2 blocks from Coors Field (baseball) it’s a key part of the Dairy Block, a mixed use space which includes a super cute alleyway with restaurants, a bakery and more. Throughout the year you’ll also enjoy cute markets and other events held in that space. The Maven also has a lot of unique art curated and displayed in the space.
What I Like
- The location-It’s 2.5 blocks from Union Station. You can take the train from Denver International Airport and then walk over.
- Proximity to so many fun things-you’ll be close to restaurants, sporting venues, Meow Wolf and more. Everything is about 10 minutes from the hotel.
- Kachina Restaurant-If you don’t live close to New Mexico you might be unfamiliar with Southwestern Food. Kachina is a place where you can enjoy it.
- Free Market Concept-This is space has a coffee shop, a Michelin stared restaurant “Bruto”, speakeasy and more.
What I Dislike
- No hot tub or swimming pool
The Maven has the perfect location. You can walk across the street to McGregor Square, Coors Field, or head over to Union Station. There’s two fantastic coffee shops in on the block (Huckleberry Roasters and Penelope-Free Market)
The Thompson Denver
Everything about this property I love. The location is fantastic, the facility has a wonderful design and I like the experience The Thompson Denver has created for its guests. I also love that it’s located across the street from Basecamp which is especially cool to visit during the summer when they host outdoor events.
What I Like
- Walking distance from Union Station so you’re able to take the light rail from the airport to Union Station
- Proximity to many points of interest in downtown Denver such as Dairy Block, McGregor Square and Larimer Square
- The amenities within the hotel including some great food concepts.
- Close to Dragonfly Noodle one of the best ramen spots in Denver
- Many rooms have access to a mountain view
What I dislike
- Located on the 16th Street Mall and specifically in 2024-there is still work being done on the construction project.
- No hot tub
Hostel Fish Denver
Denver has 3 hostels that I know of and I feel very comfortable recommending all three of them to budget travelers, folks who love hostels and solo travelers. Hostel Fish Denver, in particular, is a really fun concept that is above a live music venue with fantastic food.
What I Like
- The rooms are really well put together
- It’s very clean
- Proximity to bars and clubs
- Walking distance to Coors Field, McGregor Square, Dairy Block
- Above Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox (live music venue)
What I Dislike
- I do think you have to be a little more focused on safety and your surroundings in this area.
The 16th Street Mall Construction Project
Currently, there is a massive construction project impacting the 16th Street Mall. While I do plan on adding to this list and including a few hotels that are adjacent to the project, I will make a note of that when I do.
Denver is a Great Place to Visit
It’s my view that Denver is a wonderful city to visit at any time of year. The weather is much nicer than you would expect, the people are friendly and there’s so much to do while you’re here. You don’t need a car, but you do need to think about the type of visit you’re planning on having while you’re here.