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-   -   Denver Hotel (and things to do) Rec Needed, one night stopover? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/denver-hotel-and-things-to-do-rec-needed-one-night-stopover-1150858/)

TinkerbellFleur Nov 13th, 2016 04:16 PM

Denver Hotel (and things to do) Rec Needed, one night stopover?
 
Hi guys - I'm driving across the country, and I'd like to stop for one night in Denver. I'll mostly be staying with friends during my trip, but I need a hotel in Denver. Could you please recommend a hotel w/in the $85-$150 price range for one night? Can be very simple - only requirements are very clean, safe, and should have somewhat pleasant staff. It would be nice to be able to take public transportation into/around the city, as I plan to explore for the day - but I will have my car, so even this is not necessary. I can go up to $200 if need-be.

Basically, I don't know anything about Denver, so asking for your help here?

I am a 30 year old female, will be traveling by myself. In case that makes a difference for recommendations. .

Also taking recs for things I can do in Denver by myself during the day or two I will be there.

Thanks so much in advance!

fmpden Nov 14th, 2016 11:28 AM

Where are you coming from? There are many reasonable priced hotels along south I-25 between C-470 and I-225. Traditional chain style hotels. The advantages to most of those hotels is that you can walk to a light rail station. Makes for easy and quick access to downtown Denver. Parking in downtown Denver can be expensive during the week and the normal traffic mess. Ask the hotel before booking how close they are to a light rail station. That light rail line runs along I-25 from C-470 to downtown. For $5 you can buy an all day rail pass.

TinkerbellFleur Nov 14th, 2016 06:47 PM

Thanks so much - any of them in particular you recommend? I'll be coming from Kansas City.

Gretchen Nov 15th, 2016 03:30 AM

Take a look at booking.com or hotels.com.
Agree with fmpden--look at Denver Tech area.

fmpden Nov 15th, 2016 06:31 AM

I don't have any specific recommendation since I live here and don't use the local hotels. If coming from Kansas, you will be on I-70, just west of the airport take I-225 south to I-25 and then either north or south on I-25. I am sure you will have GPA or Goggle maps on your phone. Good intersections for hotels would be Colorado, Hampton,Orchard Road, Arapahoe Road, Dry Creek, and County Line. There are light rail stations at each of those exits and hotels cluster around them. If I had to pick one I would use Arapahoe Road but there are lots of choices.

Nelson Nov 15th, 2016 07:32 AM

We recently stayed twice at a Marriott near Colorado Blvd. and I-25, one of the intersections mentioned by fmpden. It was $135 when we booked one week+ in advance, but $180 on short notice.

It was fine. It was surprising to us that the hotels around there can fill up on a Friday night, so it might be best to book in advance.

livetoroam Nov 15th, 2016 08:57 PM

For things to do, check out the Denver Art Museum, Molly Brown House, the State Capitol Building and tea at the Brown Palace.

TinkerbellFleur Nov 17th, 2016 03:11 PM

Thanks so much everyone - really appreciate it!

Jean Nov 17th, 2016 03:16 PM

Tour the U.S. Mint. Reservations required.

Gretchen Nov 18th, 2016 03:21 AM

I agree with fmpden again on the Arapahoe Road area for hotels--and the light rail station.
Denver Art Museum is a jewel, particularly with its Native American exhibits. Museum of Natural History also.
Good food in Denver. Fun shopping also.

Tabernash2 Nov 18th, 2016 08:22 AM

If you're coming from Kansas City, you'll be arriving via I-70. I suggest you stay close to the Denver International Airport, off of I-70, to save yourself the hassle of a crosstown drive at the end of your trip.

You can search for hotels near the airport, and find lots of them in your price range.
Ask them about access to public transit to downtown Denver. You can drive downtown, or even stay downtown.

fmpden Nov 18th, 2016 09:55 AM

I would not support the idea of staying near the airport if you are interested in spending some time in downtown Denver. The hotels in airport area are not within walking distances of the DIA train stations. Second, you not driving crosstown but around the edge on I-225. And third, I-70 between the airport and downtown is a mess most of the time these days with road construction and delays.

You better option is still south of 225 on I-25. Second, when you continue on west, the drive out of Denver via C-470 will be easier.

Tabernash2 Nov 18th, 2016 10:21 AM

Just depends on your personal preferences, Tinkerbell.

For me, I know I would want to get out of the car after a long, solo drive from KC. I'd be looking for the first hotel I could find, taking a br am. and worrying later about where I am going next.

To each their own.

Tabernash2 Nov 18th, 2016 10:59 AM

taking a break

Bitter Nov 18th, 2016 12:50 PM

Another person not in favor of staying out at the airport. It's been a few years but we have stayed couple times at the Hampton Inn near the Brown Palace. The location allows easy walk through to the Brown Palace and to the 17th street mall and some of its casual restaurant and amenities. I recommend the DAM, the Natural History Museum, and the Wings over the Rockies (air/space museum).

Gretchen Nov 18th, 2016 04:14 PM

OK as one who actually HAS driven from KC to Denver (oh,yes, solo female) in a day, admittedly going to my son's home, I would NOT stay at the airport.
It is as easy as taking the I225 down to south Denver (where son lives). The airport is so "out there" with NOTHING to do.

I225 almost dead ends into Arapahoe, one of the exits fmpden recommended as a good place to search for hotels (on hotels.com or booking.com, as I suggested).
I have also stayed at the Hampton downtown and it is a great location as mentioned above. You do have to go into downtown, but it isn't too difficult, particularly now with a GPS. They have a parking garage.

Tabernash2 Nov 22nd, 2016 08:07 AM

Last I checked, this forum is for offering our suggestions, based on our preferences, and let the OP choose. Your points have been made. Repeatedly.

Gretchen Nov 22nd, 2016 08:31 AM

I agree with offering opinions and we are doing just that. Fmpden admits he doesn't use hotels in his home town. I actually have on a number of occasions. And have been to the airport often to see what is there. It is a LOT better than when it opened, but still not as much fun as Denver proper.

Tabernash2 Nov 22nd, 2016 08:45 AM

The OP is only staying one night. And has a car.

Gretchen Nov 22nd, 2016 03:53 PM

So--why stay 15 miles out of Denver? He said he WANTS to see things in Denver.


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