Hipster Chic: Check Out the Coolest Hotels in Denver, 2023

Photo courtesy The Crawford Hotel  

Denver’s revitalization has seen many of its heritage buildings become classy, unique places to stay. Travel expert Caleb Dearsley shares this list of the coolest hotels in Denver Colorado

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Denver’s certainly worked hard for its reputation as one of the most vibrant, culturally hip cities in the USA. So it’s little wonder that the city is home to some of the coolest hotels in the country, too, each offering a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and style.

From the iconic Art Hotel with its excellent collection of contemporary artwork to the Maven Hotel in the hip LoDoneighborhood, there’s a cool hotel in Denver that’s perfect for your next visit to the Mile High City.

 Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or simply to explore the many fun things to do here, the hip places we’ve included on our list of the coolest hotels in Denver are sure to make your stay a memorable one.

The Coolest Hotels in Denver

The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton

What makes a hotel cool? In the case of The Art Hotel Denver, there’s more than one reason. First off, this unique 4-star hotel seamlessly blends its large collection of over 50 contemporary artworks with a pleasing modern design. The effect is a unique experience that allows you to immerse yourself in a fascinating collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations by both local and international artists.

Another reason to include this destination on our list of the coolest hotels in Denver is it’s fabulous location. Set in the heart of Denver’s thriving arts district, it’s easy to access some of the city’s best cultural attractions from, here, including museums, galleries, and theaters.

Add to this the fact the hotel offers luxurious amenities and services, including a rooftop pool and a restaurant that serves locally sourced cuisine, and it’s little wonder The Art Hotel stands out.

Riley Recommends: For the latest rates, reviews, and reservations, visit The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Crawford Hotel

Another of the coolest hotels in Denver, The Crawford Hotel is located in the city’s Union Station, an historic landmark that has been transformed into a vibrant transportation hub, shopping destination, and cultural center. The hotel’s cool location makes it a popular choice among travelers looking for a memorable, authentic Denver hotel experience.

The hotel features 112 guest rooms, each designed with a distinct personality that reflects the history and culture of the building. The rooms are spacious, well-appointed, and equipped with modern amenities including flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and luxurious bedding.

The Crawford also offers guests an array of exceptional food and drink options from which to choose. One of the most popular, The Cooper Lounge, a stylish mezzanine-level bar that offers great views over the city. The award-winning Mercantile Dining & Provision, a farm-to-table restaurant that serves delicious cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, is another mist-visit Denver restaurant.

On-site amenities and services include a fitness center, a spa, and a business center, as well as complimentary transportation within the downtown area.

Riley Recommends: For the latest rates, reviews, and reservations, visit The Crawford Hotel

The Curtis Denver

Located in the heart of the city’s downtown core, The Curtis Denver is well-known for its funky, eclectic style. You’ll notice its cool factor displayed on each floor of the hotel, where a different pop culture theme is featured. Interested in sci-fi? Then check out the Star Wars inspired “Geek” floor. Pop music your thing? Then the rock-and-roll themed Madonna floor will no doubt appeal.

But The Curtis isn’t just about style: it’s also about substance. The hotel features 336 rooms and suites all told, each with comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The amenities aren’t too shabby, either, and include a fitness center, a business center, and complimentary bike rental program.

One of the highlights of a stay here is enjoying a meal in the hotel’s on-site restaurant, The Corner Office Restaurant & Martini Bar. This classy restaurant serves up modern American cuisine with a global twist and is a popular destination for both hotel guests and locals alike.

Riley Recommends: For the latest rates, reviews, and reservations, visit The Curtis Denver

The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block

With its chic industrial design, curated art collection, and proximity to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars, The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Denver’s vibrant urban scene. This chic 4-star hotel’s cool factor boils down to its location in downtown Denver’s trendy LoDo neighborhood and its setting in the unique Dairy Block development, a mixed-use project that includes retail, dining, and office space.

Featuring 172 guest rooms and suites, each with stylish, industrial-chic décor and amenities like Bluetooth speakers and Nespresso machines, the hotel also has a fitness center, a business center, and a variety of meeting and event spaces. Another standout feature is The Maven’s on-site restaurant, Kachina Cantina. This first-rate Denver restaurant serves up modern Mexican cuisine with a creative twist and is a popular destination for both hotel guests and locals.

Riley Recommends: For the latest rates, reviews, and reservations, visit The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block

Origin Hotel Red Rocks

If you’re looking for a hotel that combines the natural beauty of the Colorado landscape with modern amenities and style, look no further than Origin Hotel Red Rocks. This modern 4-star hotel is located just minutes from the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a natural amphitheater carved into the side of a mountain that’s a popular stop-over for some of the world’s biggest bands and stars.

Part of the Wyndham Hotel group, the Origin hotel features 124 rooms and suites, each with excellent views of the surrounding foothills and decorated in a rustic, modern style, with cozy beds, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

You’ll also enjoy the hotel’s outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, and its on-site restaurant, Nomad Taqueria + Beer Garden. This popular restaurant serves up delicious tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes, along with a wide selection of local and regional craft beers.

Riley Recommends: For the latest rates, reviews, and reservations, visit Origin Hotel Red Rocks

The Oxford Hotel

The Oxford Hotel is an historic boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Denver that’s been a beloved destination for travelers since it first opened its doors in 1891. Featuring 80 guest rooms and suites, each elegantly decorated with antique furnishings yet boasting modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi, it’s built a well-deserved reputation as one of the coolest hotels in Denver.

One of the hotel’s standout features is its on-site restaurant, Urban Farmer. This popular steakhouse serves up delicious farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on local, sustainable ingredients. You can also enjoy cocktails and small plates at The Cruise Room, an elegant cocktail bar that serves up an array of tasty signature drinks.

Another factor that sets The Oxford Hotel apart is its commitment to sustainability. The hotel has implemented a number of eco-friendly practices, including using renewable energy sources, recycling and composting, and providing guests with reusable water bottles. All of which, in our books anyway, makes it a cool place to stay in Denver.

Riley Recommends: For the latest rates, reviews, and reservations, visit The Oxford Hotel

Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel

Sleek, modern, and located in the heart of the city, the 4-star Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel is set in the historic Colorado National Bank building. This cool Denver hotel went to great lengths to preserve many of the building’s original features, including its large bank vault, which has been turned into a unique event space.

And it’s a big hotel, featuring 230 guest rooms and suites, each with stylish décor and modern amenities. You’ll also be able to enjoy guest facilities including a fitness center, an indoor pool, and an on-site dining. Known as the Range Restaurant, here you can sample creative American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.

Riley Recommends: For the latest rates, reviews, and reservations, visit Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel

The Source Hotel & Market Hall

The Source Hotel & Market Hall is a cool, industrial-chic hotel located in the RiNo (River North) neighborhood of Denver. Part of The Source, a former iron foundry that has been transformed into a vibrant food and retail destination, this 4-star hotel features 100 guest rooms and suites, each with stylish, modern décor. In-room amenities include custom terrazzo flooring and handmade furniture.

The Source also delivers when it comes to amenities, too. In addition to the hotel’s rooftop pool and hot tub, there’s a fitness center and plenty of on-site food and drink options in the Market Hall.  The development is also home to a variety of retail shops, including a bookstore, a coffee roaster, and a floral studio.

Riley Recommends: For the latest rates, reviews, and reservations, visit The Source Hotel

Ember Hostel

Ok, here’s the scoop. While we wouldn’t normally include hostel-style accommodations in our content on a city’s top luxury places to stay, Ember Hostel is an exception. Here at Riley, our idea of luxury extends beyond the glitz and glamor and leans more toward authenticity and the experiential. And Ember Hotel certainly delivers on both fronts.

Undoubtedly one of coolest places to stay in Denver, it’s located in the trendy RiNo (River North) neighborhood and offers unique accommodations in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great choice for solo travelers, backpackers, and groups of friends seeking an exceptional and memorable experience.

The hostel’s rooms are clean and comfortable, with both private and shared options available. The hostel also features a communal kitchen, as well as funky indoor and outdoor lounge options, making mixing and mingling with other guests all part of the fun.

One of the highlights of the Ember Hostel are the many fun events and activities held here. Chances are you’ll find yourself joining other travellers and enjoying live music, movie nights, quiz night, and much more. The hostel’s staff are also friendly and knowledgeable, and happy to provide tips on the best places to eat, drink, and explore in the city.  Bike rentals are also available and offer the perfect way to explore this exciting, dynamic, and increasingly hip city.

 Riley Recommends: For the latest rates, reviews, and reservations, visit Ember Hostel

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Contributor Caleb Dearsley is a seasoned world traveller based in British Columbia. He has a strong love of the USA, a destination he visits frequently.